GB2187106A

GB2187106A - Game apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2187106A
Application number: GB08702232A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael David Grabsky
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-02-28
Filing date: 1987-02-02
Publication date: 1987-09-03
Also published as: GB8702232D0; GB8605045D0

Abstract

Game apparatus comprising a playing board (4), a first set of sliding playing pieces for a first player or a first team, a second set of sliding playing pieces for a second player or a second team, a common sliding playing piece for use by all players, and a striker, the playing board being such that it is not foldable, has four straight sides defining a square playing surface, and is made of a rigid material, the playing board (4) having a pocket (10) in each of its four corner areas, the sides (6) being raised to contain the first and the second sets of playing pieces, the common playing piece and the striker during use of the game apparatus, the playing surface being provided adjacent each of its sides with a plurality of spaced apart firing compartments (12) from which the striker is struck during use of the game by the players using their fingers or their thumbs to flick the striker, and the playing surface being a smooth polished surface for facilitating the travel of the striker. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Game apparatus This invention relates to game apparatus.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide game apparatus which employssimilarskillsto snooker or pool and in which the players need to develop tactics and a good eye.

Accordingly, this invention provides game apparatus comprising a playing board, a first set of playing pieces for a first player or a first team, a second set of playing pieces for a second player or a second team, a common playing piece for use by all players, and a striker, the playing board being such that it is notfoldable, has four straight sides defining a square playing surface, and is made of a rigid material,the playing board having a pocket in each of its fourcorner areas, the sides being raised to contain the first and the second sets of playing pieces, the common playing piece and the striker during use ofthe game apparatus, the playing surface being provided adjacent each of its sides with a plurality of spaced apart firing compartments from which the striker is struck during useofthe game bythe players using theirfingers orthumbsto flickthe striker, and the playing surface being a smooth polished surface forfacilitatingthetravel ofthestriker.

As will be described in more detail hereinbelow, the players use the striker to knock their playing pieces into the pockets. The rules ofthe game can be varied and, according tothe rules,the common playing piece can be pocketed at various times. The players need to develop planning, subtlety and a good eye in order to become competent at using the game apparatus. The game apparatus is such that it is able to hold the attention of all the players.

Preferably, the playing surface is provided along each of its sides with a plurality of marker linesfor assisting in helping the playerstojudgewherealong the side the striker should hit in orderto rebound in a desired direction.

Preferably, the game apparatus is such that the fir ing compartments are in the form of circles. Thefir- ing compartments may however be in the form of othershapes such for example as squares, re- ctangles ortriangles.

There may be five firing compartments along each side of the playing surface, the five firing compartments being so disposed that the third firing compartment is at the middle of its side of the playing surface with the first and the second firing compartments and the fourth and the fifth firing compartments being symmetrically disposed on either side.

If desired, the game apparatus may havethreefiring compartments or more than five firing compartments.

The pockets may be positioned inwardly of the sides ofthe playing board. Alternatively, the pockets may be positioned in line with the sides of the playing board so that they interruptthe sides of the playing board.

Usually, the pockets will be closed by nets. Other arrangements may however be employed.

Preferably, the polished surface is formed as a lacquered or varnished surface. Where the playing board is made of wood, the surface of the playing board can be produced to be very polished and slippery. In addition,the polished surface ofthewood looks particularly attractive. If desired, however, the playing board can be made of other materials.

Usually, the first and the second sets of playing pieces, the common playing piece and the strikerwill all be discs. Preferably, the striker is larger than the common playing piece.

Also preferably, the common playing piece is the same size as the playing pieces in the first and the second sets of playing pieces.

The common playing piece may be coloured green. The striker may be coloured white. The playing pieces in the first set of playing pieces may be coloured red,whilstthe playing pieces in the second set of playing pieces may be coloured black. Other colours may of course be employed.

Advantageously, the playing board is provided withacentredesignwhich indicateshowthefirst and the second sets of playing pieces and the common playing piece are to besetupatthestartof a game using the game apparatus.

Preferably, the centre design is composed of straight lines and circles, the circles being forthe first and the second nets of playing pieces, with a centre circle being for the common playing piece.

The game apparatus may include a frame for setting up the first and the second sets of playing pieces and the common playing piece in the start position.

The game apparatus may include a protector device for protecting the fingers and/orthethumbs of the players, in case the players should getsorefingers or thumb from flicking the striker.

Preferably, the playing surface is such that it is eitehr 72,58 or 64 cm from side to side. The playing surface can thus be such that the game apparatus is in two sizes.

The game apparatus may include legs. In this case the game apparatus will then be free-standing. The game apparatus may also advantageously not have legs so that it can be easily rested on any existing horizontal surface such for example as an existing table in the home.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure lisa top plan view of the playing board; Figure2 is a top plan view of the playing board but without the design shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the playing board; Figure 4 is an end view of the playing board shown in Figure3; Figure 5is a section through the playing board shown in Figure3; Figure 6shows in more detail the centre part ofthe design shown in Figure 1; Figure 7shows a design like that shown in Figure 6 except that different drawing lines have been accentuated; Figure 8 is a top plan view of another playing board; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the playing board shown in Figure 8;; Figure 10 is an end view of the playing board shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a section through the playing board shown in Figure 9; Figure 12 shows one ofthe playing pieces in a first set of playing pieces; Figure 13 shows one ofthe playing pieces in a second set of playing pieces; Figure 14shows the common playing piece; and Figure 75shows the striker.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown game apparatus 2 comprising a playing board 4. The playing board 4 is such that it is not foldable. The playing board 4 has four straight sides 6 which define a square playing surface 8. The playing surface 8 is provided with the pattern shown in Figure 1. The playing board 4 is made of wood which is a rigid material.

The playing board 4 has a pocket 10 in each of its four corner areas as shown. The sides 6 are raised as shown in Figures 3 and 5.

The playing surface 8 is provided adjacent each of the sides 6 with five circular firing compartments 12.

The playing surface 8 is also provided along each ofthe sides with a plurality of marker lines 14 as shown.

The playing surface 8 is a smooth polished surface.

This smooth polished surface is preferably formed as a lacquered or a varnished surface.

Referring momentarily to Figures 12to 15, there is shown in Figure 12 a playing piece in the form of a disc 16 forming part of a first set of playing pieces.

There is shown in Figure 13 a playing piece in the form of a disc 18 forming part of a second set of playing pieces. There is shown in Figure 14 a common playing piece in the form of a disc 20, and there is shown in Figure 15 a striker in the form of a disc 22.

There are nine discs 16 in the first set of playing pieces, and there are nine discs 18 in the second set of playing pieces. There is one disc 20 and there is one disc 22.

Referring nowbackto Figures 1 to 5,the disc 22 which is the striker disc can be placed on any one of the firing compartments 12 shown in Figure 1.The disc22will be struck during use of the game apparatus 2 by players using their fingers orthumbsto flickthe striker. The game apparatus 2 may be used by two opposing players ortwo opposing teams.

The disc22 is used to knock the discs 16, 18,20 into the pockets 10 as will be described hereinbelow in more detail. The marker lines 14 are for assisting in helping the players to judge where along the sides 6 thedisc22should hitinorderto rebound in adesired direction.

Figures 3 and 4 illustratethatthe pockets 10 are closed by nets 24.

In orderforthe disc 22 easily to be able knockthe discs 16, 18,20 into the pockets 10, the disc 22 is largerthanthe discs 16,18,20 as will be seen from Figures 12to 15. The discs 16,18,20 are all the same size.

The centre ofthe playing surface 8 includes a centre design 26 which indicates how the discs 16, 18,20 are to be set up. The precise design of the centre design 26 is shown in Figures 6 and 7. It will be seen that the centre design 26 is composed of straight lines and circles. The circles are for receiving the playing pieces 16,18 in the first and the second sets of playing pieces respectively, exceptforthe centre circle 28 which is for receiving the disc 20. In Figure 6, the straight lines are heavierthan the lines of the circles, whilst in Figure 7, thestraight lines are lighterthan the lines ofthe circles.

Itwill be seen from Figures 1,2 and 3thatthe pockets 10 do not interruptthe sides 6. In the alternative playing board4shown in Figures8to 1 1,the pockets 10 interruptthe sides 6 and it will be seen thatthey are formed like snookertable pockets with a support portion 30.

The playing board 4 shown in Figures 8 to 11 has the same surface pattern as that shown in Figure 1.

The sides 6 ofthe playing board 4 shown in Figures 8 to 11 are formed slightly differently from the playing board4shown in Figures 1 to5ascan beseenby comparing Figures 5 and 11.

Preferably, the discs 16 are red discs, the discs 18 are black discs, the disc 20 is a green disc and the larger disc 22 is a white disc. Other colours may obviously be employed if desired.

The general rules of the game showing how the game apparatus 2 may be used will now be given to further illustratethe invention.

(1) BriefDescription The game employs similar skills to snooker or pool. To masterthe game, one needs cunning, subtlety and a good eye, which takes practice.

Apart from the playing board 4, there are nine discs 16, nine discs 18, one disc 20 and one disc 22.

(2) Before Playing Because of the special low-friction playing surface 8 used in the game apparatus 2, one must ensure that it is kept free from dust and periodically rubbed down with a wax polish. It is also advisabie periodically to polish the striker disc 22 during playto remove static and dust. By caring and maintaining the playing board 4 in this way, the amount of enjoyment obtained from the game can be increased.

(3) Flicking Technique The striker disc 22 is propelled forward by flicking it with the forefinger. It must not be pushed and the hand must remain stationary after the shot.

The striker disc 22 can alternatively be fiicked backwards by using the thumb and forefinger.

It is important to note that no part of your body must overlap the two lines 32 that extend from the two pockets 10 on your right and left.

(4) Basic Aims To set up the playing pieces, the disc 20 is placed on the centre circle 28 of the playing board 4 and the red and black playing pieces 16,18 are arranged around it in the other circles on the centre design 26.

The player who has been elected to "break" the pieces, places the striker in one oftheirfive firing compartments 12 and - either by a direct or indirect shot - attempts to "pocket" a disc 16 or 18. Alternatively the players can merely try and position the pieces in a more favourable position.

Should the players pocket a piece, they then play that particularcolourforthe duration ofthe game. (If they pocket one or more of each colour, the player that did the pocketing then decides which colour he orshewill play.) Theplayerthen replacesthestrikerdisc22 in one oftheirfiring circles and again attempts to pocket one oftheir pieces. This continues until they are unsuccessful or commit a foul. (See Penalty Section.) Players must allowthe striker disc 22to cometo restbefore replacing itinafiring compartmentl2.

A player may not use any firing compartment 12 which is in any way partially obstructed by a piece.

Play then reverts to the opposing playerwho sim ilarly attempts to pocket their pieces. Either player may electto rebound the striker disc 22 off any ofthe sides 6 before striking a piece. There is no penalty for hitting an opponent's piece orthe disc 20 before hitting your own.

(5) The Common Disc 20 The disc20 can be pocketed at any time during the game and playcontinuesuntiltheplayerfailsto pocket one oftheir pieces, at which time the opposing player replaces the disc 20 in the centre circle 28.

If they are not able to do this because another piece is obstructing the centre circle 28, they place it as near as possible at their discretion (see Forfeiture of Pieces).

(6) Winning the Game To win the game a player having pocketed eight of their nine discs 16 or 18 attempts to pocketthe disc 20 and, if successful, must then pocket their last disc l6orl8onthenextshot.

If they are unsuccessful, the disc 20 is replaced in the centre circle 28 and play reverts to the opponent.

If however a player pockets the disc 20 and then, whilstattempting to pockettheir last dise 16 or 18to win the game, pockets instead their opponent's disc 16or18,theylosethegame.

(7) Pocketing last Piece lfa player pockets their last disc 16 or 18whilst trying to pocket the disc 20, (or otherwise), then their turn ends and the opposing player replaces that piece in the centre.

If a player pockets their opponent's last disc 16 or 18, then again their turn ends and the opposing player replaces that piece in the centre. This can sometimes be a good tactical move.

Fouls and Penalties (8) Forfeiture ofPiece(s) If a player has to replace a piece in the centre then they must place it either in the centre or, if another piece is obstructing it, as near as possible. Ifthis means there are more than one possible place it could go then the player places it to their advantage.

If two or more pieces are to be replaced then, obeying the above rules, they can do this in the most advantageous way.

(9) Pocketing the Striker Disc If at any time a player pockets the striker disc 22, their turn ends and one of their pieces that they have already pocketed is forfeited. If they have yet to pocket a piece, then they are said to "owe one" and must forfeit the first piece they pocket.

If a player pockets one of their pieces and the striker disc 22, they just replace the pocketed piece and theirturn ends.

If a player pockets one of their opponent's pieces and the striker disc 22, then the piece remains pocketed and the player forfeits a piece.

(10) Pocketing Opponent's Piece If a player pockets an opponent's piece, theirturn ends buttheyforfeit no piece and incur no penalty.

(11) Piece Off the Board If a player hits one of their pieces offthe board then that piece plus a previously pocketed piece are forfei- ted and are both replaced by the opposing player.

The sides 6 are raised so as normally to contain the pieces.

(12) Disturbing a Piece If a player accidentally moves any piece before theirturn,they forfeit a piece and lose that turn. If the incident occurs aftertheirturn, then they just forfeit a piece.

(13) GuideLines The marker lines 14 around the outside ofthe playing surface 8 are known as "Guide Lines" and are used when attempting a rebound shot.

(14) FourPlayers If playing with four persons, then players sitting opposite each other are in the same team. Play continues clockwise around the board. Players can discuss which pieces to go for as some will be easierfor one player than their partner.

(15) Alternative Games For Beginners To make the game shorter and easier one can change the winning procedure to enable a player to win merely by pocketing their nine pieces 16 or 18 and then the disc 20.

For Experienced Players By disallowing the backwards thumb shot, the game can be made much more demanding and tactical, especially towards the end ofthe game when players can deliberately position their opponent's pieces behind their firing compartments 12.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiment ofthe invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected.

Thus, for example, the playing surface 8 may be provided with three or morethan fivefiring compartments 12, and the pockets 10 may be of a different construction to that illustrated. Also the game apparatus 2 may be provided with legs so that it is free standing. Where legs are employed, they may be arranged one at each corner of the playing board 4, or a splayed leg arrangement extending from the centre ofthe playing board may be employed. The legs may be of any desired height to suitvarious chair heights so thatthe game apparatus 2 with legs may form various types of tables such for example as a coffee table. Various types of legs such for example as Queen Anne legs may be employed. If desired and in orderto enable the formed tables to serve other purposes, the playing board 4 may be covered with a sheet of glass,for example bronze tinted glass, which is then removedforthe playing of a game.

Without the legs, the playing board 4will usually rest on a table. Feet, for example four plastics feet, may be provided for resting on and protecting the top of the table. A frame (not shown) may be provided for setting up the discs 16,18,20 in a start position. Fingerorthumb protector devices (not shown) may also be provided for protecting the finger andlorthumbs of the players as theyflickthe striker disc 22.

It is envisaged that the game apparatus 2 may be sold underthetrade markBOMBITAlRE.

Claims

1. Game apparatus comprising a playing board, a first set of playing pieces for a first player or a first team, a second set of playing pieces for a second player or a second team, a common playing piecefor use by all players, and a striker, the playing board being such that it is notfoldable, hasfourstraight sides defining a square playing surface, and is made of a rigid material, the playing board having a pocket in each of its four corner areas, the sides being raised to contain the first and the second sets of playing pieces, the common playing piece and the striker during use of the game apparatus, the playing surface being provided adjacent each of its sides with a plurality of spaced apartfiring compartments from which the striker is struck during use of the game by the players using their fingers ortheirthumbs to flick the striker, and the playing surface being a smooth polished surface forfacilitating the travel of the striker.

2. Game apparatus according to claim 1 in which the playing surface is provided along each of its sides with a plurality of marker lines for assisting in helping the players to judge where along the side the striker should hit in orderto be bound in a desired direction.

3. Game apparatus according to claim 1 orclaim 2 in whichthefiring compartments are in theform of circles.

4. Game apparatus according to any one ofthe preceding claims in which there are five firing com partments along each side ofthe playing surface, the five firing compartments being so disposedthatthe third firing compartment is atthe middle of its side of the playing surface with the first and second firing compartments and the fourth and the fifth firing compartments being symmetrically disposed on either side.

5. Game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the pockets are positioned inwardly of the sides of the playing board.

6. Game apparatus according to any one claims 1 to 4 in which the pockets are positioned in line with the sides of the playing board so that they interrupt the sides ofthe playing board.

7. Game apparatus according to any one ofthe preceding claims in which the pockets are closed by nets.

8. Games apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the polished surface is formed as a lacquered or varnished surface.

9. Game apparatus according to any one ofthe preceding claims in which the first and the second sets of playing pieces, the common playing piece and the striker are all discs.

10. Game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the striker is iargerthan the common playing piece.

11. Game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the common playing piece is the same size as the playing pieces in the first and the second sets of playing pieces.

12. Game apparatus according to any one ofthe preceding claims in which the playing board is provides with a centre design which indicates how the first and the second sets of playing pieces and the common playing piece are to be set up at the start of a game using the game apparatus.

13. Game apparatus according to claim 12 in which the centre design is composed of straight lines and circles, the circles being for the first and the second sets of playing pieces, with a centre circle being forthe common playing piece.

14. Game apparatus according to any one ofthe preceding claims and including a frame for setting up the first and the second sets of playing pieces and the common playing piece in the start position.

15. Game apparatus according to any one ofthe preceding claims and including a protector device for protecting the fingers andlorthumbs ofthe players.

16. Game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including legs whereby the game apparatus is then free-standing game apparatus.

17. Game apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and which is such that it does not have legs so that the game apparatus requires to be rested on a horizontal surface.

18. Game apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.