Game Device For Converting A Container Into A Wirelessly Connected Game Figure

Abstract

A game device for converting a container into a game figure to simulate an interactive game includes a container cover, a sensor, and a transmitter. The container cover is removably attached to the container and has the shape of the game figure. The sensor is disposed relative to the container cover and is configured to (i) detect interaction of a game object with at least one of the container and the container cover and (ii) generate a signal in response to the detection. The transmitter is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, and to wirelessly transmit the signal to at least one sensory feedback device to provide sensory feedback to a user. A game system includes the game device, a wirelessly connected sensory feedback device, a computer, and software executing on the computer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A game device for converting a container into a game figure to simulate an interactive game, comprising:
 a container cover removably attached to the container and having the shape of the game figure;   a sensor disposed relative to the container cover and configured to (I) detect interaction of a game object with at least one of the container and the container cover and (ii) generate a signal in response to the detection; and   a transmitter configured to receive the signal from the sensor and wirelessly transmit the signal to at least one sensory feedback device to provide sensory feedback to a user.   
     
     
         2 . The game device of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor generates the signal in response to at least one of a motion and a force caused by the user. 
     
     
         3 . The game device of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to detect a proximity of the game object relative to the container cover. 
     
     
         4 . The game device of  claim 3 , wherein the game object includes an identifier, and the sensor is configured to detect a proximity of the identifier relative to the container cover. 
     
     
         5 . The game device of  claim 4 , wherein the identifier is an RFID tag. 
     
     
         6 . The game device of  claim 5 , wherein the game object is a ball. 
     
     
         7 . The game device of  claim 1 , wherein the transmitter transmits the signal received from the sensor according to Bluetooth protocol. 
     
     
         8 . The game device of  claim 1 , wherein the container cover includes a headboard and at least one wrap. 
     
     
         9 . The game device of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one wrap includes (i) an upper appendage wrap representing arms of the game figure and (ii) a lower appendage wrap representing legs of the game figure. 
     
     
         10 . A game system, comprising:
 a game device for converting a container into a game figure to simulate an interactive game, including:
 a container cover removably attached to the container and having the shape of the game figure; 
 a sensor disposed relative to the container cover and configured to (i) detect interaction of a game object with at least one of the container and the container cover and (ii) generate a signal in response to the detection; 
 a transmitter configured to receive the signal from the sensor and wirelessly transmit the signal; 
   a sensory feedback device configured to receive the signal from the transmitter and convert the signal into a sensory stimulus that provides feedback to a user;   a computer in communication with the sensory feedback device and configured to receive the signal from the transmitter; and   software executing on the computer for receiving the signal from the transmitter and for sending a command to the sensory feedback device to change a setting thereof.   
     
     
         11 . The game system of  claim 10 , wherein the sensory feedback device is an audio speaker. 
     
     
         12 . The game system of  claim 11 , wherein the sensory feedback device is connectable with the game device via Bluetooth. 
     
     
         13 . The game system of  claim 10 , wherein the computer is a smartphone or tablet wirelessly connected to the game device to permit data communication therebetween; and
 wherein the computer is configured to run an application that provides a user interface for data communication with the game device.   
     
     
         14 . The game system of  claim 10 , wherein the sensory feedback device is an audio speaker of the computer. 
     
     
         15 . The game system of  claim 10 , wherein the game device is a first game device and the game system further comprises at least one second game device;
 wherein the first game device is wirelessly connected with the at least one second game device for data communication therebetween.   
     
     
         16 . The game system of  claim 10 , wherein the computer is a first computer and the game system further comprises at least one second computer;
 wherein the first computer is wirelessly connected with the at least one second computer for data communication therebetween.   
     
     
         17 . The game system of  claim 10 , wherein the computer is configured to send a command to the sensory feedback device to change a setting of the sensory feedback device. 
     
     
         18 . The game system of  claim 17 , wherein the setting is a selection of a selection of a pre-recorded audio file from a database storing a plurality of a pre-recorded audio files.