GB2214824A

GB2214824A - Invalid jigsaw puzzle or game board

Info

Publication number: GB2214824A
Application number: GB8803348A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael John Morley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-02-13
Filing date: 1988-02-13
Publication date: 1989-09-13
Also published as: GB8803348D0

Abstract

Jigsaw puzzle or game boards that can be played in an inverted or semi inverted position by horizontally resting or immobilised bed patients in which the board and or game pieces are magnetic or adherence type fabric so that they will remain in the position placed regardless of plane or angle of the Board.

Description

INVALID JIGSAV PUZZLB OR GAXE BOARD This invention relates to an invalid jigsaw puzzle or game board.

A study of the needs of bed patients in hospitals, infirmaries, and nursing homes, has shown that there is a real need to provide interesting activities to alleviate boredom and also to reduce stress or apprehension prior to operations. It is also well known that by occupying the patients minds, their recovery may be enhanced. The same principle can also be applied to people who are in bed within their own homes.

Vhilst a number of alternative activities are already available to patients such as reading material, there is a real need for new alternative ideas for patients especially for those who are in particular resting horizontally or who are generally immobilised.

This need is particularily relevant for children and also for those of reduced mental capacity who may not necessarily understand a particular need to keep still.

The majority of activities that are available for patients, whilst generally suitable, may not be so suitable for those who are resting horizontally or who are generally immobilised.

Xost typical of the activities that are in common use but which are generally unsuitable for those who are resting horizontally or who are generally immobilised are jigsaw puzzles, card games, picture games, board games and other activities.

According to the present invention a metallic based board is provided, usually with a frame, with the board being swivel mounted from the sides of the frame so that it can be inverted to an angle that corresponds with the viewing needs and within reach of the patient. The frame will normally incorporate support feet at each side that can be rested on the bed or on any other suitable surface that will be within the patients reach.

The metallic based board is designed to accomodate magnetised games that can be assembled or played in an inverted or partially inverted position by means of the magnetic force between the board and the pieces of the game. By this means the pieces can be moved around or on the board without falling off.

The surfaces of both the board and the game pieces or either of these surfaces can be magnetised, and where one surface is magnetised the other surface will normally be metallic.

As an alternative method to adherence of pieces of a game to the board through the use of magnetic surface or surfaces it is envisaged that special fabric material that is designed for adherence could be applied. It is envisaged that numerous different games can be played by the present invention in an inverted or semi inverted position, direction or angle.

The connections between the board and the support legs will normally be a swivel type of connection or of a similar design so that the patient can easily change the angle of the board to suit their need and to fix the board angle by such means as a clamp at each swivel point.

It is envisaged that the support structure will normally comprise two A section ends that mount onto the ends of the board in a central position that incorporates a swivel bracket or bearing at each side so that the board can be tilted towards the patient at a suitable angle for them.

The end sections can be constructed from wood, plastic metal, or any other suitable material, and the board base structure can be of similar materials or combinations of materials.

In order to provide sufficient space for the selected game the size of the game will usually be somewhat less than that of the area of the board to allow space for viewing or placing parts of the game. This will be particularily relevant for jig saw puzzles where the pieces can be placed outside the puzzle area.

The board can also be used for drawing, either on paper that can be secured with magnetic pieces, clamps, clips or direct onto the board with felt pen or other pen or pencil.

For games such as draughts or chess it is envisaged that there could also be a separated area at the sides of the board to retain the magnetised pieces that are not in play. Further a score area could also be provided.

For games such as playing cards it is envisaged that smaller than standard magnetised cards would be applicable and that the scale of these cards would be such as to allow games such as sevens to be played within the space available.

Vhilst the present invention includes for a support structure to allow the board to be held at an appropriate angle for the patients comfort, itis also envisaged that a board could be provided without a support structure which would either be held by hand or otherwise supported.

Vhilst the present invention specifically refers to jig saw puzzles, other games are included in the invention as shown within the embodiment of the invention or any other game that could be suited to the embodiment but which are not specified.

Claims

1 An Invalid Jigsaw Puzzle or Game Board that can be used by patients of Hospitals, Infirmaries, Nursing Homes, or people within their own hones, who are resting horizontally or who are immobilised.

2 An Invalid Jigsaw Puzzle or Game Board as Claimed in Claim 1, that through magnetised contact between the Board and the game part or parts will ensure that the game parts remain in the position placed by the patient, nurse or any other person.

3 An Invalid Jigsaw Puzzle or Game Board as Claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the Board and the required game can be positioned in an inverted or semi inverted position with the game parts remaining in position.

4 An Invalid Jigsaw Puzzle or Game Board as Claimed in any of th9 preceding Claims, that can be swivelled or turned hv thp n+ient nurse or any other person, and then fixed in a plane that suits the view and contact for the patient.

5 An Invalid Jigsaw Puzzle or Game Board as Claimed in any of the preceding Claims, that can be used for playing any game in an inverted or semi inverted position.

6 A Board as Claimed in any of the preceding Claims, that can be played in any plane or position.

7 An Invalid Jigsaw Puzzle or Game Board as Claimed in any of the preceding Claims wherein either or both surfaces of the Board and the Game parts are magnetic, and that when one surface is not magnetic that it will be metallic.

8 An Invalid Jigsaw Puzzle or Game Board as Claimed in Claim 1,2,3,4,5 and 6, wherein as an alternative to magnetised surface or surfaces that the principle of adherence is through the application of special fabric material so designed for such purpose.