Collecting Game

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)(1) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/775,965, filed Mar. 21, 2025, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Board or table games have long served as a primary source of structured recreational entertainment for families and groups of players of varying ages. The game industry encompasses a broad range of game types, including games of pure chance, games of strategy, trivia-based games, cooperative games, and hybrid games combining multiple elements of the foregoing. Games of all types have enjoyed lasting commercial success and widespread appeal.

The document herein discloses a collecting game that prompts players to collect as many seek-able game pieces as possible in a given time. Seek-able game pieces are selected from a common source available to all players and according to a list provided to each player, for each round. The player who collects the most seek-able game pieces within the time limit (for the round) is given the opportunity to collect additional “collect to win” game pieces. A player who collects all of the essential “collect to win” game pieces is the winner of the game.

In one embodiment, the game can comprise a shopping game, which can be played in a number of rounds. For example, the game can use shopping items (such as grocery items, household items, sporting items, collectables, and any other type of items that could be shopped for) as the seek-able game pieces to be collected. In some cases, the shopping items may be commonly known branded items (or imaginary or parody branded items, for example). Each player receives a “shopping list” at the beginning of a round. When the time begins in a round, the players “go shopping” by collecting the seek-able game pieces from the common source as quickly as they can, according to what is listed on that player's “shopping list.” The player who collects the most seek-able game pieces within the time limit (for the round) is given the opportunity to collect additional “collect to win” game pieces. A player who collects all of the required “collect to win” game pieces (after several rounds) is the winner of the game.

30 In other embodiments, the game can include collecting other types of items as seek-able game pieces, which can have other themes, which may or may not have to do with shopping. In one example, the game may include collecting miniatures, or the like. For example, the game may have a travel theme and include collecting monuments/souvenirs of places visited. A further embodiment may have a wildlife theme and include collecting animals, and so forth. As the person skilled in the art will appreciate, the game can be adapted to any of various themes where assigned seek-able items are collected. In various examples, the seek-able game pieces may be collectable and appealing to collectors for game play and/or for the benefits of a collection. In any case, a game can be subsequently expanded by adding “expansion packs” to an existing game that includes additional themed seek-able game piecesand associated playing items as discussed below. In that way, the game can remain current to popular culture as well as be refreshed for years of entertaining play.

Expansion packs can also allow the game subject matter to grow with the ages/maturity level of the players. For instance, a starter game intended for young children may include seek-able game pieces that highlight the letters of the alphabet, animals, colors, and so forth. An expansion pack can include seek-able game pieces that include various school supplies and accessories. In another example, an expansion pack for adult players can include seek-able game pieces that represent alcoholic beverages, mixed drinks, and so forth. Accordingly, as the interests and maturity of the players changes, the subject matter of the seek-able game pieces can change as well, and notably with the use of expansion packs. Expansion packs can include additional “items to collect” lists, mystery game pieces, and “collect to win” game pieces, as well as additional seek-able game pieces (to add to the existing game pieces or replace some or all of the existing game pieces).

In some examples, the game comes with: a supply of seek-able game pieces (which can have a common theme), a common source container for the game pieces, a quantity of player collection containers (for players to put items collected), a timer for timing each round, a quantity of “items to collect lists” which can be identical or may be different (e.g., random lists), and a number of mystery game pieces (e.g., “Bargain Bin” cards) including a number of “collect to win” game pieces. In some embodiments, not all of the components will be present or needed for game play. In others, some components may be optional as desired (e.g., the common source container, etc.). In some embodiments, alternate components or additional components may be included.

1 8 FIG.-C 100 102 30 30 30 30 50 102 Referring to, example embodiments of a Collecting Gameare disclosed. While not required, a common source containerto hold the seek-able game piecescan be used to allow all players an opportunity to reach and sort through the seek-able game piecesduring each round. Since all of the players are simultaneously sorting through the seek-able game pieces, looking for specific seek-able game pieceson their “items to collect list,”the common source containershould be large enough to accommodate the number of players, which may be 1 to 12, or more players (2 to 6 players can be easily accommodated in most cases).

102 30 30 102 102 2 FIG.A 4 FIG.E 1 2 FIG.A-F The common source containershould also be stable enough to support the activity of sorting through the seek-able game piecesby the players. (Note that a disorderly pile of seek-able game piecesmay also be used-without a container as shown atand.) Some examples of common source containersare shown atand other possible common source containersare also contemplated.

1 1 FIGS.A andB 1 FIG.A 1 1 FIGS.A andB 1 FIG.B 102 102 30 106 Referring to, in an example, the common source containercan comprise a foldable tray/mat/boardA that is easily folded into a shape that can hold the seek-able game piecesduring play, and can optionally be unfolded to a flat configuration () for storage. One such non-limiting example (of many possible) is shown at. In the example, the corners of the mat can be folded up and attached together () using snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or other releasable fastenersas desired, including using features that interconnect at the corners (such as tabs, slots, notches, etc.).

102 102 102 30 100 102 102 30 1 FIG.A 1 FIG.B 1 FIG.A In one case, the matA may be made of stiff cloth (which may be treated for desired properties) or like textiles, paper board, plastics, or composites. When stored, the game matA can be kept flat () if desired. For play, the corners are folded and engaged as shown in. In this way, the matA is transformed into a tray that holds the seek-able game piecesused in the game. The game matA can be made to any desired size, and can be used in the flat configuration () if desired. The matA can have various shapes and dimensions (which may have a textured surface or a slick surface, depending on the seek-able game piecesused).

102 30 102 2 2 FIG.A-F 2 FIG.A 2 FIG.B 2 FIG.C 2 FIG.D 2 FIG.E 2 FIG.F Additional examples of common source containersare illustrated at. As shown at, a disorganized pile may also be used. A tray with a rim (also having various shapes and dimensions and surface textures) is shown at; a hat or like article is shown at; and a dispenser capable of holding and dispensing the seek-able game pieces(such as a gravity-fed dispenser, or the like) is shown at. Other common source containerexamples include a bowl shown at, a cup as shown at, or other like container.

3 3 FIG.A-E 30 102 30 50 50 30 102 30 Referring to, seek-able game piecesare collected from the common source containerby each of the players during a round. The seek-able game piecesare collected according to a listthat is given to each player, and the listmay be identical for each player or may be different (such as a randomly generated list) for each player. The seek-able game piecescan be in a disorganized pile in the common source container(or without a container) and must be sorted through by the players to find the seek-able game piecesthat each player needs to collect.

30 100 30 30 3 30 30 30 30 30 3 FIG.A 3 FIG.A 3 FIG.B 3 FIG.C 3 FIG.D 3 FIG.E Seek-able game piecescan have a common theme, to go with the theme of the gameif desired, as discussed above. Various objects can be used as seek-able game piecesor to represent seek-able game pieces. Some examples are shown atE and many other objects are also possible to use as seek-able game pieces. For instance, seek-able game piecescan be cards with pictures and/or words printed on them as shown at; seek-able game piecescan be tokens or coins as shown at, figurines, miniatures, collectables, etc. as shown at; seek-able game piecescan be cups or other stackable items as shown at; seek-able game piecescan be miniature licensed products and/or wrappers/packaging as shown at, and so forth.

30 30 30 30 30 100 50 As noted, the game play can include players “shopping” for seek-able game piecesrepresenting specific brand name items. In some cases, realistic mini shopping item figurines, such those by Mini Brands™ brand toys, produced by the toy company Zuru™, or like items (such as cards, tokens, coins, wrappers, etc. having representations of real branded items) can be used for seek-able game pieces. Seek-able game piecesrepresenting brand name products can come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can be designed to match the real products they represent. Moreover, the products represented can come in different “flavors” or styles. For example, a seek-able game piecerepresenting peanut butter can come with a specific brand on it, but it may be found as “creamy” or “chunky.” Seek-able game piecesrepresenting potato chips can also have many variations of flavors. This makes the gamemore interesting, because as described below, the listof items for each player to collect will have a list of products with specific flavors, brands, or styles (and so forth) on them. Players must select the proper product, brand, and “flavor” or style to receive credit. In some cases, selecting the correct product, but in the incorrect brand, style, flavor, etc. can cause a player to lose credit.

4 4 FIG.A-E 4 FIG.A 4 FIG.B 4 FIG.C 4 FIG.D 4 FIG.E 40 40 30 30 102 30 40 40 100 40 30 show various examples of player collection containers. A player can use a collection containerto put collected seek-able game piecesin, which may be required for credit in some cases. For example, the player can sort through the seek-able game piecesin the common source containeror pile, and place found seek-able game piecesin their player collection container. Collection containersmay be themed in design and style to go along with the theme of the gameif desired. Some example collection containerscan include a shopping basket as shown at, a shopping cart as shown at, a shopping bag (or other type of bag, tote, bin, etc.) as shown at, a bowl as shown at, or a cup, a box, or other holding device/container. In some cases, each player has the same kind/style of collection container and in others the players have different kinds/styles. In some other cases, a player may be allowed to keep the collected seek-able game piecesin a pile nearby them (without a container) as shown at.

50 30 30 50 50 30 102 30 30 5 5 FIGS.A andB 5 5 FIGS.A andB During game play, at the start of a round, each player receives a listof items (e.g., seek-able game pieces) to collect, which may be pre-printed with the itemsto collect. An example of such a list is shown at.show front and back views, respectively, of an example “items to collect” list, according to an embodiment. The listincludes a set of itemsfor the player to find in the common source containeror pile, and the listed itemsmay have a specific style, brand, flavor, etc. as mentioned above. If the itemsinclude a specific style, brand, flavor, and so forth, the player only gets credit for collecting the correct style, brand, flavor, and so forth. In some cases, selecting the incorrect style, brand, flavor, and so forth can cause the player to have credit subtracted from their total.

6 FIG.A 6 FIG.B 100 50 50 50 100 50 50 100 50 50 50 50 50 100 In some examples, as shown at, the gamemay include a padA of disposable lists, where each player receives a listfrom the pad, which can be disposed of at the end of the game. In other cases, the gamemay include a set of reusable liststhat can be erased and reused over and over. For example, a reusable listcan have a dry-erasable surface, or the like, which can be used with a dry-erase marker or similar erasable marking device for marking-off items that are collected. The gamecan also include the dry-erase markers or similar erasable marking devices in some cases. Further, the listscan be printed on cards or the like. Electronic listsare also contemplated as shown at, and can be implemented (and displayed) on smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devicesB having a processor, via an app, the native operating system of the electronic deviceB, or the like. In some cases, each player can have an electronic deviceB that is networked to the others (e.g., via the Internet or a local network) to implement and display the various aspects of the common game.

7 8 FIG.A-C 100 70 70 70 70 70 100 70 70 30 Referring to, the gamecan include a set of mystery game piecesthat include a number of “collect to win” game piecesA. The mystery game pieces, which can be named “Bargain Bin” pieces can be cards, tokens, figurines, coins, and so forth. Mystery game piecescan have positive or negative consequences for the player that draws one. While “collect to win” game piecesA are collected to win the game, negative mystery game piecescan cause unexpected problems for the player. Some mystery game piecesinclude instructions that are followed by the player who draws the piece. The instructions can cause the player to lose collected game pieces, lose turns, or otherwise set the player back in the game.

70 100 100 70 70 30 70 70 70 70 100 30 70 70 50 The “collect to win” game piecesA can also be themed to match the theme or style of the game. For instance, a gamewith a shopping theme can include a number of “collect to win” game piecesA with a shopping theme (e.g., the “collect to win” game piecesA are shopping items, which may be unique or exclusive). The winner of a round (the player who collects the most seek-able game piecesduring the round) has the opportunity to select (one or more, depending on the embodiment) mystery game pieces. In one example, the winner of the round can select one of a pile or stack of the mystery game pieces, and may or may not know which of the mystery game piecesthey are selecting. The player who collects all of the required “collect to win” game piecesA after several rounds wins the game. Note that any and all aspects of the game, including seek-able game pieces, mystery game pieces, “collect to win” game piecesA, and so forth can also be implemented on an electronic deviceB.

30 50 30 50 30 50 70 70 30 70 70 Object: In various examples, players compete in a series of fast-paced rounds to find the items (e.g., seek-able game pieces) on their lists. During each round, players seek as many seek-able game pieceson their listas possible before the timer runs out. The player who finds the most itemsfrom their listwins the round. The round winner then draws one card from the mystery game piecespile. These mystery piecesmay help you collect the itemsyou need to win —or cause unexpected problems along the way. To win the game, a player must collect the required “collect to win” game piecesA. The first player to collect all essential “collect to win” game piecesA wins the game!

100 In various embodiments, the gameis played as follows. In alternate embodiments, variations on the game play can be made as desired or to accommodate the age, maturity, or interests of the players.

100 102 30 102 102 102 102 30 The gameis set up by placing the common source container(if used) on the playing surface and filling it with the available seek-able game pieces. When the common source containercomprises a folding game matA as described above, the corners of the game matA are folded and connected (snapped, pressed, hook and loop, tab and slot, etc.) to form a tray. The mat or tray is placed in the middle of the play area with the players surrounding it. If no common source containeris used, the game piecesare dumped in a disorganized pile within reach of all of the players.

30 50 50 70 100 50 A player collection container(if used) is given to each player, along with a listof items to collect (which can be placed face-down prior to starting the round). A listmay be distributed to each player from a shuffled or otherwise randomized deck, pad, etc. A set of mystery cards(or tokens, etc.) is shuffled and placed on the playing area. A timer (which may be supplied with the gameor may be incorporated into a mobile app or other electronic deviceB) is set for the pre-selected time for the round. In an embodiment, the timer may be set for 30 seconds when the players are around 7 years old and up. When playing with younger children or elderly players, more time may be set on the timer. Accordingly, the time for each round can be set to accommodate the capabilities of the players.

30 102 50 30 40 30 40 30 30 50 30 50 30 50 The timer is started and each player simultaneously sorts through the seek-able game piecesin the common source containeror pile for the items on their list. Collected itemscan be placed in the player's collection containeras collected (if used). In some cases, seek-able game piecesnot placed in the player's collection containerare not credited to the player (and may be deducted from the player's total). This continues until the timer stops, signaling the end of the round. Seek-able game piecesstill in a player's hands may not be counted toward the player's total. Itemscollected by a player can be marked-off on that player's list. In some embodiments, the time for the round is chosen so that no player is able to totally finish finding the itemson their list. Thus, the player who is able to find the most itemson their listbefore the timer runs out wins the round.

30 30 50 30 Each player may be required to verify with the other players that they have collected the correct items. Seek-able game piecescollected by a player that are not specifically correct according to the listmay be counted against the player, by subtracting the incorrect itemsfrom the player's total count.

30 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 The player with the most correct itemscollected gets to select a mystery game piece(which may be selected without the player knowing which mystery game piecethey are choosing). For example, if the mystery game piecesare cards, tokens, coins, etc. the winner of the round may select the mystery game piecewhile the mystery game piecesare face down. In some cases, that may consist of taking the top mystery game piecein a stack of shuffled mystery game pieces.

70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 If the selected mystery game pieceis a “collect to win” game pieceA, the player keeps the “collect to win” game pieceA and is one step closer to winning the game. The first player to collect all of the essential “collect to win” game piecesA wins the game. If the mystery game pieceis other than a “collect to win” game pieceA, the player reads the instructions on the mystery game pieceand follows the instructions. If it is a piecethat can be kept and used later, the player places the game pieceface up so that the other players can see it.

30 102 50 50 50 50 50 70 All seek-able game piecesare returned to the common source containerand a new listof items to collect is given to each player to begin the next round. This may include erasing the marks on each player's listand starting over with that same list, or redistributing listsamong the players. For instance, the listscan be passed to the next player, discarded into a discard pile and redistributed, or other techniques. Play continues with the next round as with the one before. The rounds are repeated until someone wins the game. The game is won when a player collects all of the required “collect to win” game piecesA.

30 30 50 70 70 In the event of a tie during a round: If two or more players end up with the same number of correct itemscollected, then the timer is set to a reduced time, and the tied players continue to collect itemsto complete their list. During this face-off style tie breaker, if any players end up tied again, then the timer is reduced to even less time and the tied players continue. In the rare event that there are still tied players after facing off, then the tied players each collect a mystery game piece. If both players end up with all essential “collect to win” game piecesA needed, celebrate —the game ends in a tied victory!

Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed or disclosed need be carried out in the specific order described.

Although the implementations of the disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the implementations are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as representative forms of implementing the claims.