Vehicle History and Trivia Race Game

The present invention relates to a method of playing a competitive race board game involving two or more players requiring historical knowledge for a particular vehicle, and utilizing a game board, cards, die, and game pieces. This invention provides a simulated race for both amusement and education which includes playing pieces which are replicas of a motorized vehicle.

Board games for racing are well known; however, the board game of the present invention utilizes strategy and historical knowledge for particular vehicles. In view of the increasing popularity of famous cars, trucks, and motorcycles, a board game with a historical theme relating to a particular vehicle is desirable as an entertainment and educational tool for children and automotive enthusiasts as well.

The present invention relates to a board game of questions related to the past, present, and potential future of a particular vehicle. It is a game to challenge the knowledge of and educate persons interested in the history of a particular vehicle. Vehicle enthusiasts, as well as other persons knowledgeable about the vehicle and racing industries, are well aware of the history and importance of certain historical vehicles manufactured in the United States and throughout the world. Many clubs have been formed so that owners and admirers of these vehicles may exchange valuable information about their vehicles and present their vehicles to the public for viewing. Certain models are so rare that the only way to view these vehicles is through the cooperation of these clubs. This game will assist both vehicle owners, enthusiasts, and even the general public in the transfer of knowledge and education.

This invention provides a simulated race board game for both amusement and education which includes playing pieces which are replicas of motorized vehicles, such as automobiles or motorcycles. The present invention relates to a board game of questions related to the past, present, and potential future of a particular vehicle. It is a game to challenge the knowledge of and educate persons interested in the history of a particular vehicle played with cards having trivia questions and answers.

More particularly, the present invention is a vehicle history and trivia game including a game board having a course layout which includes a symbol selected from the group consisting of a name, letter, or acronym of a particular vehicle; a set of draw cards; a set of trivia cards; a set of playing pieces depicting vehicles having specifications and features described by the trivia cards; and means of advancing the playing pieces along the course according to chance.

The game of the present invention is played by rolling one die on or near a game board having designated spaces and moving a game piece along a designated course. The main object of this game is to be the first player to maneuver their game piece to the endpoint of the game indicated on the game board. To accomplish this a player is given a predetermined amount of money. Throughout the game, chance determined events may cause a player to utilize a predetermined amount of funds to correct a problem which has befallen their vehicle. These problems have been chosen to represent typical occurrences associated with the extended ownership and usage of a vehicle. The player must complete the course without running out of money. The spaces along the course on the game board are color coded. When a player lands on one of the color coded spaces, the player will be required to either answer corresponding color coded cards requiring the player to respond to a vehicle history trivia question, to pay a penalty, or to be accessed a reward. Should a trivia question be asked, a correct response would warrant another roll of the die, and play would continue on for that player. If a player spends all of the allotted money before reaching the destination, the player is disqualified.

The players take turns rolling at least one die on or near the game board, and move the game piece along the course. Should a trivia question be asked, a correct response would warrant another roll of the die, and play would continue on for that player. The first player to maneuver their game piece to the endpoint of the game indicated on the game board wins the game. To accomplish this a player must complete the course without running out of money due to reparations, and they must avoid a space "Vehicle Stolen".

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a board game utilizing game pieces representative of different models of the same brand of vehicle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a board game having a course layout which includes and/or depicts a symbol selected from a name, letter, or acronym of a particular model or brand name of a selected vehicle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a board game utilizing historical data and specifications for particular vehicles.

Finally, it is yet another object of the present invention to provide a board game whereby the players experience the costs and pitfalls associated with owning a vehicle.

A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a vehicle history and trivia game board of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of game pieces showing automobiles for use with the game board of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pair of die for use in the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a dial or spinner for use in the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a "Draw Card" employed in the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a "Trivia Card" employed in the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a Scorecard employed in the present invention.

The Vehicle History and Trivia Race Game is for two to four players having recommended ages of ten and above. The objective of the game is to be the first player to reach the endpoint on the game board.

The components of the Vehicle History and Trivia Race Game of the present invention is manufactured from readily available materials and simple in design. The game board may be composed of fiberboard, wood, paper, or plastic. The game pieces may be comprised of metal, wood, or plastic and may be immovable replica models of existing vehicles, or mobile toy replicas of vehicles such as are currently sold under the trademark of HOTWHEELS.RTM., MICRO MACHINES.RTM., or other toy manufacturer which produces replicas of automobiles, planes, trains, ships, or motorcycles.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-7, there is shown an operative embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a method of playing a competitive race game involving historical knowledge, and utilizing a game board 10 which has been designed a course layout which includes and/or depicts the name, letter, or acronym of a particular model or brand name of a selected vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1, the game board layout depicts the capital letter "M" such as might designate a famous automobile, for instance "MUSTANG.RTM." produced by the FORD MOTOR COMPANY. The embodiment of FIG. 1 is layout in the shape of a capital letter, "M". The capital letter signifies the first letter of the proper name of the particular motorized vehicle.

This invention provides a simulated race for both amusement and education which includes at least two playing pieces, 14 and 15, and preferably four playing pieces, which are replicas of a motorized vehicle. Replicas 20 refers to the plurality of minature models of motorized vehicle playing pieces 14-15. These replica playing pieces 20 are to be constructed by a toy manufacturer, who would be licensed from the manufacturer of the actual vehicle at a reduced scale, preferably at 1/32nd scale or more preferably at 1/64th scale in size relative to the real vehicle. The replicas 20 would preferably be mobile, and would be repositioned on the game board 10 following chance determined events throughout the game, which simulates vehicle ownership. The replicas 20 may include any of the following types of vehicles: automobiles (i.e. FORD MUSTANG.RTM., CHEVROLET CORVETTE.RTM., DODGE CHARGER.RTM., etc.); trucks (MACK.RTM., etc.); motorcycles (i.e. HARLEY DAVIDSON.RTM., etc.); tractors (OLIVER.RTM., etc.); trains (i.e. PULLMAN.RTM., AMTRACK.RTM., etc.); ships (OLD IRONSIDES.RTM., etc.); tanks (PATTON.RTM., etc.); and aircraft (BOEING.RTM., McDONNEL DOUGLAS.RTM., including historical military aircraft etc.). Each of the replicas 20 are differentiable one from another, either by color or style. In the preferred embodiment, the individual game pieces 14-15 comprising the replicas 20, would consist of different styles or model years of the same vehicle, especially when utilizing vehicles defining automobiles. However, it is contemplated that different models of replicas would be used where the classes of replicas are limited such as with tanks or airplanes. Additionally, new and different die-cast vehicle game pieces may be added or supplied for the game as manufacturer's introduce new models into the market place.

To begin the game each player receives a replica 20 (14-15), at least one die 22, and a scorecard 24 as shown in FIGS. 10-7. It is contemplated that the players may share the die 22 or substitute a spinner 26 such as shown in FIG. 4. The player to take the first turn and select the desired replicas 20 is determined by rolling the die 22 and obtains the highest or lowest score as decided by the players before the die 22 is thrown. Ordinarily, in the preferred embodiment the player who rolls the highest number gains the number 1 starting position on the board. In order to describe the game, the following examples will utilize four players. Moving clockwise from the starting player, the remaining starting positions are assigned subsequent numbers 2, 3, and 4. The player's replicas 20 are positioned in the parking spaces designated by "P" adjacent the "START" space.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the game provides a course in the general shape of an "M" 12 having fifty-two (52) spaces of various selected colors.

The player who wins the number one starting position rolls at least one die to start the game. Each player 1-4 in turn will roll the die 22, travel the number of spaces, which represent miles or kilometers, according to the roll, and follow any instructions of the space that the player lands upon. For instance, one space equals one mile (kilometer), two spaces equals two miles (kilometers), and so on. The first player 1 to enter the endpoint space on the game board 10 is the winner. In the preferred embodiment, a player 1-4 must roll the exact number of miles needed, including the endpoint space in order to win.

Each player begins the game with a predetermined amount of cash or credit, for instance, $1700.00 to use for vehicle costs associated with playing the game. Each player 1-4 is given a scorecard 24 used to track the running total for each player's funds. Expense items, such as repair bills, or cash awards, are indicated through drawing cards of chance. The monetary gains or losses associated with these items are recorded in the spaces of the scorecard 24. The running totals are recorded in the alternate spaces of the scorecard 24. If a player's running total is less than ZERO, they are disqualified from playing and are out of the game.

The game board 10 embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes fifty-two (52) spaces on the board. The board spaces 26 are color coordinated with one or more particular types of cards. For instance, the embodiment portrayed in FIG. 1 shows nineteen (19) green spaces designated by the letter "G"; twenty (20) blue spaces designated with the letter "B"; one (1) red space designated with the letter "R"; eleven (11) white spaces designated with the letter "W"; and one (1) finish space designated as the "END POINT". When a player lands on one of the nineteen (19) green colored spaces "G", the player will select a Draw card 28 which are color coordinated green, read the text on the Draw card 28 to the other players, and follow the instructions. When a player lands on one of the twenty (20) blue colored spaces "B", the player to the moving player's left will select a Trivia card 30 which are color coordinated blue and read the question to the player on the blue space "B". Additional Trivia card 30 packs may be supplied to keep the questions up to date, and to continue to document the progress of the vehicle as new models are introduced by the manufacturer.

In the preferred embodiment, the questions (multiple choice, true/false, matching, yes/no, or short answer), and the answer are printed on the face of the blue trivia cards 30 as shown in FIG. 6. The non-moving player who selects the trivia card(s) 30 must read the question and tell the moving player whether they have answered correctly. The moving player will attempt to answer the question correctly. A correct response would warrant another roll of the die 22, and play would continue on for that player. It is contemplated that the green and blue colors indicated for the Draw and Trivia cards listed above are only used as examples, and may be substituted by any other color combination in an alternative embodiment; however, the cards are preferably color coordinated to match the board spaces 26.

Each Vehicle History and Trivia Race Game contains a specified number of Draw cards 28. At the beginning of the game, the Draw cards 28 are placed on a corresponding colored box "square defining a designated position", for instance a green colored box in the "M" game board labeled "DRAW".

The Draw cards 28 include a limited number of "Repair Cards", as shown in FIG. 5, which include may describe various bills which are recorded as negative amounts on the scorecard 24. In the preferred embodiment, a limited number of model year specific cards for repair may also be used. These model year specific cards would apply only to the player driving that particular year vehicle. Throughout the game, chance determined events may cause a player to utilize a predetermined amount of funds to correct a problem which has befallen their vehicle. These problems have been chosen to represent typical occurrences associated with the extended ownership and usage of a vehicle.

The Draw cards 28 also include a limited number of "Coupon Cards". The coupon cards may be used to offset repair costs. It is contemplated that the players have the option to buy or sell coupons from other players; however, this option would have to be declared before the start of the game. Upon selection of a coupon card by a player landing on a green Draw card space "G", it should be placed face up in front of the player and the next player takes a turn. When a repair card that matches a coupon card previously selected and held by a player is selected, the two cards are placed beside the player, and a net amount (if any) is recorded on the scorecard and the next player takes a turn. However, coupon cards cannot be used to reduce or offset repair costs paid from a prior turn. For example, upon selection of a coupon card stating "battery half price" and subsequent selection of a Repair card "battery, cost $50.00", the resulting loss of -$25.00 is recorded on the scorecard 24. As another example, upon selection of a coupon card "Free oil change" and subsequent selection of a Repair card "Oil change, cost $25.00", no amount is recorded on the scorecard 24.

The Draw cards 28 include a limited number of "Directional Cards". The Directional cards instruct a player to "go ahead" or "go back" a certain number of miles. A player's turn is over once they have moved the specified number of miles.

The Draw cards 28 include a limited number of "Lose A Turn Cards". Upon selecting a Lose a Turn card, the player loses their next, and resumes play after the other players have taken their turn.

The Draw cards 28 include a limited number of "Special Instruction Cards". The Special Instruction cards require a player to trade positions and replicas 20 with any other player 1-4 on the board 10. Players do not trade scorecards. A player must trade positions and replicas 20 with another player, even if they are presently in the lead.

All of the Draw cards 28 which include coupon cards, repair cards, directional cards, lose a turn cards, and special instruction cards are shuffled and mixed randomly together before starting the game.

A list of the preferred Draw cards 28 for the "M" using for example a FORD.RTM. MUSTANG.RTM. are as follows:

Each Vehicle History and Trivia Race Game contains a specified number of trivia cards 30. At the beginning of the game, the trivia cards 30 are placed on a corresponding colored box "square defining a designated position", for instance a blue colored box in the "M" game board 10 labeled "TRIVIA". The player to the left of the moving player that landed on a blue board space "B" reads the question to the moving player. If the player on board space "B" answers the question correctly, the moving player receives an extra turn. The moving player continues to receive an extra turn for each trivia question answered correctly after landing on a blue board space "B". When the moving player answers a trivia question incorrectly, the moving player's turn is over. There is no penalty for incorrect answers. If the player lands on any other type of space, they follow its instructions (if any) and then their turn is over.

It is contemplated that the trivia card 30 list will be updated periodically. A list of the preferred Trivia cards 30 for the "M" game shown in FIG. 1 using for example a FORD.RTM. MUSTANG.RTM. are as follows:

The Vehicle History and Trivia Race Game contains a specified number "Free Spaces" designated as "W" shown as white spaces in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. The free spaces "W" may include one or more logos or directional arrows which must be followed by the moving player. When a moving player lands on a free space "W" on the board containing the designation "Logo" or any type of logo, such as the brand name of an automobile, automotive service center, oil change facility, muffler shop, or brake shop, gas station, parts supply house, or dealership; the moving player is required to place their game piece 14-15 in an area on the board designated "LOGO", denoted as "L", which is located in the center of the board in the preferred embodiment of the "M" game board 10 has shown in FIG. 1. The moving player will remain on this space until their next turn. The player positioned in the LOGO space "L" must re-enter the designated course on a designated reenter space 34 which is indicated by an arrow 36 pointing to the reenter space 34 on the board 10. The arrow 36 does not count as a space for purposes of computing miles (kilometers). The mileage (kilometer) count begins with the reenter space 34. It is contemplated that an extra turn may be awarded upon reentry onto a selected logo on the course. For instance, an oil change service center having a particular brand name, such as displayed by the sponsor or promoter of the game, may be inserted in the logo space, and a player landing in that particular logo space would be rewarded with an extra turn to enter the reenter space 36.

The Vehicle History and Trivia Race Game contains at least one Detour Arrow 38. Upon landing on a Detour arrow 38, the moving player must move their playing piece in the direction of the arrow and travel toward a Dead End space 40 of the designated course. Upon reaching the Dead End space 40, the moving player stops or passes the dead end space reversing the direction of their replica 20 to travel back toward the Detour Arrow 38. The player takes turns rolling the die until the player travels safely beyond the detour arrow 38.

The Vehicle History and Trivia Race Game contains at least one Express Arrow 42 space. Upon landing on the express arrow space 42, the player must move their replica 20 in the direction of the arrow and travel the expressway course 44 which defines the top street on the board 10 denoted by the printed "EXPRESS" marking. If a player rolls a number which requires that the game piece advance past the express arrow space 42, they must move their playing piece turning to the right and travel down toward the longer portion of the course defining a "V" 46 course on the board 10. The expressway 44 can only be taken if the moving player lands directly on the express arrow space 42.

The Vehicle History and Trivia Race Game contains at least one red space denoted as "R". When a player lands on this unfortunate "R" space, titled "Vehicle Stolen" they are out of the game.

In order to win the game, the player must roll the die 22 and obtain the exact number of spaces designated as mile(s) or (kilometer(s) needed to land the replica 20 in position on the "END POINT" space. If the player rolls the die and obtains a number representing mile(s) or kilometer(s) greater than necessary to position the replica 20 on the END POINT space, the moving player remains in the pre-roll "present" position until the player's next turn when the sequence is repeated.

The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modifications will become obvious to those skilled in the art based upon more recent disclosures and may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.