GB2167672A

GB2167672A - Puzzle game

Info

Publication number: GB2167672A
Application number: GB08430123A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Terence Pitts Fenby
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1984-11-29
Filing date: 1984-11-29
Publication date: 1986-06-04
Also published as: GB8430123D0

Abstract

A game comprises a plurality of similarly shaped multi-sided pieces 2 each of which contains a different portion of a picture or design on one face and at least one letter or symbol on an opposite face. The pieces are so shaped that the pieces can be interfitted together, and when they are arranged in the correct order with the one face uppermost they display the completed picture or design, and when turned over whilst in that order they display the letters or symbols which collectively read as a message or indicate a further step of the game. Preferably the pieces are hexagonal. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Game The present invention relates to a game for the enjoyment and amusement of numerous participants.

The invention provides a game comprising a plurality of similarly shaped multi-sided pieces each of which contains a different portion of a picture or design on one face and at least one letter or symbol on an opposite face and which are so shaped that the pieces can be interfitted together, and when they are arranged in the correct order with the one face uppermost they display the completed picture or design, and when turned over whilst in that order they display the letters or symbols which collectively read as a message or indicates a further step of the game or puzzle.

The pieces are advantageously disc-like, similar to a coin, and have the shape of a regular-sided polygon, preferably a hexagon.

According to a feature of the invention the game also includes a display member, such as a chart, map or plan, and the letters or symbols represent information which can be translated as a discrete position or location on the display member. When read together, the letters or symbols preferably form one or more clues or cryptograms which has to be solved to determine the said discrete position.

The game may be played so that the first person to find a predetermined discrete position, by solving one or more clues or cryptograms, is the winnter. In this event the winner may be rewarded by a prize.

The game may be played on a regional, national or international basis by any number of persons, each of whom becomes a participant by receiving a copy of the game, for example by purchase or through a promotional scheme. The participant then arranges the pieces to complete the picture or design, turns them over to read the cryptogram(s) or clue(s) and works out a solution in order to find the predetermined discrete position on a map or chart provided with the game. This position is then marked on the map or chart which may be sent to a central location where it is checked with a master solution in order to determine its accuracy. The first participant sending the correct solution is the recipient of a prize. A time limit is set, e.g. several weeks or months, for the participants to send their solutions to the central location.

In a preferred embodiment the game is presented as a hunt for hidden treasure which is located at the predetermined location on the map or chart. Each participant receives a box or chest containing a plurality of flat pieces, similar to coins, each of which bears a part of a picture on one face and a letter on the opposite face. The game also includes the map or plan on which the participant marks his choice for the predetermined location when he has completed the picture and turned the pieces over to read the clue or clues formed by the letters on the reverse side of the pieces.

One embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures la and ib show respectively closed and open views of a treasure chest containing playing pieces, and Figures 2a and 2b show respectively obverse views and reverse views of a number of playing pieces fitted together to form a part of a picture and the lettering on the reverse side.

By way of illustration the game will be called 'HEXAGONY'.

Hexagony is presented in a traditional treasure chest 1, (Figures la and ib) which may, for example, be embossed in gold lettering with studded seams. Inside are 208 hexagonal gold pieces 2, each of which is in the form of a coin.

One side of each piece 2 carries an engraved letter repeated at each of the six angles (Figure 2b).

The obverse carries a fragment of a design in black (Figure 2a). To gain access to the key that will unlock the secret combination to the location of hidden treasure, the obverse sides of the gold pieces are arranged into an attractive mosaic picture, part of which is illustrated in Figure 2a. The straight edges of the border to the picture are not included as they would be in a conventional jig-saw puzzle.

Thus no hint is given as to the width or depth of the finished mosaic.

When completed correctly, each piece may be turned over to reveal the letters on the other side as exemplified in Figure 2b. The sentences they make are valuable clues or pointers to the treasure chamber. The master clue to the Hexagony riddle is based on a factual location on a chart provided in the treasure chest. This may be formed as a traditional treasure chart printed on fded vellum or parchment. To register a claim, a fine ballpoint or other pen is used to place a single cross X on the chart at the chosen location. The centre of the cross must coincide exactly with the sealed solution disclosing the chosen location which will not be opened until a predetermined date. No claims will be scrutinised until that date.

The name and address of the player and the date of submission may be written on the back of the chart which is then mailed to a given address where claims will be stored in strict date order.

The first participant whose X exactly lies in register with the sealed solution, will receive a prize, for example an amount of coins in an earthenware crock.

It will be understood that the foregoing only represents one particular embodiment, and that numerous modifications may be made both as regards the shape and nature and form of the various elements of the game as well as variations on how it is played.

1. A game comprising a plurality of similarly shaped multi-sided pieces each of which contains a different portion of a picture or design on one face and at least one letter or symbol on an opposite face and which are so shaped that the pieces can

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Game The present invention relates to a game for the enjoyment and amusement of numerous participants. The invention provides a game comprising a plurality of similarly shaped multi-sided pieces each of which contains a different portion of a picture or design on one face and at least one letter or symbol on an opposite face and which are so shaped that the pieces can be interfitted together, and when they are arranged in the correct order with the one face uppermost they display the completed picture or design, and when turned over whilst in that order they display the letters or symbols which collectively read as a message or indicates a further step of the game or puzzle. The pieces are advantageously disc-like, similar to a coin, and have the shape of a regular-sided polygon, preferably a hexagon. According to a feature of the invention the game also includes a display member, such as a chart, map or plan, and the letters or symbols represent information which can be translated as a discrete position or location on the display member. When read together, the letters or symbols preferably form one or more clues or cryptograms which has to be solved to determine the said discrete position. The game may be played so that the first person to find a predetermined discrete position, by solving one or more clues or cryptograms, is the winnter. In this event the winner may be rewarded by a prize. The game may be played on a regional, national or international basis by any number of persons, each of whom becomes a participant by receiving a copy of the game, for example by purchase or through a promotional scheme. The participant then arranges the pieces to complete the picture or design, turns them over to read the cryptogram(s) or clue(s) and works out a solution in order to find the predetermined discrete position on a map or chart provided with the game. This position is then marked on the map or chart which may be sent to a central location where it is checked with a master solution in order to determine its accuracy. The first participant sending the correct solution is the recipient of a prize. A time limit is set, e.g. several weeks or months, for the participants to send their solutions to the central location. In a preferred embodiment the game is presented as a hunt for hidden treasure which is located at the predetermined location on the map or chart. Each participant receives a box or chest containing a plurality of flat pieces, similar to coins, each of which bears a part of a picture on one face and a letter on the opposite face. The game also includes the map or plan on which the participant marks his choice for the predetermined location when he has completed the picture and turned the pieces over to read the clue or clues formed by the letters on the reverse side of the pieces. One embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures la and ib show respectively closed and open views of a treasure chest containing playing pieces, and Figures 2a and 2b show respectively obverse views and reverse views of a number of playing pieces fitted together to form a part of a picture and the lettering on the reverse side. By way of illustration the game will be called 'HEXAGONY'. Hexagony is presented in a traditional treasure chest 1, (Figures la and ib) which may, for example, be embossed in gold lettering with studded seams. Inside are 208 hexagonal gold pieces 2, each of which is in the form of a coin. One side of each piece 2 carries an engraved letter repeated at each of the six angles (Figure 2b). The obverse carries a fragment of a design in black (Figure 2a). To gain access to the key that will unlock the secret combination to the location of hidden treasure, the obverse sides of the gold pieces are arranged into an attractive mosaic picture, part of which is illustrated in Figure 2a. The straight edges of the border to the picture are not included as they would be in a conventional jig-saw puzzle. Thus no hint is given as to the width or depth of the finished mosaic. When completed correctly, each piece may be turned over to reveal the letters on the other side as exemplified in Figure 2b. The sentences they make are valuable clues or pointers to the treasure chamber. The master clue to the Hexagony riddle is based on a factual location on a chart provided in the treasure chest. This may be formed as a traditional treasure chart printed on fded vellum or parchment. To register a claim, a fine ballpoint or other pen is used to place a single cross X on the chart at the chosen location. The centre of the cross must coincide exactly with the sealed solution disclosing the chosen location which will not be opened until a predetermined date. No claims will be scrutinised until that date. The name and address of the player and the date of submission may be written on the back of the chart which is then mailed to a given address where claims will be stored in strict date order. The first participant whose X exactly lies in register with the sealed solution, will receive a prize, for example an amount of coins in an earthenware crock. It will be understood that the foregoing only represents one particular embodiment, and that numerous modifications may be made both as regards the shape and nature and form of the various elements of the game as well as variations on how it is played. CLAIMS

1. A game comprising a plurality of similarly shaped multi-sided pieces each of which contains a different portion of a picture or design on one face and at least one letter or symbol on an opposite face and which are so shaped that the pieces can be interfitted together, and when they are arranged in the correct order with the one face uppermost they display the completed picture or design, and when turned over whilst in that order they display the letters or symbols which collectively read as a message or indicate a further step of the game.

2. A game as claimed in claim 1, in which the pieces are disc-like, similar to a coin, and have the shape of a regular-sided polygon.

3. A game as claimed in claim 2, in which the pieces each have the shape of a hexagon.

4. A game as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, which also includes a display member, such as a chart, map or plan, and the letters or symbols represent information which can be translated as a discrete position or location on the display member.

5. A game as claimed in claim 4, in which when read together, the letters or symbols form one or more clues or cryptograms which has to be solved to determine the said discrete position.

6. A game as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the game is presented as a hunt for hidden treasure which is located at a predetermined location on a map or chart.

7. A game as claimed in claim 6, wherein each participant in the game receives a plurality of similarly shaped multi-sided pieces each of which bears a part of a picture or design on one face and a letter on the opposite face.

8. A game as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein each participant is required to mark his choice for the predetermined location on the map or chart, when he has completed the picture or design and turned the pieces over to read the clue or clues formed by the letters on the reverse side of the pieces.

9. A game substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

10. A game as claimed in any preceding claim and played according to the rules as herein set forth.