Sudoku game board

United States Patent Application 20080157469

The Sudoku game board is a white-erase board, or other erasable surface, and it is this application, using an erasable surface, that is new and different. The board has a permanent Sudoku grid on it: first a 3×3 grid which is then sub-divided into 3×3. This grid is the basis for Sudoku puzzles. Using an appropriate marker the player writes in the given numbers of a puzzle, then works the puzzle in another color. The player can easily erase mistakes or other marks and would erase all the numbers on the board after completion. The grid, being permanent, makes this a re-useable surface as the grid would not be removed. The board can be made in various sizes, giving the player more options. The purpose of the game board is to provide a surface for Sudoku puzzles to be worked in a re-useable and more convenient format.

Hunt, Barbara Lynne (Lander, WY, US)

11/581590

07/03/2008

12/29/2006

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WONG, STEVEN B

Barbara Hunt (Lander, WY, US)

1. Sudoku puzzles are currently being published, but having an erasable Sudoku board creates a new medium on which to work the puzzles, and with different sizes of boards the player is no longer restricted to the small puzzle on paper. The particular aspect of the invention that is new and different comprises using an erasable surface with a permanent Sudoku grid on it. This surface can vary and includes, but is not limited to, erasable white boards and slates, with markers suitable to the surface, and could include a means for erasing. The board can be made in a variety of sizes. Traditionally, Sudoku puzzles have squares in the grid, but here other shapes (i.e. rectangles) will also work. It is this erasable surface with a permanent Sudoku grid that I wish to market or license.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

There was an incomplete nonprovisional application Ser. No. 11/581,590 with date of Oct. 17, 2006. The accompanying letter, dated Nov. 3, 2006 directed me to re-submit my claim in this form. I am also enclosing a copy of that letter, as directed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention is recreational, for use by Sudoku puzzle fans. There are many books of Sudoku puzzles, but not a game board that would facilitate doing the puzzles in the way the erasable boards do. Sudoku puzzles are number puzzles in which the player is given certain numbers, then must fill in the blanks with numerals 1-9 so that each column, each row, and each box contains all 9 numbers. Sudoku puzzles are generally small in size making it difficult to make extra notations. Also, when errors are made they are generally difficult to erase.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is an erasable surface with a permanent Sudoku grid. The grid is 3×3 squares (or rectangles) replicated permanently on the board. Each part of this grid is then sub-divided into 3×3 in another way (i.e. different colors). This would allow the player to write in the “given” numbers of any Sudoku puzzle, then work the puzzle in a different color. The two main advantages are that the player can have a larger working surface, and that numbers can be written in or erased very easily.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

There is only one page, with a single drawing, showing an example of what the Sudoku game board could look like—this one being a variation of my first game board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

I made the invention using a white-erase board, that is currently available at many stores. Using permanent color markers I drew on a large grid of 3 rectangles across and 3 rectangles down. Then I used a different permanent marker and subdivided each of those into 3×3 rectangles. I could have used squares just as easily. When I purchased the white-erase board I also purchased erasable marking pens to use on the board.

Sudoku puzzles are published in books, in newspapers and are available on line. But they are usually small and often difficult to erase when an error occurs. The Sudoku Board can be larger in size, making it easier to make small notations, as well as to write in the number solutions to the puzzle. The Sudoku Board has an erasable surface so numbers wipe off easily, whether from error or when the player finishes the game and clears the board.

The invention is easily made and easily marketed. Any manufacturer of the current erase boards can add the permanent grid to what they already do. To make the product complete just include a couple of markers and a small eraser.