US20140339766A1

US20140339766A1 - Hand-held Game Device and Game Assembly Comprising Such A Device

Info

Publication number: US20140339766A1
Application number: US14/353,290
Authority: US
Inventors: Donald Ullman; Carmine Capone; Adar Golad
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-10-21
Filing date: 2012-10-22
Publication date: 2014-11-20
Also published as: EP2768588A1; WO2013058657A1; NL2007641C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hand-held game device comprising a handle for holding the device, an elongated figurine having a longitudinal axis, wherein the figurine is rotatably connected to said handle around an axis of rotation which is at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The present invention thus provides a portable game device providing an entertainment similar to table football.

Description

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a game device comprising a handle, a turning axle having an axis of rotation and connected to said handle, and an elongated figurine having a longitudinal axis, wherein said figurine is connected to the turning axle. Such devices are known for instance from NL 200912, which describes a figurine for a game of table football, wherein the figurine is mountable on a rod of a regular table football apparatus. In such a regular table football apparatus, the rod is fixedly connected to a handle, such that when the figurine is mounted on the rod and the handle is spun, the figurine spins as well.
Though such known game devices provide great entertainment value, they are bulky and inconvenient to carry, especially for children. It is an object of the present invention to provide a more compact and portable game device which still provides similar entertainment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention provides a hand-held game device comprising a handle for holding the device, an elongated figurine having a longitudinal axis, wherein the figurine is rotatably connected to said handle around an axis of rotation which is at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A person may thus hold the handle of the game device in one hand, while a rotating motion is imparted on the figurine, for instance by the person pushing or pulling the figurine with the other hand. The rotating motion is preferably used to kick a playing piece, such as a ball or a disc, across a playing surface, such as a table. As the game device may be held and completely supported in one hand, the game device is substantially freely moveable over the entire playing surface, providing dynamic game play.
Preferably the handle of the hand-held game device is a first handle, and the game device further comprises a second handle which is arranged at a side of the elongated figurine facing away from the first handle. By using two handles, the hand-held game device is more stably held by a player which allows for a better aim when kicking a playing piece. In addition one of the first or second handle is preferably used for holding or supporting the game device, while the other handle is preferably used for imparting a rotating motion to the figurine.
In an embodiment the second handle is arranged substantially in line with the axis of rotation. In an embodiment the second handle is rotation-fixedly attached to the figurine. By turning the second handle relative to the first handle, a rotating motion is imparted on the figurine. The second handle preferably has a diameter which is substantially less than the length of the figurine, such that the circumferential speed of a surface of the handle is substantially less than the circumferential speed of the distal ends of the figurine when the figurine is rotating. A rotating motion of the figurine may thus be achieved by rotating the second handle relative to the first handle, such that there is no need for a player to directly touch the figurine, especially when the figurine is spinning.
In an embodiment the figurine is adapted for spinning rotation around the axis of rotation. In an embodiment the figurine is freely rotatable around the axis of rotation. The game device according to the invention may thus provide a game play similar to regular table football. Once a spinning motion has been imparted on the figurine, it will keep on spinning for some time due to inertia, during which time the hand-held game device may be moved to a different position over the playing surface to kick a playing piece.
In an embodiment the hand-held game device comprises a turning axle rotatably connecting said handle to said figurine, wherein said turning axle has a longitudinal axis coinciding with the axis of rotation. Preferably, the figurine is arranged for rotating substantially freely around the turning axle during a complete rotation, e.g. such that the distal ends of the figurine remain spaced apart from the rest of the game device during a complete rotation of the figurine around the axis of rotation. Friction between the figurine and parts connected to the handle is thus reduced.
In an embodiment the turning axle is substantially rotation-fixedly attached to said handle and substantially rotation-freely attached to the figurine or vice versa, allowing rotation of the figurine with respect to the handle around the axis of rotation.
In an embodiment the turning axle is detachably attached to the handle, the figurine or both. In the latter case the game device can be disassembled into at least two parts for easy transportation; i.e. the figurine and the handle together with the turning axle, or the figurine together with the turning axle and the handle, or the figurine, the handle and the turning axle all separate. Moreover, this embodiment allows easy replacement of handle, figurine and/or turning axle.
In an embodiment the hand-held game device further comprises drive means for driving rotation of the figurine around the axis of rotation. Preferably these drive means are manually powered. A rotating motion of the figurine may be thus achieved by operating the drive means, instead of by directly imparting motion on the figurine manually, such that there is no need for a player to directly touch the figurine, especially when the figurine is spinning.
In an embodiment the drive means comprises a rack and pinion drive, a torsion spring drive and/or an elastic spring drive. Preferably the drive means comprise a spring-loaded plunger connected to a rack, wherein a pinion adapted for cooperation with the rack is connected to the turning axle and/or to the figurine.
In an embodiment the handle and/or the turning axle comprise said drive means. When the drive means are comprised in the handle, rotation of the figurine may be effected by the same hand holding the game device. A player may thus hold and operate a hand-held game device according to the invention in each hand.
In an embodiment the hand-held game device further comprises a battery, wherein said drive means comprise an electromotor powered by said battery.
In an embodiment, the figurine is adapted to be rotatable around the axis of rotation over a range less than 360 degrees, preferably over a range of 180 degrees or less. In this embodiment simple drive means may be used. Moreover, according to this embodiment, a hinge having a limited rotation range may be used instead of a turning axle, for rotatably connecting the figurine to the handle.
In an embodiment the hand-held game device further comprises a ratchet adapted for allowing rotation of said figurine around said axis or rotation in a first direction of rotation and for blocking rotation of said figurine around said axis of rotation in a second direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation. The chance of a player accidentally kicking a playing piece in the second direction is thus reduced, which is particularly advantageous when drive means are used that work by converting a reciprocating motion into a rotation of the figurine around the axis of rotation.
In an embodiment the figurine comprises a head-part at a distal end of the figurine, wherein an orientation of the head-part around the longitudinal axis of the figurine is adjustable. The head-part preferably comprises a face section which, at least during a game and when the figurine is in the upright position, faces away from the player holding the game device. The face section preferably comprises features which discern it from other sections of the head-part, such as eyes, a nose, mouth, and the like. As the orientation of the head-part is adjustable, the head-part can be arranged for either right handed or left handed use of the hand-held game device. Preferably, the head-part is connected to a main body of the figurine via a detachable connection, wherein the head-part may be attached to the main body in at least a first orientation and a second orientation rotated 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the figurine relative to the first orientation. Additionally or alternatively, the head-part may be rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the figurine when connected to the main body of the figurine.
In an embodiment the turning axle extends substantially through the figurine. Preferably the figurine comprises one or two accommodation spaces for accommodating the turning axle. When the turning axle extends entirely through the figurine, protruding from the figurine on two sides, only one accommodation space for the turning axle which forms a through-passage through the figurine along the axis of rotation is needed for allowing the turning axle to be attached to the figurine for either right or left handed use of the game device. Alternatively, the figurine may comprise two accommodation spaces for accommodating the turning axle, one on either side of the figurine along the axis of rotation, such that the turning axle may be inserted into either one of these accommodation spaces for right or left handed use respectively. The possibility to choose between right- and left handed use of the game device is especially advantageous when the figurine has a preferred front facing side, such as a front facing side adapted for kicking a playing piece.
In an embodiment the turning axle has a first distal end and a second, opposite distal end, wherein the second distal end of the turning axle comprises an accommodation space for fittingly accommodating a first distal end of a second such turning axle. In this embodiment further turning axles and figurines may be connected in serial to the handle. The turning axle preferably extends completely through the figurine.
In an embodiment the figurine comprises a foot-part at a distal end of the figurine, which foot-part is adapted for kicking a playing piece. When the figurine also comprises a head-part, the foot-part is at the opposite end of the head-part of the figurine. When the hand-held game device is a hand-held table football device the playing piece may for instance comprise a ball. Alternatively the playing piece may comprise a puck or any other playing piece suitable for movement across a playing surface. Preferably, when projected onto the axis of rotation, the foot part and the first and/or second handle are spaced apart.
In an embodiment an orientation of the foot-part of the figurine is adjustable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the figurine. This allows the direction in which a playing piece is kicked when hit by the by the foot-part to be substantially set in advance.
In an embodiment said figurine is shaped as one of the following: an ice-hockey player, an ice-hockey goalie, a hockey player, a hockey goalie, a soccer player, a soccer goalie.
In an embodiment the foot part of the figurine comprises a widened portion extending in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation, wherein said widened portion preferably extends from said foot part in a direction away from the first handle. Most preferably, when projected onto the axis of rotation, the widened portion and the (first) handle are spaced apart. The widened portion provides an enlarged surface for blocking and/or kicking a playing piece. When the widened portion extends away from the first handle and, when projected onto the axis of rotation is spaced apart from the first handle, then the first handle can be held in one hand, without the widened portion coming into contact with said hand when the figurine is spun around the axis of rotation using the second handle.
According to a second aspect the present invention provides a hand-held game assembly comprising a hand-held game device as described herein. Besides a figurine as described, the assembly preferably also comprises one or more playing pieces, such as a ball or a puck, to be kicked by the figurine. Preferably, when multiple playing pieces are provided, at least some of these have substantially different characteristics, such as size, weight, elasticity, shape etc, for providing different game play.
In an embodiment said assembly further comprises one or more detachable foot-liners adapted for detachable attachment to said foot-part.
In an embodiment at least one of said one or more detachable foot-liners has a first face and a second face, both faces facing outwards, with the first face facing away from the second face, wherein the foot-liner is attachable to the foot-part with its first face arranged for kicking the playing piece, and attachable to the foot-part with its second face arranged for kicking the playing piece, wherein the first and second faces have different kicking characteristics. The first face may for instance have a friction coefficient, elasticity, and/or shape which differs from the second face.
In an embodiment a first of said one or more detachable foot-liners has a different kicking characteristic than a second of said one or more detachable foot-liners. The first foot-liner may for instance have a weight, elasticity, and/or shape which differs from the second foot-liner.
In an embodiment the assembly further comprises a playing piece, and the foot-part comprises an accommodation space for at least partially accommodating said playing piece, preferably in a loosely fitting manner. A playing piece that is loosely accommodated in the accommodation space may be ejected in a substantially predetermined direction when the figurine is rotated, allowing for instance simulation of penalties.
In an embodiment, the assembly comprises different kinds of hand-held game devices as described herein, e.g. hand-held game-devices with and without a widened portion, for instance to form teams having goalies and regular players.
The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be made subject of divisional patent applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a cross-sectional front view and an isometric view respectively of a handheld game device,

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a handheld game device according to the invention with a figurine with an adjustable foot-part,

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of a handle of a game device according to the invention, comprising manually powered drive means,

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a handle of a game device according to the invention, comprising electronically powered drive means,

FIGS. 5A-5C show a game assembly according to the present invention, comprising a hand-held game device as described herein, and a detachably attachable foot-liner,

FIGS. 6A-6E show different embodiments of detachably attachable foot-liners of an assembly according to the invention,

FIGS. 7A-7C show a game assembly according to the invention, in which the figurine comprises a foot-part adapted for loosely holding a ball,

FIG. 8 shows a game assembly according to the invention, in which the turning axle is connectable to further such turning axles,

FIGS. 9A and 9B show two embodiments of a hand-held game device according to the invention, comprising a first and a second handle,

FIGS. 10A and 10B show two embodiments of said hand held game device, with the figurine being shaped as an ice-hockey goalie and an ice-hockey player respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional front view of a handheld game device 1 according to the invention. The device comprises an asymmetrical handle 2 for holding the device, preferably for completely supporting the device using only one hand. The handle 2 has a first end 4 and a second end 5, between which a hollow tubular space 3 extends adapted for substantially fittingly accommodating a part of turning axle 10. The turning axle 10 is connected to and extends through a main body 21 of an elongated figurine 20 having a longitudinal axis L, such that the figurine may be spun around axis of rotation R of the turning axle 10, relative to the handle 2. The axis of rotation R is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the figurine. The part of the turning axle 10 which extends through the figurine 20 has a substantially constant diameter d2 which is slightly less than a diameter d1 of tubular space 22 within the figurine 20, to facilitate rotation of the figurine 20 around the turning axle 10. The turning axle 10 comprises a first distal end 11 closer to the figurine than to the handle 2, at which distal end 11 the turning axle 10 is provided with a split 13 allowing deformation of the end 11 when arranging the figurine over the turning axle 10. Close to said distal end 11 the turning axle 10 comprises a raised edge 12 for subsequently preventing the figurine 20 from sliding off the turning axle 10. The turning axle 10 is detachably connected to both the handle 2 and to the figurine 20, allowing the handle 2, figurine 20 and/or turning axle 10 to be easily replaced. Additionally, the turning axle 10 may be attached to the handle 2 at either the first end 4 of the handle 2, as shown, or the second end 5 of the handle 2 (not shown), allowing a player to change the way he holds the asymmetrical handle 2.
The turning axle 10 is substantially rotation fixedly attached to the handle 2, and rotation-freely attached to the figurine 20, allowing rotation of the figurine 20 relative to the handle 2 around axis of rotation R.
At a first distal end the figurine 20 comprises a head-part 23. The head-part has markings which indicate a front facing side of the head-part, e.g. eyes, nose and mouth are arranged on the front facing side of the head-part. An orientation of the head-part around the longitudinal axis of the figurine is adjustable such that the front facing side of the head-part may be arranged to face in both directions normal to a plane spanned by the longitudinal axis and the axis of rotation of the figurine, for instance depending on whether the handle 2 is held in the right or left hand of a player. Though in the embodiment shown the head-part is connected to the main body in a rotatable manner relative thereto, it is also conceivable that in an embodiment the head-part may be detachable such that the head-part may be detached from the main body of the figurine, rotated 180 degrees around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, and re-attached to the main body of the figurine.
At a second distal end opposite to the first distal end of the figurine, the figurine 20 comprises a wedge shaped foot-part 24 which is adapted for kicking playing piece such a miniature ball or a marble or the like. The foot-part 24 is connected to the main body 21 of the figurine 20 through connecting piece 25.
FIG. 1B shows an isometric view of the hand-held game device of FIG. 1A. A rotating motion of the figurine 20, similar to the spinning motion of figurines in a regular table football game, is achieved when the handle 2 is held in one hand while the head-part 23 is pulled or pushed in a direction of rotation D with the other hand, such that the foot-part 24 may kick a playing piece in direction A. The rotating motion is typically a spinning motion comprising multiple complete rotations of the figurine 20 around the axis of rotation R.
The hand-held table football device may freely be moved over a playing surface S, such as the surface of a table, by moving the hand holding the device 1 over the table. The figurine 20 is thus adapted to be moved over the entire playing surface S, and has substantially six degrees of freedom of movement relative to said playing surface S.
FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically show an embodiment of a hand held game device 100 according to the invention, comprising a handle 102, a turning axle 110 substantially rotation fixedly connected to the handle 102, and a figurine 120 rotatably connected to the turning axle.
Alternatively and preferably the turning axle 110 is rotation fixedly connected to the figurine 120 and is rotatable connected to the handle 102. In this example, the turning axle 110 can act as a second handle which is rotation-fixedly attached to the figurine, and which can be used to set the figurine 120 in motion while holding the hand held game device 100 using the handle 102.
The figurine 120 comprises a connection piece 125 comprising a deformable joint allowing adjustment of the orientation of the foot-part 124 with respect to the longitudinal axis L, though other adjustable connection pieces for instance comprising a ball-joint or screw-connection or hinges may be used instead. An orientation of a foot-part 124 of figurine 120 is thus adjustable with respect to the main body 121 of the figurine 120.
In FIG. 2A the orientation of foot-part 124 has been rotated with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the figurine 120, such that force imparted on a ball or the like when hit by the rotating figurine 120 is no longer substantially completely directed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation R, but more along a direction A normal to face 126 of the foot-part, which face is adapted for kicking a playing piece such as a ball.
In FIG. 2B the orientation of the foot-part is adjusted around an axis B substantially parallel to the axis of rotation R, such that an amount of lift imparted on a playing piece when hit by the figurine is changed.
FIG. 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional side view of a handle 302 and turning axle 310 of a hand-held game device according to the invention. The handle 302 comprises a housing 355 and is provided with drive means in the form of a spring loaded rack and pinion drive. The drive means comprises a rack 351 attached to a plunger 350 which is movable along direction P1. A spring 353 connected on one side to the housing 355 of the handle 302 and on another side to the plunger biases 350 the plunger away from the housing 355. The turning axle 310 is provided with teeth 352 on its circumference for engagement with teeth 351 of the rack 356, which comprises a resilient material. When the plunger 350 is pressed towards the housing 355 in direction P1, the teeth 351 of the rack 356 engage the teeth 352 on the turning axle 310 causing the axle to turn around its axis of rotation R in direction D. When the plunger 350 is pulled back in the opposite direction by spring 353, a ratchet pawl 354 blocks rotation of the turning axle 310 in a direction opposite to D. However, as the rack comprises a resilient material, the rack may flex along direction P2, allowing the teeth of the rack to slide over the teeth of the turning axle without turning the axle.
FIG. 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a hand held game device 401 according to the invention having a turning axle 410 with is rotatably connected to a handle 402, and partially accommodated in accommodation space 403. A drive means in the form of an electromotor 460 is comprised inside the handle 402. The electromotor comprises 460 a rotor 461 which is rotation fixedly connected to a distal end 414 of the turning axle 410. At another, opposite, distal end 411 the turning axle comprises a split 413, for allowing the figuring to be detachably attached to the turning axle. The handle further comprises a battery 463 and a switch 464 connected between the battery 463 and the electromotor 460, for controlling activation of the electromotor. When the motor is activated, it drives rotation of the turning axle 410 relative to the handle 402, and thus rotation of elongated figurine 420, comprising a head-part 423, a main body 421, a foot-part 424 and a connecting piece 425 connecting the main body 421 to the foot-part 424. In a further example, a second handle may be arranged at the distal end 411 of the turning axle 410. This second handle (not shown) is preferably rotation freely connected to the turning axle 410.
FIG. 5A shows a game assembly according to the present invention, comprising a hand-held game device 501, comprising a handle 502, and an elongated figurine 520 rotatably attached to the handle 502, the figurine comprising a head-part 523, a main body 521, and a foot-part 524. The assembly further comprises a foot-liner 570 having a kicking face 571, wherein the foot-liner 570 is adapted for detachable attachment to the foot-part 524 of the game device. The foot-liner 570 comprises an elastic material, such as rubber or silicon, and can be slid over the foot-part 524 for attachment thereto. Alternatively the foot-liner may comprise a hard-plastics material and click or snap mechanism for connection to the foot-part. Preferably the game assembly comprises several foot liners for detachable attachment to the foot-part 524, with the foot liners having different kicking properties. For instance, the foot liners may have different weights, such that the speed of rotation of the figurine 520 is affected by which foot liner is attached to the foot-part 524. In a further example, a second handle may be arranged at a side of the main body 521 at a side facing away from the first handle 502. This second handle (not shown) is preferably rotation fixedly connected to the main body 521.
FIGS. 5B and 5C show two isometric views of a detachable foot-liner 570 having a first face 571 and a second face 572, both faces facing outward and adapted for kicking a playing piece such as a ball. As the first face 571 is substantially planar and the second face 572 is curved, both faces provide have different kicking characteristics when kicking the playing piece. In the example shown, the second face 572 is adapted for providing more top-spin to a ball than the first face 571.
FIGS. 6A-6D show different detachable foot-liners of an assembly according to the invention providing different kicking characteristics. Typically when a ball is hit by a foot liner which is attached to a rotating figurine, the ball first impacts a top portion of the liner and subsequently rolls of the liner at a lower edge of the foot liner.
FIG. 6A shows a side view of a foot-liner 600 with a substantially trapezoid cross-section, comprising a first substantially planar face 601 and a second face 602 comprising knobs 603. The two faces 601, 602 of the foot liner 601 have different kicking characteristics. In the embodiment shown the second face 602 has a higher friction coefficient than the first face 601. Alternatively, the first face 601 may comprise a more elastic material than the second face 602, such that the velocity imparted on a ball also depends on which face is used to kick the ball.
FIG. 6B shows an isometric view of a detachable foot-liner 610, having a face 611 for kicking a playing piece, wherein said face comprises dimples 613 instead of knobs.
FIG. 6C shows an isometric view of a detachable foot-liner 620 having a face 621 for kicking a ball, wherein said face 621 is provided with a bar-shaped protrusion 623 extending substantially parallel to a bottom edge 624 of the face 621, which edge forms a distal edge of a figurine of and foot-liner when the foot-liner is attached to the foot-part of the figurine. When the ball rolls off the bottom edge 624 of the face 621, it hits the protrusion 623, causing the ball to accelerate suddenly in another direction. The protrusion 623 may also help in providing additional lift to the ball when kicked.
FIG. 6D shows a cross-sectional view of a foot liner 630 comprising a smooth protrusion 633 located near the bottom edge 634 of a face 632 for kicking a ball.
FIG. 6E shows a perspective front view of a face of a foot-liner 640, provided with grooves 643 extending from the bottom edge 644 of face 641 towards a top edge 645 of said face 641. The grooves 643 diverge from the bottom edge 644 to the top edge 645, such that a ball, when kicked, rolls towards the bottom edge 644 and is centered on the face 641.
FIG. 7A shows a game assembly according to the invention comprising a hand-held game device 700 according to the invention and a playing piece in the form of a ball 730, wherein the game device comprises handle 702 rotationally connected to an elongated figurine 720 via a turning axle 710. The figurine comprises foot-part 724 provided with an accommodation space 731 for loosely fittingly accommodating the playing piece 730. FIG. 7B shows the playing piece 730 being held in the accommodation space, and FIG. 7C shows how the playing piece is propelled from the accommodating space in direction C when the figurine is rotated around the axis of rotation R. This embodiment is adapted for instance for shooting penalties. Additionally the accommodating space is suitable for holding the ball during transport or storage of the game assembly. In a further example, a second handle may be arranged at a side of the figurine 720 at a side facing away from the first handle 702. This second handle (not shown) is preferably rotation fixedly connected to the figurine 720, preferably in line with the axis of rotation R.
FIG. 8 shows a game assembly 800 according to the present invention, comprising a handle 801, a playing piece in the form of a ball 802, and a figurine 803 to which a turning axle 804 is attached, here partially shown in dotted lines. The turning axle 804 has a first distal end 805 which is adapted to be accommodated in accommodation space 809 of handle 801. The turning axle further has a second, opposite distal end 806, comprising a accommodation space 807 for fittingly accommodating a first distal end of a second such turning axle. In this way, two or more figurines may be serially attached to a single handle. In a further example, a second handle (not shown) may be arranged at the opposite distal end 806 of the turning axle 804.
FIG. 9A shows a further example of a hand-held game device 900 according to the invention. The game device comprises an elongated figurine 920, a first handle 930, and a second handle 940. The first handle 930 and the second handle 940 comprise end sections 931 and 941 respectively, which end sections are adapted for rotation fixed connection, at least when the game being is played, with the figurine 920. Each end section 930,940 comprises a shaft 931, 941 with a screw- thread 932,942, and the figurine comprises matching screw- accommodation sections 921,922.
Whereas the first end section 931 is attached rotationally fixed to the first handle 930, the second end section 941 is substantially rotation freely attached to the second handle 940, for instance by means of a turning axle between the end section 941 and the second handle 940, or other means known per se. The first handle 930 thus is rotation fixedly connected to the figurine 920, whereas the second handle 940 is rotatable connected to the figurine 920. The first handle 930 may thus be used to impart a rotating motion to the figurine 920 relative to the second handle, whereas the second handle supports the figurine while it rotates around its axis of rotation R.
FIG. 9B shows a preferred embodiment of a hand held game device according to the invention. The game device 1000 comprises a longitudinal figurine 1020 rotation freely connected to a first handle 1030 around axis of rotation R which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the figurine. The game device further comprises a second handle 1040, rotation fixedly attached to the figurine, for imparting a rotating motion on the figurine around the axis of rotation R relative to the first handle. The game device can be adjusted for right or left handed use by turning the direction in which the head-part 1023 faces by 180 degrees. The figurine 1020 comprises a foot-part 1024, to which a foot-liner 1060 may be attached by means of a click-connection. The foot-liner may be clicked onto a front-facing side of the foot-part and/or onto a back-facing side of the foot-part. Preferably the foot-liner is attached to the foot-part such that its kicking face faces in the same direction as the face section of the head-part.
FIG. 10A schematically shows a front view of a hand-held game device 1200 according to the invention, comprising a figurine 1220 shaped as an ice-hockey goalie. The device comprises a first handle 1230 to which the figurine is rotatably connected for rotating around axis of rotation R. A second handle 1240 is fixedly attached to the figurine 1220. The FIG. 1220 comprises a head part 1223 and foot parts 1224 a, 1224 b, at opposite ends of the figurine. Foot parts 1224 a and 1224 b are spaced apart from each other by a gap 1227. Foot part 1224 b is provided with a widened portion 1228, which extends from the foot part 1224 b away from the handle 1230 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation R, such that when the widened portion 1228 and the first handle 1230 are projected onto the axis of rotation R, they are spaced apart. The widened portion 1228 provides an enlarged surface for kicking and/or blocking a playing piece, such as a puck. The figurine 1220 further comprises a connection piece 1225 having a deformable joint which allows adjustment of the orientation of the foot-parts 1224 a and 1224 b with respect to the rest of the figurine.
FIG. 10B schematically shows a front view of another embodiment of a hand-held game device according to the present invention, here in the shape of an ice-hockey player. The device 1300 comprises first and second handles 1330,1340 similar to first and second handles 1230,1240 in FIG. 10B. The figurine 1320 comprises a head part 1323 and a foot part 1334, at opposite ends of the figurine. The foot part 1334 is connected to a widened portion 1338 which extends parallel to the axis of rotation R and away from the first handle 1330, such that when the first handle 1330 and the widened portion are projected onto the axis of rotation R, they do not overlap. Several different embodiments of the hand-held game device as described herein may be provided in an assembly according to the invention, e.g. as an assembly comprising the hand-held game device of FIG. 10A as well as the hand-held game device of FIG. 10B.
It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hand-held game device comprising a first handle for holding the device, and an elongated figurine having a longitudinal axis, characterized in that said figurine is rotatably connected to said first handle around an axis of rotation which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second handle which is arranged at a side of the elongated figurine facing away from the first handle.

2. A hand-held game device according to claim 1, wherein the second handle is arranged substantially in line with the axis of rotation and is rotation-fixedly attached to the figurine.

3. A hand-held game device according to claim 1, wherein said figurine is adapted for a spinning rotation around the axis of rotation.

4. A hand-held game device according to claim 3 further, comprising a turning axle rotatably connecting said first handle to said figurine.

5. A hand-held game device according to claim 4, characterized in that said turning axle is substantially rotation-fixedly attached to said first handle and substantially rotation-freely attached to the figurine.

6. A hand-held game device according to claim 4, characterized in that said turning axle is detachably attached to the first handle and the figurine.

7. A hand-held game device according to claim 6 further comprising drive means for rotating the figurine around the axis of rotation.

8. A hand-held game device according to claim 7, characterized in that the drive means comprises a rack and pinion drive, a torsion spring drive and/or an elastic spring drive.

9. A hand-held game device in accordance with claim 7 wherein the drive means comprises a handle connected to the turning axle.

10. A hand-held game device of claim 7 wherein the drive means comprises a battery and an electric motor powered by said battery.

11. A hand-held game device of claim 1 further comprising a ratchet adapted for allowing rotation of said figurine around said axis of rotation in a first direction of rotation and for blocking rotation of said figurine around said axis of rotation in a second direction of rotation opposite to said axis of rotation.

12. A hand-held game device according to claim 4 wherein said turning axle extends substantially through the figurine.

13. A hand-held game device according to claim 12, wherein the turning axle has a first distal end and a second, opposite distal end, wherein the second distal end of the turning axle comprises an accommodation space for fittingly accommodating a first distal end of a second such turning axle.

14. A hand-held game device according to claim 1, wherein said figurine is shaped as one of the following: an ice-hockey player, an ice-hockey goalie, a hockey player, a hockey goalie, a soccer player, a soccer goalie.

15. A hand-held game device according to claim 14, characterized in that said figurine comprises a head-part at a distal end of the figurine, wherein an orientation of the head-part around the longitudinal axis of the figurine is adjustable.

16. A hand-held game device according to claim 14 wherein the figurine comprises a foot-part at a distal end of the figurine, which foot-part is adapted for kicking a ball.

17. A hand-held game device according to claim 16 wherein the orientation of the foot-part is adjustable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the figurine.

18. A hand-held game device assembly according to claim 16 further comprising foot-liners adapted for detachable attachment to said foot-part.

19. A hand-held game device assembly according to claim 18, wherein the detachable foot-liners have a first face and a second face, both faces facing outwards, with the first face facing away from the second face, wherein the foot-liner is attachable to the foot-part with its first face arranged for kicking the playing piece, and attachable to the foot-part with its second face arranged for kicking the playing piece, wherein the first and second faces have different kicking characteristics.

20. (canceled)

21. A hand-held game device assembly device according to claim 16 further comprising a playing piece, and the foot-part of the figurine comprises a space for accommodating said playing piece, preferably in a loosely fitting manner.