IES86504B2 - A board game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A board game apparatus and a system for playing board games in which a game piece moves unconstrained by set path/channels across a game board, comprising: a plurality of board channels, each board channel having at least one edge portion abutable/adjacent with an edge portion of another board square channel to form a game board; each said board panel having marked thereon a pattern comprising contiguous spaces for accommodating one game piece during game play, said spaces bearing indicia which govern game play in conjunction with the rules of the game; wherein said board panels can be arranged in a plurality of different configurations, and wherein each configuration results in a workable path for movement in accordance with the rules of the game between said board channels. <Figure 1a>

Description

A BOARD GAME APPARATUS The present invention relates to a board game apparatus.

Known board games have the disadvantage of being prone to game pieces getting lost. This detracts from the enjoyment of playing the game if a search for a missing piece has to be carried out before the game can be started or continued; in particular, if the missing piece is not found, the lack of all the game pieces being available takes away from or even prevents, the ability to play the game.

Furthermore, if a game is not compieted and the game is to be abandoned to be resumed at a later time, then unless there is a permanent location where the game board and pieces can remain undisturbed; the game board must be closed up and tidied away, leaving a sense of lack of completion for the players.

Furthermore, in an outdoor environment, it is not possible to enjoy a game of chess with a large scale outdoor game board due the likelihood of pieces being stolen or vandalized.

The present invention seeks to alleviate the disadvantages associated with known board 20 game apparatus.

It is an object of the present invention to provide tables with the game boards of the present invention embedded therein.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved game that can be played in awkward places or positions or unstable surfaces without fear of pieces falling off or getting lost.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION: The present invention relates to a game apparatus in a number of different embodiments.

This invention relates to a method/system for the playing or games. Particularly, this invention relates to the format of game boards and the movement and placement of pieces on said boards. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and layout system for the function of play.

Specifically, the invention relates to a novel technique for outdoor game play. The invention is 5 also further applicable to puzzles and educational apparatus suitable for playgrounds and the like. The present invention relates to a game of chess or checkers wherein the game includes the use of a modified game board and pieces. The modified game board for checkers and backgammon demands the use of more playing pieces than is normally used, this demand is not entirely necessary for the game of chess.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART: The use of game boards with interconnected piaying pieces is known in the prior art. However, the known playing pieces do not address the innovative movement capabilities and uniqueness of positioning that the present invention encompasses.

Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved gaming apparatus using integrated game pieces which can be used for playing a game such as chess, checkers or backgammon or the like without losing game pieces or in play settings.

In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the gaming apparatus using slotted channels on each playing squares for game pieces according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing outdoor game sets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION: STATEMENTS OF INVENTION: The present invention accordingly provides a game apparatus comprising a game board and a plurality of playing pieces wherein the game board comprises channels adapted to receive the playing pieces and the playing pieces are moveable in the channels.

Advantageously, the game board comprises a plurality of game board squares channels are defined between game board segments, and preferably game board segments comprise raised game board segments which are in the form of a cuboids’ configuration with a generally square shaped top and base and four side walls.

Preferably, the game board segments are spaced apart from each other so as to define the channels there between.

Advantageously, the playing pieces comprise a leg which locatable in the channels and 10 adapted to be moveable in the channels so that the playing piece can be moved from a first location on the game board to a second location on the game board.

Ideally, the playing pieces also comprise a foot provided at one end of the leg such that the foot is located under the game board whereby the foot retains the playing piece in the game apparatus while allowing movement of the playing piece leg in the channels of the game board.

Advantageously, each playing piece also comprises a portion of the playing piece which is provided proud of the game board.

Advantageously, in one embodiment, the game apparatus is a game apparatus for playing checkers/draughts and comprises a checkers/draughts game board and playing pieces for playing checkers/draughts.

Conveniently, the playing pieces for playing checkers/draughts may be in the form of discshaped playing pieces on the portion of the playing piece which is proud of the game board.

Conveniently, the game apparatus in another embodiment is a game apparatus for playing chess and comprises a chess game board and playing pieces for playing chess. The playing pieces for playing chess may take the form of conventional chess pieces on the portion of the playing piece which is proud of the game board, Thus, in one aspect, the present invention provides an improved gaming apparatus using a innovative game board format with integrated game pieces, and overcomes the disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art.

Advantageously, the game board comprises a plurality of game board squares channels are defined between game board segments, and preferably game board segments comprise raised game board segments which are in the form of a cuboid configuration with a generally square shaped top and base and four side wails.

Preferably, the game board segments are spaced apart from each other so as to define the channels there between.

Advantageously, the playing pieces comprise a leg which locatabie in the channels and adapted to be moveable in the channels so that the playing piece can be moved from a first location on the game board to a second location on the game board.

Ideally, the playing pieces also comprise a foot provided at one end of the leg such that the foot is located under the game board whereby the foot retains the playing piece in the game apparatus while allowing movement of the playing piece ieg in the channels of the game board.

Advantageously, each playing piece also comprises a portion of the playing piece which is provided proud of the game board.

Advantageously, in one embodiment, the game apparatus is a game apparatus for playing checkers/draughts and comprises a checkers/draughts game board and playing pieces for playing checkers/draughts.

Conveniently, the playing pieces for playing checkers/draughts may be in the form of disc30 shaped piaying pieces on the portion of the playing piece which is proud of the game board.

Conveniently, the game apparatus in another embodiment is a game apparatus for playing chess and comprises a chess game board and playing pieces for playing chess. The playing pieces for playing chess may take the form of conventional chess pieces on the portion of the playing piece which is proud of the game board.

In this model, chessboard pieces are arranged on the body of the chessboard, and 5 chessboard pattern caps are covered on the chessboard projections so that a chess sliding orbit having a inversely T-shaped longitudinal cross section is formed on the chessboard and the chessmen slides in the orbit/path rail for playing the game; therefore, a structural style that the chessboard and the chessmen are fixed together is formed.

A plurality of chess games which suit adults or/and children can be played, as can checkers/draughts including the African checkers game (an excellent thinking out strategic game).

The present invention thus provides a game apparatus including a top surface, lower base level board and framed side walls connected to each other as a single or multiple formed unit and having a game surface such as a 64 block checkerboard pattern of a first and second color, the game board surface having cutouts/apertures or channels.

The game apparatus may be adopted to play checkers, chess, backgammon or similar games. The game apparatus may also be embedded onto tables or walls.

The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus using integrated game pieces for use in connection to playing a game such as chess, checkers or backgammon or the like that moves game pieces along a channel present on a game board.

Captured pieces are set in channels behind the starting row where the kings are inset at the start of play.

The present invention is in the field of entertainment appliances and has a function of preventing the chessmen getting lost. The chess set comprises the chessboard, playing pieces, raised squares from a bottom baseboard.

The Board Game apparatus of the present invention comprises holding channels preferably in the form of notches, that keep the playing piece in situ provide an advantageously novel aspect to the present invention as well as the fittings applied to the playing pieces make this invention unique.

As such, the genera! purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently hereinbelow, in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved gaming apparatus using integrated game pieces which has all the advantages indicated above and many novel features that result in a gaming apparatus using integrated game pieces which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.

To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a game surface with cutouts/apertures or channels in the game surface, the game apparatus also including piece holding/stop material attachments running under the game upper surface and not physically attached to the game board. The game boards are portable or integrated into or onto a table or fitted to a wall.

The present invention, as demonstrated by numerous embodiments, is extremely versatile and provides an apparatus to play any game that uses a game board and game pieces that move upon the game board. The basic invention can be applied to checkers, chess, backgammon and numerous other games as encompassed by the present invention. It can now be appreciated that the present invention encompasses any game apparatus having pieces that move over a play area.

In another aspect of the present invention there are provided in the following features: ELEMENTS OF THE PATENT APPLICATION: 1. Vertical card tiles using interconnecting/overlapping feet. This involves a uniquely formed shape, set at the base of a piece supporting shaft that enables the foot of each tile leg to slot into the corresponding adjacent foot and in so assist vertical stacking and piece gripping to beneath the playing area. 2. Wall/barrier vertical tiles used to adjust the playing area or define non-playing area segments. 3. Playing square slabs or floor tiles/houses used to determine non-play areas or other arrangements/fu notions. 4. Individual playing square segments fixed to the lower base board. This involves a uniquely formed shape which maximises the structural integrity of the playing area and enables easy fitting to the fower base board.

. New board formats involving a playing area that can be adjusted in size and functionality by the inclusion and movement of vertical wall tiles and base floor slab tiles (houses). This enables many existing and new game variants to be played. The vertical wall tiles are used mainly for playing area adjustments and the flat slab tiles can be used for either adjusting the playing area or creating restricted areas with the board. 6. Chess: This involves a standard size chessboard with in-setted unremovable pieces. Optional extras can include partition tiles and blocking play area definition slabs. 7. Chess variants: This involves a chequer board that is adaptable for playing other chess game variants. 8. Checkers/Draughts: This involves a chequer board with in-setted unremovable pieces. 25 Optional extras can include partition tiles and blocking play area definition slabs. 9. Checkers/Draughts variants: This involves a chequer board that is adaptable for playing game variants such as: Canadian checkers: Polish draughts: Spanish checkers: Russian checkers: American checkers, International Checkers - Played on a 10x10 board, and regular checkers can jump forwards or backwards, and kings can jump any distance along a diagonal.

. Backgammon: This involves a board with in-setted unremovable pieces. 11, Snake and ladders: This involves a variant of the game using in-setted playing pieces. 12, Solitaire's: This involves various types of solitaire puzzles/games using permanently inset 5 pieces within a framed board. 13, Puzzle's: This involves using inset play pieces/tiles for numerous puzzles such as jigsaws, suduko, hangman, mastermind, soma, numerical and algebra types, etc. 14. Piece locking frames: This involves a frame that goes over the in-play pieces and then slots into place. It is then screwed or locked into place. This enables the chess/checkers/backgammon game to be resumed later on and eliminates the risk of unfinished game pieces been moved. It is especially useful for portable game boards.

. Rotatable wheel feet: This involves a rotating ball bearing housed at the foot or base of a supporting leg to assist overall piece movement and positioning. 16. Dice: This involves a spin dice with the numbers around the outer circumference casing of a ball bearing wheel disc. Players spin the dice and then with possibly eyes closed briefly, stop the rotation with a finger to display the resulting numeric choice. 17. Connect 3456: This involves the classic game of connect four and optional variants connect 3, 5 and 6. Pieces can cater for 2,3, or 4 players. 18. Fold down chess pieces using high tensile rubber shafts to reduce the units overall storage/pa eking space.

The game board apparatuses of the present invention may by made of any material, and of any colour.

It is appreciated that the length and width of the game board may be varied as desired by the user.

The present invention allows the game to be played without parents worrying that a small child will choke on a piece or that numerous pieces will be lost. This also allows for playing of the game in awkward places or positions, on unstable surfaces or to even move the game without fear of pieces falling off or getting lost. It is a great travel game. This game does not require power, and can be utilized in places where it might get wet or be exposed to the elements. It is a safe way to teach classic board games to toddlers.

While a preferred embodiment of the gaming apparatus with integrated game pieces has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fali within the scope of the invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation,, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

For example, any suitable sturdy material such as metal, plastic, fiberglass, marble, cardboard may be used instead of the material described. And although a novel gaming apparatus for playing chess, checkers and backgammon has been described, it should be appreciated that the gaming apparatus with attached game pieces herein described is also suitable for a wide variety of board games with movable game pieces instead of those described.

Furthermore, a wide variety of thicknesses of materials or basic shape and size of the game board may be varied.

Features of the game apparatus of the present invention are as follows: movement capability which is provided by the game apparatus of the present invention; enhanced movement capability of piaying pieces during the course of play; pieces deployed on a board to interact freely rotating.

In another aspect of the present invention, the boundaries of the playing surface are defined clearly and the game apparatus is adaptable so that the boundaries can be changed to create varied playing layouts.

ADVANTAGES/ BENEFITS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION: • Long life game ptay in outdoor environments.

• Pieces cannot be removed from the game board.

• Games can be resumed at a later stage without losing in play game positioning.

• Games can be played in wet or windy weather conditions.

• Pieces remain upright and cannot be knocked down or biown over.

• Game pieces cannot be misplaced or damaged.

• Eliminates the need to remove and return pieces from a storage container.

• Eliminates the need to bring games to the park and elsewhere.

• Helps to unlock player’s thinking skills such as promoting healthy brain function in the elderly, and stimulating brain development in younger children.

• These games will offer more leisure options for a global demographic within outdoor and indoor environments.

• These games are not only fun and enjoyable but promote good mental health and social skills.

• Increased game play in environments such as school grounds, bars, corporate and domestic locations, parks, prisons, and so on.

• These games will act as functional and decorative items.

• A fold up travel game version will be introduced.

• Could be deemed a safety game for children because the game pieces cannot be removed and swallowed.

• Serves as a tool for introducing the non-skilled or beginner players to chess. This will be influenced by Game Rules been displayed on a sign board near the game’s placement.

• A new and improved game that can be played in awkward places/positions or unstable surfaces without fear of pieces faliing off or getting lost.

• Product range makes for excellent gift initiatives.

For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

The present invention maybe adapted to play to any games rules that use chess or checker or backgammon pieces. The game board may be adapted for different colors, number, or shape of game play surface.

The present invention may be used to make a game board with integrated game pieces for games such as Othello™, Chinese checkers, Mastermind, or any other game board/game piece combination.

The present invention may be adapted to game boards used to play a game by more than two players. For example, a game board using the concepts of the present invention can be developed for a game played with four players such as Pente or Parcheesi or the like.

AN APPARATUS FOR GAMES & PUZZLES: The novel game board apparatus and format of the present invention relates to the field of game and puzzle manufacture, and particularly relates to a chess, checkers/draughts and backgammon playing boards and pieces for outdoor traditional game play. Other games and puzzles will be developed using this format and this innovative layout for games is suitable for both interior and exterior claimed and associated products. The present invention seeks to alleviate the disadvantages associated with known board apparatus and play restrictions.

The game apparatus of the present invention comprises a board and pieces, wherein the board is inter-engageable with the playing pieces and the pieces are interchangeable against an opponent’s piece deployment. The present invention accordingly provides a game apparatus comprising a game board and a plurality of playing pieces wherein the game board comprises channels adapted to receive the playing pieces and the playing pieces are moveable within the said channels.

The game board segments are spaced apart from each other so as to define the movement channels there between. These segments or playing sections also have a slot or channel to accept the intended playing piece. The project belongs to the field of entertainment and educational appliances and has a function of preventing the chessmen getting lost as they are permanently affixed to the game board. The various game sets comprises the board, attached playing pieces, raised playing area squares extruded from above a bottom lower baseboard. Advantageously, the playing pieces comprise a supporting leg which is placed into the channels and adapted to be moveable within the said channels so that the playing piece can be moved from a first location on the game board to a second location on the game board, yet cannot be removed from the overall playing surface. Pieces are raised slightly above the playing area as to not damage/abrade the checker board apparatus. This has the advantage in that it enables ease of movement and reduces noise whilst transferring pieces. A plurality of games which suit adults and/or children can be played, such as chess, backgammon, checkers/draughts including the African checkers game (an excellent thinking out strategic game).

The present invention advances the art of piaying games, for example under difficult ambient conditions such as in windy conditions. The product is revolutionary due to its design and functionality. The invention will incur minimal operating and maintenance costs, minimal inventory losses and have a reduced environmental impact. This invention will be installed in venues such as parks, prisons and play areas and so make the world a better and more interesting place for a vast and varied target audience. The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of such invention. The terms top, center, right, left and so forth have been used herein merely for convenience to describe the present invention and its parts as oriented in the drawings. It is to be understood, however, that these terms are in no way limiting to the invention since such invention may obviously be disposed in different orientations when in use.

The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.

Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

ADVANTAGES OF BOARD GAMES: Strategy board games are great for building good critical thinking skills, and the most simple and basic games are possibly the best. A simple game of checkers, chess, or backgammon are the keys to unlocking your thinking skills and can promote healthy brain function in the elderly, and stimulate brain development in younger children.

Chess is a great board game that forces immense thinking skills. Each piece has a specific pattern of movements to abide by and only certain moves can be made at specific times during play. With six different pieces each with individual movements and a timing scheme to follow for rules such as castling you may see why this game would prove difficult.

Studies show that elderly people who engage in gaming, such as chess are less likely to develop mental disorders such as Alzheimer's and their brains continue to function at a normal rate instead of deteriorating.

Young or old, rich or poor everyone can appreciate a good game of checkers or chess, among other classic games. These games are not only fun and enjoyable but promote good mental health and social skills. In this age of handheld, video and computer games, board games have retained their popularity and relevance. This may be attributed to the extreme effect board games have on childhood development.

Board games help parents to spend quality time with their kids. Board games are one of the most common and popular games in almost every culture in the world. Board games are very involving; playing these games lends a sense of excitement, fun and learning to the players. Playing board games helps in developing a wide variety of educational skills.

While moving their games around the board, young children can actually learn counting. Some board games are specifically designed and develop to help color recognition, sorting and counting. Playing board games also promotes reading skills as well as hand and eye coordination.

The advantage of playing board games is far beyond educational skills and academics. When children pay these games, they love to win these games. This gives a boost to their self confidence and enjoyment. However, playing a game within a set of rules help them to adhere to discipline in life.

Playing board games helps in social and mental development. Through these games children can learn to communicate or interact with others and learn how to enjoy sharing. These games helps to increase the patience level and perseverance at the same time helps in increasing child's ability to focus on one thing.

Playing board games requires attention to details and this helps in enhancing our visua! 4' discrimination. There are different board games that require children to remember specific information, pictures, or clues.

These kinds of board games enhance memory at the same time allow children to develop memory strategies that carry over to their academic career. Moreover, playing board games also develops problem solving skills, confidence and logical reasoning. Besides the above benefits of online board games, playing these games relieves us from stress.

Playing games with one’s children is a perfect way to spend time together and build teaming.

ADVANTAGES OF BOARD GAMES CONTINUED: What a child most wants — and needs — is to be with its pareni(s) or guardian with no goal in mind beyond the joy of spending time together, playing together and listening to him.

Nothing bolsters a child’s self-esteem more! Playing games is an easy and excellent way to spend unhurried, enjoyable time together. As an added bonus, board games are also rich in teaming opportunities. They satisfy your child's competitive urges and the desire to master new skills and concepts, such as: number and shape recognition, grouping, and counting 5 letter recognition and reading visual perception and color recognition eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity Games don't need to be overtly academic to be educational, however. Just by virtue of playing them, board games can teach important social skills, such as communicating verbally, sharing, waiting, taking turns, and enjoying interaction with others.

Board games can foster the ability to focus, and lengthen your child's attention span by encouraging the completion of an exciting, enjoyable game.

CHESS: The game of chess, for many people, is the most popular game in the world.

BACKGROUND OF THE CHESS GAME INVENTION: Chess: Chess is a well known game of strategy. The game is typically played on a chequered board, the configuration of which has not changed significantly over the years, and according to rules which have remained basically unchanged throughout recent history. The conventional game of chess is an international pastime and has a devoted following.

Known chess games have a chessboard and chess pieces which are disposed in a chess box and are inconvenient to carry, and the materials of the chessboard and pieces are not suitable for being exposed outdoors for long periods of time; therefore, the outdoor use of chess games are limited.

Furthermore pieces become lost or damaged with present day chess games. Aiso the pieces have to be taken from their box and assembied on the playing surface and returned to the storage compartment at end of play.

This invention somewhat alleviates that time consuming choir. The playing pieces for playing chess may take the form of conventional or non-conventional chess pieces on the portion of the playing piece which is proud of the game board.

The game board segments are spaced apart from each other so as to define the channels 10 therebetween.

Advantageously, the playing pieces comprise a leg which is situated within the channels and adapted to be moveable in the channels so that the playing piece can be moved from a first location on the game board to a second location on the game board yet cannot be removed from the playing surface.

Advantageously, the connectors which joins the piece to the board via the channels can be made of steel rod/square or rounded bar/threaded screw or tying wire/string. The lower rotational disc attached to the base of the piece to board connector line that assists piece movement can comprise washers and rotational washers or discs.

Pieces are raised slightly above the playing area and do not damage/abrade the checker board apparatus. This has the advantage that it enables ease of movement and reduces noise when transferring pieces.

The permanent or portable fold up version of the game apparatus can be wall mounted.

This game-board layout eliminates the need to bring chess sets to the park or elsewhere. Game boards, pieces and parts can be manufactured customized to order so as meet the needs of a particular user or environment.

The checker board apparatus has the advantage that it is convenient for playing games. It is suitable for being used at outdoor locations such as parks, playgrounds, prisons and the like; and the chessboard and pieces are strong and durable.

Squares are designated according to algebraic notation along the sides of the board, A spare queen and knight of each color are set in each captured area at the start of play for any potential promotion piece exchanges.

The present invention further relates also to a variety of modified chess game boards and 10 rules. For example, multiple-player chess and three dimensional chess game boards utilizing either conventional sets of chess playing pieces or a reduced number of playing pieces that have been developed elsewhere. Thus, chess sets do actually engross and give immense pleasure to the players in a game of chess.

CHESS CONTINUED: The method comprises steps of positioning each set of playing pieces at predetermined positions on and slightly over the game board, and the players alternately moving one of the playing pieces on the surface of the game board in accordance with predetermined game rules in order to capture the opponent's king.

The game board apparatus comprises a modified, checkerboard playing surface defining a plurality of positions or squares arranged in perpendicular rank and file rows.

These positions are distinguished as alternating black and white checkerboard squares.

Advantageously, the game board comprises a plurality of game board squares channels are defined between game board segments, and preferably game board segments comprise raised game board segments which are in the form of a cuboids configuration with a generally square shaped top and base and four side walls.

Ideally, the playing pieces also comprise a foot provided at one end of the leg such that the foot is located under the game board whereby the foot retains the playing piece in the game apparatus while allowing movement of the playing piece teg in the channels of the game board.

Advantageously, each playing piece also comprises a portion of the playing piece which is 5 provided proud of the game board.

It will be appreciated, however, that the number of channels or squares for every board may be varied within the rules as desired.

SOCIAL BENEFITS OF BOARD GAME APPARATUS: What are games? It is difficult when one tries to answer the question “what are games. We say that games are energy revitalization of our lives. Games can give us a creative break. Games are great communication tools for our friends and family. In the personalized modern society, which games can shows productive function like social communication.

What is the best game for the communication for friends and family? Definitely it is a board game. When people play board games, they can talk with each other more than usual. We're so immersed in technology, playing a board game is a break from all that.

Board games are wonderful tools for family members to spend quality time with each other. It helps them to interact, to share on an emotional and intellectual level, and it's really good bonding.

Today, playing board games provides sweet relief from our busy, noisy and tech-heavy lives of television, video games, the Internet and mobile phones.

CHECKERS/DRAUGHTS: Advantageously, in one embodiment, the game apparatus is a game apparatus for playing checkers/draughts and comprises a checkers/draughts game board and playing pieces for playing checkers/draughts. Conveniently, the playing pieces for playing checkers/draughts may be in the form of disc-shaped playing pieces inset or embedded free of attachments directly linked to the game board.

Pieces can be raised slightly above the playing area as to not damage/abrade the checker board apparatus. This has the advantage that it enables ease of movement and reduces noise when transferring pieces. Thus, the invention relates to an innovative game-play checker board of variable number of playing squares and associated traditional game pieces.

Game pieces are primarily usable independent of a conforming lower base board to its combined upper checker board involving partitioned spatial playing, squares and the pieces incorporate novel inter-fitting elements/fixtures and fittings.

The playing squares have an opening slot or channel into which the playing pieces are 10 positioned centrally. An advantage of the game apparatus of the present invention is that pieces stay in place anywhere on the checker board or in the adjacent captured area for taken pieces (see diagram) which is located in the top and bottom areas of the board, adjacent to the players and offside from the “in-play areas. Pieces are slotted centrally into the playing squares when in play and cannot be removed from the game board.

The playing pieces and the game checker board apparatus can also be all weather and vandal proof. Kinging or crowning spare pieces are larger than the standard sized pieces are kept in the captured area at start of play until needed for piece promotions.

The permanent or portable fold up version of the game apparatus can be wall mounted or fitted to an outdoor or indoor table. This game-board layout eliminates the need to bring checker sets to the park or elsewhere. Game boards, pieces and parts can be manufactured customized to order so as meet the needs of a particular environment or user.

BACKGROUND OF CHECKERS: The board game called Checkers in North America and Draughts (pronounced as drafts) in Europe is one of the oldest games known to man. The history of checkers can be traced to the very cradle of civilization. Checkers requires a lot of strategy to be good at, but little to play.

The object is simple enough, move your pieces across the board, jumping opposing pieces. First to clear the board of their opponent's pieces wins, but the strategy involved goes so much deeper. You have to analyze every move an opponent makes, where will they move next? What will happen if they jump this piece? How can I get a double jump from this next move? Which jump is my best option? There are so many questions you have to ask yourself and so many possible outcomes that 5 it's mind boggling. Thinking so logically at this rate kicks your brain into overdrive and will force critical thinking. Children who are exposed to playing checkers at an early age tend to show more potential in school.

BACKGAMMON: Pieces are raised slightly above the playing area and do not damage/abrade the board apparatus. This has the advantage that it enables ease of movement and reduces noise when transferring pieces.

Thus, the present invention provides a unique game board apparatus used to produce outdoor and indoor traditional board games such as chess and checkers created as one combined unit for placement in parks, playgrounds, prisons, corporate environments, bars and hotels. Made of galvanized/powder coated or/and painted steel - cast iron/premium and medical grade stainless steel and/or all weather aluminum initially. All weather game pieces are interchangeable yet permanently fixed to the playing area baseboard.

These products will improve leisure options for a global demographic. The game apparatus is revolutionary due to its design and functionality. Permanent game sets can be set in outdoor and indoor locations without the need to remove them from their situate.

Portable units will be produced that can be wall mounted or stored in a upright position when not in use or wall mounted and played whilst players are standing upright, with the in-game play settings remaining slotted in place for resuming play at a later stage.

The inconvenience of bringing backgammon sets to the park or elsewhere is eliminated.

In this embodiment of the invention, pieces are arranged on the body of the board, and board pattern caps are covered on the board projections so that a sliding orbit having a inversely Tshaped longitudinal cross section is formed on the board and the pieces slides in the orbit/path rail for playing the game; therefore, a structural style that the board and the pieces are fixed together is formed.

Captured pieces are set in channels at the middle of the board. Pieces are embedded/locked 5 in place between the playing surface area and the lower baseboard.

The present invention provides a backgammon set with pieces staying with the board, capable of effectively preventing the pieces from being lost when being taken away at will and ensuring completeness of the game, thus being convenient for people to play at any time.

The game apparatus of the present invention comprises a board and pieces, wherein the board is inter engage able with the playing pieces. The game apparatus of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIXTURES AND FITTING: Rubber Sealed Deep Groove Ball Bearings Miniature Stainless Steel Bail Bearing Shielded Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent 20 to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be 25 understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.

The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in 30 various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art wiil appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention.

It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved gaming apparatus using integrated rollers for game pieces that has all of the advantages of the prior art game sets and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved gaming apparatus using integrated rollers for game pieces that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

PUZZLES: This format for game play is suitable for the development of a multitude of puzzle types: Logic puzzles using a chess board, such as Knight's Tour and Eight queens.

Mastermind.

Mathematical puzzles/Mechanical puzzles/Meta-puzzles are puzzles which unite or incorporate elements of other puzzles.

Kuromasu/Nikoli puzzle types Peg solitaire Picture puzzles, such as sliding puzzles and jigsaws.

Sangaku, Soduko, Sokoban, Tangram, Hidati, Katuro, etc.

Word puzzles, including anagrams, crosswords, word searches and ciphers.

The Anagram Jigsaw is a jigsaw puzzle where pieces are rearranged for two correct solutions.

The game apparatus of the present invention belongs to the field of entertainment appliances and has a function of preventing the chessmen getting lost. The chess set comprises the chessboard, playing pieces, raised squares from a bottom baseboard.

The invention will now be described more particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings in which are shown, by way of example only, a number of embodiments. While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention.

While the invention is described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention.

In the drawings: Figure 1A is a perspective view of a cross cut section of a board game of a first embodiment the present invention; Figure 1B is a side view of a playing piece shaped for playing chess including a foot/leg attachment which is shown engaged in a tile in Figure 1G; Figure 1C is a plan view of a chequer board Figure 1D is a perspective view from underneath of a sliding tile apparatus Figure 1E is a perspective view from underneath another embodiment of the sliding tiie apparatus Figure 1F is a perspective view of a sliding tile apparatus Figure 1G is a side view of a cross-sectioned view of a playing piece located in a channel of the board game apparatus the board frame is not visible; Figure 2 is an enlarged cross sectioned view of 3 different embodiments of Play Pieces, notably a wali barrier piece, a level floor/ slab tile, a chess piece, located in respective channels of the board game; numeral 201 depicts an upright vertical barrier that can be raised over playing segments or/and movable slot blocks; numeral 202 depicts a movable tile that can be raised over playing segments and used for adjusting the area of play; numeral 203 depicts a chess piece that is raised over the playing segments; numeral 204 depicts the underneath of playing segments; numeral 205 depicts a playing segment; numeral 206 depicts a movable vertical tile that can be raised over playing segments and used for adjusting the area of play; numeral 207 depicts a leg/foot piece attachment; numeral 208 depicts a movable tile that can be raised over playing segments and used for adjusting the area of play or for defining non-play areas; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a section of a chequer board with an upright wall/barrier tile and a level floor/ slab tile inset; Figure 4 are perspective overhead and underside views of various embodiments of playing square segments; Figures 5 A,B,C,D is a side views of a cutout view without the board game frame visible of a checkers board with play pieces located in respective channels of the board game; Figures 5 E,F is a side views of a cutout view without the board game frame visible of a draughts board with play pieces located in respective channels of the board game; Figure 6 is a plan view of a 14 by14 board game apparatus for checkers/draughts adjusted to a standard 8 by 8 board using upright barrier tiles; a plan view of game pieces; a plan view of Upright Barrier Tiles; numeral 601 indicates black checkers/draughts pieces; numeral 602 indicates upright barrier tiles (grey); numeral 603 indicates white chess pieces (bricks); numeral 604 indicates black chess pieces (squares) and numeral 605 indicates white checkers/draughts pieces; Figure 7 is a plan view of a black and white rendering of a sliding path puzzle; Figure 8 is a plan view of an outline layout for an alternate board game apparatus that enables pieces to be rotated and in so moved out of the way of pieces travelling along its adjacent path rails; Figure 9 is a plan view of an alternate general purpose board game apparatus; Figure 10 is a plan view of an alternate board game apparatus having a board format for a sliding puzzle layout; Figure 11 (numerals 1101 to 1107) are perspective views of various pieces of a sliding path 5 puzzle in which the pieces are moveable; Figure 12A is a perspective view of the underside of a piece locking frame that slots and slides in place to retain pieces in situ; Figure 12B is a perspective view of a bottom left corner of a piece holding frame; Figure 12C is a perspective view of a bottom right section of a piece holding unit with a small hold for a screw insertion and a large cut-out for a locking mechanism; Figure 13 (numerals 1301 to 1316) depicts various fixtures and fittings for piece positioning; numerals 1301 and 1302 indicate the draughts/checkers playing board pieces at both of game and future crowning pieces; numeral 1303 depicts an attachment fitted to a piece base; numeral 1304 indicates a piece attachment unit; numerals 1305 and 1306 indicate playing board piece attachments having a lower bearing to aid movement of the playing pieces; numeral 1307 indicates a piece supporting rod; numeral 1308 is a view of anchor bolts inserted into piece; numeral 1309 depicts a guide to assist piece movement along the lower baseboard; numeral 1310 depicts various bearing wheels for piece movement; numeral 1311 shows various bearing wheels to assist piece movement along the lower board; numerals 1312 and 1313 indicate playing board pieces with movement attachment fitted in 3D and 2D; and numeral 1314 show various bearing wheels to assist piece movement along the lower board.

Figure 14A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a jigsaw piece with sliding attachment; Figure 14B is a perspective view from the underside of a jigsaw piece with a sliding attachment; Figure 14C is a perspective view from the underside of a different embodiment of a jigsaw piece with sliding attachment; Figure 15A is a perspective view ofthe underside of a piece holding frame; Figure 15B a perspective view of a piece holding frame; Figure 15C a side view of a piece holding frame; Figure 16 is plan view of an underside of a locking frame for retaining pieces in place; side view of a locking frame for retaining pieces in place; plan view of a locking frame for retaining pieces in place; side view of a locking frame; Figure 17 are perspective views of various embodiments of puzzle pieces with supporting rods/legs; Figure 18 is a plan view of a backgammon board with piece holding notches in the piece 15 channel rails; Figure 19 is a plan view of an alternative layout for a backgammon board; Figure 20 is a plan view of 6 playing tiles that interconnect by way of the arrows displayed; Figure 21 is a plan view of various tangram puzzle types, such as a rectangle, triangle, parallelogram and hollow parallelogram; Figure 22 is a plan view of various pentomine puzzle pieces; Figure 23 is a plan view of a board apparatus for a solitaire game involving four part extruded cubes making one playing square area; Figure 24 is a plan view of a board apparatus for a solitaire game involving four part extruded 30 cubes making one playing square area; Figure 25 is a plan view of a board layout for a solitaire game involving four part extruded cubes making one playing square area; Figure 26 is a plan view of a solitaire board format; Figure 27 is a plan view of a playing board format and playing piece tiles intended for a variant of snake and ladders; Figure 28 (numerals 2801 to 2806) are perspective views of various spin and twist type dices with numeral 2802 depicting a bearing wheel with numbers inserted along the side; Figures 29 A,B,C,D are a perspective view of four different embodiments of supporting legs for attaching pieces to the board; and depict folding legs that enable pieces to be flat packed when not in use; A and B are figures of legs made of steel, E is a figure of a leg made of wire or string and D is a figure made of solid high tensile rubber; Figure 30 is a plan view of a hexagonal solitaire game format; Figure 31 is a plan view of a numerical puzzle that can also be used as a mathematics teaching tool; Figure 32 is a plan view of a mastermind puzzle using numbers; Figure 33 is a plan view of a format for a variation of the game hangman; Incorrect guesses are set on each side of the vertical numbers; the lowest score wins; Figure 34 is a plan view of a sudoku puzzle format, with other setting up scenarios imprinted on the right; Figure 35 is a plan view of a nine to five puzzle type; 18 puzzle set ups are depicted on the right; the object is to create six interconnecting five letter words; Figure 36(A) is a plan view of a board with movable grey barrier blocks at start of play; Figure 36(B) is a plan view of a rearranged layout with a adjusted frame and inserted barricades; Figure 36(C) is a plan view of an example board with a moveable frame of grey segments 35 surrounding the perimeter of the board and adjacent to the frame; Figure 36(D) is a plan view of an adjusted frame reduced in size; Figure 37 is a plan view of an enlarged Figure 36(D) it is a 14 by 14 board format reduced to standard 8 by 8 format; Figure 38 is a plan view of an enlarged Figure 36(B) it is a 12 by 12 board adjusted to a 8 by 8 format with 8 barrier tiles inset on the two centre lines of the board area; Figure 39 is a plan view of an enlarged Figure 36(A) it is an adjustable board format with movable tiles surrounding the board. These tiles overlap playing segments and can overlap other movable tiles or even be set against the board frame; Figure 40 is a plan view of a 14 by 14 playing square board reduced to an 8 by 8 using movable tiles; Figure 41 is a plan view of a backgammon board layout; Figure 42 is a plan view of a backgammon board locking frame apparatus to hold playing pieces in place when in transport or not in use; Figure 43 is a plan view of options for checkers/draughts playing; Examples of these can be engraved into non-play areas of the game boards; these formats are suitable for the adjustable board format using spatial barrier slabs or walls; Figure 44 is a plan view of other chess game board layouts; Examples of these can be engraved into non-play areas of the game boards; the adjustable board format envisaged allows for a wide range of chess and other games to be played such as multi-player or simplified variants involving a reduced board playing area for kids to learn the game early; Figures 45 A, B, C are views of playing segment shapes; Figure 45 A depicts various extruded views of playing segment shapes; Figure 45 B depicts various views of playing segment shapes; Figure 45 C depicts a series of playing segments with piece insertion notches; Figures 46 A, B are perspective views of playing segments; Figure A depicts various playing segments involving single, dual and tri part piece movement channels/paths; Pieces can be set on the playing segment perimeter with arrows showing their placement; Figure B is a perspective view of a close up of 3 playing squares with frame and sampie pieces; Figures 47 A, B are plan views of a dual path board layout; Figure A depicts a twin path rail looped continuous board layout; Figure B depicts a non-looped section from a dual path board format and on playing square 8 are four playing pieces depicted on each square corner; Figure 48 is a plan view of a 14 by 14 board apparatus reduced to an 8 by 8 format using vertical barrier/wal! tiles; Reference will now be made in detail to preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figure 1A this is a cross cut section of part of a chequer board showing part of a game board and sliding tiles. Sliding tiles are in an upright position. Figure 1B is a chess piece with foot and [eg attachment. The chess piece can be engaged with the sliding tiles on the board. Figure 1C is a standard chequer board. Figures 1D, 1E, 1F are three perspective views of playing squares prior to fitting to a lower base board. Figure 1G is a side view of a checkers/draughts piece engaged with the sliding tile without the board frame visible.

Referring now to Figure 2 this is a cross cut section involving 3 pieces engaged with a sliding tile, the three pieces are a wall/barrier piece which can be raised over playing segments and/or movable blocks of the playing area, a floor/sfab tile which can be raised over playing segments and used for adjusting the area of play or defining non play areas and a chess piece that can be raised over playing segments.

Referring now to Figure 3 this is a section of a chequer board with an upright wall/barrier tile and a levei floor/slab tile inset, which can be used to emphasise instructions or to determine alternative play area arrangements and functions. The vertical wall tiles are used mainly for piaying area adjustments and the flat slab tiles can be used for either adjusting the playing area or creating restricted areas with the board.

Referring now to Figure 4 these are various perspective views of the overhead and undersides of playing squares prior to fixing to a holding lower baseboard.

Referring now to Figure 5 these are side cut out views without the game board frame visible 5 of chess and checkers/draughts pieces in play. The chess and checkers/draught pieces are engaged with sliding tiles and can be moved along the board.

Referring now to Figure 6 this is a 14 by 14 square game board adjusted to a standard 8 by 8 square board using upright barrier wall tiles. These tiles are also set on 8 of the centre line rows to show an alternative playing arrangement. Fill effects show the different game pieces.

Referring now to Figure 7 this is a black and white rendering using fill effects to emphasise the different shape colours of a sliding path puzzle. The objective of the game wouid be to move the large lower left square to the upper right corner. The smaller white square areas are empty areas and used to move shapes into. The white square would slide along the board using the playing squares and get to its destination by sliding the other board tiles out of the way along the piaying squares.

Referring now to Figure 8 this is an outline layout of a board format this enables larger pieces to be rotated and in so moved out of the way of pieces travelling along its adjacent path rails.

Referring now to Figure 9 this is an outline layout of a board format that enables pieces to be set on the cut out notches visible on the iower left or right squares of the four part playing square.

Referring now to Figure 10 this is a black and white rendering using greyscale fill effects to emphasise the different shape colours of a sliding path puzzle. The objective of the game would be to move the large lower left square to the upper right corner. The smaller white square areas are empty areas and used to move shapes into. The white square would slide along the board using the playing squares and get to its destination by sliding the other board tiles out of the way along the playing squares.

Referring now to Figure 11 (numerals 1101 to 1107) these depict various sections of a sliding path puzzle. Numeral 1101 identifies a two square shape that includes a holding strip to assist shape movement.

Referring now to Figure 12 (A, B, C) this is a piece holding frame that is placed over the pieces and slid into a lockable position. Figure A shows the underside of a piece locking frame that slots and slides in place to retain pieces in situ. Figure B shows an overview of a bottom left corner of a piece holding frame. Figure C shows an overview of a bottom right section of a piece holding unit with a small hold for a screw insertion and a large cut-out for a locking mechanism.

Referring now to Figure 13 (numerals 1301 to 1316) these are numerous fixtures/fittings that can be used to enable piece positioning.

Referring now to Figure 14 (A, B, C) this shows jigsaw pieces with foot/leg sliding attachments. Figure A is a perspective view showing a jigsaw piece (the leg piece not visible). Figure B is a perspective view from underneath a jigsaw piece showing the leg attachment.

Figure C is a perspective view from underneath of a different jigsaw piece showing the leg attachment.

Referring now to Figures 15 and 16 these are piece-holding frames that are placed over the pieces and slid into a lockable position. This involves a frame that goes over the in-play pieces and then slots into place. It is then screwed or locked into place. This is done to retain a playing piece to its game board.

Referring now to Figure 17 are various types of legs/feet used to retain a playing piece to its game board.

Referring now to Figure 18 is a backgammon board with piece holding notches in the piece channel rails. These notches retain a piece in place whilst any pieces between adjacent notches also stay in place. This is particularly useful for moving the game while keeping game pieces in positions.

Referring now to Figure 19 is another backgammon board with piece holding notches in the piece channel rails. These notches retain a piece in place whilst any pieces between adjacent notches also stay put. This is particularly useful for moving the game while keeping game pieces in position.

Referring now to Figure 20 these are playing square tiles that interconnect by way of the arrows shown.

Referring now to Figure 21 these are various tangram puzzle types.

Referring now to Figure 22 these are various pentomine pieces for puzzle creation.

Referring now to Figure 23 this is a board layout for a solitaire puzzle game involving four cubes combining to make one playing square area in that the playing pieces are set in the centre of the four cubes.

Referring now to Figure 24 this is a board layout for a solitaire puzzle game involving four cubes combining to make one playing square area in that the playing pieces are set in the centre of the four cubes.

Referring now to Figure 25 this is a board layout for a solitaire puzzle game involving four cubes combining to make one playing square area in that the playing pieces are set in the centre of the four cubes.

Referring now to Figure 26 this is a board layout for a solitaire puzzle game.

Referring now to Figure 27 this is a board game layout and playing piece tiles for a variant of Snakes and Ladders.

Referring now to Figure 28 these are various spin dice designs. Figure 2 depicts a bearing wheel with numbers inscribed along the side.

Referring now to Figures 29 A, B, C, D these are various supporting leg for attaching pieces to the game board. They are folding legs that enable pieces to be flat packed when not in use. Figures A and B are made of steel, figure C is made of wire or string and figure D is made of solid high tensile rubber.

Referring now to Figure 30 this is a hexagonal solitaire game format incorporating one square per piece.

Referring now to Figure 31 this is a numerical puzzle that can also be used as a maths teaching tool.

Referring now to Figure 32 this is a mastermind puzzle using numbers.

Referring now to Figure 33 this is a format for a variation of the game of hangman. Incorrect guesses are set on each side of the vertical numbers. The lowest score wins.

Referring now to Figure 34 this is a soduko puzzle with set up arrangement imprinted on the right hand side of the board.

Referring now to Figure 35 this is a nine to five puzzle type. 18 puzzle set up choices are imprinted or etched into the board for game options. The object is to create six interconnecting five letter words.

Referring now to Figure 36 to 40 these are chequer boards with interchangeable tiles highlighted as light grey. Referring initially to Figure 36 these are game boards with interchangeable tiles shown in various positions. Referring now to Figure 37 this is a 14 by 14 board format reduced to a standard 8 by 8 format. Referring now to Figure 38 this is a 12 by 12 board adjusted to an 8 by 8 format with 8 tiles emphasising non play areas set on the central lines of the board. Referring now to Figure 39 this is an adjustable board format with movable tiles surrounding the board. These tiles overlap playing area segments and can be set overlapping the board frame. Referring now to Figure 40 this is a 14 by 14 playing square board reduced to an 8 by 8 using movable tiles.

Referring now to Figure 41 this is a backgammon board layout.

Referring now to Figure 42 this is a backgammon board locking frame used to hold pieces in place when been transported or not in use. This keeps in play setting in situ for future game continuances.

Referring now to Figure 43 these are various set up options for checkers/draughts playing, examples of these can be engraved into non-play areas of the game boards.

Referring now to Figure 44 these are various set up options for chess playing, examples of these can be engraved into non-ptay areas ofthe game boards.

Referring now to Figure 45 A this shows various extruded views of playing segment shapes.

Figure 45 B shows an overhead views of playing squares with piece holding cut-outs. Figure 45 C show playing tiles with piece insertion notches.

Referring now to Figure 46 these are various playing segment involving single, dual and tri part piece movement channets/paths. Pieces can be set on the playing are perimeter with arrows displaying their location.

Referring now to Figure 47 this is a twin path/channel looped continuous board layout. Figure A is a twin path rail looped/continuous board layout; Figure B is a non-looped section from a dual path board format. On playing square 8 there are four playing pieces visible.

Referring now to Figure 48 this is an overhead view of a 14 by 14 board layout reduced to an 8 by 8 format using vertical barrier/wall tiles. To further assist gameplay visibility and functionality non-playing areas can be masked off using paper or clothing.

It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details as herein described, which are given by way of example only, and that various alterations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (5)

CLAIMS:

1. A game apparatus comprising a game board and a plurality of piaying pieces wherein the game board comprises channels adapted to receive the playing pieces and the playing 5 pieces are moveable within the channels.

2. A game apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the game apparatus comprises a plurality of game board squares channels are defined between game board segments, and preferably game board segments comprise raised game board segments which are in the 10 form of a cuboid configuration with a generally square shaped top and base and four side walls; optionally wherein the game board segments are spaced apart from each other so as to define the channels there between.

3. A game apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 wherein the playing pieces comprise a 15 ieg locatabie in the channels and adapted to be moveable in the channels so that the playing piece can be moved from a first location on the game board to a second location on the game board; optionally wherein the playing pieces also comprise a foot provided at one end of the leg such that the foot is located under the game board whereby the foot retains the playing piece in the game apparatus while allowing movement of the playing piece leg in the 20 channels of the game board.

4. A game apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each playing piece also comprises a portion which is provided proud of the game board; optionally wherein the game apparatus is a game apparatus for playing any one of the following board games: 25 checkers/draughts; chess; and backgammon; and optionally wherein the playing pieces for playing the board game is in the form of appropriately shaped playing pieces on the portion of the playing piece which is proud of the game board.

5. A board game apparatus substantially in accordance with any of the embodiments 30 herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.