GB2581797A

GB2581797A - Apparatus for playing a ball game

Info

Publication number: GB2581797A
Application number: GB1902552.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrews Christopher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-02-26
Filing date: 2019-02-26
Publication date: 2020-09-02
Anticipated expiration: 2039-02-26
Also published as: GB201902552D0; GB2581797B

Abstract

A device for playing a kurby ball game comprising a body portion 102 that imitates a kerb and an extension portion 103 on which a weight can be put to keep the body portion stable. The body portion has top 108, bottom 104, front 106, and back 107 walls. The front wall has an inclined surface 109, extending forwards from the top to the bottom wall. The extension portion extends from the back face. The device may be plastic and there may be handles 122 on the body portion. The extension portion may be textured, may be rubber and may be sufficiently flexible and pliable to be rolled around the body portion.

Description

APPARATUS FOR PLAYING A BALL GAME

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for playing a ball game, in particular to apparatus for playing a ball game traditionally played in the street and commonly known by such names as 'kerb ball', 'kerbs', 'kerby' or variants thereof.

Background of the Invention

A traditional ball game is known in which two players stand at respective, opposite kerbs of a residential street and during their own turn throw a ball, typically a round ball such as a football, across to the far kerb with the aim of hitting the edge of the target kerb on such a trajectory that the ball rebounds towards them so they can catch it, rather than the ball landing elsewhere and bouncing onto, or rolling along, the pavement or road. Although different rules for scoring exist, versions of this ball game are identified as 'kerb ball', 'kerbs', 'kerby' or similar. However, it has been found that increases in the volume of traffic and the number of parked vehicles in residential areas have interfered with the safe playing of the game. It is therefore desirable to be able to replicate the kerbs aspect of the setting in which the game originated in an alternative environment such as a garden or a public park or other recreational area.

United Kingdom Patent No. GB 2495114 B discloses a portable device for playing kerb ball comprising two elongate housings connected by a mat or sheet, the mat or sheet providing a gaming surface and being retractable into and extendable from the two elongate housings, each of the two elongate housings having a front surface and a top surface to represent a curb and an impact-reactive strip positioned along or adjacent an edge between the front and top surfaces for audibly or visibly reacting to impacts, the two elongate housings relatively arranged to represent opposite curbs.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect there is provided apparatus for playing a ball game, comprising: a body portion and an extension portion; the body portion comprising a base end for placing on a support surface, the base end defining a base plane, the body portion further comprising an obverse face, a reverse face, and a top face extending therebetween, the obverse face comprising a pitched surface, the pitched surface oriented in an inclined plane that extends in a forward and downward direction from the top face towards the base plane; and the extension portion extending from the body portion to project in a rearward direction from the reverse face, the extension portion comprising a first face for placing on a support surface and a second face comprising a loading surface to which a holding force can be applied; whereby the body portion is arranged to imitate a kerb and the extension portion is arranged to allow the body portion to be maintained in a desired position on a support surface by the application of a weight on the loading surface thereof.

The body portion is constructed to replicate a prior art street kerb, and may be used in a street ball game played in an alternative environment or setting. The extension portion allows a person to hold the body portion in position.

In an example, the loading surface is configured to receive a foot of a person thereon for applying a holding force to maintain the apparatus in a desired position on a support surface. The extension portion therefore provides a convenient way of holding the body portion in position that does not require the use of further equipment.

In an example, the first face of the extension portion extends in the same plane as the base plane.

The first face of the extension portion may have a textured profile. The loading surface of the second face of the extension portion may have a textured profile.

The body portion may comprise a first end and a second end, each of the first and second ends provided with a handle arrangement for facilitating manual transportation and positioning.

The apparatus may further comprise at least one footing element for increasing stability and grip on a support surface.

The extension portion may be formed integrally with the body portion.

The body portion and the extension portion may be formed separately and subsequently permanently or releasably joined.

The body portion and the extension portion may be fabricated from different materials.

In an example, the extension portion is sufficiently pliable to be rolled about the body portion.

According to a second aspect there is provided a kit for playing a game comprising a first apparatus according to the first aspect and a second apparatus according to the first aspect.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be more particularly described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I shows a perspective view of apparatus for playing a ball game; Figure 2 shows a side view of the apparatus of Figure I; Figure 3 shows a top view of the apparatus of Figure I; Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the apparatus of Figure I; Figure 5 shows a front view of the apparatus of Figure I; Figure 6 shows a rear view of the apparatus of Figure I; and Figure 7 illustrates features of the apparatus of Figure I.

Description

Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the apparatus, systems and processes described herein. It is to be understood that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and the invention should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments and examples set forth herein but by the scope of the appended claims.

Apparatus 101 for playing a game is will now be described with reference to Figures I to 7. Apparatus 101 is suitable for playing the traditional street ball game known by such names as 'kerb ball', 'kerbs', 'kerby' and similar.

The apparatus 101 comprises a body portion 102 and an extension portion 103. The body portion 102 comprises a base end 104, for placing on a support surface (not shown). The base end 104 defines a base plane, indicated by area 105. The body portion 102 further comprises an obverse face 106, a reverse face 107, and a top face 108 extending therebetween. The obverse face 106 comprises a pitched surface 109. The pitched surface 109 is oriented in an inclined plane, indicated by area 110.

Referring to Figures I & 2 in particular now, the obverse face 106 of the body portion 102 points in a generally forward direction, indicated by arrow III, and the reverse face 107 of the body portion 102 points in a generally rearward direction, indicated by arrow 112, the forward and rearward directions III, 112 being opposite directions.

The inclined plane 110 extends in a forward and downward direction, indicated by arrow 113, from the top face 108 towards the base plane 105. According to the shown arrangement, an internal angle I 14 formed between the inclined plane 110 and the base plane 105 is an acute angle.

The extension portion 103 extends from the body portion 102 to project in the rearward direction I 12, from the reverse face 107. The extension portion 103 comprises a first face 115, for placing on a support surface (not shown) and a second face 116 comprising a loading surface 117, to which a holding force can be applied. The holding force may arise from placing a foot or a weight upon the loading surface 117.

Referring again in particular to Figures I & 2, according to the shown arrangement, the first face 115 of the extension portion 103 points in a generally downward direction, indicated by arrow 118, and the second face 116 of the extension portion 103 points in a generally upward direction, indicated by arrow 119, the downward and upward directions 118, 119 being opposite directions.

The body portion 102 of the apparatus 101 is arranged to imitate a kerb and the extension portion 103 of the apparatus 101 is arranged to allow the body portion 102 to be maintained in a position on a support surface by the application of a weight on the loading surface 117 thereof.

Apparatus 101 is portable, and may be positioned, and used, on any suitable support surface, for example on a hard-standing surface, an aggregate material surface, a natural or artificial grass surface, or an indoor court surface.

The extension portion 103 is configured to allow a person to stand on the loading surface 117 to hold the body portion 102 in place. Thus, a weight applied to the extension portion 103 may be the weight of a body applied by a person putting their foot or feet upon the loading surface 117.

The body portion 102 has a first end 120 and a second end 121. The first and second ends 120, 121 may be substantially open or substantially closed. According to the shown arrangement, each of the first and second ends 120, 121 is provided with a handle arrangement, such as handle arrangement 122 of second end 121, to facilitate manual transportation and positioning of the body portion 102. In this illustrated example, the handle arrangement 122 comprises an aperture 123 into which the fingers of a hand can be inserted (as illustrated in Figure 7), the aperture 123 formed in a side wall 124 of the second end 121. The handle arrangement may however comprise any suitable alternative arrangement and may, for example, comprise a recess or a manually grippable element such as a knob or a strap.

According to this illustrated example, the body portion 102 is elongate and has a length L, a width W and a depth D. It is to be appreciated that the apparatus may comprise a body portion that is securable to, or relative to, a similar body portion, for example to achieve a similar arrangement to the apparatus 101 illustrated in Figures 1 to 7. In other words, the body portion may be formed from a plurality of body portion segments or modules.

Further features of the present illustrated example will now be described.

It is to be appreciated generally that each of the obverse face 106, the reverse face 107 and the top face 108 of the body portion 102, and each of the first face 115 and the second face 116 of the extension portion 103 may comprise more than one surface.

As shown in Figure I in particular, in this example, the top face 108 comprises a top surface 125 that extends in a top plane, indicated by area 126, that is substantially parallel to the base plane 105.

In addition, in this example, the first face 115 of the extension portion 103 extends in the base plane 105. This configuration allows the apparatus 101 to be placed on a planar support surface (not shown) with the base end 104 of the body portion 102 and the first face 115 of the extension portion 103 both in contact with the planar support surface.

Further, in this example, the second face 116 of the extension portion 103, including the loading surface 117, extends in a plane, indicated by area 127, that is parallel to the base plane 105. However, it is to be appreciated that the second face 116 of the extension portion 103 may alternatively extend in a plane that is inclined relative the base plane 105, to extend in an upward and forward direction from the base plane 105 towards the top face 108 of the body portion 102. In addition, it is to be understood that the second face I 16 of the extension portion 103 may comprise one or more additional surfaces, with the loading surface 117 extending in a first plane relative to the base plane 105 and at least one other surface extending in a second plane relative to the base plane 105 that is different from the first plane.

The obverse face 106 comprises a second surface 128. The second surface 128 extends from the base end 104 to the pitched surface 109. A sharp external corner 201 is provided between the second surface 128 and the pitched surface 109. The pitched surface 109 extends from the second surface 128 to the top surface 125. A sharp external corner 202 is provided between the pitched surface 127 and the top surface 125.

The reverse face 107 comprises a first surface 129. The first surface 129 extends from the top surface 125 towards the base end 104. A rounded external corner 203 is provided between the top surface 125 and the first surface 129.

Referring to Figure 2 in particular now, a first axis 204 is shown that extends perpendicular to the base plane 105, forward of the obverse face 106 of the body portion 102. An internal angle 204 formed between the second surface 127 of the obverse face 106 and the first axis 204 is an acute angle. The internal angle 204 may be approximately 3 degrees.

An internal angle 205 formed between the inclined plane 110 in which the pitched surface 109 of the obverse face 106 extends and the first axis 204 is an acute angle.

The internal angle 205 may be approximately 45 degrees.

A second axis 206 is shown that extends perpendicular to the base plane 105, rearward of the reverse face 107 of the body portion 102. An internal angle 207 formed between the first surface 128 of the reverse face 107 and the second axis 206 is an acute angle. The internal angle 207 may be approximately 3 degrees.

Referring to Figure 5 now, a third axis 501 and a fourth axis 502 are shown that extend perpendicular to the base plane 105, outward of the first end 120 and the second end 121 of the body portion 102 respectively. Internal angles 503, 504 formed respectively between the first end 120 and the third axis 501 and between the second end 120 and the fourth axis 502 are acute angles. The internal angles 503, 504 may each be approximately 3 degrees.

Referring back to Figures I & 2, the extension portion 103 has a free end 130. In this example, the free end 129 comprises a chamfered surface 131, extending in an upward and forward direction from the first surface 115 to the second surface 116.

This feature functions to provide comfort to a person who is holding the apparatus 101 with a foot (as illustrated in Figure 7). In Figure 2, a fifth axis 208 is shown that extends perpendicular to the base plane 105, rearward of the free end 128 of the extension portion 103. An internal angle 209 formed between the chamfered surface 131 of the extension portion 103 and the fifth axis 208 is an acute angle. The internal angle 209 may be approximately 70 degrees.

Referring to Figure 3 now, the body portion 102 has a width 301 and the extension portion 103 has a width 302. In this example, the width 301 of the body portion 102 and the width 302 of the extension portion 103 are substantially the same. It is to be appreciated that the width 302 of the extension portion 103 may differ from the width 301 of the body portion 102. In the specific example illustrated, the width 301 of the body portion 102 and the width 302 of the extension portion 103 are each approximately 100mm. In addition, the body portion 102 has a length 303 and the extension portion 103 has a length 304. In this example, the length 303 of the body portion 102 and the length 304 of the extension portion 103 are substantially the same. In the specific example illustrated, the length 303 of the body portion 102 and the length 304 of the extension portion 103 are each approximately 500mm. In this specific example, the pitched surface 109 has dimensions of approximately 500mm by 35mm, but is to be appreciated that the dimensions of the pitched surface 109 may vary between examples.

Referring to Figure 6 now, the body portion 102 has a depth 601 and the extension portion 103 has a depth 602. In the specific example illustrated, the depth 601 of the body portion 102 is approximately 70mm and the depth 602 of the extension portion 103 is approximately 6mm.

It is to be appreciated that, depending on the construction of the apparatus 101, the overall depth of the apparatus 101 may be equivalent to the depth 601 of the body portion 102 or equivalent to the depth 602 of the body portion 102 plus the depth 602 of the extension portion 103.

For example, the extension portion and the body portion may be formed as separate components that are subsequently joined together. The extension portion may take the form of a sheet or a panel or a mat. The extension portion may be 'bottom fixed' to the body portion, with the extension portion extending along the base of the body portion, with an upper surface of the extension portion facing an underside surface of the body portion, so that the overall depth is equal to the depth of the body portion and the additional depth of the extension portion. Alternatively, the extension portion may be 'face fixed' to the body portion, with the extension portion extending from the reverse face of the body portion with a lower surface of the extension portion flush with an underside surface of the body, so that the overall depth is equal to the depth of the body portion. With both these described 'bottom fixing' and 'face fixing' arrangements, the extension portion projects rearwardly from the reverse face of the body portion. It is further to be appreciated that similar results can be achieved if the body portion and extension portion are formed integrally.

According to the present illustrated example, the overall depth of the apparatus 101 is provided by the depth 601 of the body portion 102.

Referring to Figures 4 & 5, the first face 115 and the second face 116 of the extension portion 103 may each have any suitable profile. For example, one or both of the first face 115 and the loading surface 117 of the second face 116 may have a substantially smooth or a textured profile. A textured profile may be provided, for example, by a regular or irregular pattern of channels, ridges (which may intersect), corrugations, castellations, or ribs, bumps or other forms of protrusions. The surface profile of the first face 115 may be selected to increase purchase of the extension portion 103 on a support surface. The surface profile of the loading surface 117 of the second face 116 may be selected to increase grip of a foot or weight on the extension portion 103.

Alternatively, or additionally, the apparatus 101 may be provided with at least one footing element to increase stability and grip on a support surface.

In this example, the body portion 102, such as footing element 401, and the extension portion 103 is similarly provided with at least one footing element, such as footing element 402. According to the specific illustrated example, the apparatus 101 comprises four footing elements 401, 402, 403, 404 arranged generally one towards each underside corner. The apparatus 101 may have any different suitable number of footing elements, in any suitable arrangement, and the or each footing element may be of any suitable type, have any suitable dimensions, be fabricated from any suitable material or materials, and be secured to the body portion 102 and/or the extension portion 103 using any suitable type of fixing, for example, a mechanical fastener or adhesive. In this specific example, footing elements 401, 402, 403, 404 that are fabricated from a rubber material are provided.

As mentioned previously, the extension portion 102 and the body portion 103 may be integrally formed. For example, the apparatus 101 may be moulded as a unitary item. 25 Alternatively, the extension portion 102 and the body portion 103 may be formed as separate components that are subsequently joined together. The extension portion 103 may be permanently or releasably connectable or connected to the body portion 103. In an example in which the extension portion is releasably connectable to the body portion, any suitable fixing arrangement may be used, for example a positive mechanical fit arrangement, which may utilise a push fit or a slide fit action, a hook and eye arrangement, a hook and loop arrangement, a zipper arrangement, a button and hole arrangement.

Each of the first and second ends 120, 121 of the body portion 103 may be provided with a side wall, such as side wall 124 of second end 121, that is either integrally formed with the remainder of the body portion 102 or formed as a separate component that is subsequently permanently or removably secured to the remainder of the body portion 102.

The extension portion 102 and the body portion 103 may be fabricated from the same or different materials, and may have the same or different properties.

Each of the body portion 102 and the extension portion 103 may be fabricated from any suitable material or combination of materials, using any suitable manufacturing step or combination of manufacturing steps. The material fabrication of each of the body portion 102 and the extension portion 103 may be selected to satisfy such requirements as: weight (for example, the apparatus being lighter in weight supports portability but the apparatus being heavier in weight supports position stability), weather-resistance (for example, the apparatus being water impermeable supports use outdoors and convenient cleaning of the apparatus), strength, rigidity (for example, robustness supports longevity of the apparatus), resilience (for example, a resilient portion can be provided to support game play), aesthetic appearance, manufacturability, production cost The body portion 102 is constructed to replicate a prior art street kerb. More specifically the body portion 102 is designed to emulate the function of such a prior art street kerb in the traditional street ball game known by such names as 'kerb ball', 'kerbs', kerby' and similar, during which a ball, typically a round ball, such as a football, is thrown by a player at the kerb with the aim of hitting the edge of the kerb such that the ball rebounds along a trajectory conducive to the player catching the ball (see Figure 7).

In an example, the body portion 102 is fabricated from a plastics material. In such an example, the body portion 102 may be produced by a moulding process or an extrusion process. The walling of the body portion 102 may have any suitable thickness. In an example, the body portion 102 comprises walls that have a thickness of approximately 5mm. In an example, the body portion 102 is fabricated from a polypropylene material.

The extension portion 103 is provided to allow a person to place their foot thereon to maintain the body portion 102 in a desired position (see Figure 7). This convenient feature overcomes the requirement to utilise one or more fixing devices, such as pegs or stakes, to secure the body portion 102 to a support surface; such fixing devices can be difficult or impossible to use, depending on the type of support surface, be cumbersome to transport, can be easily lost, can become dirty or broken through use, and can cause personal injury or damage.

In an example, the extension portion 103 is fabricated from a rubber material or from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. In an example, the extension portion 103 is a sheet of material. In an example, the extension portion 103 is sufficiently pliable to be rolled about the body portion 102. This feature allows the footprint of the apparatus 101 to be advantageously reduced for convenient moving or storage. The extension portion 103 may have a structure that facilitates rolling up. For example, the loading surface 117 may include ridges extending in the length direction to facilitate curving of the loading surface 117 as the extension portion 102 is rolled towards the body portion 103. In another example, the extension portion 103 is rigid.

Figure 7 shows a foot 701 of a person 702 placed upon the loading surface 117 of the extension portion 103 to hold the apparatus 101 in a desired position upon a support surface 703. The loading surface 117 of the extension portion 103 is hence dimensioned to receive a foot of a person thereon, although a heavy object may be used. A ball 704 is shown rebounding from the pitched surface 109, which is the target when for playing the traditional street ball game known by such names as 'kerb ball', 'kerbs', 'kerby' and similar. A kit for playing a game may therefore be provided that provides a first of the apparatus 101 and a second of the apparatus 101. The kit may further comprise a ball, such as ball 704.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments and examples shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims I. Apparatus for playing a ball game, comprising: a body portion and an extension portion; the body portion comprising a base end for placing on a support surface, the base end defining a base plane, the body portion further comprising an obverse face, a reverse face, and a top face extending therebetween, the obverse face comprising a pitched surface, the pitched surface oriented in an inclined plane that extends in a forward and downward direction from the top face towards the base plane; and the extension portion extending from the body portion to project in a rearward direction from the reverse face, the extension portion comprising a first face for placing on a support surface and a second face comprising a loading surface to which a holding force can be applied; whereby the body portion is arranged to imitate a kerb and the extension portion is arranged to allow the body portion to be maintained in a desired position on a support surface by the application of a weight on the loading surface thereof.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim I, wherein the loading surface is configured to receive a foot of a person thereon for applying a holding force to maintain the apparatus in a desired position on a support surface.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein the first face of the extension portion extends in the same plane as the base plane.
4. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first face of the extension portion has a textured profile.
5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the loading surface of the second face of the extension portion has a textured profile.
6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body portion comprises a first end and a second end, each of the first and second ends provided with a handle arrangement for facilitating manual transportation and positioning.
7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising at least one footing element for increasing stability and grip on a support surface.
8. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims I to 6, wherein said body portion is fabricated from a plastics material.
9. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims I to 6, wherein said extension portion is fabricated from a plastics material.
10. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said extension portion is formed integrally with said body portion.
I. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims I to 8, wherein said extension portion is fabricated from a rubber material or a thermoplastic elastomer material.
12. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims I to 6, wherein said extension portion is sufficiently pliable to be rolled about the body portion.
13. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said apparatus has a width direction, the body portion has a width in the width direction, the extension body portion has a width in the width direction, and the width of the body portion and the width of the extension portion are substantially the same.
14. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said apparatus has a length direction, the body portion has a length in the length direction, the extension body portion has a length in the length direction, and the length of the body portion and the length of the extension portion are substantially the same.I5. A kit for playing a game comprising a first apparatus as claimed in claim I and a second apparatus as claimed in claim I.