GB2371994A

GB2371994A - Ball game

Info

Publication number: GB2371994A
Application number: GB0030505A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kevin Dickens
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-12-14
Filing date: 2000-12-14
Publication date: 2002-08-14
Also published as: GB0030505D0

Abstract

A ball game comprises a playing mat 1 on which a plurality of figurines 2 may be secured, for example by touch and hold fastening material. The base of at least one of the figurines defines a deflecting surface 4. The object of the game is to propel a ball from a starting position 11 to impinge against the deflecting surface 4 and be deflected into a scoring area 12. The playing surface also defines hazard zones 15. If the ball is accidentally deflected into a hazard zone the player will suffer a penalty. The game is scored in accordance with a pre-determined scoring scheme but may have associated therewith cards which can be played to alter the course of play. A tool (14 Figure 2) in the shape of a golf putter may be used to strike the ball.

Description

BALL GAME This invention relates to a ball game, and more particularly to a ball game in which the skill of each player is used to direct a ball towards a deflection surface with the object of deflecting the ball from the deflection surface into a scoring area.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the ball is putted by each player using a purpose designed putter. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment and may, on the contrary, be played by means of a ball hit with any suitable tool or a ball which is simply rolled by players without the use of any tool.

According to a first aspect of the present invention a game comprises: means defining a playing surface; means defining at least one scoring area on the playing surface; means defining a start location on or adjacent the playing surface and deflecting means positioned on the playing surface for deflecting a ball played towards the deflecting means from the start location onwards towards the zone of the playing surface in which the scoring area is located.

Optionally, means may be provided on the playing surface defining one or more hazards. The hazards may take the form of a physical obstruction to passage of the ball and/or may impose playing penalties, for example a score reduction or the giving away of free shots.

In the preferred embodiments of the invention the playing surface is configured to represent aspects of one or more other games. For example, the playing surface may be configured to represent the portion of a football pitch or it may be configured to represent a playing area of a cricket pitch.

Preferably the means defining a playing surface comprises a mat. In this case, opposite sides of the mat may be furnished with different markings to represent different games.

In its simplest form, a game may be played with one deflecting piece.

However, the game may also be configured with a number of different deflecting pieces which may be similarly or differently configured. Accordingly, some playing pieces may have flat deflecting surfaces and others may have curved deflecting surfaces.

The deflecting surfaces may be formed by base portions or plinths of figurines representing players in a game. The or each deflecting surface may be a continuous surface or it may be formed by two or more spaced apart surface portions. If two or more spaced apart surface portions are used these may be fixed relative to each other or may be movable to permit the mutual spacing to be varied to change the playing conditions. For example, in a cricket based version of the game the deflecting surface may be split to allow a ball to pass through the split and thereby clean bowl the batsman.

The invention will be better understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention representing a portion of a cricket pitch; Figure 2 illustrates schematically a ball for use in playing the game and a putter for driving the ball; Figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the playing surface represents a portion of a football pitch ; Figure 4-9 show respectively a plan view, side view, bottom plan view, front view, back view and isometric view of the head of the putter illustrated in Figure 2; and Figure 10 is an example of a'Match Rules and Options'sheet.

Referring firstly to Figures I and 2, a first embodiment of the invention is shown. The embodiment comprises a mat 1 which has mounted thereon a figurine 2 representing a player in a cricket match. The player is mounted on a plinth 3 which defines a curved deflecting surface 4. Various"fielder"figurines 5-10 are located positioned about the player.

A start location is defined on the mat by a crease marking 11. A multiplicity of scoring zones 12 are defined at various positions on the playing surface.

The broad object of the game is for a player, starting at the start location, to direct a ball at the deflecting surface 4 with the object of deflecting a ball into one of the scoring zones 12. The ball may be played by means of a special purpose putter 14 which is illustrated schematically in Figure 2 and which is described in more detail hereinafter.

A hazard zone 15 is defined in the vicinity of each fielder 5-10. If, in playing a shot, the ball is deflected into one of the hazard zones 15, this will impose a penalty on the player.

The game is played by players attempting to score"runs"by deflecting the ball into one of the scoring areas 12, and to avoid being"out"as a result of deflecting the ball into one of the hazard zones 15.

Preferably, the material of the playing mat is such as to admit fixture of the playing pieces by means oftouch-and-hold fastening material. The playing mat may have a raised peripheral edge to retain the balls on the playing area and/or may be marked out with a peripheral edge marking indicating a"boundary".

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the deflecting surface 4 has angular extent of 1800 and is symmetrically curved either side of the centre thereof. However, it will be appreciated that an asymmetrical arrangement or an arrangement

having a greater or lesser angular extent than 180'is possible.

The scoring areas 12 and the hazard zones 15 may each be defined by way of surface markings and/or recessed regions of the playing mat the use of recessed regions may be preferable to contain any balls within the scoring area and thereby avoid descent as to whether or not a"run"has been scored or the player is"out".

Preferably, the game is provided with a number of cards which can be used to alter the course of play. The cards may have a format similar to conventional playing cards so that they can be"shuffled"to change the order thereof. The cards may be brought into play by one of a number of possible occurrences. For example, a card may be brought into play at a particular score level or after a particular number of shots or after a particular event. The effect of the cards is to alter the run of play and to this end they may be either favourable or disadvantageous to the player concerned.

By way of example, the following cards may be provided: "Umpire decision"cards which are brought into play under the following circumstances: 1. Bowled-Take umpire decision 2. Caught-Take umpire decision 3. LBW-Take umpire decision 4. Stumped-Take umpire decision 5. Run Out-Take umpire decision 6. Hit Wicket-Take umpire decision 7. Handled ball-Take umpire decision 8. Timed Out-Take umpire decision

9. Obstructing the field-Take umpire decision 10. Hit ball twice-Take umpire decision 'Penalty'cards: 1. Wide delivery-Deduct l-Run from your score & play-on 2. No Ball-forfeit next shot from this turn/over 'Change Direction'cards: 1. Reverse play direction-Change style from RIGHT to LEFT handed, OR, LEFT to RIGHT handed 'Bonus'cards: 1. Ball has hit fielding sides equipment-add 5-Runs to your score & Take another card 2. Fielding side obstructs the field-add 2-Runs to your score & Take another card 3. Fielding side is cautioned for unfair/verbal play-add l-Run to your score & Take another card The'Umpire Decision'cards may provide several categories of outcome: 'PENALTY'-CATEGORY 1. Deduct 1-Run from your score & play-on 2. Deduct 2-Runs from your score & play-on 3. Deduct 4-Runs from your score & play-on 'DECISION'-CATEGORY 1. Not Out-play-on 2. Out- (This applies to the current batsmen) 'PLAYER CAUTIONED-CATEGORY 1. Caution-Unfair play, retain this card until this'match'has been completed (Collect another caution card and you or your team will loose the'match') The game may be played in accordance with the following rules:

The game has been developed to have a golfing style method and incorporating a cricketing theme and thus creating a two-in-one game with true characteristics and feel. Played indoors using the artificial surface provided referred to as the'pitch' or matt. The game may be played by one or more players. If there are two or more players, then a competition between them may be entertainedfollowing the'game rules'and using the'score cards'to record your scores.

The objective of the game is to score more'Runs'than the other party in order to achieve a'match'victory. Once all the articles ac/ are in place then you will be ready to nominate a participant to start the game. By using the putter golf club, strike the cricket style balls toward the desired objective in accordance with the playing options suggested governed by the prevailing rules for that particular option that has been chosen. There are different game options to choose from.

Generally six shots, or, hits of the balls known in the game of cricket as an'over', will constitute a players go, or, turn. The next chosen player will then proceed to play, and so on.

Before you begin playing its best ifyou can have afew practice shotslputts each to acquire a 'feel' for the surface and to access and allow for any irregularities that

may occur around the games playing area. y If you are not familiar with the golf style method to hit the ball using the golf club then you may wish to receive some guidance following the easy steps set out in the 'Training camp'section found the instructions manual All shots are to be played from the'crease line'indicated by a line situated at the narrow end of the matt.

'Runs'are scored when a player rolls the ball using the golf club directly at the batsman's base unit to make contact with it causing the ball to deflect in your chosen direction and successfully come to rest within the scoring areas indicated by rounded shapes with numbers in them located around the field. They all have different values.

The fielding side will take their positions immediately behind the square shapes colored red to define the'caught-out'zones. Again, the ball must come to rest within this area for the batsmen to be deemed'out'.

You will generally be awarded three (3) batsmen and six (6) runs, to start each new game with. This is explained in more detail on the'match rules' & game options sheet.

Finally, it is good etiquette to retrieve balls that have been played by you, ready for the nextplayer to have their turn, and also offer to record their scores whilst their playing.

Preferably the game is played in accordance with'Match Rules and Options'.

An example of'Match Rules and Options'is shown in Figure 10. It is to be understood that the game is not limited to these particular rules and may be played with different rules.

Referring now to Figure 3, a second embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment the playing surface 20 is provided by a mat 21 and is marked out to simulate the appearance of a football pitch. A start location 22 is provided by a"goal line"marked out on the mat 21. A"goal"23 is releasably secured to the playing surface by any suitable means, for example touch-and-hold fastening material. The goal 23 includes a set of posts 24 connected by hinges 25 to a base 26 to allow the goal posts to be folded flat against the playing surface. The goal area 27 may be divided into separate zones 27A, 27B and 27C to define different scoring possibilities.

A multiplicity of figurines 28 having deflecting bases are provided. In addition, a"goalkeeper"figurine 29 and two? ?? figurines 30 are provided. As in the previous embodiment, the game can be played by means of a putter such as shown in Figure 2 and with an appropriate ball 13.

As in the first embodiment of the invention described above, the game preferably is provided with a number of cards which can be used to alter the course of play. The cards may have a format similar to conventional playing cards so that they can be"shuffled"to change the order thereof. The cards may be brought into play by one of a number of possible occurrences. For example, a card may be brought into play at a particular score level or after a particular number of shots or after a particular event. The effect of the cards is to alter the run of play and to this end they may be either favourable or disadvantageous to the player concerned. By way of example, the following cards may be provided: 'Free-Kick'cards : 1. Hand ball-Take referee decision 2. Foul-Take referee decision 3. Off-side-Take referee decision 'Penalty'cards:

1. Hand ball-Deduct 1-goal from your score & play-on 2. Foul-Deduct 1-goal from your score & play-on 3. Foul-Deduct 1-goal from your score & forfeit next shot from this turn 4. Off-side-forfeit next shot from this turn 'Direct Instruction'cards 1. Pass next shot to either striker (your middle two players)-For a single score

2. Pass next shot to either striker (your middle two players)-For double score 3. Pass next shot to LEFT-winger only-For a single score 4. Pass next shot to LEFT-winger only-For double score 5. Pass next shot to RIGHT-winger only-For single score 6. Pass next shot to RIGHT-winger only-For double score 7. Pass next shot to DIVING-HEADER only-For triple score 8. Hit directly toward KEEPER only-For a single score 9. Hit directly toward KEEPER only-For double score 'Change Direction'cards 1. Reverse play direction-Change style from RIGHT to LEFT handed, OR, LEFT to RIGHT handed 'Bonus'cards: 1. Bonus goal-add 1-goal to your score & Take another card.

'Referee Decision'cards : 'PENALTY'-CATEGORY 1. Deduct 1-goal from your score & play-on 2. Deduct 2-goals from your score & play-on 'DECISION'-CATEGORY 1. No action taken-play-on 'PLAYER CAUTION'OR'BOOKED'-CATEGORY 1. Booked-Please retain this card until this'match'has been completed

(Collect another booking and you or your team will loose the'match') The second embodiment may be played in accordance with the following rules : The game has been developed to be played indoors using the artificial surface provided referred to as the'pitch'or matt. The game may be played by one or more players. If there are two or more players, then a competition between them may be entertainedfollowing the'game rules'and using the'score cards'to record your scores.

The objective of the game is to score more goals than the other party in order to achieve a 'match' victory. Once all the articles and fixtures are in place then you

will be ready to nominate a participant to start the game. By using the putter golf club, strike the football style balls toward their desired objective in accordance with the playing options suggested governed by the prevailing rules for that particular option that has been chosen. There are four game options to chose from.

Generally six shots, or, hits of the balls will constitute a players go, or, turn. The next chosen player will then proceed to play, and so on.

Before you begin playing its best ifyou can have afew practice shotslputts each to acquire a 'feel' for the surface and to access and allow for any irregularities that may occur around the games environment.

If you are not familiar with the golf style method to hit the ball using the golf club then you may wish to receive some guidance following the easy steps set out in the 'Training camp'section of this game.

All shots are to be played from the'center spot'indicated within the large half circle shape unless otherwise directed. Shots toward your diving header players can only be playedfrom the appropriate starting point indicated by a triangle shape either side of the center spot.

Goals are scored when a player rolls the ball successfully into the goal/net using the gamefixtures in a manner to deflect your played ball, and then comes to rest within the designated goal surrounds. The player takes the indicated number given on the goal surrounds giving them a score total by adding the respective individual shots together. A score of one (1) goal is rewarded for successfully hitting the balls into the goal/net area, and two (2) goals rewarded for the middle or center section.

The games figures are split into two teams indicated by their differently colored clothing, or, football strip. The goal keeper and two front defenders are classed as the opposition, or, away team. And the others that make up your team, or,'home team'consist of two strikers positioned in the middle portion of the pitch and two wingers, one on either side referred to as left or right winger. They will generally offer a'double score'reward. In addition you have two players that are adopting low so called'diving header'positions, placed either side of the integral'goal' area indicated by a large box shape. They will generally offer a'triple score' reward.

Finally, it is good etiquette to retrieve balls that have been played by you, ready for the next player to have their turn, and also offer to record their scores whilst their playing.

It will be noted that in the rules of both embodiments of game reference is made to a 'training camp'section of the game. This section of the game is intended to provide basic instruction and practice in the use of the playing equipment and is noncompetitive.

Referring now to Figures 4-9 details of the head of the putter are shown. It will be noted that the putter is symmetrical so that it can be used either left or right handed and that each side face of the putter is provided with a flat area 31 which is inclined at an angle of 2'-3'to the vertical to provide a surface for striking the ball. In the embodiment shown the putter head is configured to simulate the appearance of a soccer boot. However, it will be appreciated that this is not critical and that other appearances for the putter head are possible.

Claims

CLAIMS : 1. A game comprising: means defining a playing surface; means defining at least one scoring area on the playing surface; means defining a start location on or adjacent the playing surface; and deflecting means positioned on the playing surface for deflecting a ball played towards the deflecting means from the start location onwards towards the zone of the playing surface in which the scoring area is located.
2. A game according to claim 1 comprising means on the playing surface defining one or more hazards.
3. A game according to claim 2 wherein the hazard is in the form of a physical obstruction to passage of a ball.
4. A game according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the hazard imposes a playing penalty.
5. A game according to any preceding claim wherein the scoring areas and/or the hazard areas are defined by way of surface markings and/or recessed regions in the playing surface.
6. A game according to any preceding claim wherein the playing surface is configured to represent aspects of one or more games.
7. A game according to claim 6 wherein the playing surface is configured to represent a portion of a football pitch or a portion of a cricket pitch.
8. A game according to any preceding claim wherein the playing surface is defined by a mat.
9. A game according to claim 8 wherein the mat has, on opposite surfaces thereof different markings to represent different games.
10. A game according to any preceding claim wherein there are a plurality of deflecting pieces.
11. A game according to claim 10 wherein some of the deflecting pieces have deflecting surfaces profiled differently from others of the deflecting pieces.
12. A game according to any preceding claim wherein the deflecting surfaces are defined by base portions of plinths and figurines representing players in a game.
13. A game according to any preceding claim wherein the deflecting surface is formed by two or more spaced apart surface portions.
14. A game according to any preceding claim wherein comprising means for securing the deflecting pieces to the playing surface.
15. A game according to claim 14 wherein the means of securing the deflecting pieces to the playing surface comprises touch and hold fastening means.
16. A game according to any preceding claim wherein the game includes a plurality of cards which, when played in accordance with the rules of the game, alter the course of play.
17. A game according to any preceding claim wherein a tool is provided for striking the ball.
18. A game according to claim 17 wherein the tool is of the general form of a golf club.
19. A game substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.