Weight loss abstract
A weight loss game and a method of playing the same is provided.
The game provides the players with an entirely optional game strategy
choice of proceeding along a healthy lifestyle path or a crash diet
path to accomplish the goal of losing a predetermined amount of
imaginary weight, primarily through answering questions.
Weight loss claims
I claim:
1. A method of playing a weight loss game comprising the steps
of: selecting a game piece; providing each of a plurality of players
with a predetermined amount of imaginary weight which is desirable
to lose; using a chance device to determine the number of spaces
that a selected player can move said selected game piece around
contiguous spaces of an associated weight loss game board in a given
turn; optionally selecting from a starting space one of a plurality
of possible game paths along which a player can move said game piece,
and moving said game piece from said starting space along the selected
game path in accordance with the permitted quantity of spaces revealed
by said chance device; continuing to use said chance device to determine
the number of spaces that said game piece can be moved around said
selected game path in a given turn, until returning to said starting
space where the player can optionally select a different game path
or can continue to move said game piece around the same game path;
repeating the steps of moving said game piece along spaces on said
game board until either a desired amount of weight is lost or until
a predetermined amount of time has expired.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of providing each of
said players with a predetermined amount of weight comprises providing
a predetermined quantity of tokens, each of said tokens corresponding
to a certain amount of imaginary weight.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein each token represents one pound
of unwanted weight.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of using a chance device
comprises rolling at least one die.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of optionally selecting
between a plurality of game paths comprises selecting between a
healthy lifestyle path during which said imaginary weight may be
lost at a relatively conservative pace and a crash diet path during
which said imaginary weight may be increased or decreased at a relatively
fast pace.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of diverting
movement of said assigned game piece around a diversion path where
unwanted weight may be gained upon placement of said game piece
on a certain space on said game board.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein a player may win said weight loss
game upon losing all of said predetermined imaginary weight provided
at the beginning of the game.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of selecting
a question and answer card upon landing of said game piece on a
certain game space on said game board and answering a question within
a category on said question and answer card which corresponds to
the category of said certain game space.
9. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of answering
at least one question on said selected question and answer card
whereby said imaginary weight is lost upon providing a correct answer
in response to said question.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein said step of optionally selecting
between a plurality of game paths comprises selecting between a
healthy lifestyle path during which said imaginary weight may be
lost at a relatively conservative pace and a crash diet path during
which said imaginary weight may be increased or decreased at a relatively
fast pace.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein a player is awarded a greater
weight loss upon correctly answering a question when traveling along
said crash diet path than when traveling along said healthy lifestyle
path.
12. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of performing
physical exercise in response to instructions on a certain game
card obtained by landing on certain playing spaces in order to lose
said imaginary weight.
Weight loss description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to weight loss board games. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a weight loss board
game in which players answer questions in order to succeed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Prior art inventors have expended great effort to develop weight
loss and nutritional board games where players move a game piece
around contiguous spaces on a game board. Although certain of these
games may be fun to play, none of them allow the players to optionally
select a game strategy path.
For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,440,396 and 4,344,625 disclose a
diet board game having hazard and benefit spaces. The object of
the game disclosed in the '396 and the '625 patents is for a player
to lose a predetermined amount of weight. The '396 patent is directed
toward a method of playing a game while the '625 patent is directed
toward the game structure itself. However, the game and method of
playing such game disclosed in these patents do not include multiple
game strategy paths which can be optionally selected by the players.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,032 discloses an inner path and an outer path
where the players may choose one of the two paths only if they land
on a certain playing space. In particular, the '032 patent discloses
that a player can only move into an advantageous path called the
"fat farm" if the player lands on a designated playing
space called a "weigh station square."
U.S. Pat. No. 4,040,628 is directed toward a board game where each
player starts with a predetermined amount of weight. The first player
to lose this weight will be the winner of the game. There is no
disclosure whatsoever in the '628 patent, or the other patents discussed
above, where the players have an entirely optional choice of selecting
one of two possible game paths that emulate different game strategies
through which the players may gain or lose weight.
The present invention overcomes this shortcoming in the prior art
by providing a fun weight loss board game which is more representative
of real life decisions than prior art games.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a method
of playing a weight loss game is provided. A preferred method may
comprise the steps of selecting a game piece and providing each
of the plurality of players with a predetermined amount of imaginary
weight which is desirable to lose. The imaginary weight may comprise
tokens, each of which represent a certain amount of imaginary weight.
The preferred method may also comprise the step of using a chance
device to determine the number of spaces that a selected player
should move the assigned game piece around an associated weight
loss game board in a given turn.
A starting space is provided on the game board. The preferred method
includes the step of optionally selecting one of a plurality of
possible game paths from a starting space along which a player may
move the selected game piece the permitted quantity of spaces revealed
by the chance device. In accordance with a particularly preferred
method, the step of using a chance device comprises rolling at least
one die. However, various other types of chance devices may be used
in place of dice. The preferred method may also comprise the step
of continuing to use the chance device to determine the number of
spaces that the selected game piece can be moved around the selected
game path in a given turn. After a player moves the game piece around
all playing spaces of a selected game path, the game piece will
be returned to the starting space at which time the player can optionally
select a different game path or can continue to move the game piece
around the same game path. The steps of moving the game piece along
selected spaces on the game board is repeated by the players until
a certain amount of weight is lost or until a predetermined amount
of time has expired. The person who loses all the predetermined
amount of imaginary weight first would be the winner. Alternatively,
the person who loses the most imaginary weight at a certain time
may be the winner.
In accordance with a particularly preferred method, the step of
providing each player with a predetermined amount of imaginary weight
comprises providing a predetermined quantity of tokens or lard pieces,
each of which correspond to a certain amount of weight. The tokens
may be made of plastic, wood, cardboard or other suitable material,
and may represent one pound, or other selected weight, for each
piece.
In accordance with a further preferred method of playing the present
weight loss game, the step of optionally selecting between a plurality
of possible game paths comprises selecting between a healthy lifestyle
game path during which a player may lose the imaginary weight at
a relatively conservative pace with little risk, or a crash diet
path during which the players may lose weight at a relatively fast
pace but may also gain weight.
A further preferred method of playing a weight loss game comprises
involuntarily diverting movement of the selected game piece around
one or more diversion paths which may be called "oops loops"
where unwanted weight may be gained upon placement of the game piece
on certain playing spaces.
It is also preferred for the method of playing the present weight
loss game to comprise the step of selecting a question and answer
card upon placement of the game piece on certain playing spaces
around the game board. Each question and answer card contains multiple
categories and may include at least one question whereby weight
is lost upon providing a correct answer in response to the question.
In accordance with this preferred method, a player may be awarded
a greater weight loss upon answering a question when traveling along
the crash diet path than when traveling along the healthy lifestyle
path.
A further aspect of the present invention relates to the structure
of a weight loss game which may be played in accordance with the
above-recited methods. In a preferred embodiment, the weight loss
game of the present invention comprises a game board having a plurality
of game paths where each of the game paths include a plurality of
contiguous playing spaces. The game board also includes a starting
space arranged between at least two of the game paths which facilitates
an optional choice of selecting between the at least two game paths.
A plurality of game pieces are provided where a single game piece
is preferably selected by each player. The present weight loss game
may also comprise a chance device for determining how many playing
spaces that a player can move a game piece in a given turn. A plurality
of game cards associated with selected playing spaces are also provided.
The plurality of game cards include questions to be answered by
a player after landing on one of the playing spaces so that the
player can lose an imaginary amount of weight.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present weight
loss game, the plurality of game paths comprises a healthy lifestyle
path and a crash diet path wherein the healthy lifestyle path includes
means for losing the imaginary weight at a relatively conservative
pace, and wherein the crash diet path includes means for losing
the imaginary weight at a relatively fast pace but also includes
a risk of gaining additional imaginary weight.
In a further preferred embodiment, the weight loss game may comprise
at least one diversion path having a plurality of contiguous playing
spaces including means for gaining additional imaginary weight.
It is also preferable for the chance device of the present invention
to comprise at least one die.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide
a method of playing a weight loss game where the players have an
entirely optional choice of selecting one of at least two game paths
through which they can move their respective game pieces in order
to lose an imaginary amount of weight.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will
be more readily understood when read in conjunction with the detailed
description of the preferred embodiments and the drawings which
follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a game board in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates accessories for use with the game board shown
in FIG. 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The weight loss game of the present invention may be marketed in
connection with the trademark FAT CHANCE. As in life, the FAT CHANCE
game includes a consideration of all of various elements often associated
with successful weight loss--calories, nutrition, exercise and attitude.
By combining unique steps in the method of playing the present weight
loss game and the structure of the game itself, players may enjoy
the challenges and frustration of diet plateaus, procrastination
and justification, exercise and pig-outs, as well as the emotional
rewards of being in control and the ultimate exhilaration of dieting
success.
As used herein, the term "imaginary weight" is weight
which is not physically gained or lost by the players, but which
is representative of weight associated with symbolic elements such
as tokens of "lard" which may be made of plastic, wood,
cardboard, and the like. It should be appreciated that the concept
of imaginary weight may also be used without any physical token
or other playing piece. A "lard" token is simply a plastic
token or the like which is symbolic of a predetermined amount of
imaginary weight, such as one pound. For example, twenty lard tokens
may represent twenty pounds of unwanted weight.
The present game may be played with two or more players who engage
in one simple object--to lose weight. In a preferred embodiment,
each player may start with twenty unwanted pounds, which may be
represented by plastic lard tokens. As the players move game pieces
around the game board, the players lose weight by correctly answering
questions about diet, health, fitness and trivia while trying to
avoid the classic diet pitfalls which appear on the board. In accordance
with a preferred method, whichever player loses all twenty unwanted
pounds first would be considered the winner. Many variations in
the ending of the present game exist. For example, instead of playing
until one player loses all of the unwanted weight, the players may
agree on a time limit. When the time limit is up, the player who
has lost the most weight would be considered the winner. In another
embodiment, the players may select a winner upon losing less than
all of the unwanted weight. For example, each player could start
with twenty unwanted pounds, and play the game until a player is
successful at losing ten pounds.
In a preferred embodiment, the present game may include one playing
board game 10, two dice 12, one special numbered cube 14, 125 plastic
tokens 16 (i.e., 125 pounds of lard), several hundred question and
answer cards 18, a selected number of PSYCHIC BONBONS cards 20,
a score record 22, and a selected number of player game pieces 24.
As preparation to play the game, the PSYCHIC BONBONS cards 20 should
be placed on the appropriate PSYCHIC BONBONS space 26 outlined on
the surface of the game board 10. Each player should be provided
with a certain amount of imaginary weight tokens, such as twenty
plastic tokens 16 which represent twenty lard pounds. The players
may then select their game pieces 24 and should place the game pieces
24 on the starting space 28 which is represented by a large center
circle labeled with the FAT CHANCE trademark.
Players may choose to roll the dice 12 to see who goes first. The
player rolling the highest number on the dice 12 will begin the
game.
When the first player rolls the dice, he may move his game piece
from the starting space 28 at the center of the game board 10 based
on a corresponding number of spaces identified by the dice. It should
be appreciated that chance devices, other than dice, may be used
to play the present game. For example, a spin wheel, numbered cubes
or other chance device may be provided.
Before moving the game piece, the player must make an important
decision in accordance with a novel aspect of the present invention.
In particular, the player must decide which game path will be pursued.
As shown in FIG. 1, the board game 10 includes a healthy lifestyle
game path 30 and a crash diet game path 32. Although the direction
of travel around the respective game paths may vary in alternate
embodiments of the present invention, in a preferred embodiment,
the player should follow the direction identified by arrows which
exit from the starting space 28 at the center of the game board
10. Thus, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the players
who select the healthy lifestyle game path 30 would proceed counterclockwise
while the players who choose the crash diet game path 32 would proceed
clockwise. As the remaining players take their first turn, each
player has the option of selecting between the healthy lifestyle
game path 30 and the crash diet game path 32.
Once a game path is selected, the player must move his game piece
24 completely around the selected game path and return past the
starting space 28. Every time a player passes the starting space
28, he has the option of continuing with the selected diet strategy
(i.e., either the healthy lifestyle game path or the crash diet
game path) or switching over to the other diet approach. Both of
the game paths 30 and 32 include four types of design and color
coded question spaces 26, discussed in more detail below, which
require the players to select corresponding to question and answer
cards, also discussed further below.
The healthy lifestyle game path represents a balanced, moderate,
long-term weight management approach which most experts recommend
in real life. As the players answer questions on question and answer
cards 18 selected along this path, they lose one pound for each
correct response. Of course, the amount of weight lost for each
correct response may vary in alternate embodiments of the present
game. No weight is gained for incorrect answers on the healthy lifestyle
game path 30.
In a preferred embodiment, the healthy lifestyle game path includes
SWEAT STOP playing spaces which represent exercise routines. When
a player lands on a SWEAT STOP space 34, he has an opportunity to
roll the specially numbered cube 14 in order to a lose number of
pounds which appear on the top face of the cube (i.e., 1, 2 or 3
pounds). As shown in FIG. 2, each side of the six-sided cube includes
indicia representing a different amount of weight.
Unlike the healthy lifestyle game path 30, the crash diet game
path 32 represents the high-risk, high-reward, less sustainable,
quick weight-loss approach which lures many dieters. As the players
answer questions along this route, they lose two pounds for each
correct response to a question. As indicated above, the total quantity
of weight lost for each correct response may vary. However, the
quantity of weight lost for each answer along the crash diet path
32 will be greater than the total quantity of weight lost for each
correct answer along the healthy lifestyle game path 30. A substantial
risk associated with the crash diet path 32 is that, unlike the
healthy lifestyle approach, the players will gain weight for each
incorrect answer given. There are no SWEAT STOP spaces 34 along
the crash diet game path 32 which permit players to roll the specially
numbered cube 14 to lose weight. Instead, a further risk that the
players on the crash diet game path 32 must contend with is the
detrimental CHOW DOWN spaces 36 which represent fattening binges.
When a player lands on a CHOW DOWN space, he then rolls the specially
numbered cube 14 and gains weight based on the number of pounds
displayed.
The PSYCHIC BONBONS spaces 38 represent the wonderful emotional
satisfaction reward of pursuing and ultimately achieving a diet
or fitness goal. When a player lands on a PSYCHIC BONBONS space
38 he is permitted to select a PSYCHIC BONBONS card 20 which describe
a situation and assigns a weight loss amount (i.e., either one,
two or three pounds according to self-explanatory situations identified
on the PSYCHIC BONBONS card 20. In an optional embodiment of the
present invention, certain of the PSYCHIC BONBONS cards may include
an "Exercise Your Options" instruction which permit players
to actually do physical exercise to lose extra pounds. This version
of the present game should not be played by players who are not
physically fit to do exercise.
The HEARTBREAK PLATEAU spaces 40 shown in FIG. 1 represent the
agonizing periods that all dieters experience when, despite all
efforts, weight cannot be lost. When a player lands on a HEARTBREAK
PLATEAU space 40, he must skip the next two turns. The only way
to avoid this frustrating delay is with a "Plateau Buster"
card from the PSYCHIC BONBONS deck. If a player has a Plateau Buster
card when he lands on the HEARTBREAK PLATEAU space 40, the card
may be turned in with the player continuing to play at the following
turn.
In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the question
and answer cards 18 include the following four design and color-coded
categories which correspond to question spaces 26: the pie a la
mode design (blue on yellow) represents the "Calories Count"
category, the broccoli design (green on red) represents the "Nutrition
Matters" category, the sneaker design (red on green) represents
the "Exercise and the Body" category and the fanciful
"T?" design (yellow on blue) represents the "Largely
Trivia" category. It should be understood that the designs
and colors on the question and answer cards and the associated playing
spaces represent an example of a preferred embodiment of the FAT
CHANCE game and therefore may be varied in alternate embodiments
of the present invention.
When a player lands on any of the aforementioned question spaces
26 which are arranged throughout the healthy lifestyle and crash
diet game paths 30 and 32, the next player is required to pick a
question and answer card 18 and ask the question which corresponds
to the category of the space on which the player has landed. The
correct answer appears on the back of the question and answer card.
As discussed above, when players answer a question correctly, they
are rewarded by losing one pound on the healthy lifestyle game path
and two pounds on the crash diet game path. If the question is not
answered correctly, no weight is lost or gained on the healthy lifestyle
path 30 while weight is gained on the crash diet path 32.
With the exception of the "Calories Count" category which
compares two foods, all questions are multiple choice with three
possible answers. After each question is read and answered, the
question and answer card 18 may be placed in the back of the question
and answer card box and the turn then passes to the next player
who will roll the dice 12 and move his game piece 24. The "Largely
Trivia" category is a two-part, bonus opportunity. If a player
answers the first "Largely Trivia" question correctly,
he loses a certain amount of imaginary weight dependent upon the
chosen game path (i.e., one pound for the healthy lifestyle route
and two pounds for the crash diet route). The player then has the
option of ending his turn or answering the follow-up "Largely
Trivia" question. If the player answers the follow-up "Largely
Trivia" question correctly, he will lose one additional pound
regardless of the game path selected. However, if the player misses
the second question, he ends up losing nothing for the entire turn,
thus gaining back the weight loss from answering the first question
correctly.
As also shown in FIG. 1, the present game board includes forced
diversion paths identified as Manana-Manana and Excuses-Excuses
paths 44 and 42 (i.e., OOPS LOOPS paths). These diversion paths
are also shown in FIG. 1 in conjunction with the phrases "I'LL
START MY DIET . . ." and "CALORIES DON'T COUNT WHEN .
. . ." These diversion paths 42 and 44 should be avoided if
at all possible. They represent the fattening procrastinations and
justifications that all dieters fall prey to from time to time.
When a player lands on an OOPS space 46, he is required to enter
and move completely around the associated OOPS LOOP path 42 or 44.
Once diverted into the OOPS LOOP path 42 or 44, the players continue
to roll the dice during each turn, but pack on dreaded extra pounds
in accordance with the weight identified on the spaces within the
OOPS LOOP 42 or 44. Players must move in only one direction and
must complete the full loop cycle while in an OOPS LOOP path 42
or 44. Thus, players are diverted off of their originally selected
game path when they exit the OOPS LOOP path 42 or 44 and must travel
once around the other path (either the healthy lifestyle path 30
or the crash diet path 32).
Although variations on the ending of the present game may be used,
a preferred method is that the game ends when the first player loses
all of the imaginary extra pounds assigned. Thus, the first big
loser becomes the ultimate big winner.
It should be appreciated that various modifications can be made
in the steps of playing the present game and in the structure of
the game itself while remaining within the spirit and scope of the
present invention which is defined by the claims set forth below.
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