GB2213740A - Game and playing table - Google Patents

Abstract

A playing table 10 for a game comprises a playing surface 12 bounded by a wall 14 the playing surface 12 having at least one target area to which a ball is to be propelled in order to score. Target areas may conveniently be recesses in the playing surface or regions to emit an electrical signal. The playing surface is configured to provide one or more additional surface features for example grooves 18. The game may comprise a plurality of playing tables each with a different playing surface there may be interchangeable and different playing surfaces it being required to obtain a score on each playing surface by propelling a ball using a cue in accordance with instructions applicable to the relevant playing surface. The winner is the player achieving the highest cumulative score having played on each playing surface. A number of embodiments are described and illustrated - e.g. Figure 1 has two grooves 18-balls in the grooves collide and cannon off to score in pockets 16. Figure 2 has a track with textured surface 28 representing ladders and grooves 30 representing snakes. Figure 3 has a surface as in golf, Figure 4 has tracks based on roulette, Figure 5 is based on pin ball and Figure 6 on football. Surfaces may be moulded of weather resistant material e.g. glass fibre reinforced plastics material. <IMAGE>

Description

GAME AND PLAYING TABLE This invention is concerned with a game and a playing table for a game which is intended to be played using at least one ball.

Currently, a number of popular games are played in which a plurality of balls on a flat playing surface of a table are propelled, using a cue, into contact with one another and/or into pockets disposed at the corners of a rectangular playing surface and at intervals along opposite sides of the playing surface. Such games include billiards, snooker and pool.

According to the invention, a game is proposed to be played using one or more balls propelled by a player using a cue on a table of which the playing surface is configured to provide one or more surface features: thus the playing surface may be undulating or sculptured to provide certain three dimensional features, for example tracks or grooves, to be used in playing the game and to provide target areas conveniently provided by recesses in the surface to which a ball must be propelled during the course of the game in order to register a score.

Preferably the game is scored electronically.

In one aspect the invention may be considered to provide a playing table for a game comprising a playing surface bounded by a wall, the playing surface being provided with at least one target area into which a ball is to be propelled in order to score in playing the game and being configured to provide one or more further surface features.

A table in accordance with the invention may be free standing, that is provided with its own support legs, or may be arranged to be rested on a raised support surface, for example a dining room table, in order to position the playing table at a suitable height for use of a cue.

Where the playing table is to be supported by a support, it is, of course, necessary to ensure that the support surface of the support is substantially horizontal in order for the playing surface of the playing table to be suitably positioned. Where the playing table is to be supported on a surface, the playing table may suitably comprise a frame portion providing the bounding wall and, within the frame portion, an interchangeable inner portion providing a playing surface: where the playing table includes electrical scoring means, the inner portion may suitably comprise signalling means adapted to transmit an appropriate signal when a score has occurred and connecting means provided to electrically connect the signalling means to electrical scoring and display means associated with the frame portion, conveniently housed within the frame portion.Preferably the inner portion and frame portion are constructed so that the electrical connection is made when the inner portion is inserted into the frame portion.

In a table in accordance with the invention one or more of the target areas may suitably be adjacent the bounding wall.

One table in accordance with the invention suitably includes a surface feature comprising a track provided by at least one groove, preferably two closely adjacent parallel grooves, along the playing surface, the track being of such a width that two balls propelled along the track from opposite ends (one in each groove when two grooves are provided) are constrained to hit one another.

Conveniently the track slopes downwardly from either end.

In playing a game using this playing table it is intended that the balls should ricochet from one another and score in target areas disposed on the playing surface to either side of the track.

A second table in accordance with the invention includes surface features comprising a track having a grooved portion, or preferably grooved portions, which slope upwardly and along which a playing ball is intended to be played to a winning target area; where several grooved portions of the track are provided these are preferably separated by intermediate level portions. This table further comprises a series of downwardly sloping grooved portions leading from the track at intervals, along which a ball may leave the track and be returned towards a starting position. In playing a game with this board, a ball is intended to be propelled along the track using as few cue strokes as possible, it thus being desirable to avoid the ball travelling down any of the downwardly sloping grooves.

In a third table in accordance with the invention, surface features comprise a starting position and a plurality of obstacles, the playing surface being provided with a plurality of target areas each marked to indicate the order in which the target areas are to be entered, in turn, by a ball played using a cue. Suitably the obstacles are disposed between the various target areas to provide hazards in travelling round the playing surface through each target area to the final target area.

A fourth table in accordance with to the invention includes surface features comprising a track leading to an array of target areas each marked to indicate a score, the target areas preferably being disposed around a second, continuous, track of the playing surface which is suitably circular. An upwardly projecting part of the playing surface may be disposed within the second track and a sloping portion may bound an outer periphery of the second track. It is of course possible that a playing ball may leave the second track in which case no score would occur.

A fifth table in accordance with the invention includes surface features comprising markings dividing the playing surface into different playing areas, a plurality of playing recesses being disposed in each playing area and the playing surface being configured so that a ball from the playing surface will tend to roll into one of the playing recesses, and two target areas, preferably provided by further recesses, at opposite ends of the playing surface. The game to be played using this table is intended to be played by two players or two teams of players each shooting to the target area at the opposite end of the playing surface; an equal number of similarly positioned playing recesses is provided in each half of the playing surface.

In a sixth table in accordance with the invention surface features comprise a target area and track provided by a channel terminating adjacent the target area, preferably with a step of some description interposed between the end of the channel and the target area which is marked out to indicate scoring regions. In using this table the playing ball will be propelled along the channel by a cue and caused to jump from the end of the channel (over the step) into the target area to score points.

Whereas in preferred playing tables the target areas are provided by recesses in the playing surface, in playing tables in accordance with the invention, target areas may be provided by a region on the playing surface adapted to emit an electrical signal when a playing ball comes to rest in the region.

It is, of course, possible to use the various playing tables singly. However, it is preferred to use a plurality of tables in a game in accordance with the invention.

A game in accordance with the invention may comprise a plurality of playing tables each comprising a playing surface along which a ball is to be propelled in playing the game, bounded by a wall and configured to provide a surface feature or surface features, at least two of the tables having different playing surfaces.

Preferably each table has a different playing surface.

Means are preferably provided indicating the order in which the various tables are to be played, for example by marking the tables.

Preferably electrical scoring apparatus is provided to give a cumulative total of the scores from each table in playing the game.

In a preferred game in accordance with the invention, the plurality of tables are preferably permanently mounted in a suitable outdoor area and are fabricated of weather resistant material. The playing surfaces are preferably made from mouldable material which is sufficiently weather resistant and robust, conveniently being moulded from glass fibre reinforced plastics material.

There now follow detailed descriptions of a game embodying the invention which may be played and playing tables embodying the invention for playing the game, hereinafter set out as Examples 1 to 7. It will be realised that these examples have been selected for description to illustrate the invention by way of example and not of limitation.

In the accompanying drawings: Figures 1 to 6 are plan views of playing table embodying the invention described in Examples I to VI respectively.

In each of the Examples set out hereinafter is described a playing table 10 for a game comprising a playing surface 12 bounded by a wall 14 the playing surface 12 being provided with at least one target area, for example recesses 16 provided by holes through the playing surface into which a ball is to be propelled in order to score in playing the individual game associated with a particular playing table, the playing surface 12 being configured to provide one or more further surface features in addition to the target areas 16.

A game embodying the invention comprises a plurality of playing tables, namely one playing table from each of the Examples described hereinafter, means being provided on the tables themselves to indicate the order in which the tables are to be played. In a first version of the game, the tables are suitably positioned for example in an outdoor area, for example the garden of a public house, or in an amusement arcade. In order to play the game a player is provided with a cue similar to a snooker cue and one or more balls per player are provided at each of the individual playing tables. Suitably the balls are commonly available billiards snooker or pool balls. In order to complete one round of the game, a player must complete each part game outlined in the Examples hereinafter and at each achieve a score.The score for a complete game consists of the sum of scores achieved at each individual part game.

The game may be played by individuals or teams but it is preferred that the game be played by two opposing parties. It will be appreciated that whereas the illustrative game comprises seven playing tables, a larger or smaller number of playing tables may be provided in a game in accordance with the invention.

A second version of the illustrative game is for domestic use. The domestic game comprises a frame portion providing the bounding wall 14 and, within the frame portion, an inner portion providing a playing surface 12.

The construction and arrangement of the domestic game is such that the inner portion can be removed from the frame portion and replaced by different inner portions. The playing table comprising the frame portion and inner portion can be situated on any convenient household surface, for example a dining-room table. In order to complete the illustrative domestic game, the inner portions must be interchanged in an indicated order and a part game completed on each to acquire a score for each of the part games. The winner of the game is the player achieving the highest aggregate total from the part games.

Example 1 CHICKEN RUN A game for one or more players.

This game requires 2 billiard balls for use for the one player game, or one ball each for a game played by 2 or more players.

OBJECT To score the highest number.

THE GAME The playing table 10 comprises a track provided by two adjacent grooves 18 (see Figure 1) extending along the playing surface 12, the grooves 18 being moulded in the surface.

The game must start by two players cueing their respective ball towards their opponents' ball along the track provided across the board from corner to corner, one ball in each groove 18. A collisicn must occur at some point as the dual track is narrower than the combined width of the two balls. Each ball will, on collision cannon off to score in any of a number of pockets 16 recessed into the surface 12 of the board.

Further branch tracks 20 may lead to one or more of the recesses 16. A return track 22 may also be provided to return a ball to a position 24 adjacent a starting position 26. Speed on impact will also influence the score as will any spin put on the ball by each player to direct his ball toan appropriate pocket. In the case of a one player game the player will roll one ball bv hand down one groove 18 (this ball will roll from one end to the other due to the track being lower in the centre than at either end) and then play by cue his own scoring ball to cannon off the first ball which must be moving towards him at the time of impact. A predetermined number of shots is taken, for example three; preferably only the highest scoring shot by each player will count.

ELECTRONICS Digital scoring, timing, sounds and lighting will be added as required.

ExamPle II SNAKE AND LADDERS A game for one or more players.

This game requires one ball per player.

THE OBJECT Is to put the ball into the winning recess in the least number of shots with the cue. A score given to each player at the start of the game will reduce bs one point each time the ball is played. If every shot played is successful the points remaining would be a maximum score.

Otherwise, as each unsuccessful shot will lose one point, the player must put his/her ball on the winning spot 32 before they run out of points or they will score 0.

THE GAME The playing table 10 comprises a track which slopes upwardly, having a textured surface representing ladders 28. Between ladders 28, shallow twisting grooves 30 representing snakes are provided. At the end of each ladder 28 is a track having a horizontal portion 34 leading to a depression 38 at the start of the next ladder, and a portion leading downwardly to a depression 36 at a lowermost level (which also is the termination of a snake from a following part of the game). Ladders 28 may lead downwardly, in some cases if necessary or each may travel slightly upwardly provided that the overall height changes are compatible.

Two start positions may be provided for when two players or two teams of players play. When two players or teams play they spin a coin to start and then take it in turns.

the ball is played (using the cue) from an appropriate one of the start positions up the corresponding tracks.

Between the ladders, on the horizontal portions 34 a ball may come to rest unless it enters one of the shallow grooves representing the snakes. If the ball enters one of these grooves the groove will carry it downwardly under the force of gravity to a position (closer to the start position) from which the player must restart.

ELECTRONICS Digital Scoring, timing, sounds and lighting will be added as required.

Example III GOLF A game for one or more players.

This game requires one ball each player.

THE OBJECT Each player is given a score at the start which reduces with each shot played. If all shots are successful the points remaining would be a maximum score. Otherwise, as each shot will lose one point the player must complete the course before they run out of points or they will score 0.

THE GAME The playing table 10 includes a number of surface features comprising a plurality of starting positions 26 and, a plurality of obstacles 42 representing trees, woods, bunkers and the like as in golf. A plurality of recesses 44 are provided in the playing surface each marked to indicate the order in which the recesses are to be entered by a played ball.

The recesses are provided by depressions in the playing surface spaced from the wall at random positions over the playing surface. Preferably the various obstacles are positioned to obstruct the straight line between each hole 44 and its starting (or tee) position 26. Curved shallow grooves 40 connect each position 26 and associated hole 44. If the wrong degree of force is used a ball may leave the groove 40 and foul the various obstacles, incurring further shots.

Each player cues in turn after spinning a coin on the table to determine who starts. The player must start from the starting position and cue the ball into each 'hole' 44 in turn avoiding all obstacles 42 i.e. woods, bunkers, as in traditional golf.

ELECTRONICS Digital Scoring, timing, sounds and lighting will be added as required.

Example IV ROULETTE A game for one or more players.

This game requires one ball per player only.

THE GAME The playing table 10 comprises a playing surface 12 having surface features comprising a first track 4s leading to a second circular track 46 having grooves 48 which spiral inwardly and downwardly to a central region 50 around which are equally spaced recesses each being marked to indicate a score.

The ball is cued along the first track 45 onto the second track 46; if it is cued too hard it will score 0 because it will leave the second track and be collected by a return groove 22. Normal or slow speed will result in the ball revolving round the roulette wheel provided by the second track and on stopping will score as in the traditional game of roulette.

A predetermined number, for example three shots will be taken by each player, however only the highest scoring shot by each player will count.

ELECTRONICS Digital scoring, timing sounds and lighting as required.

Example V PIN BALL A game for one or more players.

This game requires one ball each player.

OBJECT To achieve the highest score possible with a set number of shots, e.g. say five.

THE GAME The playing table 10 has a playing surface 12 sloping generally upwardly with a track 18 leading from a starting position 26 at a lower portion of the table to the top of the table. As well as the track the table has a number of surface features provided by obstacles 42; one or more recesses 16 may be provided at a lower end portion of the table. In order to play the game the ball is cued along the track 18 from the starting position 26 to the top of the table. As it runs down the table under the force of gravity it may encounter one or more of the obstacles which can divert the ball in different directions. Where electronic scoring is included a score is recorded each time a ball encounters an obstacle.The ball will also score points dependent upon the recess in which it finally stops at the lower end portion of the board.

ELECTRONICS This game is preferably electronically scored. Initially however where electronic scoring is not available, only the points attributable to the recess in which the ball stops will be scored.

Timing, sounds and lighting will be added as required.

Example VI GOAL A game played by one or more players.

This game requires three balls for use in the one player game, and three balls for a game played by two players or two teams.

OBJECT To score the most goals from a set number of (Kick offs) cue offs, e.g. five.

THE GAME The playing table 10 is set out as a five-aside football pitch being divided by surface markings 50 into two halves, each with a marked penalty area. The pitch has playing recesses 52, namely low spots in positions relating to players, with the immediate surrounding surface sloping down to these spots. The goals are depressions at each end. The full lines 54 indicate crests, the dash lines 56 tracks to the recesses 52.

A spare ball is the score ball and is initially positioned at the centre spots. Each player places their cue ball in his goal spot 58, after spinning a coin on the board to determine who plays first. The players then take it in turns to cue their own ball at the score ball in order to advance it into the opponent's half on impact. A goal can only be scored if: A) The score ball is stationary on a playing recess within the half in which it scores at the time of impact, and B) The score ball is outside the marked penalty area.

The ball belonging to the defender (the player not in turn to take the shot) may be used to defend by blocking the path to goal, or by occupying the goal spot at any time when it is that player's turn. The cue ball can be played off the wall at the score ball. One player's cue ball must not at any time touch the opponents cue ball or this is called foul and a free shot is taken by the innocent player at the score ball. The innocent player can position their cue ball on any spot for the free shot.

ELECTRONICS Digital scoring, timing sounds and lighting will be added as required.

Example VII TARGET A game for one or more players.

This game requires one ball each player.

OBJECT To score the highest score possible with a set number of shots, e.g. five.

THE GAME The playing table has surface features comprising a target area and a track provided by a channel terminating adjacent the target area with a step.

Players take shots in turn (after spinning a coin on the table to determine who starts). The player cues the ball down the channel, the ball will then jump off at the end and score by landing, to stop in the target area, highest scores being in the part which is the most difficult to hit.

ELECTRONICS Digital Scoring, timing, sounds and lighting will be added as required.

It will be appreciated that in any or all of the playing tables a resilient surface layer may be provided on the bounding wall 14.

The playing tables described in the Examples are all rectangular in plan but, if desired, the tables and/or playing surfaces may have any other desired outline shape.

The playing surfaces of most of the tables are not, in general, completely flat but are sculptured to provide the various surface features. If desired, the playing surfaces may be undulating to increase the difficulty in some of the part games described.

Claims (23)

1. A playing table for a game comprising a playing surface bounded by a wall, the playing surface being provided with at least one target area into which a ball is to be propelled in order to score in playing the game and being configured to provide one or more further surface features.

2. A table according to Claim 1 comprising electrical apparatus for scoring the game.

3. A table according to Claim 1 comprising a frame portion providing the bounding wall and, within the frame portion, an interchangeable inner portion providing the playing surface.

4. A table according to Claim 2 comprising a frame portion providing the bounding wall and, within the frame portion, an interchangeable inner portion providing the playing surface, the inner portion comprising signalling means adapted to transmit an appropriate signal when a score has occurred and connecting means being provided to electrically connect the signalling means to electrical scoring and display means associated with the frame portion.

5. A table according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the target area or areas is or are adjacent the wall.

6. A table according to any one of the preceding claims including a surface feature comprising a track provided by at least one groove along the playing surface, the track being of such a width that two balls propelled along the track from opposite ends are constrained to hit one another.

7. A table according to Claim 6 wherein the track comprises two closely adjacent parallel grooves arranged so that two balls, one propelled along each groove from opposite ends of the tract, a-re constrained to hit one another.

8. A table according to either one of Claims 6 and 7 wherein the track slopes downwardly from either end.

9. A table according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 including surface features comprising a track having a grooved portion or portions which slopes or slope upwardly and along which a playing ball is intended to be played to a winning target area and a series of downwardly sloping grooved portions leaving the track at intervals along which a ball may leave the track and be returned towards a starting position.

10. A table according to Claim 9 wherein the track comprises a plurality of sloping portions separated by intermediate level portions.

11. A table according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 including surface features comprising a starting position and a plurality of obstacles and wherein the playing surface has a plurality of target areas each marked to indicate the order in which the target areas are to be entered by a playing ball, in turn.

12. A table according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 including surface features comprising a track leading to an array of target areas each marked to indicate a score.

13. A table according to Claim 12 wherein the target areas are disposed around a second, continuous track of the playing surface.

14. A table according to Claim 13 wherein the second track is circular.

15. A table according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 including surface features comprising markings dividing the playing surface into different playing areas, a plurality of playing recesses in each playing area, the playing surface being configured so that a ball on the playing surface will tend to roll into one of the playing recesses and two target areas at opposite ends of the playing surface.

16. A table according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 including surface features comprising a target area and track provided by a channel terminating adjacent the target area, the target area being marked to indicate scoring regions.

17. A table according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a target area is provided by a recess in the playing surface.

18. A table according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the recess or recesses is or are provided by a hole through the playing surface, through which a playing ball is intended to fall.

19. A table according to any one of Claims 1 to 16 wherein a target area is provided by a region on the playing surface adapted to emit an electrical signal when a playing ball comes to rest in said region.

20. A table according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the playing surface is moulded of mouldable material.

21. A game comprising a plurality of playing tables each comprising a playing surface along which a ball is to be propelled in playing the game, bounded by a wall and configured to provide a surface feature or surface features, at least two of the tables having different playing surfaces.

22. A game according to Claim 21 comprising means indicating the order in which the tables are to be played.

23. A game according to either one of Claims 21 and 22 comprising at least one table according to any one of Claims 1 to 19.