US20040160002A1

US20040160002A1 - Board style football game

Info

Publication number: US20040160002A1
Application number: US10/367,040
Authority: US
Inventors: Kip England
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-02-14
Filing date: 2003-02-14
Publication date: 2004-08-19

Abstract

The present invention in its preferred embodiment is a game for playing football comprising a case having therein a field, dice roll containment area, scoreboard storage area, number storage area, dice storage area, card storage area, and various other components including a field with playing surface colored suitably to represent a football field. The other components include a ball marker to show the position of the ball on the field, a first down marker to show where the ball must be moved in order to obtain a new set of downs. Additionally, the game comprises a scoreboard, dice and cards for determining the results of plays.

Description

COPYRIGHT NOTICE AND LIMITED AUTHORIZATION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for carrying out the play of a game of football, and more particularly to a football game that is played on a board surface with appropriate accessories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sports game simulations lend themselves well to board style games. Over the years, many embodiments of board style sports games have arisen. Football games are a particularly good model for the development of a board game, mainly due to the immense popularity of the game.

The present invention began out of a need for a device for, and method of, playing football between opposing sides that provides for realism and simplicity in operation.

There are various football game devices and methods previously known, but which all are disadvantageous when compared to the present invention:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,224 to Wusterbarth teaches a board game with a board that does not resemble a football field, but does include yard markings, pins to mark the scrimmage and 10 yard first down lines with holes to insert the pins into, dice in groups to determine the yards gained or lost, and a set of rules. Downs and quarters are indicated, but score is kept separately on a scorecard. The invention of Wusterbarth '224 requires a complicated pattern of dice of different colors and does not resemble a football playing field in form or function, thus not providing a ‘feel’ of the game. Further, Wusterbarth '224 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,956 to Warmack teaches a board game with a board resembling a football field, including yard markings. Play is accomplished by selection of cards with questions and answers with the answers thereto determining the interpretation of movement indicated on a wheel that is then spun. Dice serve for supplementary moves. While the invention of Warmack '956 has a field resembling a football field, its requirement of knowledge of answers to sports questions makes this device unsuitable for all but those having such special knowledge. Further, Warmack '956 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,419 to Hill teaches a football board game, which has a ball marker and a yardage marker. This game uses thirty dice and six decks of playing cards. Moves are determined from statistics sheets, based on outcomes from dice and cards. The device of Hill '419 requires a highly complicated set of components compared to the present invention. Further, Hill '419 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,036 to Chester teaches a football board game with two football fields and a dry erase surface. Ink markers are used to record ball position. A pair of dice is used separately. Cards correspond to player positions and specific players with their statistics thereon. The game is designed to resemble professional football play. Chester '036 requires that each player have their own field, which is not representative of real life football. Further, Chester '036 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,050 to Charles teaches a football board game with yardage lines. Game pieces resemble players and are used for marking the position of the team and the formation of typical football players on the field, and the movement thereof. Cards and dice are used to determine play outcomes. Field goals and extra points are “kicked” by flicking a triangular “projectile” through the goal posts. Charles '050 requires a multitude of components to be placed on the field playing surface, such as figures of players, etc., which devices are not necessary to the present invention. Further, Charles '050 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,229 to Jaime teaches a football field board game, where a die is rolled to determine from a chart what the move and yardage will be. Offensive and defensive play charts are disposed on the surface of the game board. Yardage markers are included. Timers are used for both game time and time-outs. Standard dice are used to determine play, while specialty dice determine yardage. The game of Jaime '229 requires that play is limited to one hour, but has no means for ensuring that both teams have equal opportunities for play. Further, Jaime '229 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,461 to Tucker teaches a football board game with cards and dice for plays and penalties. The board itself determines the results of the play based on where the “ball” comes to rest after a player imparts motion to it. Tucker '461 uses an unusual method of propelling the ball through physical means to a landing point that determines the play outcome, which is disadvantageous to those lacking the skills necessary to cause the ball to land in a favorable position. Further, Tucker '461 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,301 to Martukovich, Jr. teaches a football board game that incorporates weather conditions into the play. Plays are determined by selecting cards based on a dice roll, with yardage determined from the card. Ball and yardage markers are included. Specialty dice are used. Martukovich '301 utilizes complicated multifaceted dice, disadvantageously necessitating complex and costly manufacturing, unlike the present invention. Further, Martukovich '301 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,879 to Nigh teaches a football board game using cards to determine plays and specialty dice to determine yardage gained or lost. Markers are provided for scrimmage and first down lines. An electronic scoreboard is used. Pairs of dice are stored in compartments in a player container and rolled in a separate throwing tray. Nigh '879 uses non-standard dice complicating manufacture and increasing cost. Further, Nigh '879 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,524,975 to Caughie et al. teaches a football board game with specialty dice of varying geometric shapes to determine play outcome and yardage. Decks of cards are used to determine play. The field has ball and yardage markers. Like Martukovich '301, Caughie et al. '975 uses multifaceted dice highly complicating the play and manufacture and thus increasing cost. Further, Caughie et al. '975 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,346 to Godwin teaches a board-style football game, where players choose between selecting cards or rolling dice to simulate results of conventional football games. Pegs in holes mark the position of the ball and first down markers and also are used to display the score. Godwin '346 uses dice for running plays, with the result determined through the complexity of mathematically calculating a reduced yardage gain in certain situations, and uses cards to determine passing plays. It is confusing to have different methods needed to be learned in order to run or pass the ball, and is thus disadvantageous. Further, Godwin '346 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,743,105 to Westbrook teaches a football board game with a field, and down and play counters. Cards determine the play and dice determine the outcome and yardage. The number of plays determines the playing time. Ball, down and yardage markers are included on the board. Westbrook '105 is disadvantageous in that it requires the use of cards for the defense to predict plays by the offense. Through combination of complex predictions, a resulting play ensues. Further, Westbrook '105 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,044,506 to Lundquist teaches a football game with two boards, one representing the field and the other having the result combinations of various dice rolls. The number of plays run determines each quarter. The game of Lundquist '506 is disadvantageous in that it uses combinations of a large number of dice into pairs, and other groupings such as three, four and five of a kind. Further, Lundquist '506 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

U.S. Pat. No. 543,463 to Brown, Jr. teaches a football board game using specialty dice. Colors on the individual dice determine the plays, while a die with numerals is used to determine movement of the peg on the “field” when different colors appear on the other two dice. A peg is moved in holes on the board to show the position of the ball. Brown '463 is disadvantageous in requiring dice with different colors on their faces, thus increasing the cost of manufacture. Further, Brown '463 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

United States Patent Application No. 2002/0153659 to Milcheck teaches a football board game with human body indicia on the board and using cards, which game incorporates actions on the opponent's body to facilitate interpersonal contact. Play of Milcheck 2002/0153659 is complex, involving the use of a standard deck of cards coded with football plays. Players must undergo a “high card duel” to determine the sequence and results of plays. Further, Milcheck 2002/0153659 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

While some or all of the above referenced patents may well be used for playing football between opposing sides, they are disadvantageous in that they fail to adequately provide simplicity of operation, ease of manufacture and are over-complicated.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a method and apparatus for playing football by means of a board game.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred embodiment is a board style game based on football as played in the United States of America.

More specifically, the present invention is a board case that has formed in its interior a playing surface or field, a dice rolling confinement area, and game components.

The present invention is directed to a device that is used for playing football between opposing teams.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to depict characteristically the game of football, so as to provide enjoyment by fans of that game.

A further feature and advantage of the present invention is that it is suitable for playing in small areas between individual players.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is that it can be played independently of a time clock and the game may be conveniently stopped and restarted at any time.

A further feature and advantage of the present invention is that it is simple to manufacture and of low cost.

A further feature and advantage of the present invention is that it can be played with simple rules and components.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is that it represents the play of the game of football accurately.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is that it is fully contained within a functional carrying case.

A further feature and advantage of the present invention is that the game time is measured by a fixed number of possessions representing each quarter.

An additional feature and advantage of the present invention is that it provides for excitement in close games by providing special rules to allow a losing player a better opportunity to overcome the leading player's score.

Still yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is that it provides a random mechanism for long plays, both offensively and defensively.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, the present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structures and refer to like elements throughout, and in which: [0037]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a football game device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.[0038]

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0039] 10 Apparatus for Playing Football
[0040] 20 Case
[0041] 22 Field
[0042] 24 Playing Surface
[0043] 26 Markings
[0044] 28 Yardage Lines
[0045] 30 Ten-yard Lines
[0046] 32 Five-yard Lines
[0047] 34 End Zones
[0048] 36 Hash Marks
[0049] 38 Boundary Areas
[0050] 40 Ball
[0051] 42 First Down Marker
[0052] 44 Dice Roll Containment Area
[0053] 46 Scoreboard Storage Area
[0054] 48 Scoreboard
[0055] 50 Home Team
[0056] 52 Visiting Team
[0057] 54 Numbers
[0058] 56 Peg Hole for Possession Count
[0059] 58 Peg Hole for Down Count
[0060] 60 Peg Hole for Quarter Count
[0061] 62 Pegs
[0062] 64 Number Storage Area
[0063] 66 Dice Storage Area
[0064] 68 Dice
[0065] 70 Card Storage Area
[0066] 72 Cards
[0067] 74 Figure
[0068] 76 Type of Play
[0069] 78 Direction of Play
[0070] 80 Results of Play

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the Figures, and the alternate embodiments of the present invention, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. [0071]
The present invention is suitable for playing a game of football between opponents, preferably two in number. Greater numbers of players can be sorted into two teams for multi-person play. [0072]
The present invention is played according to a set of rules set forth in Tables I and II below. [0073]

TABLE I


General Rules:

Time limits/quarters

Possessions - four (4) possessions by each team per quarter

Interceptions, fumble recoveries and recovering an on-side kick count as the victim's

possession, so the benefiting team is getting a free possession.

Final Possession Rule:

If the team who has the last scheduled possession of the game is leading by eight (8) or less and

doesn't get at least one first down, it must punt or turn over the ball on downs or score to lead

by more than eight (8). If it scores, but still doesn't lead by more than eight (8), it must kick off

to the other team. This give the losing team a free possession and a chance to tie or win. But

that team only gets a total of 6 downs to score. However, it is only allowed one (1) first down

and then must score.

Coin toss

Roll the dice. The highest roll wins - This is used at the start of the game and if overtime is

needed.

Additional roll rules:

The first time the offense rolls to further advance the ball, yardage is one (1) times the roll. If

doubles are rolled, the offense rolls again and yardage is then two (2) times the roll, if doubles

are rolled again, then three (3) times the yardage, and so on only as long as doubles are being

rolled.

Kicking rules:

The kicking or punting team rolls the dice.

Kick Offs - a roll of

2-4 - ball lands on the twenty yard line

5-9 - ball lands on goal line

10-11 - ball lands in the end zone (5 yards deep - Player must make a decision whether

to return it or not)

12 - out of end zone (Ball is placed on the 20 yard line)

On-side kick - a roll of

11-12 - the kicking team recovers the ball on the 45 yard line (still counts as the other

team's possession)

Less than 11 - receiving team takes possession on the 45 yard line.

Kick Off returns - after placing the ball according to the dice roll from the kick off, the

receiving team rolls the dice, unless the ball is kicked out of the end zone, or the kicking team

has the option not to return the kick.

Kick off return is three (3) times the count on the dice, and then follow additional roll rules if

necessary.

Punt - a roll of

2 - blocked

3-12 - punt distance is five (5) times the roll of the dice

Yards are marked off from the line of scrimmage. If the punt is blocked, the receiving team

takes over the ball 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage with no chance to advance the

blocked kick.

Punt returns - cannot be returned if ball is inside the 10 yard line. The receiving player can just

take the ball where it lands and not risk fumble.

Punt returns are 1 times the roll of the dice if the count is 3 or more. Additional rolls

rules apply.

A roll of 2 is a fumble of the punt at the point of the catch. The punting team then rolls

the dice again and a 12 gives the ball back to the punting team. Fumbles cannot be advanced.

Field Goals - distance is calculated as five (5) times the roll of the dice and the field goal is

only blocked if a 2 is rolled. In that event, the other team gets the ball seven (7) yards behind

the line of scrimmage. Advancing the ball is not permitted. Yardage needed is determined by

the line of scrimmage, plus 10 yards for the end zone, plus seven yards for the placement of the

ball. If the field goal is blocked, it does not count as other team's possession. Field goals longer

than 60 yards are not permitted to be attempted. If missed, ball is placed on 20-yard line.

Extra point - an extra point is kicked from the nine yard line, which makes it a 19 yard field

goal, requiring a roll of at least 4, when multiplied by five (5), to make it.

Two points conversions are permitted - defense must roll 7 or more to defeat.

Turnovers

Fumbles - If the defense rolls 12 on a running play and causes the offense to lose yards, the

defense then rolls the dice again and another roll of 12 is a fumble and the defense gets the ball

with no chance to advance. This possession continues to count as the team's who originally

fumbled the ball, even if fumbled back again.

Interceptions - Upon an interception the team intercepting the ball rolls the dice and if a 12 is

rolled, the intercepting team can then use the additional rolls rules to advance the ball. This

possession continues to count as the team's who threw the interception, as for fumbles above.

Overtime

Overtime: Roll the dice - the highest roll goes first. It is an advantage to go second. Each

team gets one possession and whichever scores more points on its possession wins. Play starts

on the 25 yard line. Up to four (4) possessions are permitted and then overtime ends. If the

game is still tied, the winner is decided by the deepest penetration towards the opponent's goal

line during the four (4) possessions. If the game is still tied, then the highest roll of the dice

decides the winner. Multiple rolls must be taken, if necessary. For wins achieved by

penetration or by rolling the dice, scoring is one (1) point awarded to the winning player to

break the tie.

	TABLE II


	How Yardage is Decided
	A roll of 2 - offense gets to roll for additional yards
	using the additional rolls rules.
	Plays:
	Quarterback sneak - 1 yard
	Defense rolls
	10 or less - play succeeds
	11-12 - No gain
	Run Middle - 3 yards
	Defense rolls
	9 or less - play succeeds
	10-11 - no gain
	12 - lose 1 yard
	Run off tackle - 4 yards
	Defense rolls
	8 or less - play succeeds
	9-11 - no gain
	12 - lose 2 yards
	Run End - 8 yards
	Defense rolls
	7 or less - play succeeds
	8-11 - no gain
	12 - lose 4 yards
	Pass short - 10 yards
	Defense rolls
	6 or less - play succeeds
	7-11 - incomplete
	12 - intercepted (10 yards from line of scrimmage)
	Pass long - 40 yards
	Defense rolls
	4 or less - succeeds
	5-11 - incomplete
	12 - intercepted (40 yards from line of scrimmage)

Referring now to FIG. 1, in its preferred form apparatus for playing [0077] football 10 is comprised of case 20, field 22, dice roll containment area 44, scoreboard storage area 46, number storage area 64, dice storage area 66 and card storage area 70. Field 20 has playing surface 24, preferably having coloration to represent a football field, for exemplary purposes only, green. Playing surface 24 also preferably includes lines 28 to identify yardage along the field, including ten-yard lines 30 with numbering 26, five-yard lines 32 to further divide the ten-yard segments, end zone boundary lines 34, hash marks 36 for ball positioning, and boundary areas 38.
Progress of the offensive team on [0078] field 22 is shown by the location of ball 40 on playing surface 24. First-down marker 42 preferably delineates the distance that must be travelled from the preceding first-down line of scrimmage in order to achieve a subsequent first down, and thus retain possession of ball 40.
The score of the game is preferably kept via [0079] scoreboard 48, which may reside in scoreboard storage area 46 for storage and/or during play, especially when game play is in confined spaces. Scoreboard 48 may be removed from scoreboard storage area 46 and placed proximate field 22, or any other location readily visible and accessible to the players.
[0080] Scoreboard 48 preferably has markings thereon for a home team 50 and a visiting team 52. Proximate each team designation as home team 50 or visiting team 52, numbers 54 representing the current score of the game may be placed, hung or removably affixed by any appropriate means. As each team scores during the game, the display numbers 54 are changed by the players to reflect the change in points. Numbers 54 are preferably stored during times when the game is not being played in number storage area 64.
Proximate each team designation, peg holes for [0081] possession count 56 are preferably provided. Peg holes for possession count 56 serve instead of a game clock. Each team controls the ball on offense for, by example only, four possessions in each quarter of the game, wherein pegs 62 are placed in appropriate sequential positions in peg holes for possession count 56 as play progresses.
Each possession is comprised of a set of plays, in which a maximum of four valid plays are preferably permitted to achieve a first down and continued possession, thereby simulating traditional football downs. In like fashion, a team advancing a distance of ten yards from the line of scrimmage gets a first down, and thus begins a new set of downs. Peg holes for down count [0082] 58 are provided to suitably mark the number of downs that have taken place with pegs 62.
After each team has had four possessions, a new quarter of play begins. Accordingly, a [0083] peg 62 is placed in peg hole for quarter count 60 to identify and keep track of the number of quarters of the game that have passed. Once four quarters have been played as in traditional football, the game ends and the winner is the team with the highest numerical score, as preferably referenced on scoreboard 48.
A pair of [0084] dice 68 is preferably located in dice storage area 66 when the game is not being played. Cards 72 that depict plays are preferably located in card storage area 70, but may removed therefrom and placed in a more convenient location, such as proximate field 22 during play. On each card 72, there is preferably figure 74 depicting a player in action and representative, for exemplary purposes only, of type 76 of play. Each card 72 also preferably lists a type 76 of play in word fashion, direction 78 of play, and a description of the results 80 of play, wherein a specific number of yards gained or lost is preferably noted.
A further component of [0085] preferred apparatus 10, defined within case 20, is dice roll containment area 44, preferably a suitably-sized area for rolling dice 68, so that the dice are retained, and may come to rest, within the periphery thereof. A surface material, such as for exemplary purposes only, felt, is preferably located within dice roll containment area 44 so as to provide for a uniform surface for settling of the dice 68.
Order of play of the game is preferably determined by each [0086] team rolling dice 68. The team whose roll is higher chooses which team is to receive the kick off. This simulates the coin toss of traditional football. If both teams have equal counts on their roll of dice 68, then dice 68 are rolled again until a difference occurs.
Play is commenced by a kick off, wherein the kicking team rolls [0087] dice 68. The distance of travel of the ball is then determined from kick off rules in Table I. Upon determining the position of the ball from the kick off, the opposing team then rolls dice 68 to determine the distance of the kick off return. A team may choose not to return a kick off.
As in traditional football, the kicking team may select to attempt an on-side kick. If this option is chosen, it must be declared prior to roll of [0088] dice 68, and then a set of rules for to on-side kicks, as shown in Table I, will govern the play. Failure to declare an on-side kick results in the kick being played under normal kick off rules.
Play continues with the first possession of the team that has received the ball from the initial kick off. To simulate traditional football, the receiving team must achieve ten yards in a series of four downs (a first down) in order to continue in possession. Play is by selection of a [0089] play card 72 by the offense, that is, the team in possession of the ball, which selection is at the choice of the player in possession. Dice 68 are then rolled by the defense, that is, the team not in possession, to determine the outcome of the play. The outcome depends upon the roll of dice 68, wherein the offensive play referenced from selected card 72 determines the outcome of the roll of dice 68 according to the rules as described in Table II. Once the outcome has been determined, ball 40 is preferably moved by the appropriate number of yards gained or lost, with reference to the defensive team's goal line. If the yardage gained in a play or over a series of four or fewer downs is at least ten yards from the line of scrimmage, then offensive team has a first down and keeps possession of the ball and continues to select play cards 72 and roll dice 68.
Once an offensive team fails to advance ten yards within four downs, or decides to punt or kick a field goal, possession will change to the other team. Play continues with the teams alternating until each team has had the ball for four possessions, whether or not either team has scored. The second quarter begins with the teams changing direction on the field, but with play continuing with [0090] ball 40 at the same respective yardage line 28 as at the end of the first quarter.
As in traditional football, score occurs when a team reaches the opposing team's [0091] end zone 34 for a touchdown, scoring six points, followed by an extra point try, or kicks a field goal scoring three points. Field goal kicking may be elected by an offensive team, wherein the dice 68 are rolled and the results are determined from the rules in Table I. Field goal attempts are preferably limited to no longer than sixty yards, whereby actual traditional football play is best simulated.
After the end of the second quarter of play, as measured by each team having had four possessions in the second quarter, the second half begins with the team who kicked off at the beginning of the game now receiving possession of [0092] ball 40 from a kick off by the other player, as in traditional football and as determined from a roll of dice 68 and consultation of the rules in Table I for the resulting positioning of ball 40. In the third quarter, play continues as before with each team having four possessions, which are determined by the number of downs achieved, irrespective of score, or by turnovers such as fumbles or interceptions, just as in a traditional football game.
Thus, during the course of play of the game, a team may lose possession, and thus end that possession, by turning over [0093] ball 40 to the other player's possession. This may take place following a roll of dice 68, wherein the count on the dice 68 totals twelve. According to the preferred rules, as specified in table I, an offensive team roll of 12 results in either a loss, no gain, or an interception. Upon such a count of twelve that is not an automatic interception, dice 68 are rolled again and if a second count of twelve is achieved, the play is a fumble or interception dependent upon whether a running or passing play had been selected by the offensive team.
A team may also end their possession of [0094] ball 40 by failing to achieve the requisite ten yards and a first down, otherwise known as a new set of downs. A team may choose to use all four downs to attempt to advance ten yards, but if this choice is made and the team fails to achieve the ten yards, ball 40 is turned over to the opposing player at its present location on the field. A player may also choose to punt, typically, for exemplary purposes only, on fourth down. In the case of a punt, there is the potential for a blocked kick in the event of a roll of dice 68 counting a total of two. Otherwise, the punt preferably carries for a distance of five times the count on the dice 68. Upon receiving a punt, the receiving team may elect to return ball 40, unless it lies within ten yards of end zone 34. If the punt is returnable, the receiving team rolls the dice 68 and the new count determines the return yardage in accordance with the rules in Table I.
A particular aspect of the preferred embodiment, to provide for enhanced play in games where the score is close, is that during the final possession of the game, if the team with [0095] ball 40 in possession is leading by eight points or less, that leading team is required to achieve at least one first down within four plays, or ball 40 must be punted to the other team on the fourth play, wherein the team receiving the punt is given an additional possession. During this additional possession, the punt-receiving team is permitted a preferable maximum of six downs to score, wherein only one first down is permitted and then a score must be made within the next two plays. If a touchdown is scored, the scoring team may then try for one or two extra points, as needed. If no score is made, the leading team is the winner.
In the event of a tie score, the game continues in much the same way that a traditional football game goes into overtime. The order of overtime play is decided by a roll of [0096] dice 68, with the player having the higher count on dice 68 being able to determine whether to kick off or receive. Each team gets one possession in which to score, alternating between the teams, with a maximum of four possessions. Once each team has had ball 40 an equal number of possessions, the score is evaluated to determine whether one team has more points than the other. In such an event, the team with the higher point score is the winner. If there is no team with a score higher than the other after four overtime possessions, the winner is selected as the team that made the deepest penetration into the territory of the opposing team, that is, the team that has advanced the greatest number of yards towards the opposing goal line. If the result is still a tie, a roll of dice 68 decides the winner, the winner being that player with the higher roll of dice 68. Multiple rolls of dice 68 may be required until one player has a roll higher than the other and is declared the winner.
Another important feature of the preferred embodiment is that during the course of the game, during plays after the defense has rolled the number two, it is possible that further rolls of [0097] dice 68 may result in doubles, that is each die having thereon the same number upright. In such an event, dice 68 are rolled again until doubles no longer occur. During said rolls, the total on dice 68 for each double roll is multiplied by the number of times dice 68 were rolled by the offense, and that is then the yardage gained on the play. Once a non-double is rolled, that play ceases.
One skilled in the art would readily recognize that, although a board game format is preferred for apparatus for playing [0098] football 10, alternate formats could be utilized such as, for exemplary purposes only, video and/or any other appropriate graphical and/or visual formats.
In an alternative embodiment, the means for keeping score could be a digital electronic lighted [0099] scoreboard 48.
In a further embodiment any means for keeping score may be used in place of [0100] scoreboard 48, such as, for example only, writing down the score on a paper or slate.
In an additional embodiment, the recording of downs, possessions and quarters may be accomplished through sliding markers with numerical positions that the slide may point to. [0101]
In another embodiment, [0102] cards 72 may have thereon a device which describes pictorially the type of play being made, without written description.
It is further envisioned in an alternative embodiment that [0103] scoreboard 48, cards 72, case 20, field 22 and/or playing surface 24 carry identifiers characteristic of specific professional or college teams.
In still yet another alternative embodiment, it is envisioned that the game may be entirely conf igured with a digital display. [0104]
In an alternate embodiment, apparatus for playing [0105] football 10 could incorporate licensed trademarks, wherein each player end zone could represent a professional or college football team.
In an alternate embodiment, any means of essentially random number generation could be utilized in lieu of dice such as, for exemplary purposes only, a spinning wheel, electronic random number generator, computer random number generator, dice popper or numbered cards. [0106]
In an alternative embodiment, the overtime may be played by each team having possession beginning at their own 25-yard line, in lieu of a kick-off. [0107]
Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims. [0108]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A board style football game, comprising

a) a case;

b) a playing surface having field means for football play, said field means having incremental yard line markings thereon, said markings comprising means for marking ball position and means for marking first down requirement;

c) means for keeping score;

d) indicia for selecting team action;

e) rules; and

f) means for randomly generating and displaying a number, wherein said number, in combination with said indicia, determines the result of a play.

2. The board style football game of claim 1, further including means for determining length of playing time.

3. The board style football game of claim 2, wherein said means for determining length of playing time comprises a counter displaying the number of possessions by each team.

4. The board style football game of claim 3, wherein said counter indicates a fixed number of possessions by each team.

5. The board style football game of claim 4, wherein said counter comprises four possessions by each team per quarter.

6. The board style football game of claim 1, wherein said means for randomly generating and displaying a number comprises at least one pair of dice.

7. The board style football game of claim 1, wherein said field means, said case, and other game components reflect the color scheme and identifying characteristics of a college or professional team, whereby a player having special interest therein can exhibit their team preference.

8. A method for playing a game of football comprising the steps of

a) providing a board having a football playing surface;

b) providing a means for marking ball position;

c) selecting indicia by the offensive team to determine type of play;

d) determining play outcome based on comparing a number obtained from a random number generator to information on said indicia;

e) requiring a fixed number of possessions per quarter to determine the length of play time; and

f) keeping score,

whereby opposing teams can play a game of football.

9. The method for playing a game of football of claim 8, wherein said random number generator is at least one pair of dice.

10. The method for playing a game of football of claim 8, wherein said random number generator is a computer random number generator.

11. The method for playing a game of football of claim 9, further comprising, after a roll of the number two the defending time, the offense rolling said at least one pair of dice a successive number of times until each die has a different number thereon.

12. The method for playing a game of football of claim 11, further comprising multiplying the count on said at least one pair of dice by the number of times said at least one pair of dice were rolled that resulted in doubles, and advancing the ball that resulting number of yards.

13. The method for playing a game of football of claim 8, further comprising the steps of

during the last scheduled possession, determining whether teams' scores are separated by less than nine (9) points, and if so, requiring the leading team to achieve a first down within four plays to retain possession of ball.

14. The method for playing a game of football of claim 13, if the leading team fails to achieve a first down, further comprising the step of allowing an additional possession to the team that is behind in the score, said additional possession comprising up to six extra downs in order to tie the score or win the game.

15. The method for playing a game of football of claim 14, wherein if a first down is achieved on the first play, of said additional possession, the team in possession shall have only four more downs in which to tie the score or win the game.

16. The method for playing a game of football of claim 8, wherein each quarter is measured by each team having had possession four times.

17. The method for playing a game of football of claim 8, if result of said play outcome is a turnover, further comprising the step of allowing a team that receives the ball by virtue of said turnover to complete that possession without said possession counting as one of its possessions for that quarter.

18. The method for playing a game of football of claim 8, further comprising the step of providing a case to fully contain the game.

19. A game case assembly, comprising a carrying case having therein a first inside surface and a second inside surface, said first inside surface having playing field indicia carried thereon.

20. The game case assembly of claim 19, wherein said second inside surface comprises a storage area for game components and a containment area for rolling at least one pair of dice.

21. The game case assembly of claim 19, further comprising

a) means for randomly generating and displaying a number;

b) means for keeping score;

c) indicia for selecting plays;

d) ball marker; and

e) first down marker.