WO2008082593A2

WO2008082593A2 - Apparatus and method for play utilizing an interactive play table that provides 3-dimensional movement to a play piece

Info

Publication number: WO2008082593A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/026391
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kent D. Pearson; Melanie A. Pearson
Original assignee: Pearson Kent D; Pearson Melanie A
Priority date: 2006-12-28
Filing date: 2007-12-28
Publication date: 2008-07-10
Also published as: WO2008082593A3

Abstract

Apparatus and method of play utilizing a play table that defines a generally enclosed three-dimensional play area for three-dimensional movement of one or more play pieces therein. The play table has a lower play surface, a retainer barrier around the lower play surface, and an elevated transparent cover supported by the barrier. The barrier and the cover provide additional curved or angled interactive interior play surfaces. The play table also includes user-operated movement providing means to impart movement to the play piece within the play area. In play with the table, the moving play piece engages with the various interactive interior play surfaces and is directed in paths that have significant vertical as well as horizontal components. The cover inner play surface is preferably upwardly convex continuously curved to facilitate movement of the play piece along that surface.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PLAY UTILIZING AN INTERACTIVE PLAY TABLE THAT PROVIDES 3-DIMENSIONAL MOVEMENT

TO A PLAY PIECE

This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit of, US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/877,498, filed 28 December 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field:

The present invention relates to apparatus and method of play utilizing a play table or structure for interacting with one or more movable play pieces. More particularly, the table includes a base or lower play surface, a retainer barrier around the play surface, and means for imparting movement to the play piece.

Background Art:

Play tables have been used for recreational games such as table soccer (often referred to as foosball), and pinball play tables are popular pastimes for game rooms and recreational centers. Play tables allow the participants to simulate competitive sport games with fewer people and less space. Such play tables can, for example, be installed in basements, garages, game rooms and party facilities.

Play tables of the prior art such as table soccer and pinball have employed a conventional construction. In particular, the play table for table soccer included a flat play surface surrounded by a retainer barrier which typically included vertical walls that were perpendicular to the flat play surface. A transparent cover might be provided. Suspended above the flat play surface were a plurality of manually operated player rods evenly divided among opposing players. The player rods were employed for manipulating a plurality of plastic soccer players attached to the player rods for intercepting and affecting the speed and direction of play pieces such as spherical balls. Likewise, pinball machines known in the prior art also included a play surface typically surrounded by vertical walls perpendicular to the play surface and covered by a transparent surface. The play surface usually included a plurality of bumpers and spinners mounted thereon. The bumpers served to interrupt the motion of the play piece (typically a ball) while the spinners were hand operated rotators and served to change the direction of and/or accelerate a ball that came in contact with them.

In the prior art play tables, it is important to note that the play pieces were introduced or propelled onto the play surface generally horizontally and along the play surface, and caused to continue to move during play in that generally horizontal manner. The play tables provided basically 2-dimensional movement in only a horizontal plane, without a significant vertical dimension. There have been various approaches to designing and constructing play tables.

For table soccer, one desired goal of such a game is to imitate the play of the actual game as closely as possible. Typical designs for playing surfaces have included a flat surface, upon which the game graphics were printed. Design patents for game tables have included slanted or arena styled side panels for appearance, but not for interaction to direct a play piece beyond 2-dimensional movement. See, for example,

U.S. Design Patent Nos. Des.314,985, Des. 347,245, and Des. 352,969. Additionally, U.S. Patent No. 5,222,735 describes an interactive board game that utilizes a curved end panel and sloped floor to direct a game piece toward a goal. The end panels in U.S. Patent No. 5,222,735 are curved about a vertical axis but not about a horizontal axis, so again the movement of the play piece is in generally horizontal 2-dimensions.

Transparent overlaid ceilings and walls in prior art play tables provided visibility of the play surface and play pieces while providing safety from a stray play piece. U.S. Reissue Patent No. Re 37,451 describes a table game that includes a flat transparent housing. In this instance, the transparent housing is not utilized as a playing surface. Similarly, pinball machines normally utilize a transparent flat ceiling to contain play pieces. Again, the ceiling is not utilized as a play surface. It is simply considered a barrier between the player and the play pieces.

It is noted that in some pinball machines the lower play surface was somewhat elevated portions that define lanes or pathways to direct a game ball along a particular path or in a particular direction, but all play is in essentially 2-dimensions, on or in close proximity to the lower play surface.

Furthermore, previous game tables have included multiple levels where a play piece could move vertically between the levels. In particular, U.S. Patent No. 6,712,710 describes a multi-level billiard table which discloses scoops that allow game balls to travel from a play surface at one level to a play surface at another level.

This reference does not disclose an interactive cover or ceiling surface for the game ball to contact and be directed by.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a play table that provides a 3-dimensional play area and interactive means to engage one or more play pieces for movement along various 3-dimensional paths in that play area. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Briefly, and in general terms, the illustrated play table defines a generally enclosed three-dimensional play area to accommodate three-dimensional movement of one or more play pieces within the area. The table includes motion-producing meanings or mechanism to impart movement of the play piece within the area. The table also includes a lower or base play surface, an elevated, transparent cover or ceiling with an interactive interior play surface, and other fixed interactive interior play surfaces for being engaged by and directing further movement off the moving play piece in various directions other than on and along the lower play surface. In other words, movement is produced that has a vertical as well as a horizontal component.

More particularly, one played table that is a presently preferred embodiment of the invention is in the form of a tabletop soccer game. It may be played by two players competing with one another. This table defines the enclosed three- dimensional play area in which the play piece can move in three-dimensional paths.

The illustrated soccer game play table includes a lower play surface for receiving at least one play piece for movement on and there along. It also includes a retainer barrier defining the boundary for the lower play surface. The barrier has an interactive inner play surface. The played table further includes a cover supported on the barrier and spaced away from the lower play surface. The cover has an interactive inner cover play surface

A user-operated movement-providing means or mechanism may be provided for providing movement of a play piece in the interior three-dimensional play area. Two illustrated play movement-producing means are in the form of launcher mechanisms: one for propelling the play piece generally upwardly toward the inner surface of the cover, and the other for propelling the play piece generally horizontally on and along the lower play surface. Another illustrated movement-producing parting means is in the form of a manually-operated moveable striker element that simulates the appearance of a soccer player. In this illustrated play table, each game player is provided with a plurality of movable striker elements operable to try to engage and move the play piece to the opponent's goal.

Another play table in the form of a pinball machine is another preferred embodiment of the invention. This play table also defines a three-dimensional play area for three-dimensional movement of one or more play pieces therein. This table also includes a lower play surface, a retainer barrier with interactive inner play surface, and a cover with an interactive inner play surface. User-operated movement- producing means such as a launching mechanism may launch a play piece in the form of a ball into the play area. Various means such as user-controlled flippers and bumpers in the play area, not only on the lower play surface but also on the retainer barrier and the transparent elevated cover, interact with the play ball moving it in many different directions. The ball also interacts with the fixed interactive inner play surfaces. Thus, the ball is moved in various paths that include substantial vertical as well as horizontal components. Various other forms of play table are disclosed which comprise additional preferred embodiments of the invention. Some involve different configurations for the play table itself, others involve additional components such as an additional play levels and/or targets to be reached by the play piece.

The inner play surfaces of the barrier and the cover serve to extend or expand the play surface of the play table, beyond the lower play surface.

When the play pieces can move across the multiple surfaces of the game table at high speeds, this greatly challenges the dexterity and reaction time of the players in their attempt to hit or block the play pieces. It is desirable that the inner play surfaces of the table, i.e., the base surface, the barrier surface, and the cover surface, be generally aligned with one another for smooth and easy movement of the play piece from one surface to another. To this end, the barrier may be integrated with the cover.

The base play surface may have other shapes than rectangular, as for example oval, (see Fig. 16). Further, the play surface could be somewhat inclined from the horizontal.

It is an object of the present invention to provide extensions to the lower play surface, namely the barrier and cover inner play surfaces which are utilized during play to interact with the play piece.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate the invention, by way of example. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a play table in the form of a soccer game table according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the use of attachable legs for raising the game table above the floor. Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the table of Fig. 1 illustrating the game table without the attachable legs.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the table of Figs. 1 and 2, illustrating a striker element fashioned as a soccer player.

Fig. 4 is a enlarged partial perspective view of a portion of the table of Figs. 1 and 2, illustrating the exterior of a ball launching mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a schematic side elevation view of the game table of Figs. 1 and 2 illustrating the movement of a game ball by the launching mechanism extending across the interactive inner surface of the cover.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view like Fig. 5, illustrating the ball being struck by a striker element and moving along the interior of the cover, but failing to enter the opposing goal.

Fig. 7 is another schematic view like Fig. 6, but illustrating the ball entering the opposing goal.

Fig. 8 is a side elevation view of the table of Fig. 1. Fig. 9 is a rear elevation view of the table of Fig. 1.

Fig. 10 is another perspective view of the table of Fig. 1.

Fig. 11 is a rear elevation view of the table of Fig. 2.

Fig. 12 is a schematic sectional view of the table of Fig. 1 illustrating the movement of a play piece generally completely up and around the table inner surfaces..

Fig. 13 is a schematic overhead perspective view of the table of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a schematic side sectional view of the game table of Fig. 1 the provision of an additional inner play surface by elements such as a bumper..

Fig. 15 is a schematic overhead perspective view of the table of Fig. 1 illustrating the provision of additional elements providing added play surfaces.

Fig. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment illustrating an oval lower play surface and multiple curved wall and cover play surfaces.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an end wall, illustrating the wall curved about a horizontal axis. Fig. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an end wall, illustrating the wall curved about both horizontal and vertical axis; a game ball is show rolling up the wall.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the wall of Fig. 18 showing a play ball moving transversely.

Fig. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating an additional level incorporated within the game table on which a game ball may land on after traversing the curved sidewall and the curved interactive cover, the additional level including multiple rings and corresponding holes to which the game ball is directed.

Fig. 21 is a schematic side view of the preferred embodiment of Fig. 20 of the present invention showing the trajectory of the game ball as it negotiates the additional level incorporated into the game table.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrating a pinball style game table configured for one player which includes flippers to move and hit a game ball, and spinners and bumpers which may be located on sidewalls, curved interactive cover, or the play surface.

Fig. 23 is another perspective view of the alternative embodiment of Fig. 22 of the present invention illustrating the four flippers positioned in front of the goal shown on the play surface.

Fig. 24 is a partial perspective view of the game table goal of the alternative embodiment of Fig. 22 of the present invention illustrating the use of electronic remote control in conjunction with the present invention.

Fig. 25 is a schematic side view of the game table in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the use of a curved end wall, a curved interactive cover, a flat end wall for game play, and a flat play surface, and the game ball trajectory associated therewith.

Fig. 26 is a schematic side view of the game table in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the use of a curved end wall, a curved interactive cover, a flat end wall having a plurality of holes formed therein for game play, and a flat play surface, and the game ball trajectory associated therewith.

Fig. 27 is a schematic side view of the game table in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the use of a curved end wall, a curved interactive cover, a flat angled end wall for game play, in addition to the play surface.

Fig. 28 is a schematic side view of the game table in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the use of two opposed flat angled end walls, and a curved interactive cover for game play, in addition to the play surface.

Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a game play piece according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the game play piece as disk shaped.

Fig. 30 is a perspective view of a game play piece according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the game play piece as spherically shaped.

Fig. 31 is a perspective view of a game play piece according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the game play piece as a tubular ring encompassing a spherically shaped body.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view of a game play piece according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the game play piece as two spherical bodies each encompassed by a tubular ring, the tubular rings being connected together by a center section so that the game play piece moves as a single unit.

Fig. 33 is an interior view of the goal net and the game ball launch mechanism of a preferred embodiment of the present invention where the launch mechanism directs the game ball at an angle offset from the opposing goal.

Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the goal net and game ball launch mechanism of the preferred embodiment of Fig. 33 of the present invention.

Fig. 35 is another interior view of the goal net and game ball launch mechanism of a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating a spring loaded manually operable plunger and a pivoted lever to launch a game ball vertically along the launch rails.

Fig. 36 is an interior view of a preferred embodiment of an alternative launch mechanism of the present invention illustrating a manually operated handle for actuating a level arm to cause a hammer to apply force to a game ball. Fig. 37 is another interior view of the preferred embodiment of the alternative launch mechanism of Fig. 36 of the present invention illustrating the manually operated handle in the actuated position with a game ball having been impacted and shown traveling upwards through a curved track.

Fig. 38 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the game table of the present invention illustrating the alternative launch mechanism and a modified design of the game table goal shown overhanging the curved interactive cover, the goal including an illumination arrangement.

Fig. 39 is a partial perspective view of the game table of the preferred embodiment of Fig. 38 of the present invention illustrating the alternative launch mechanism and the modified design of the game table goal particularly the overhanging goal including a battery compartment and an on-off button for actuating a set of lights.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various play tables that are presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying Figs. 1-39. More particularly, the illustrated play or game tables each define an enclosed three-dimensional play area for three- dimensional movement therein of one or more play pieces. Each table has a lower or base play surface on which a play piece such as a play ball or disk may travel. The play tables also each have a retainer barrier which extends around the lower play surface. The barrier may be provided by side and end walls. An elevated, transparent cover or ceiling may be mounted on the barrier. The play tables include user- operated means for imparting motion to the play piece. The barrier and the cover have inner or interior play surfaces for being engaged by the moving play piece and then directing further play piece movement.

In one preferred embodiment, shown in particular in Figs. 1-11,32-34 and36- 37, the play or game table 100, for use in a table game such as table soccer, includes the lower play surface 102. There is a goal opening or entrance at either end of the surface 102. The table 100 can be manually operated or in the alternative electronically controlled through the use of control devices associated with the table 100. Also, the table 100 can be configured for individual play or for simultaneous play by two or more players or teams in competition. The play surface 102 is typically the top surface of a table bed (not shown) and is bounded by a pair of the end walls 106 and a pair of side walls 110. The game table 100 also includes a set of support leg receivers 112 for detachably receiving a set of four attachable supports legs 114 clearly shown in Fig. 1. The attachable support legs 114 enable the game table 100 to stand upright so that standing game players (not shown) can access the control apparatus of the game table 100. It is noted that the attachable support legs 114 can be removed from the game table 100 as shown in Figs. 2 and 10. The game table 100 with the support legs removed can then be placed on an alternative support structure such as a separate table top to enable the game to be played. It is noted that the game table 100 has one or more curved or angled walls such as the end wall 106. Likewise, the game table 100 further includes the transparent, elevated or raised cover or ceiling 108 that can also be curved or angled. In particular, the pair of end walls 106 can be formed so as to be angled from the vertical or curved about a horizontal axis ( See Fig. 17). The end walls 106 in Figs. 1, 2 and 10 are shown as curved but they could also be angled. This curved or angled structure of the end walls 106 represents an interactive surface 116 formed on the interior surface of the end walls 106 which is arranged and configured to engage and direct the play piece 104, such as a game ball, upward and away from the game play surface 102 when the play piece 104 comes in contact with the end wall 106.

This feature is clearly illustrated in Figs. 17 and 18 which shows the end wall 106 curved about a generally horizontal axis so the play piece 104 can roll up the end wall 106. Likewise, the end wall 106 can also be curved about a generally vertical axis to permit side-to-side horizontal motion of the play piece 104 across the end wall 106 as shown in Fig. 19. The pair of end walls 106 and the pair of side walls

110 serve to provide a retainer barrier 118 that surrounds the game play surface 102. It is also noted that the game play surface 102 may be flat, sloped or curved. It may also be tilted from the horizontal.

The game play surface 102 is overlaid by the raised cover 108 as is shown clearly in Figs. 1, 2 and 10 and also in Figs. 5 - 8. The raised cover 108 is typically transparent being fashioned from, for example, plastic, and also includes an interactive inner surface 120 similar to that exhibited by the end walls 106. The interactive surface 120 is formed on the interior surface of the raised cover 108 against which launched play pieces 104, such as game balls or disks, come in contact. As with the interior surface of the end walls 106, the interactive surface 120 formed on the interior surface of the raised cover 108 is curved or angled so that the play piece 104 can traverse the raised cover 108 during game play. This curved or angled interactive surface 120 of the raised cover 108 is arranged and configured to be able to engage and direct the play piece 104, such as a game ball, along and across the interior surface of the raised cover 108 from end to end. This feature is clearly illustrated in Figs. 2, 5, 6 and 7 where a play piece 104 is shown traversing the interactive surface 120 of the raised cover 108. Consequently, the continuity and alignment of the curved or angled end walls 106 and the curved or angled raised cover 108 promotes the fluid motion of the play piece 104 across the multiple surfaces of the game table 100. Based on this description, the game utilizes the play surface 102 in conjunction with the end walls 106 and the raised cover 108 thus effectively expanding the game play surface 102 of the game table 100. Additionally, the raised cover 108 serves to protect the game players from stray play pieces 104, thus effectively increasing the safety features of the game table 100. Also, the raised cover 108 serves to provide loss prevention of the play pieces 104 by the containment thereof.

The introduction of the (a) curved or angled end walls 106, (b) the flat, sloped or curved lower play surface 102, and (c) the curved or angled raised cover 108 into the game table 100 enables the play pieces 104, such as game balls or disks, to (i) move up and down the interactive surface 116 of the end walls 106, and (ii) move across the interactive surface 120 of the raised cover 108 when the play piece 104 is launched with sufficient force. Each of these curved, angled, or sloped surfaces now become an extension of the game play surface 102. Consequently, the illustrated play table 100 increases the complexity of the game, as the use of timing and force by each player may send the play piece 104 along the interactive surface

120 of the raised cover 108 toward the opponent's goal. In the illustrated table 100, at least one end wall 106 is angled or curved to impart vertical motion to the play piece 104 coming into contact therewith as shown in Figs. 17 and 18. As a result, the addition of inner play surfaces in the game table 100 typically increases the complexity of the game and further challenges the skill of the game players.

The play table 100 may include one goal 122, but preferably includes opposing goals 122, one at each end of the lower play surface for each game player to defend as is illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and 10. The objective of the game is to deposit the play piece 104 into the goal 122 of the opponent to score points. The play piece 104 can be seen traveling in the direction of the goal in Figs. 3, 5 and 6 and entering the goal 122 in Fig. 7. Mechanical means are included to enable the competing game players to block or accelerate a play piece 104, particularly along the play surface 102 of the game table 100. In particular, the illustrated game table 100 supports a plurality of manually actuated, transversely extending, generally horizontal player rods 124 that are passed through corresponding ports 126 formed within the side walls 110 as is clearly shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 10. Each player rod 124 includes at least one attached game figure 128 which is employed for moving and blocking a play piece 104 such as a game ball about the play surface 102. The game figures 128 can be fabricated to adopt the appearance of a miniature game or soccer player and can be appropriately manually rotated by a handle 130 formed on the end of each player rod 124. The player rods 124 could alternatively be supported extending generally vertically between the lower play surface and the cover.

As is shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 10, the player rods 124 are evenly divided between the competitive game players. A perspective view of the game table 100 illustrating the player rods 124, game figures 128 and opposing goals 122 is shown in Figs. 2 and 10. The game figures 128 are fashioned as miniature players and at least one game player 128 is shown rotated to an inverted position to block the play piece 104 traveling toward that player's goal along the raised cover 108. A detailed illustration of the manually- operated player rods 124 and the attached game figures 128 is shown in Fig. 3. The play piece 104 or game ball is shown in flight in Fig. 3 and in the process of being blocked by the game figure 128 rotated to the inverted position. It is the manipulation of the handles 130 of the player rods 124 by the game players that enables the play piece 104 to be moved or blocked.

The game table 100 also includes a launch mechanism 132 clearly shown in Figs. 1, 9, 10, 1 1 with a detail drawing shown in Fig. 4. The function of the launch mechanism 132 is to propel the play piece 104 such as a game ball into game play. The illustrated soccer game table 100 includes a pair of launch mechanisms 132, one located transversely outboard of each of the opposing goals 122 . A single launch mechanism 132 may be used instead, particularly for the embodiment designed for individual play. The launch mechanism 132 as illustrated in detail in Figs. 4 and 33-35, includes a containment housing 134 for containing a plurality of the play pieces 104 which are typically spherical game balls As seen best in Fig. 35, the launch mechanism 132 is actuated by a spring-loaded, manually-operated plunger

136 which provides the force to propel the play piece 104 generally upwardly into game play. A goal net 138 and a pair of launch rails 140 are shown in both Figs. 33- 35. The goal net 138 serves to catch and retain the play piece 104 when it is deposited in the goal 122. The launch rails 140 serve to guide the play piece vertically upward and out of the launching mechanism 132 once actuated. The illustrated launch rails 140 are offset about 15 degrees to the side from the vertical to ensure that the play piece 104 is directed at an angle that will not put the play piece 104 directly into the opposing goal 122.

The structure of the spring-loaded, manually-operated plunger 136 is shown in Fig. 35 and includes the plunger 136 mounted within the containment housing 134 of the launch mechanism 132. An actuating spring 144 surrounds the plunger 136 to provide the force necessary to propel the play piece 104. Mounted adjacent to the end of the plunger 136 is a pivot 146 on which a lever arm 148 is mounted. The end of the lever arm 148 includes platform 150 which is positioned directly underneath the launch rails 140. The play piece 104 is positioned on the platform 150 and the plunger 136 is drawn against the tension of the actuating spring 144. When released, the plunger 136 forces the lever arm 148 to rotate about the pivot 146. The energy associated with the released actuating spring 144 is transferred to the lever arm 148 and the play piece 104 which is propelled vertically up the launch rails 140 and outward into game play. Its path will tend to bring it into contact with the cover inner play surface 120.

An alternative launch mechanism 152 , illustrated in Figs. 36 and 37, also serves to propel the play piece 104 upwardly and outward into game play. As with the launch mechanism 132, the alternative design typically includes a pair of launch mechanisms 152, one located outboard of each of the opposing goals 122 shown best in Fig. 38. The launch mechanism 152 as illustrated in Figs. 36 and 37 also includes a containment housing 134 for containing a plurality of the play pieces 104. The launch mechanism 152 shown in Figs. 36-37 is actuated by a manually-operated handle 154 in conjunction with a lever arm 156 operated through a fulcrum 158. A hammer 160 is located at the end of the lever arm 156. When the manually-operated handle 154 is forced downward as shown in Fig. 37, the lever arm 156 is rotated through the fulcrum 158 causing the hammer 160 to rise upward. The rising hammer 160 strikes the static play piece 104 driving it vertically upward and out of a pair of launch rails 162 and into game play. The launch rails 162 are typically offset by about (12 -15) degrees from the vertical to ensure that the play piece 104 is not directed into the opposing goal 122.

When the play piece 104 is launched by either the launch mechanism 132 illustrated in Fig. 35 (or by the launch mechanism 152 illustrated in Figs. 36-37), the play piece 104 is directed upwards to the interactive surface 120 of the raised cover 108 as shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7. The launch mechanism 132 propels the play piece

104 at a suitable angle and velocity sufficient to engage the curved interactive surface 120 of the raised cover 108. Generally, the launch mechanism 132 directs the play piece 104 to the opposite side of the play surface 102 in the vicinity of the opponent's goal 122. As an example, after the launch of the play piece 104 from the starting position at the launch mechanism 132, the play piece 104 travels across the interactive surface 120 of the raised cover 108 and towards the opposing goal as shown in Fig. 5.

In another example, shown in Fig. 6, a game figure 128 in the center field position executes a kick of the play piece 104 to the left. The play piece 104 travels along the lower surface 102, up the interactive surface 116 of the end wall 106 , and along the interactive inner surface 120 of the raised cover 108 towards the opposing goal 122. It is noted that a game figure 164 has been manipulated to the invented position by a game player to a position to try to block the play piece 104 from entering that player's goal. Fig. 6 shows the ball, having missed the goal to one side, continuing to travel down the end wall surface 116 and back onto the lower play surface 102.

As shown in Fig. 7, in the same sequence of events, the game figure 128 executes another kick. This time, the inverted game figure 164 misses the play piece 104 which enters into the goal and a point is scored. The launch mechanism 132 that is utilized to propel the play piece 104 upwards in the direction of the interactive surface 120 of the raised cover 108 can also be seen in the side views of Figs. 9 and 11. hi Fig. 9, the game table 100 is shown fitted with the attachable support legs 114 for supporting the game table 100 while in Fig. 11, the attachable support legs 114 have been removed. The game table 100 shown in Fig. 11 would normally be supported by an alternative support surface such as a table top. In either case, the launch mechanism 132 is clearly visible. Likewise, the end view of the game board 100 shown in Fig. 8 also shows the launch mechanism 132 in addition to the attachable support legs 114.

The following is a brief description of several different design options that can be employed in the game table 100 as shown in several schematic views. As noted above, the illustrated play or game table 100 utilizes curved end walls 106 having the interactive surfaces 116 and the raised cover 108 having the interactive surface 120 in addition to the lower play surface 102. The schematic diagram of a side view of this embodiment is illustrated in Fig. 12 which shows the play piece 104 moving across the lower play surface 102, up the end wall 106, across the raised cover 108 and back down the opposite sidewall 106. A schematic overhead perspective view of the game table 100 of Fig. 12 is illustrated in Fig. 13 and includes the motion of the play piece 104 across the play surface 102, up the end wall 106, across the raised cover 108, back down the opposite end wall 106, and back to the play surface 102.

A schematic cross-section of a side view of the game table 100 is illustrated in Fig. 14. The schematic of Fig. 14 shows that additional components may be added to the interactive surface 120 of the raised cover 108 to change the motion of the play piece 104 as it moves from the game play surface 102, up a sidewall 106, and across the raised cover 108. The additional component may be a bumper 166 or other component which provides another interactive inner play surface that can deflect the motion of the play piece 104.

Another schematic overhead perspective view of the game table 100 is illustrated in Fig. 15, showing that several additional components may be added to the interactive surface 120 of the raised cover 108 to change the motion of the play piece 104. One bumper 166 is shown deflecting the play piece 104 into a second bumper 168 .

Fig. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a somewhat modified play table wherein the lower play surface is generally oval shaped. In addition to the curvature described above, the side and end walls, as well as the cover, are additionally curved to accommodate the oval shaped lower play surface. The result is an elliptical or football shape. Fig. 16 also illustrates that additional components 166 may be added to the interactive surface 120 of the raised cover 108 and/or the walls of the game table 100 to change the motion of the play piece 104 as it moves.. The bumper 166 located on the interactive surface 1 16 is shown deflecting the motion of the play piece 104 as it moves across the raised cover 108 to propel it into a second bumper 168 located on a sidewall 106. Bumper 168 is shown deflecting the play piece 104 sidewards and downward the curved wall to the game play surface 102, where it encounters a third bumper 170. The play piece 104 is then deflected by bumper 170 across the play surface 102 in another direction. To further illustrate the horizontal and vertical curved feature, the end wall 106 is shown curved about a horizontal axis to enable the play piece 104 to roll up the end wall 106 in Fig. 17. In Figs. 18 and 19, the end wall 106 is shown curved both ways to enable both horizontal and vertical motion of the play piece 104. Figs. 20 and 21, present schematic views of another preferred embodiment illustrating a play table 600 for playing a game where the player tries to deliver a ball into a target hole or receptacle. More specifically, the table, which is mounted on a base 674, includes an additional level 672 with target rings 676 that each have an associated hole or opening 678. The play piece 104 such as a game ball is propelled by a plunger type shooter along the lower play surface, up the opposite curved end wall and back across the interior of the curved cover. It then drops down onto the additional level 672, and may enter and fall through one of the target openings 678. The game player is awarded points based on which hole 678 the play piece 104 fell into. After the play piece 104 falls into the hole 678, it moves downward through a sloped section 680 at the base of the multiple rings 676 to be returned to a starting position as shown in Fig. 21.

Returning to soccer game play table 100, electronic sensors (not shown) may be associated with the goals 122 to record points each time the sensor is triggered. This could occur when the play piece 104 is successfully deposited in the opponent's goal 122 as shown in Fig. 7. The play piece 104 may contain an identifier that will be detected by a sensor to record a hit when the play piece 104 comes into contact with the sensor embedded in the game table. The identifier placed within a play piece 104 could be employed to identify the game player who scored the goal or reached a certain region on the game play surface 102 where the sensor is embedded. The sensors may be contained within the game play surface 102, sidewalls 106, end walls 110, or raised cover 108, or in additional pieces attached to the play surface 102, sidewalls 106,end walls 110, or raised cover 108.

The following is an examination of the play piece 104 which is utilized during game play on the game table 100. Figs. 29-32 illustrate different forms of play piece. A perspective view of the play piece 104 in one preferred embodiment iis shown in Fig. 29, which illustrates the play piece 104 as disk shaped. Another preferred embodiment of play piece 104 is shown in Fig. 30, which illustrates the play piece 104 as spherically shaped. In yet another preferred embodiment of the play piece 104, it is illustrated as a tubular ring 182 encompassing a spherically shaped body 184. In a final preferred embodiment of the play piece 104, it is illustrated as two of the spherical shaped bodies 184 each encompassed by a tubular ring 182, where the tubular rings 182 are connected together by a center section 186. In this embodiment, the play piece 104 moves as a singular unit. Further, the play piece 104, tubular rings 182 and center section 186 may adopt different shapes such as, for example, a race car, skateboarder, or other competitive sport styled figure. It is noted that the play pieces 104, traveling at high speeds, may transition smoothly across the various aligned inner play surfaces, including the curved sidewalls 106 and the curved raised coverl08. This allows the play piece to attain greater speed and achieve more directions of play action. The use of multiple or curved or angled surfaces joined together effectively and in alignment extend the play surface 102 and greatly challenge the dexterity and reaction time of the player as they move the player rods 124 and game figures 128 to hit or block the play piece 104 that approach quickly from multiple directions.

Figs. 38 and 39 illustrate another play table that is a preferred embodiment that adds certain features to embodiment of the game table 100 described above. This table includes the alternative launch mechanism 152 shown in Figs. 36-39 and associated with game table 100 that functions to launch play pieces 104 into game play as previously described herein. The additional feature includes an alternative design of the goal 122 on at least one side of the game table 100 but more typically located at both goals 122. The alternative design of the goals 122 is most salient in that the top surface 188 of the container housing 134 now "overhangs" the raised cover 108 as is most clearly shown in Fig. 39. The bottom section of the raised cover 108 is shown in Fig. 39 at the point where the raised cover 108 meets the retainer barrier 118. Mounted atop the launch mechanism 152 is a battery compartment 190 shown in Fig. 39 having an access door 192 with a closure fastener 194 for containing batteries (not shown). Mounted on the container housing 134 is an on-off switch 196 for providing electrical energy to a Light Emitting Diode (LED) 198 positioned on the inside surface of the container housing 134 best shown in Fig. 36. When the on-off switch 196 is actuated, the Light Emitting Diode 198 casts light onto the game play surface 102 to assist the game players in viewing the action during game play. When the on-off switch 196 is de-activated, the Light Emitting Diode (LED) 198 does not cast light onto the game play surface 102.

Figs. 22-28 illustrate another play table 200 in the form of a pinball machine that is another presently preferred embodiment of the present invention. Components of table 200 that exist and have been described in the game table 100 will simply be identified by the corresponding numbers of the two-hundred series. Each of these components of the game table 200 has an identical structure and performs the identical function as the corresponding components of the game table 100. The game table 200 includes a game play surface 202 on which a play piece

204 is moved about as shown in Figs. 22 and 23. The game table 200 includes a plurality of end walls 206 and a raised cover 208 overlaying the end walls 206. A pair of side walls 210 cooperate with the end walls 206 for surrounding the game play surface 202. The game table 200 also includes a plurality of support leg receivers 212 for receiving a corresponding plurality of attachable support legs 214 also shown in Figs. 22-23. As in the game table 100, the attachable support legs 214 can be removed and the remaining structure of the game table 200 can be placed on an alternative surface such as a table top for use in playing the game.

At least one of the end walls 206 of the game table 200 includes an interactive surface 216 formed on the interior side of the end wall 206 which can be a curved or angled surface. A retainer barrier 218 forms the boundary about the game play surface 202 and thus includes the end walls 206 and the side walls 210. Further, the raised cover 208 is attached to the top of the retainer barrier 218. At least a portion of one of the end walls 206 incorporated within the retainer barrier 218 includes the interactive surface 216. Likewise, the raised cover 208 also includes an interactive surface 220 formed on the interior side of the raised cover 208 which can be a curved or angled surface.

The curved or angled surfaces of the interactive surface 216 of the end walls 206 shown in Fig. 22 are arranged and configured to engage and direct the play piece 204 upward and away form the game play surface 202 for imparting three- dimensional motion to the play piece 204 and for extending the game play surface 202. This design effectively extends the game play surface 202 by increasing the game play action to multiple interior play surfaces within the game table 200. Furthermore, by containing the game table 200 with the raised cover 208, any stray play piece 204 is confined thus improving the safety features and the loss prevention of the play piece 204 associated with the game table 200.

The game table 200 includes a launch mechanism 232 which functions to propel the play piece 204 into game play. Upon launch, the play piece 204 is propelled upward and away from the game play surface 202 so as to traverse the interactive surface 220 of the raised cover 208. The play piece 204 is thus put into play in the play area.

The launch mechanism 232 may includes the identical construction and operation as disclosed in Figs. 33-34 or Fig.35 associated with the game table 100. The components associated with the launch mechanism 232 include a containment housing 234, a spring-loaded, manually-operated plunger 236, pair of launch rails

240, an actuating spring 244, a pivot 246, a lever arm 248, and a platform 250.

The additional components included in the illustrated table 200 shown in Figs. 22-28 will now be presented and will be identified by a number of the three- hundred series. Fig. 22 is a perspective view that illustrates the game table 200. In general, table 200 has a plurality of additional components positioned on multiple inner play surfaces. The additional components can be located on the lower play surface 202, end walls 206, side walls 210, or the raised cover 208. The game table 200 is a pinball style game table configured for a single game player.

A flipper 300 is an electrically operated device mounted on the play surface 202 that is capable of rotating through an arc as is indicated in Fig. 22. A plurality of flippers 300 can be activated to move and strike a play piece 204 when the game player presses on a activation button 302 typically located on the exterior side of the side wall 210. Depressing the activation button 302 will activate the flippers 300 mounted on the lower play surface 202. More than one activation button 302 may exist to activate the flippers 300 independent of the other flippers 300. A spinner

304 is a stationary trigger having a central portion that spins 360 degrees when hit by a play piece 204. A plurality of spinners 304 may be located on the game play surface 202, end walls 206, side walls 210 or on the raised cover 208. A bumper 306 is a stationary solid object that can assume various geometric shapes that serves to deflect the play piece 204 in another direction. A plurality of bumpers 306 can be located on the game play surface 202, end walls 206, side walls 210, or on the raised cover 208. When bumpers 306 are used in combination with an electrical source such as a battery (not shown), a sensor may be included. The sensor associated with the bumper 306 triggers or activates a component part of the bumper 306 to initiate an outward motion of the component part when the bumper 306 is struck by the play piece 204. The outward motion of the component part of the bumper 306 can propel the play piece 204 further. The sensors, which can be located on the spinners 304 and on the bumpers 306, may also record a predetermined number of points when triggered. The number of points are displayed on an electronic recording device 308 located on the game table 200 each time the sensor located on the spinner 304 or bumper 306 is triggered. This feature operates in the same manner as in a conventional pinball game. It is noted that an upper flipper 300 and a lower flipper 300 move in tandem when activated. Consequently, the use of electronic sensors in game table 200 can be an integral part of the design. The play piece 204 can contain an identifier that will be detected by a sensor to record a hit when the play piece 204 comes into contact with the sensor embedded in the game table. The identifier placed within a play piece 204 could be employed to identify the game player who reached a certain region on the lower play surface 202 where the sensor is embedded. The sensors may be contained within the lower play surface 202, end walls 206, side walls 210, or raised cover 208, or in additional pieces attached to the table.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view illustrating the four flippers 300, comprising two upper flippers 300 and two lower flippers 300, positioned at one end of the table in front of a return chute or opening 222 that leads back to the projecting mechanism. When the play piece is allowed to enter that opening 222, play with that play piece is ended. The upper flipper 300 and the lower flipper 300 positioned on the left side of the return chute 222 move in tandem. Likewise, the upper flipper 300 and the lower flipper 300 positioned on the right side of the chute 222 also move in tandem. Other embodiments of game table 200 are foreseen in which a greater or a fewer number of flippers 300 reside on the game play surfaces. Further, each of the flippers 300 may also move independently of all the other flippers 300 located inside of the game table 200 as long as each flipper 300 is activated or triggered by a separate activation button 302 mounted on one of the side walls 210.

Fig. 24. Is a detail view of the vicinity of the launch mechanism 232 and the return chute 222, illustrating the use of electronic control in conjunction with the game table 200. The illustrated remote control device is a remote hand controller 310 in combination with electronic circuitry (not shown). This enables game players to control the plurality of flippers 300 by using the remote control device or hand controller 310, which can be a combination sensor-signal transmitter. The remote hand controller 310 permits one or more game players to move more freely around the game table 200. This design also facilitates the activation of multiple flippers 300 independently of other flippers 300 or spinners 304 or the like. Thus, a first game player may hold a remote hand controller 310 with activation buttons 302 that operate or trigger certain flippers 300 and/or certain triggers that direct play pieces 204. The remote hand controller 310 of the second game player might only control the activation or triggering of other flippers 300 and/or direct a play piece 204. The game table 200 may be configured for as many game players as desired.

Fig. 26 is a schematic perspective view of a game table 400 that is another presently preferred embodiment. This play table 400 is like table 100 in that it has a lower play surface 402, a curved end wall 406, and a curved raised cover 408. This table 400 has opposed flat side walls 412. The play table 400 also has user-operated motion-imparting means in the form of a rod mounted striker element 414. The element 414 may represent a player figure. The element 414 is fixed on a horizontally extending rod 416 that is supported by extending through openings 418 in the opposed side walls 412. The rod 416 is mounted so that it can be moved side-to-side, and can be rotated to cause the striker element 414 to strike the ball 204. The table 400 has an upright vertical end wall 410 which has three target openings 420. As illustrated in Fig. 26, the play piece 204 may be struck by the striker element 414 and thereby moved across the play surface 402, up the curved end wall 406, across the inner surface of the curved raised cover 408, and through one of the target openings 420 located in the flat end wall 410. An entrance(not shown) may be provided for reinserting the ball into the interior of the table.

Fig. 25 is a schematic side view of a game table 500 that is another preferred embodiment that is a variation of table 400 of Fig.26. Instead of a flat end wall with target openings, table 500 has a flat end wall 510 that cooperates with a short upright interior wall 520 to create a target receptacle 522 for the ball 204.

Fig. 27 is a schematic side view of a play table 700 that is another preferred embodiment that is very similar to table 100. Instead of a second curved end wall, this table has a flat, inclined end wall 316. This table may have user-operated motion-imparting means in the form of a striker element like the one of table 400

(Fig. 26).

Fig. 28 is a schematic side view of a game table 800 that is another preferred embodiment that is like the table 100, except that it has two opposed flat, inclined end walls 316, 318, one at each end. While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility.

It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope of the present invention

Claims

1. A play table that defines a three-dimensional play area for movement to one or more play pieces along various three-dimensional paths within said area, said table comprising: a lower play surface for accommodating generally horizontal movement of a play piece on and along that surface; a retainer barrier for defining a boundary of said lower play surface; user-operated movement-producing means for causing movement of a play piece within the three-dimensional player; said barrier providing a fixed interactive inner surface for being engaged by the moving play piece and for redirecting further movement of the play piece upwardly and away from said lower play surface; a cover supported upon said barrier and spaced away from said lower play surface, said cover having an interactive inner cover play surface for being engaged by the moving play piece and for directing further movement of the play piece; at least portions of the barrier and the cover being transparent to allow the user to observe the movements of the play piece.

2. The play table of Claim 1 wherein said interactive play surfaces are operable to direct the play piece in one or more paths, none of said being a simple two-dimensional path generally on and along said lower place surface.

3. The play table of claim 1 wherein said barrier play surface is curved about a generally horizontal axis.

4. The play table of Claim 1 wherein said barrier play surface is angled from the vertical.

5. The play table all Claim 1 further including one or more elements protruding into the three-dimensional play area and providing an element inner play surface that interrupts the continuity of the adjacent play surfaces while interacting with the play piece.

6. The play table of Claim 1 wherein said movement-producing means is a mechanical launcher for moving the play piece generally horizontally on and along the lower play surface.

7. The play table of Claim 1 wherein said movement-producing means is a mechanical launcher for moving the play piece generally upwardly toward the cover inner play surface.

8. The play table of Claim 1 wherein said user-operated movement- producing means for moving said play piece includes at least one manually-operated movable striker element for contacting said play piece.

9. The play table of Claim 1 further including a plurality of play pieces.

10. The play table of Claim 9 wherein play pieces are spherical balls.

11. The play table of Claim 9 wherein said play pieces are disks.

12. The play table of Claim 1 wherein said cover inner play surface has an upwardly convex curved shape adapted for a play piece to move there along.

13. The play table of Claim 12 wherein said cover inner play surface has opposed ends, said cover play surface being configured and arranged so that a play piece moving into engagement with said cover play surface will tend to continue to move there along from end to end to the opposite end.

14. The play table of Claim 1 wherein said barrier and said cover are integrally formed with one another and their inner contact surfaces are aligned to provide a generally continuous play surface.

15. The play table of Claim 3 wherein said barrier play surface is also curved about a generally vertical axis for redirecting said play piece transversely of said play table.

16. A method for play utilizing a play at game table that defines a three- dimensional play area for three-dimensional movement therein of one or more play pieces, the table having a lower play surface allowing for movement of at least one play piece on and there along, a retainer barrier defining a boundary the lower play surface and having an interactive barrier inner play surface, an elevated transparent cover supported upon the barrier and spaced away from the lower play surface, the cover having an interactive inner play surface, said method comprising the steps of:

1. Providing a moving play piece into the three-dimensional play area; and

2. Causing the moving play piece to be redirected in one or more paths as a result of the play piece engaging one or more of the interactive inner play surfaces, at least one of said paths being other than a simple two-dimensional path generally on and along the lower play surface and including a significant vertical dimension.

17. The method of Claim 16 wherein the play piece is cause to move in said other path by a fixed interactive inner barrier place surface that is configured and arranged to engage in direct the play piece outwardly and away from the lower place surface.

18. A play table that defines a generally enclosed three-dimensional play area for three-dimensional movement of one or more play pieces along various three- dimensional paths within said area, said table comprising: user-operated movement-producing means for causing movement of at least one play piece within the three-dimensional play area; and fixed interactive interior play surfaces within the play area for being engaged by the moving play piece and for directing further movement of the play piece in paths that include significant vertical components.

19. The play table of Claim 18 wherein said table includes a retaining barrier and an elevated cover, each of which include a fixed interactive interior play surface.

20. The play table of Claim 19 wherein said table includes a lower play surface, said cover and barrier interactive inner play surfaces being curved and in alignment with each other, said lower play surface forming, with said cover and barrier interactive interior play surfaces, a generally continuous aligned pathway in the form of a loop for a movement of the play piece there along.