US3894737A

US3894737A - Game board apparatus with interchangeable playing board plates

Info

Publication number: US3894737A
Application number: US474800A
Authority: US
Inventors: John J Moore
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1974-05-30
Filing date: 1974-05-30
Publication date: 1975-07-15
Anticipated expiration: 1992-07-15

Abstract

A game board apparatus including two or more identical base structures hinged together so as to be provided with a pivotal connection between the base structures. A playing area is provided on each base structure with each playing area being defined by a groove along a substantial part of the periphery thereof. The ends of each groove border one side of its respective base structure and these ends are exposed only when that base structure is folded along the hinge bordering that side. A plurality of variously apertured interchangeable playing board plates are associated with each base structure. These plates are insertable into their associated base structure only when the ends of the groove for that base structure are exposed. At such time, any selected one of these plates may be slid into position in that particular groove. The apertures in each plate provide pockets into which a ball may be propelled by a projector. Additionally, each pattern of apertures found in the various plates represents a different type of game, whereby a different type of game may be played each time a different type of plate is inserted into the groove of its associated base structure.

Description

United States Patent [191 Moore 1 1 GAME BOARD APPARATUS WITH INTERCHANGEABLE PLAYING BOARD PLATES [76] Inventor: John J. Moore, 13172 Benton St.,

Garden Grove, Calif.

[22] Filed: May 30, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 474,800

[52] U.S. Cl 273/121 R; 273/136 GB [51] Int. Cl. A63F 7/00; A63F 7/10 [58] Fieid of Search 273/85 R, 119 R, 120 R,

273/121 R, 122 R, 123 R, 124 R, 125 R, 126 R, 127 R, 129, 136 R, 136 G, 136 GB Primary E.raminerRichard .l. Apley Assistant Examiner-R. T. Stouffer July 15, 1975 [57] ABSTRACT A game board apparatus including two or more identical base structures hinged together so as to be provided with a pivotal connection between the base structures. A playing area is provided on each base structure with each playing area being defined by a groove along a substantial part of the periphery thereof. The ends of each groove border one side of its respective base structure and these ends are exposed only when that base structure is folded along the hinge bordering that side. A plurality of variously apertured interchangeable playing board plates are associated with each base structure. These plates are insertable into their associated base structure only when the ends of the groove for that base structure are exposed. At such time, any selected one of these plates may be slid into position in that particular groove. The apertures in each plate provide pockets into which a ball may be propelled by a projector. Additionally, each pattern of apertures found in the various plates represents a different type of game, whereby a different type of game may be played each time a different type of plate is inserted into the groove of its associated base structure.

1 Claim, 10 Drawing Figures SHEET [FIGS [FIGS 1m AV GAME BOARD APPARATUS WITH INTERCI-IANGEABLE PLAYING BOARD PLATES One, two, three, or four players may play this game, playing in turn or at the same time with one ball or many shot seperately or all at once.

It has more flexibility of use. i

It is foldable for easy storage and to allow insertion of interchangeable plates.

The principle object of this game is to provide interchangeable plates in the playing area of the bases.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of two bases.

FIG. 2 is a cross section view showing groove that contains interchangeable plates.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing rubber band power arrangement and flexible tape bonded to the two bases to provide a hinge.

FIG. 4 is a cross section view showing plunger entracked in base.

FIG. 5 is a cross section view showing rubber band stretched across stationary pins.

FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of apertured bases. This playing area is not exposed when interchangeable plates are installed in bases.

FIG. 7 is a top view of interchangeable plates used in playing a modified game of football on a divided playing field.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of four identical pin ball bases functionally hinged together to fold in two directions so that interchangeable plates may be installed when bases are closed to expose groove.

FIG. 9 is a cross section view showing how plates are installed in groove, and

FIG. I shows a top view of a modified game of basketball with baffles installed in fold line of bases to permit two players to play on a four player pin ball game.

Referring to the drawing FIG. 1 the improved pin ball game characterizing the present invention comprises two identical bases la and lb bonded together with flexible cloth tape 2 to form a suitable hinge, tracks 3a and 3b forming part of bases 1a and lb guide grooved plungers 4a and 4b with handles 5a and 5b attached thereto. plungers 4a and 4b when pulled back and released by players move forward propelling balls 6 up inclined interchangeable plates 7a and 7b.

Balls 6 may cross over center fold line from interchangeable plate 7a to interchangeable plate 7b if propelled too hard. 80 and 8b shows a recessed tapered groove forming part of interchangeable plates 7a and 7b, such groove being used as an aid in guiding balls 6 in position to shooting in rapid fire order.

9a and 9b show apertures in interchangeable plates 70 and 7b, used to play a modified game of baseball and also tic tac toe. Balls 6 loaded in tapered grooves 8a and 8b are for the game of tic tac toe, three balls in any three apertures in line wins. The game of baseball is played with one ball at a time.

Rules of baseball apply where applicable.

10a and 10b recessed in bases la and lb are for storage of balls.

FIG. 2 shows flexible tape 2 bonded to bottom of base la functioning as a hinged between bases In and 1b.

In operation, plunger 4a, with handle 5a attached thereto slides freely in track to propel ball 6 up inclined interchangeable plate 7b. ball may fall into one of nine, 9b, apertures on 7b or cross over center fold line to 7a. This constitutes a penalty shot as shooting player loses ball. Plates 7a and 7b are installed in grooves 11a and 11b when bases la and lb are in a closed position Plungers 4a and 4b get their power to propel ball 6 from a rubber band mechanism contained in recesses 12a and 12b forming part of bases In and 1b. Posts 13a and 13a and posts 13b and 13b, secured to bottom of recesses 12a and 12b, hold the stretched rubber bands 14a and 14b between them. In operation of plungers 4a and 41), posts and 15b being attached thereto, are placed between stretched rubber bands 14a and 1411. Being thus placed they are in a position to be propelled and returned. When the interchangeable plates are not being used, apertures 16a and 26b, apertured in bases 10 and lb are exposed allowing players to play a modified game of basketball. Player shooting for aperture 16a must get basket in four shots or lose ball to opponent shooting to aperture 16b. Ball crossing over center fold line is lost to shooter.

Two interchangeable plates are designed to play a modified game of football, 17a and 17b. First player to shoot constitutes kick off. ball must be shot over center fold line, or be shot over, for proper kick off. Ball will enter and roll on 17b on proper kick off, entering one of six apertures, 18b, where play is started. If ball misses apertures play is started on the 20 yard line. Shooter must advance ball at least l0 yards in four shots or lose ball. Ball stays in play where it is lost. Posts and 19b are for kicking field goals and extra points after touchdown. Ball must be shot between posts 19a or 19b to score. The game shown in FIG. 8 is designed to be played by one, two, three, or four players. First player must break, or shoot all balls on first shot, as in the game of pool. All balls being lined up in front of plunger on first shot, shown on interchangeable plate 20a. This game may be played by partners. First two partners to shoot eight balls in straight line in both thier respective playing areas wins all balls not in apertures. One, two, or three players may play using baffles to block out playing areas not needed. Baffles 24a and 24b shown in FIG. 10.

This game is called Straightline.

Bases la and lb fold horizontally to allow insertion of interchangeable plates 20b and 200. Interchangeable plate 20b being contained by groove llb, forming part of base lb. Interchangeable plate 206 being contained by groove llc, groove 1 1c, not shown for clarity, forming part of base lc.

Bases la and 1c fold vertically to allow insertion of interchangeable plates 20a and 20d. Plate 20a being contained by groove lla forming part of base la. Plate 20d being contained by groove 11d forming part of base 1d. Groove lld not shown for clarity. Base lb provided with aperture 23b, and base 1c provided with aperture 23c together form a playing area for a modified game of basketball. Player must shoot ball 6 resting on playing area of base 1b into aperture 23b forming part of playing area thereof; to score. If ball stops against baffles 240 or 24b it is considered out of bounds. Ball crossing over center fold line, from base 1b to base 10 or base 1c to base lb is lost to player who shot it. Same rules apply for each player. This game requires two baffies, made of plastic or cardboard, 24a and 24b In use the ends slip into the horizontal and vertical fold lines between bases, which are left slightly open in manufacture to receive same.

Having thus described the invention, it is to be understood that certain modifications in the construction and arrangement of the parts thereof will be made, as deemed necessary, without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

I claim;

1. In a game board apparatus, two or more identical base structures, each pivotally connected to at least one of the other base structures by at least one hinge, a playing area provided on each base structure, said playing area being defined by a groove along a substantial part of the periphery thereof, said groove being provided with two ends, both of which extend to one side of the base structure bordered by one of said at least one hinge thereof, the ends of said groove being exposed only when the base structure thereof is folded along said one hinge bordering said one side, a plurality of variously apertured interchangeable playing board plates associated with each of said base structures, one of said plates being insertable into its associated base structure only when the ends of the groove of said associated base structure are exposed, the apertures of each plate providing pockets for a ball to be propelled thereinto by a projector, and each pattern of plate representing a different type of game, whereby a different type of game may be played each time a different type of plate is inserted into the groove of its associated base structure.

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