GB2245181A - Trolley ball game vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A trolley is designed to permit a player to take up a prone position face down on the vehicle. The upper surface of the trolley board is contoured to accept average body shape and the rear of the trolley contains a fin C which is designed to provide a reaction surface for stability, propulsion, control by the player. The vehicle is fitted with proprietary 360 DEG swivelling castors F as shown in Figure 2 and 3 to permit movement of the vehicle in any direction as propelled by the player. <IMAGE>

Description

THE TROLLEY BALL GAME - A BALL GAME FOR THE GAME FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED Background 1. The present invention relates to the playing of competitive team ball games for the physically handicapped - especially the paraplegic.

2. Previously proposed team games have for paraplegic participants have presented mobility and dexterity problems as wheelchairs are usually unsuitable on account of their size and high centre of gravity.

3. This means that players have not been able to manoeuvre relatively cumbersomevehicles and properly handle a ball in play, resulting in the frustrations of physical impairment and feelings of inadequacy.

4. Physically handicapped and paraplegic players are defined as persons, male and female, who have lost or do not possess mobility or effective use of their lower limbs. Such people have invariably developed great physical strength, dexterity and reflex action in their other physical attributes.

5. This invention has been specifically and sympathetically designed by the inventors who are trained in the physiology and psychology of the typically paraplegic to enable those people to participate in life in as normal, invigorating and stimulating way as possible.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION 1. The object of the present invention is to provide a team game and vehicle suitable for the playing of the game and a pitch upon which the game can be effectively played.

2. Drawing No. 1/2 reference C131 shows plan, end and side elevation views of the trolley ball players vehicle.

3. Drawing No. 2/2 reference C131 shows the typical pitch layout, designed for and in conjunction with the players vehicle.

4. Appended to this application is a draft of the general rules controlling the game (Appendix 1).

5. The designated trolley ball players vehicle in drawing No. 1/2 is designed to take a paraplegic player lying in the prone position face down on the vehicle body D. The upper surface A is contoured to accept average body shape and the guide fin C integral with the upper surface A, is designed to provide transverse support and a reaction surface for stability, propulsion, control by the players and comfort. Special torso-restraining safety belts may be fitted to the chassis E to assist players with more severe disabilities.

6. Propulsion means is provided by the players using hands and arms pushing against the playing surface, so moving player and vehicle by reaction forces. Proprietary gloves fitted with friction material, such as rubber, may but not essentially be worn by players to protect their hands.

7. The vehicle is fitted with proprietary 360 degree swivelling castors F to the chassis E to permit the vehicle to move in any direction as propelled by the player or as may result from involuntary contact during play with other players. Whether this involuntary contact and movement is intentional or unintentional, it is an important part of the game in providing and element of random movment, resulting in the exercise of skill development.

8. An essential part of the invention is that players are situated close to the ground and the apparent effects of speed to the player at that proximity give great excitement to participant and spectator alike. Additionally and importantly the game is of great therapeutic value to handicapped spectators as research has shown. Those spectators feel strong association with the participants and the feeling that they can complete in equivalent comparison with the able bodied.

9. Indeed it can be proven that handicapped players can compete with the able bodied in mixed ability games, on equally competitive terms.

10. The game is usually played with an equal number of players in each of two opposing teams, usually four players to each team.

Assuming the positions of defence and attack, the object of the game is to throw, deflect or otherwise propel a ball into the opposing teams goal. The team scoring the maximum number of goals within a fixed time limit and with a minimum of penalties incurred, is deemed the winner.

The game is very fast and is played at high speed as the players must conform to certain rules of off side, holding the ball and passing. Several rules elaborate the methods, penalties and usual variations of the game and are hereto appended (Appendix 1).

11. It is intended by the inventor that the game will be actively promoted amongst the many interested paraplegic and associated sports councils and organisations, for the purpose of developing the game nationally and eventually internationally - for which plans are advanced.

THIS PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION IS COMPOSED OF 15 NUMBERED PAGES AND DRAWINGS AND AN APPENDIX COMPRISING 2 NUMBERED PAGES OF TEXT.

(File Ref. C132-1 TBG) APPENDIX I THE TROLLEYBALL GAME 'TBG' OBJECTIVE OF THE GAME This game has been designed to be played by the paraplegic or partially handicapped persons.

The objective of the game is to score as many points as possible within a specified period of time.

The number of players is determined by the size of the pitch.

For a standard size pitch (27m x 14m) there should be eight players.

The duration of the game is determined by the number of players; for eight players the duration should be ten minutes each side, with a three minute rest period between sides.

Each player has his or her own trolly.

The player lies on the trolly face down and grips the stabilizing fin with both legs, a strap may be used to secure the player's body.

The player propels the trolly with the use of his or her hands.

It is advisable that protection gear be worn by the players, ie.

glooves, helmets and elbow protectors.

HOW TO PLAY Both teams must be on there 'play off' positions (as marked on the pitch diagram, in the case of a standard game).

One team has possession of the ball at the 'play off' time, this team is elected prior to the game commencing.

When the referee or time keeper is satisfied that all the players are correctly positioned, the game commences.

The duration of ball possession by any one player, is determined by the colour of the area of the pitch that he or she is in.

ie. Blue 15 seconds Yellow 10 seconds Red 5 seconds If a player retains possession of the ball for longer than the designated time limit in any one area, then a penality is given, a player may retain possession of the ball in play only by moving from one area to another.

When a penality is given the ball must be replayed from the centre circle, ie. 'PLAY OFF'.

Penalties can also be given for restricting the movement of an opponents trolly with the use of a player's hands or over zealous play which can result in an opponent becoming injured or his or her trolly being turned over.

Players may play the ball in any way possible, however a player may only hold the ball when he or she is about to throw it.

Prolonged handling of the ball can result in a penalty being given.

This rule is at the discretion of the referee or time keeper.

TBG C LONG REF: C131 NO: R2 DATE: 19/2/90 SUBJECT TO PATENTS PENDING - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Background 1. The present invention relates to the playing of competitive team ball games for the physically handicapped - especially the paraplegic.

2. Previously proposed team.games have for paraplegic participants have presented mobility and dexterity problems as wheelchairs are usually unsuitable on account of their size and high centre or gravity.

3. This means that players have not been able to manoeuvre relatively cumbersome vehicles and properly handle a ball in play, resulting in the frustrations of physical impairment and feelings of inadequacy.

4. Physically handicapped and paraplegic players are defined as persons, male and female, who have lost or do not possess mobility or effective use of their lower limbs. Such people have invariably developed great physical strength, dexterity and reflex action in their other physical attributes.

5. This invention has been specifically and sympathetically designed by the inventor who is trained in the physiology and psycology of the typically paraplegic to enable those people to participate in life in as normal, invigorating and stimulating way as possible.

OBJECTIVE OF THE GAME This game has been designed to be played by the paraplegic or partially handicapped persons.

The objective of the game is to score as many points as possible within a specified period of time.

9APAAT The number of players is determined by the size of the pitch.

For a standard size pitch (27m x 14m) there should be eight players.

The duration of the game is determined by the number of players; for eight players the duration should be ten minutes each side, with a three minute rest period between sides.

Each player has his or her own trolley.

The player lies on the trolley face down and grips the stabilising fin with both legs, a strap may be used to secure the player's body.

The trolley is propelled by the players hands.

It is advisable that protecction gear be worn by the players, ie.

gloves, helmets and elbow protectors.

HOW TO PLAY Both teams must be on their 'play off' positions (as marked on the pitch diagram, in the case of a standard game).

One team has possession of the ball at the 'play off' time, this team is elected prior to the game commencing.

When the referee or time keeper is satisfied that all the players are correctly positioned the game commences.

The duration of ball possession by any one player, is determined by the colour of the area of the pitch that he or she is in.

ie. Blue 15 seconds Yellow 10 seconds Red 5 seconds If a player retains possession of the ball for longer that the designated time limit in any one area, then a penalty is given, a player may retain possession of the ball in play only by moving from one area to another.

When a penalty is given the ball must be replayed from the centre circle, ie. 'PLAY OFF'.

Penalties can also be given for restricting the movement of an opponents trolley with the use of a player's hands or over zealous play which can result in an opponent becoming injured or his or her trolley being turned over.

Players may play the ball in any way possible, however, a player may only hold the ball when he or she is about to throw it.

Prolonged handling of the ball can result in a penalty being given.

This rule is at the discretion of the referee or time keeper.

Many of the general ball and bat games enjoyed by able bodied persons can be played with the use of the Trolleyball. This also includes many outdoor individual and groups events ie. shooting, ground tennis, bowls, skittles etc. Persons of all abilities can participate in individual or group games. However, it is strongly recommended that due to the demands of individual events person or persons with a disability should obtain doctors approval before embarking in such events.

Trolleyball therefore was invented for particularly persons with disabilities ie. paraplegic persons, who would find the strengths if their upper body well suited to Trolleyball. However, it will be the first designed game/invention that persons with disabilities can call their own on an international scale. Thus inviting able bodied persons to integrate also.

Trolleyball has been designed to be considered by all major (international) organisations as a leading potential olympic event/events, both for persons with disabilities or able bodied.

National sports councils throughout the world should be encouraged to assist in the formation of Trolleyball events both on a national and international sporting level. For the purpose of basic rules and regulations governing Trolleyball games we will go in order of games 1 to 9.

Trolleyball Shot Ball - The game is divided into two halves, for the purpose of club level basic knockout comps., 10 minutes each way with an interval of 5 minutes at X time. Area and national league games, 20 minutes each way with a 10 minute interval at e time. For international and Olympic major events, 30 minutes each way with a fifteen minute break. Throughout the duration of the games time will be deducted for stoppages occurring so that no actual playing time is lost.

Club and national level played games ie. tournament knockout, may not end in a draw. However, international and Olympic standard can or may not end up in a draw. The rules for the above mentioned level will have to be agreed by international bodies ie.

sports council/Olympic committees. However, if decided that the game cannot end in a draw an extra period of 10 minutes will be played until such a time a team has scored a greater amount of goals/points.

In the event that the score is still equal, 3 members of each team will have individual shots at the opposing strike area, which will have one person in defence within the strike zone for the purpose of blocking/stopping the individuals advancement of scoring. In the event of a draw remaining this will continue until such a time a team scores the winning difference.

Reserves, club level 2 reserves, national level 4 reserves, international level 6 reserves. These may be included in the full line up of the team. However, only the required players will be allowed on the playing area at any given time. Any infringement to the above rule will be classed as a technical fail. A goal/2 points will be awarded to the team that has been infringed upon by the above mentioned.

The game is played by 2 teams, each team can consist of up to the following players, bearing in mind the non-playing reserves.

Club level 4 aside, national level 6 aside International/Olympic level 8 aside. The same number of players from each will remain on their Trolleyball throughout the duration of the match/game.

The playing area will be known to the players as the following: From position left moving forward, Defending area, attack area, strike area and vice versa.

Please see diagrams for the various level of player formations.

Depending on the level of game, various layouts will be adhered to (see illustrations).

The anticipated network of the development of this Trolleyball Game games for the international Olympic standard events will require the following order of progression of its players/teams to undergo experiences in club representation, area representation, county representation, nation representation and country representation.

The level, rules and skills required at each level will be obtained by each person through their own dedication and determination of regular play and attendancce. Registration of teams will be required by the Trolleyball Game association, who will give support of coaching skills and techniques ie. seminars where each person may qualify for a certificate of individual level of merit. Individual institutions, educational and social will be encouraged to support the above formation of networks.

Gateway clubs, voluntary registered organisations of the corporation of British Red Cross Associates and St. Johns will be responsible for the co-ordination of local area game/events.

National will be covered by the National Sports Council in each area of Great Britain and it is to be the supreme steering committee for international and Olympic events where such Trolleyball will be encouraged. This will include such institutions as D.H.S.S., Education departments, parks and recreation departments, sport departments, etc.

The game has taken 14 years to fully develop by the inventor, C B Long and throughout this period Mr Long has experimented with various games whilst working with Spastic Society/Cambridge Education department and the British Army. Studying the various levels of individual/groups of responses to adapted games. The late Mr T Edwards, Head of Physical Education for the Spastic Society fully inspired and encouraged Mr Long to continue in his pursuits whilst training and coaching the Spastic Society's international athletics team home and abroad.

The above contents of Trolleyball Game was written by T K Heath from the original copies of Mr Long's work on 29 May 1989.

Starting the game. Two members of each team will be in position at 450 angles of the centre line advanced areas, whilst on their Trolleyball, ensuring not to enter the centre circle. All other players will remain in their allocated play formation also at 450 angles with exception to one player who may remain in the strike/defence area at any position he/she feels necessary, but, however, must not come outside the boundaries of their particular defence areas.

The game is started by a referee who will toss the ball up between the four players in the advanced area, thus the ball should descend within the centre circle, making contact to the ground, on its upward bounce the game is in motion and the players may commence. No player will be permitted to leave their areas/positions until the ball is considered to be in play, on the signal of the referees whistle.

On commencement of the game, the ball may not be held, and thus throughout the game the ball may only be held whilst in the stationary position, for the purpose of passing or striking.

At the commencement of the game the player who makes first contact with the ball may not do so again until the ball has been touched by another Trolleyball player.

Trolleyball - In Play - A player may catch, pass or shoot the ball with either or both hands, he or she must not hit the ball with any part of the lower limbs or deliberately play the ball with feet of Trolleyball, although, accidental contact with either of the latter is not a violation. No player may hold the ball for more than 5 secconds whilst in a stationary or motionless state of play. In the event of a player overlapping the 5 seconds time the referee will award the ball to the nearest opposing team member.

Trolleyball - Advancing - A player may commence advancing with the ball whilst in motion on the Trolleyball dribbling and controlling the ball with either hand. He/she may project the ball in the air or rally it along the court, he/she cannot travel forward at all whilst the ball is being held by one or two hands. Whilst held in one hand only the 5 second rule applies. Any Player who deliberately causes an obstruction to an advancing player with two feet of the players advancement will be penalised by the referee and punishable by a free throw being awarded to the nearest opposition player, from the nearest point of which the infringement occurred. Any player who enters out of bound areas is also penalised by the referee, thus awarding a free throw to the opposition at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred. Any person causing deliberate personal fails ie.

holding opponents clothes or Trolleyball that will be seen to give the opposition the chance of advancing will be punished by an indirect free shot/throw at the goal, thus the player may position him/herself within the penalty/strike shot area with no opposing players obstructing the shot, with exception to one Trolleyball in defence.

Ball Out of Play - If the ball goes out of bounds the opposing team will take a free throw from the point where the ball crossed.

At any point of the game where the ball is out of play, team managers may bring on their reserve, thus giving a signal of intention to the referee. The game will not continue until the exchange has fully taken place.

Goal/Points - A goal/point is scored when the ball passes the goal line providing no infringement or time rules have been caused. In the event of such infringements a player from the opposing team will be given a free throw from their own goal area.

Time Rules - Red area - Attack/strike area - 5 seconds Yellow area - Defence area - 10 seconds Blue area - Own court - 15 seconds TROI;C;EYBAI;T; ASSOCIATION (MAI;E/FEWALE) RULES OF INTER CUTB AND AREA COMPETITIONS 1. Trolleyball Teams will consist of 6 players.

2. The competition will be played in accordance with the official rules of the Trolleyball association.

3. Every defined Trolleyball club/team is entitled to enter one or more Trolleyball teams within each inter zone area competition.

4. If a Trolleyball player has once played for a club/team during the season, and is a member of an original Trolleyball club/team, the original club/team has first claim for the purpose of inter club and area competitions. If, however, a Trolleyball player has played for a club/team that has been knocked out of the inter club/teams area competitions he/she is not eligible to play for any other than his/her first claim.

5. Eliminating Trolleyball Game Competitions a. a Trolleyball knock out competition will be held in each of the following zones: i. the four districts of each Southern zone ii. Northern and Western areas iii. Eastern areas England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland. Any other area club/team that joins the Trolleyball Game Association register.

The draw for the eliminating games will be the responsibility of the County/District concerned, but in the event of small clubs/teams first round games should be arranged, as far as possible, between clubs/teams in close proximity to each other.

The result of inter clubs/teams area/district finals will be forwarded to the UK Trolleyball Game Association Secretary.

Each year the following information should be included: a. full title of winning club/team b. names and initials of each Trolleyball player c. team captains d. reserves e. Trolleyball colours/team colours Finals a. The winning Trolleyball club/team from each zone will enter the final rounds, which will take the UK Trolleyball Game Champion title/cup/trophy.

6. All expenses for the eliminating games will be the responsibility of the area/district county Trolleyball association.

7. Area/district clubs/teams will make their own travel arrangements for the finals.

Entries a. The team/club fee will be 15.00 per team. Cheque/postal order should be crossed and made payable to: Honorary Secretary (Trolleyball UK Association) 4 Firs Lodge Woodford Green Essex England b. Entries may be consolidated by area/district and forwarded to secretary Trolleyball Game association.

8. A challenge cup will be presented to winning club/team.

Trophies will be presented to winners.

9. Area/district will be responsible for finding two competent referees to officiate in turn every game in the eliminating games of play.

10. Referee for finals may be arranged by Trolleyball Game association/area elected sports council/committee.

Winners The Trolleyball Game winners will be the team who win the most games against his/her teams competing in the area/district competition.

In the event of a Trolleyball Game draw, extra time of 10 minutes each way will be awarded.

Individual Competition Schools/Youth Clubs/organisations/sports centres etc. rules for the above organisations, this also includes H.M. Services, Army, Navy and Airforces/religious organisations and Institutes such as hospitals and private homes.

All individual competitions run by the above various bodies will run concurrently with Trolleyball Game rules and regulations governing the game. However, each organisation will be responsible for holding their own Trolleyball team/individual championship games to produce their best Trolleyball players/teams, up to three team nominations may be submitted by each organisation at national/international level so to be considered by the UK sports council in the selection of national and international competition. Trolleyball games and all representatives of UK Trolleyball Game teams in the event of National/Commonwealth/International Olympic games of able/disabled bodied special olympics. The sports council and the representative of Trolleyball association will have supreme powers in selecting such Trolleyball representative teams for Great Britain/UK.

All Trolleyball games are to be played in accordance with the official "Rules of Trolleyball Games" authorised by the inventor one C B Long and the sports council. All Trolleyball game officials should be neutral. The Trolleyball Game/sports council/representative of area/national committee's of various organisations will always assist in the event of difficulty.

Referees and official will be appointed on the passing Rules/coaching qualifications laid down by the sports council/representing authorities elected. Thus referees and official will be: a. Preliminary games local/district level Class 1, 11 or 111 b. Semi-finals Class 1 or 11 c. Finals Class 1 Class 1 referee for National/International levels.

Two referee's selected Class 1 at Olympic meetings/Games.

All questions of qualifications of players, interpretation of rules or disputes during Trolleyball games/matches should be referred to the committee whose decision will be final.

Object of Committee 1. To exercise control of Trolleyball sport among male/female abled and disable persons within the limits laid down by Trolleyball Game rules with the strictest amateur principles.

2. To administer such non-public funds as maybe placed by the sports council/local authorities for the benefit of Trolleyball Games and sports at local, national and international levels of Trolleyball competition development among abled and disabled persons.

3. To maintain co-operation in sports between abled and disabled sports associations.

4. To assist and guide the organisers of various clubs/teams throughout UK and abroad and receive reports of Trolleyball competitions and games development.

Thus information and rules continued in Trolleyball guidelines/ information packs are applicable to all countries unless otherwise stated. The Trolleyball a~~~~ia.ion reserves alongside with the wishes of the inventor all rights reserved.

(C) Trolleyball Game. C/L 1978 1. TROLLEYBALL TEAMS WILL CONSIST OF 4 ASIDE 6 ASIDE 8 ASIDE.

2. THE COMPETITION WILL BE PLAYED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL RULES OF THE TROLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION AND THAT OF THE INVENTOR OF TROLLEYBALL GAME (MR CHRISTOPHER LONG).

3. THE INVENTOR ABSOLUTELY RESERVES ALL RIGHTS (C) C/L 1978.

4. THE TROLLEYBALL STRIKE BALL WILL BE PLAYED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INVENTOR OFFICIAL RULES AND CAN ONLY BE AMENDED WITH THE INVENTOR'S AUTHORISED CONSENT VIA MR M K J ROSS, COPLEYS SOLICITORS.

5. ALL LEVELS OF TROLLEYBALL GAMES/COMPETITIONS WILL BE PLAYED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL RULES OF THE INVENTOR, MR C LONG.

TROLLEY BALL GAMES 1. SHOTBALL.

2. DROP BALL.

3. SHOVE BALL.

4. RING BALL.

5. OBSTICALE SALON.

6. SPEED SALON.

7. PASS BALL.

8. SKIT BALL.

9. MANY OF THE GENERAL BALL AND BAT GAMES ENJOYED BY ABALE PERSON'S CAN BE PLAYED AND ADAPTED BY THE USE OF THE TROLLEY THIS INCLUDES OUT DOOR EVENTS SUCH IE. SHOOTING, GROUND TENNIS, INDIVIDUAL/TEAM GAMES OF PURE FUN CAN ALSO BE PLAYED WITH PERSONS OF BOTH ABALE AND DISABLED ABILITIES, THE T.B.

THEREFORE WILL BE SEEN TO BE DEVISED FOR SUCH FUTURE EVENTS SUCH AS THOSE ORGANISED BY NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS THUS NATIONAL AND OLYMPIC EVENTS WILL NEED TO HAVE ACCESS TO T. B. GAMES SO TO PREPARE THE FUTURE NEEDS OF THE TEAMS THAT WILL BE WISHING TO REPRESENT THEIR OWN COUNTRIES IN FUTURE EVENTS.

1. T.B. TEAMS WILL CONSIST OF 4 ASIDE 6 ASIDE 8 ASIDE.

2. THE COMPETITION WILL BE PLAYED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL RULES OF THE T.B. ASSOCIATION/AND THAT OF THE INVENTOR OF THE T.B.G. (MR CHRISTOPHER LONG).

3. THE INVENTOR ABSOLUTELY RESERVES ALL RIGHTS (C) C/L 1978.

4. THE T.B. STRIKE BALL WILL BE PLAYED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INVENTOR OFFICIAL RULES AND CAN ONLY BE AMENDED WITH THE INVENTOR'S AUTHORISED CONSENT VIA MR K J ROSS, COPLEYS SOLICITORS.

5. ALL LEVELS OF T.B. GAMES/COMPETITIONS WILL BE PLAYED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL RULES OF THE INVENTOR MR C LONG.

Claims (5)

C L A I M S

1. A trolley having a base, three or more castors on one side of the base, one of the castors being capable of swivelling through 360G.

On the other side of the base a fin extending substantially at right angles to the base and being arranged on the longitudinal axis of the base.

2. A trolley as claimed in Claim 1 where the fin is arranged towards the end of the base and the castor which is capable of swivelling through 360C is arranged towards the other end of the base.

3. A trolley as claimed in either Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the surface of the base from which the fin extends is contoured.

4. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims having two castors which are capable of swivelling through 360e arranged towards one end of the base.

5. A trolley as claimed in Claim 1 substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.