U.S. patent application number 12/757482 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-02 for game board apparatus.
Invention is credited to Thomas M. Ellis.
Application Number | 20100301553 12/757482 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43219335 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100301553 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ellis; Thomas M. |
December 2, 2010 |
GAME BOARD APPARATUS
Abstract
A game board apparatus exhibiting a playing field for supporting
thereupon a movable object introduced at a launch area located at
one end of the playing field. A target area is positioned at a
further location of the playing field for receiving the object. One
or more obstacles are further located between the launch and target
area and which are configured to modify a direction of travel of
the object, such as to eliminate any linear path from the launch
area to the target area, thus necessitating that the objects
instead move along paths dictated by the obstacle(s) in order to
reach the target area from the launch area.
Inventors: |
Ellis; Thomas M.; (Saint
Clair Shores, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GIFFORD, KRASS, SPRINKLE,ANDERSON & CITKOWSKI, P.C
PO BOX 7021
TROY
MI
48007-7021
US
|
Family ID: |
43219335 |
Appl. No.: |
12/757482 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61216865 |
May 26, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/127R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2007/0011 20130101;
A63F 7/00 20130101; A63F 2007/3637 20130101; A63F 2007/364
20130101; A63F 2007/3005 20130101; A63F 2007/3633 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/127.R |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A game board apparatus, comprising: a body exhibiting a playing
field for supporting thereupon a movable object introduced at a
launch area located at one end of said playing field; a target area
at a further location of the playing field for receiving the object
from said launch area; and at least one obstacle located between
said launch and target areas and configured to modify a direction
of travel of said object in order to reach said target area.
2. The game board apparatus according to claim 1, said movable
object further comprising a ball.
3. The game board apparatus according to claim 1, said obstacle
further comprising a concave depression through which said movable
object must travel to reach said target area.
4. The game board apparatus according to claim 1, said obstacle
further comprising a convex mound over which said movable object
must travel to reach said target area.
5. The game board apparatus according to claim 1, said obstacle
further comprising at least one of a curved or undulating pattern
over which said movable object must travel to reach said target
area.
6. The game board apparatus according to claim 1, said target area
further comprising a plurality of pockets for receiving said
movable object.
7. The game board apparatus according to claim 1, said body further
comprising a ramp located at said launch area for initiating
movement of said movable object toward said obstacles and said
target area.
8. The game board apparatus according claim 1, further comprising a
cue stick for initiating movement of said movable object toward
said obstacle and said target area.
9. A board game apparatus comprising: a playing field, and a
traveler for moving along said playing field, said playing field
having a launch area at one end for launching said traveler; a
target area at an opposite end of said playing field, said target
area having a plurality of pockets for receiving said traveler that
is launched from said playing field, and a curved obstacle between
said launch area and said target area, wherein said curved obstacle
eliminates any linear path from said launch area to any pocket of
said plurality of pockets so that said traveler must move along
said obstacle to reach any pocket of said plurality of pockets from
said launch area.
10. The board game apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said
traveler is a roller or a ball that rolls along said playing field
to land in one of said plurality of pockets in said target area and
said curved obstacle is at least one concave depression or at least
one convex mound.
11. The board game apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said
launch area includes a ramp for launching said traveler.
12. The board game apparatus according to claim 9, further
comprising a stick.
13. A playing field game board apparatus comprising; a starting
area at an end of said playing field; a target area at an opposite
end of said playing field including a plurality of scoring pockets;
an obstacle situated between said starting area and said target
area, said obstacle containing a plurality of smoothed depressions
for restricting any linear path exhibited by said a ball from said
starting area to said target area; and said ball, upon being
launched from said starting area, being configured to pass through
one of said plurality of smoothed depressions within said obstacle
and in order to land in one of said plurality of scoring
pockets.
14. The playing field game board apparatus according to claim 13
wherein said launch area includes a ramp for launching said
traveler.
15. The playing field game board apparatus according to claim 13,
further comprising a stick.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application 61/216,865 filed on May 26, 2009.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a game board apparatus
exhibiting a playing field and a movable object rolling along the
field between a launch end and a target area with one or more
obstacles positioned there between to prevent linear travel of the
object and to encourage travel along a direction influenced by any
one or more of the obstacles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Nowadays, video games are one of the most popular forms of
gaming device amongst teens and young adults. While the games are
entertaining for a solo player, there is a lack when it comes to
face-to-face human interactions. The classic board games which
promote competition and camaraderie with friends and family are not
lost. Friends and families alike still enjoy the Saturday game
night or great Thursday bowling league. Humans thrive with personal
interactions, and search for new ways to keep the fun alive.
[0004] In the search for personal interactions and overall fun,
people like to be challenged and seek games of skill for this
purpose. Many board games leave the outcome to chance, requiring
merely the roll of the dice or the roll of a ball that deflects off
a peg in an advantageous manner. These games, although they can be
fun, do not require the technical skill and technique that most
people enjoy.
[0005] Games like bowling or shuffle board provide the aspects of
fun and technical skill to entertain numerous players. These games
allow the player to send a ball or disk across a playing surface to
strategically either knock down pins or land at a desired location.
While these particular games are fun, another element of skill
could be added to increase the enjoyment. Thus there is a need to a
game which not only sends a ball or a disk across a playing field
but also includes a more challenging aspect to stimulate fun and
excitement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention discloses a game board apparatus which
is configured to increase the technical skill and technique
required by players. A playing field is provided and exhibits a
launch area at one end for launching a movable object, such as a
ball. A target area is configured at a generally opposite end of
the playing field for receiving the moveable object introduced from
the launch area.
[0007] One or more obstacles are positioned between the launch area
and target area, each of which being configured to eliminate any
linear path of the movable object from the launch area to the
target area, such that the movable object must move along a
direction influenced by the obstacle(s) in order to reach the
target area. The obstacle(s) each include at least one curved
surface over which the movable object must travel to reach the
target area. The target area may include a plurality of pockets to
receive the movable object after it moves from the launch area and
past the obstacle(s).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when
read in combination with the following detailed description,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views, and in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a game board
apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of the game board apparatus taken
along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and illustrating a concave shaped
obstacle;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an alternative sectional view of a game board
apparatus similar to that shown in FIG. 2 and depicting a convex
shaped obstacle;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a game
board incorporating a stick for initiating travel of an object;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a cutaway view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 and
illustrating a side profile of the playing field;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a further cutaway view taken along line 6-6 of
FIG. 4 and illustrating a widthwise established undulating pattern
exhibited by the a pair of obstacles;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a further cutaway view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 4 and showing the obstacles to exhibit rounded or smoothed
edges for facilitating movement of the object along the playing
field surface;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a top view of a third embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0017] FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8
and illustrating in side profile the features of the apparatus
which also include a return chute and collection pocket located
approximate a launch ramp.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] With reference now to the drawings, similar reference
characters denote similar elements throughout several views.
Referring to FIG. 1, a top view of a game board is generally
illustrated at 100 and which depicts a playing field 101. Without
limitation as depicted throughout the several illustrated
embodiments, as well as is further contemplated by additional
embodiments envisioned but not shown, the playing field 101 can
include any three dimensional playing surface (also contemplated to
include a flat surface with concave depressions or convex
protrusions as given locations) and which may be surrounded on all
sides by an interconnecting perimeter or wall 102. The perimeter
defining wall 102 can further include the provision of a bumper
103.
[0019] The game board 100 may be constructed to sit upon a table or
it may be constructed to have supporting legs that are already
attached. The game board 100 may exhibit any desired size or
dimension and, in one non-limiting variant, may be of the standard
size exhibiting 3' by 6', such as depending on a particular
construction for the players' needs or desires. Also, the game
board 100 may be constructed from any desired material not limited
to any of wood, vacuum formed plastic, molded fiberglass, or any
composite material which would be understood may someone skilled in
the art to withstand normal game play. The playing field 101 may be
covered adhesively with a felt like material.
[0020] A starting or launch area or section 104 is located at a
generally first end of the playing field 101, at which point a user
(not shown) introduces any type of movable object, identified
herein as a traveler 106 and such as which is generally understood
to include any type of rollable or traversable object exhibiting
any curved/arcuate/rounded consistency such as further a suitably
dimensioned ball in order to encourage traverse across the playing
field 101. Without limitation, the movable object may also be
configured as any of a puck, disc or other shape which may allow it
to glide or displace in some desired fashion along the playing
field 101.
[0021] A line 105 is referenced in FIG. 1 and which may indicate a
boundary established between the launching area 104 and a main area
of the playing field 101. A target area 108 is generally located at
a point upon the playing field 101 proximate an opposite end with
respect to the launching area 104. As further shown in FIG. 1, an
obstacle 107 is depicted at a generally midpoint location of the
playing field 101 between the launching area 104 and the target
area 108. Without limitation, the obstacle 107 may include one or
more curved surfaces the configuration of which may obstruct any
otherwise linear path favored by travel of the traveler 106 such as
upon an otherwise flat or level surface from the launching area 104
to the target area 107.
[0022] In other words, when the ball 106 starts moving at the
launch area 104 and subsequently along the playing field 101, it
must pass through the obstacle 107 in order to reach the target
area 107. The dotted line on FIG. 1 illustrates the path of
movement for the traveler 106 along the playing field 101 to the
target area 108.
[0023] In use, and while playing the game, associated game rules
prohibit the player from contact with the traveler 106 after it
passes the line 105, thus leaving the launching area 104. The skill
involved comes in how the player pushes the traveler 106 so that it
rolls strategically along the playing field 101. The angle, speed
and spin that the player may add to the traveler 106, all effect
how the traveler 106 will move across the obstacle 107 and if the
traveler 106 will reach the target area 108.
[0024] Referring to the cutaway of FIG. 2, a section of the game
board 100 is shown. The wall 102 is shown with the bumper 103
attached. The bumper 103 allows for the traveler 106 to be
deflected from the wall 102 and move in another direction along the
playing field 101. A variation of the obstacle is further depicted
generally at 107a as a concave or depression shaping within the
playing field 101. The obstacle 107a may allow the traveler 106 to
roll into the concave and subsequently roll out (such as again in a
manner so that any previous direction of travel is modified).
[0025] In use, and if the player does not exert an adequate degree
of force to roll the traveler 106, then the traveler 106 may remain
within the concave of obstacle 107a. The traveler 106 may also roll
into the target area 108 after rolling through the concave obstacle
107a. A leg 108 may be constructed under the board game 100 to
either place the game board 100 upon a table or allow the game
board 100 to stand on its own.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, an alternative sectional view is shown
of the game board 100. The obstacle is further depicted at 107b
illustrated as a convexed obstacle, mound or bulge over which the
traveler 106 may roll or otherwise traverse. With this
alternatively configured obstacle 107b, the player must use enough
force to roll the traveler 106 over the mound 107b or the traveler
106 will return to the player at the launching area 104. If the
traveler 106 has enough force then it may roll beyond the obstacle
107b and into the target area 108. Once again, a leg 109 may be
constructed under the board game 100 to either place the game board
100 upon a table or allow the game board 100 to stand on its
own.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 4 a top view of an alternative
embodiment of the game board 200 is shown. A playing field 201 may
be surrounded on three sides by an interconnecting perimeter or
wall 202 which may again include a bumper 203. One or more sides of
the game board 200 can be configured with either a modified
dimensioned wall 202, and such as which may be located at one end
of the elongated portion of the game board 200 which may contain a
shortened wall 204 without a bumper.
[0028] Adjacent to the shortened wall (such as located at an
introduction or launch area) may be a trough or tray 205. Adjacent
to the trough 205 may be located a suitably configured launch area
206 specific to this variant. The launch area 206 is again where a
traveler 207 (similar in respects to that previously depicted in
FIGS. 1-3 at 106) may start rolling. The traveler 207 may be struck
by a stick 208 to start movement. The stick 208 may be a cue stick,
mallet or other device to strike the traveler to initiate
movement.
[0029] In a generally central or mid portion of the playing field
are illustrated one or more obstacles 209a, 209b and 210. The
obstacles 209a, 209b, and 210 (without limitation) may be shaped as
concaved depressions or mounds which may allow the traveler 207 to
travel across them easily. The obstacles 209a, 209b, and 210 may be
situated directly adjacent to each other (as generally
illustrated), may be reconfigured so as to exhibit a partially
overlapping pattern such as to enhance a difficulty level of the
playing field 201 or may be spaced apart.
[0030] A target area may be located on an opposite side of the
obstacles 209a, 209b and 210 relative the launch area 206. As
shown, the target area may contain a plurality of pockets 211a,
211b, 212a, 212b, 213a, 213b and 214 such as which are depicted
without limitation in a generally "U" shaped or winding perimeter
around and behind a largest rear obstacle 210. Each pocket in the
plurality of pockets 211a, 211b, 212a, 212b, 213a, 213b and 214 may
be shallow enough for the traveler 107 to rest, yet easy enough for
a second traveler (not shown) to knock it out of the pocket.
According to a desired game play rule, each pocket 211a, 211b,
212a, 212b, 213a, 213b and 214 may represent a different numeric
value, such that the player may earn points represented by the
assigned numeric value when the traveler 207 is caused to rest
within the corresponding pocket. Multiple travelers may be used to
correspond with the number of players or with the number of rolls
or turns that each player may have. When a traveler 207 is not in
use, it may be stored in the trough 205.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 5 a diagram illustrating the sectional
view through the center of the game board along the line 5-5 of the
game board 200 of an alternative embodiment of the present
invention is shown. A playing field 201 as depicted in this variant
may encompass a majority if not all of the game board 200. A
perimeter extending wall 202 may again incorporate a bumper 203
which may be configured along an inside portion of the wall 202. As
further shown, FIG. 5 illustrates the shortened wall 204 shown
across an inlet/launch area and which may be dimensioned as
necessary so that the stick 208 may have sufficient clearance to
strike the traveler 207 to initiate movement.
[0032] The proximately located trough 205 is also depicted as lower
than the playing field 201 such as in to hold or store one or more
traveler 207. The obstacle 210 is shown as a concave shape in side
cutaway, but is again understood as capable of being reconfigured
so to exhibit any desired convex mound or bulge shaping. The
selected pocket 214 illustrated depicts how each of the pockets
211a, 211b, 212a, 212b, 213a, 213b and 214 may be dimensioned so as
to be deep enough for the traveler 207 to come to rest, the pockets
further being configured according to the desired rules of play to
be shallow enough for another traveler to knock an initially
positioned traveler out of place, as well as bump such a traveler
into another pocket or move it back into one of the obstacles 209a,
209b or 210. Table legs 215a and 215b may be utilized as shown in
FIG. 5 to allow the game board 200 to stand on its own or on top of
a table.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 6, a sectional view is shown along line
6-6 taken form FIG. 4 of a game board according to a slightly
modified alternative embodiment and which includes obstacles
depicted at 209a and 209b which may be constructed to have rounded
or smoothed edges (also understood to encompass a generally
undulating or wave-like pattern) so as to allow the traveler 207 to
roll or glide easily along the surface of the playing field 201.
The obstacles 209a and 209b may be situated directly adjacent to
each other (as shown) or they may have some space between them.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 7 the sectional view through an
alternative embodiment of the game board 200 along the line 7-7 is
shown. The obstacles 209b and 210 may have rounded or smooth edges
to allow the traveler 207 to easily move along the surface of the
playing field 201. The obstacles 209b and 210 may be situated
directly adjacent to each other (as shown) or there may be some
space between them. The pocket 213a may be smaller and shallower
than the obstacles 209b and 210.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 8, a top plan view is shown of a diagram
illustrating a third embodiment of a game board 300. This
embodiment is similarly designed like the second embodiment of the
game board 200, wherein there may be a playing field 301,
surrounded on three sides by a wall 302 with a bumper 303. There
may again be a start or launch area 304 wherein the traveler (as
previously depicted at either 106 or 207) may start movement.
[0036] Also depicted are three obstacles 305a, 305b and 307 which
may each be constructed as a concave or smoothed depression or a
convex mound or bulge. The obstacles 305a, 305b and 307 may also
contain centrally located holes as respectively shown at 306a, 306b
and 308. The holes 306a, 306b and 308 may be dimensioned wide
enough to allow the traveler to fit through easily after rolling
into a selected and associated obstacle 305a, 305b or 307.
[0037] The target area may be located on the opposite side of the
obstacles 305a and 305b from the launch area 304, and may or may
not include the obstacle 307. The target area may further include a
plurality of pockets shown at 309a, 309b, 310a, 310b, 311a, 311b
and 312. Numerical values may be assigned to specific pockets 309a,
309b, 310a, 310b, 311a, 311b or 312, with the numerical values
corresponding to point values while playing the game. A tray 313
may collect or store the travelers, and may be constructed adjacent
to the start or launch area 304.
[0038] Referring finally to FIG. 9 a sectional view is shown taken
along line 9-9 of FIG. 8 and depicting a further desired embodiment
of game board 300. Similar to the game board 200, the game board
300 may contain a playing field 301, which may be surrounded on
three sides by a wall 302 with a bumper 303. The game board 300 may
also contain a leg or support 316. The concave shaped obstacle
shown at 307 may be larger in width and depth than the pocket
312.
[0039] The hole 308 may be suitably dimensioned to allow the
traveler to fall through the playing field 301 and land into a
chute 315. As shown, the chute 315 may guide the traveler to roll
under the playing field 301 and into the tray 313, which may again
collect or store multiple travelers. FIG. 9 also illustrates the
ramp 314 which may initiate movement of the traveler on the playing
field 301. The ramp 314 may have a height of varying degree which
corresponds to the length of the game board 300 and the starting
area 304.
[0040] According to one non-limiting variant of game play, a player
may roll the traveler down the ramp 314, through one or more of the
obstacles 305a, 305b and 307 and into a hole 306a, 306b or 308 or
into one of the pockets 309a, 309b, 310a, 310b, 311a, 311b or 312
in the target area. The skill of the player in deciding the angle,
speed and spin of the traveler may help them to maneuver the
traveler along the playing field 301.
[0041] Multiple travelers may be used, and various colors may be
assigned to the travelers for various players. The numerical values
assigned to the pockets 309a, 309b, 310a, 310b, 311a, 311b and 312
may represent point values which may be added as a score for the
player(s). Once the traveler of one player rolls into a pocket
309a, 309b, 310a, 310b, 311a, 311b or 312, another traveler may
knock out or remove the first traveler from the pocket 309a, 309b,
310a, 310b, 311a, 311b or 312. The removed traveler may then either
roll into another pocket 309a, 309b, 310a, 310b, 311a, 311b or 312
or into an obstacle 305a, 305b or 307. If the traveler rolls into
the obstacle 305a, 305b or 307, it may be returned to the tray 313
by means of the chute 315. After the traveler returns to the tray
313, it may be rolled during the present game or held until a new
game is started.
[0042] Having described my invention, other and additional
preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the
art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of
the appended claims.
* * * * *