US2234627A - Game - Google Patents

Description

March 1'1, 1941. H. R. EYER 2,234,627

GAME

Filed Nov. 5, 19 59 2 Sheets-Sheet l fie, 2 W 5 107 016? if, ,4,

I as K H. R. EYER March 11, 1941.

GAME

Filed NOV. 5, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Mar. 11, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE GAME Harold It. Eyer, Long Beach, Calif.

Application November 3, 1939, Serial No. 302,739

2 Claims.

This invention relates to a game and particularly pertains to games of skill of the character in which balls or marbles are impelled across a field by a player with the object of effecting their delivery into pockets and of developing a score according to the number of balls deposited in the pockets during the courses of play.

An object of the invention is to provide a game having the characteristics of golf as to the manner of scoring and in which a series of pockets are provided on a field and arranged at various distances from a base from which a player impels a ball or series of balls; the mode of play preferably consisting in each player propelling a given number of balls toward each of the series of pockets in a progressive order; the score being reckoned according to the number of balls placed in the several pockets.

Another object is to provide a construction whereby the impelled balls will be returned to the players, with such balls as may be deposited in a pocket separated from those deposited in other pockets thereby enabling accurate determination of the number of balls deposited in each pocket during the course of a game, and whereby different values or points may be scored for the balls delivered into the diiierent pockets.

Another object is to provide an arrangement of a series of pockets relative to a plurality of playing points on a base line such that each of the pockets of the series will be spaced from any one of the base line points a distance varying at least in part from the distance of the other pockets and. yet alford a single pocket spaced from the base line points a greater distance than the other pockets that is equally spaced from each of the several base line points, whereby several players will be required to make a series of plays of the ball at varying distances but when making the longest play the several players will have corresponding lengths of play.

With the foregoing objects in View, together with such other objects and advantages as may subsequently appear, the invention is carried into effect as illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a plan view of a panel embodying the features of the game;

Fig. 2 is a View in elevation of the identified balls employed in playing the game;

Fig. 3 is a View in section and elevation as seen on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Fig. 4 is an end view of the ame panel shown in Fig. 1 as seen in the direction indicated by the arrow 4;

Fig. 5 is a detail in section taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1 showing one of the pockets with which the panel is equipped.

Referring to the drawings more specifically, A indicates generally a field on which the game is played and which is here shown as comprising a rigid panel 6 have a yieldable upper surface 1 formed of padding, such as felt or other suitable material. The upper face of the panel 3 and of its padded surface 1 slopes both inwardly from the side margins of the field and from the back thereof toward the front margin thereof, thus imparting to the field the general contour of an inclined trough.

Arranged on the lower end portion of the field A is a players base B which is here shown as comprising an. arcuate line of two corresponding groups 8 and 9 of a series of base points a and b respectively of any suitable number; the groups 8 and 9 of the base points being arranged to extend on the opposite sides of the longitudinal center line 3-3 of the field with the innermost 0f the base points a and b spaced outwardly from such center line.

In carrying out the invention the field A is fitted with a series of pockets including a pocket C that is located adjacent the upper end of the field and is centered at a point on the longitudinal center line 3-3 of the field from which the arcuate base lines iiare struck, whereby the base lines extend on an arc concentric with the pocket C and whereby the several base points [Ir-b are located in equi-spaced relation to the pocket C.

Interposed between the base B and the pocket 0 is a pair of corresponding groups of pockets each of which is here shown as comprising four pockets designated D, E, F, G and D, E, F and G respectively; the pockets of one group being disposed on one side of the center line 3-3 and the pockets of the other group being disposed on the other side of the center line 3-3. The pockets D-D' are spaced equi-distant on opposite sides of the center line 3-3 on an arc d-cZ concentric with the pocket C; the pockets E-E" are disposed closer to the pocket 0 than the pockets D-D and are spaced equi-distant on opposite sides of the center line 3-3 further from the latter than the pockets D-D and are located on an arc e-e concentric with the pocket 0; the pockets F and F are spaced equi-distant on opposite sides of the center line 3-3 on an arc f-f concentric with the pocket C and are closer to pocket C than pockets 111-131; and the pockets G--G' are spaced equi-distant on opposite sides of the center line 3-3 on an arc g-g concentric with the pockets C and are disposed closer to the latter than the pockets FF. The pairs of pockets D- D', E-E', FF and GG are thus disposed on arcs concentric with the base line B and are arranged in different spaced rela tions to the base line with the pair of pockets DD' closest to the base line and the pairs of pockets E--E, FF and G-G spaced in the order named at varying distances from the base line B and from the pockets DD.

By the arrangement of the pockets set forth a large variety of distances between several base points a and b and the pockets D-D, EE-, F-F and G-G is afforded yet the distance between the several base points a and b from the most remote pocket C is the same, which arrangement is advantageous in that it affords a great variety in length of shots from the base line with a comparatively small number of pockets that are fixed relative to the base line.

In order to facilitate recording the plays of the game in building up a score a return chute or run-way ii] leads from each of the pockets to an individual trough ii; there being a group or series of such troughs l I located at the lower end of the field with a separate trough and ball return run-way l provided for each of the several pockets whereby any number of balls deposited in any one of the pockets will be delivered to an individual trough associated with such pocket. The troughs II are located below the plane of the lower end portion of the field A and the runways ID are inclined downwardly from their respective pockets to the troughs suificiently to permit the balls to roll freely from the pockets to the troughs.

As a means of insuring return of a ball deposited in any pocket the latter is formed with an inclined bottom wall l2 with the lowermost portion of which the upper end of the run-way I0 connects as particularly shown in Fig. 5. The pockets may be of any suitable construction and dimension but are preferably formed with a lining that will minimize bouncing of a ball deposited therein.

The field A is fitted on its side margins and up per end margin with a fence 13 of netting of sufficient height to ordinarily confine the played balls to the field. The lower end portion of the field which slopes downwardly and inwardly from the side margins thereof to the center line 3-3 is fitted with an upstanding wall M erected in front or forward of the base B and which wall is formed intermediate its end with an opening !5 leading to a hopper shaped outlet I 6 connected with a trough I! for the reception of played balls that are not deposited in the pockets and which roll down the incline of the field A and whereby the non-scoring balls may be readily collected and counted to register non-scoring plays.

The balls H employed in playing the game are of any suitable construction according to the size of the field A and the mode of projection of the balls. In some instances hard marbles may be used or small solid rubber balls, while in others larger balls, such as tennis balls or golf balls may be employed.

In order to enable a number of persons to play the game at one time and to facilitate segregation of the balls of the several players, each of whom it is contemplated will employ a number of balls in multiple of the number of pockets on the field A, with the view of each player propelling a given number of balls toward each of the pockets during the course of play and the score reckoned according to the number of the balls deposited in the pockets and returned to the runway Ill to a trough l I, one group of balls H is distinguished from another by providing the balls of each group with a marking that is different from the markings of the other groups, such as numbers as shown in Fig. 2.

Asameans for enabling a player to readilylocate the several pockets to be successively played to, each pocket is fitted with or has associated therewith a numbered plate I8 positioned so as to be clearly visible to a player located on or playing from any one of the base points a and b; the pockets D, E, F, G and D, E, F and G each bearing a number plate carrying the numerals I, 2, 3, and 4 respectively and also a number plate carrying numbers 5, 6, 1 and 8 respectively, in the order named. The pocket C bears a single number plate carrying the numeral 9. By this arrangement of numbering of the pockets a player playing from either base line 8 or 9 may readily play a series of successively numbered pockets, and by first playing the group of pockets on the side of the center line 33 corresponding to his base line and then playing the group of pockets on the opposite side of the base line and then making a final play for the long-shot pocket C as the last pocket of the series; a player thus playing the pockets D, E, F, G, D, E, F, G and C from the base line 8 in their consecutive order, while the player on the base line 9 plays the pockets D, E, F, G, D, E, F, G and C in their order. However, in some instances it may be desirable for the player to confine the plays to the group of pockets either on one side or the other of the center line of the field.

The manner of playing is as follows: One or more players, constituting a side, select or are assigned to any one of the base points a while a player or players constituting the other side, select or are assigned to any of the base points b. For example, assume that a player is to play from the outer base point a of the line 8, and the opposing player is to play from the inner base point I) in the line 9. The players then project one or more balls toward pockets D and D numbered I on the portion of the field opposite his base line, and successively plays for pockets numbered 2, 3, and 4, after which he plays for the pockets numbered 5, 6, 'l, and 8 in his opponents field and then makes the final play for the remote pocket C as indicated by the broken lines in Fig. 1.

The balls deposited in any pocket pass through the run-way It! connected therewith and are directed thereby to a trough I! provided to receive the balls delivered to such pocket, while such balls as are deposited on the field and do not enter the pockets roll down the field and are delivered into the trough I1. At the completion of the game, which might consist of playing through the course as above described one or more times, the number of balls contained in the troughs II are counted, thereby forming a score. By the provision of the several troughs as above stated the balls that are played into one pocket may have a greater or less numerical value than a ball played int other pockets.

Manifestly the game herein set forth is adapted to be applied in various fashions, for example, the field A may be formed on a small portable board or panel dimensioned so that the plays may be made with marbles or small rubber, wooden, or composition balls, of for example about one-half inch in diameter; the plays being made by shooting the balls or marbles, thus providing an interesting game for children. The game panel may also be sufficiently large to constitute a table game and played with golf balls, tennis balls, billiard balls and the like in which case the shots will be made either by tossing or rolling the balls, or by the use of a one or other suitable impelling implement. The game is likewise applicable for use on a much larger scale as an indoor floor game, or an outdoor field game in which instance the balls may be either thrown or may be struck by means of a golf club or the like.

In any event the score may be reckoned by the number of plays required by a player to deposit a ball in any one pocket so that a method of scoring will result that is similar to that em-- ployed in the game of golf. However, it is manifest that various modes of scoring may be employed according to the fancy of the players or to special rules governing the plays.

By the provision of a series of base points a and b on the base lines 8 and 9, a player may select or be assigned to any one of such base points, or the players may play successively from one base point to another along the base lines. By this arrangement a vast number of different lengths of plays may be afforded the players since but few of the pockets will be spaced corresponding distances from any one or all of the base points. In thus affording a player a wide range of variously spaced targets the exercise of greater skill is called for than Where the targets are uniformly spaced from the player.

While I have shown and described a specific arrangement of the pockets and base line, the invention embraces other arrangements that are suitable for employment with the feature of means segregating the balls played into the several pockets and in some instances the base lines 8 and. 9 may each constitute a single point of play, in which event a player makes a play from any desired position along the line as he may elect. I therefore do not limit myself to the exact construction and arrangement shown but may make such changes therein as occasion may require coming within the purview of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a game, a field, a base line at one end of said field, a pocket remote from said base line, a group of pockets on said field interposed between said base line and said pocket, a series of troughs adjacent said base line, and a ball return runway leading from each of said pockets to one of said troughs whereby balls played into said pockets will be segregated in said troughs, an upstanding wall extending across said field at the forward margin of said base line and having an opening therethrough intermediate the ends thereof, said field sloping downwardly both longitudinally and transversely towards the opening in the wall, and a ball receiving trough carried by and extending outwardly from the lower end of the field in registration with the opening in said wall whereby balls not entering said pockets will gravitate through said opening into the last named trough.

2. In a game, a field having a longitudinal center line, a pocket on said line, a base line spaced from said pocket and crossing said center line, a group of pockets on each side of said center line interposed between said first named pocket and said base line, all of said pockets being within the range of players impelling balls from said base line, means for delivering balls deposited in said pockets to a point adjacent said base line, and means for segregating balls delivered to said base line into groups according to the pocket into which a ball is played, an upstanding arcuate wall extending across said field and defining the forward margin of said base line and having at the approximate center thereof an opening, and a ball receiving trough closed at its outer end and having its inner end open and registered with said opening, said field being sloped toward said opening whereby balls which do not enter said pockets will gravitate through the opening and into the last named trough.

HAROLD R. ETYER.

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