WO2009083705A1

WO2009083705A1 - Dartboard arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2009083705A1
Application number: PCT/GB2008/002896
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott Horsfall
Original assignee: Scott Horsfall
Priority date: 2007-12-31
Filing date: 2008-08-28
Publication date: 2009-07-09
Also published as: GB2456006B; GB2456006A; GB0725345D0

Abstract

A dartboard arrangement (10) comprises a housing (12), a first pressure sensitive playing surface (22) mounted in the housing, and a second traditional bristle playing surface (20) mounted in the housing (12) behind the first playing surface. The first playing surface is entirely independent of the second playing surface, and neither relies on the other to perform its function. The first playing surface (22) is removable, enabling the second playing surface to be exposed for use. Advertising space including an electronic screen (36) is provided on the housing (12).

Description

Dartboard arrangement

The present invention relates to a dartboard arrangement.

It is known to provide a dartboard for use with soft tip darts, for example, as described in GB 2360710 A. Such a dartboard provides for dart games representing field sports and the like. It also provides space for receiving advertising matter.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved dartboard or dartboard arrangement, enabling the use of both traditional steel tipped darts and soft tipped darts, and providing enhanced advertising space.

According to the present invention there is provided a dartboard arrangement comprising a housing, a first playing surface mounted in the housing, and a second playing surface mounted in the housing behind the first playing surface, the first and second playing surfaces being independent of each other, and the first playing surface being removable, enabling the second playing surface to be exposed for use.

An advantage of the invention is that a number of dart games can be played at a single playing station, simply by changing the visible playing surface within the housing. This provides variety to the game of darts and is particularly suitable for children.

Preferably, the first playing surface is adapted for playing a first game without requiring the use of the second playing surface, and the second playing surface is adapted for playing a second game without requiring the use of the first playing surface.

Preferably the first playing surface is pressure sensitive.

Preferably the first playing surface is a composite member and includes an outer member having a plurality of apertures therein for receiving the tip of a soft tipped dart and a pressure sensitive pad disposed behind the outer member. Preferably the pressure sensitive pad includes a first member having an input contact array thereon, a second member having an output contact array thereon, and a third member disposed between the first and second members and having a plurality of apertures therein, contact being made between the arrays when the input array comes into contact with the output array through one of the apertures.

It is an advantage of the invention that the game of darts can be played with soft tipped darts, which are safer for small children and for use in public areas.

Preferably complimentary electrical connectors, for example, male and female sockets, are disposed on the first playing surface and housing.

Preferably an electronic screen is provided on the housing for displaying information pertaining to a game being played on the first playing surface.

In this case, the screen may be one of an LCD screen and an LED screen.

Preferably the screen can also be programmed to display advertising matter.

Advantageously a proprietor of an establishment in which the dartboard arrangement is in use is able to programme the dartboard arrangement to display advertising material relating to his or another's business. For example, in a public house, special offers relating to drinks and/or food may be displayed.

Preferably the second playing surface is a conventional numerical bristle dartboard.

Preferably means is provided on the surface of the housing for receiving and displaying business cards or other advertising cards such as cards advertising items for sale.

Preferably advertising areas are provided in the housing, which may be illuminated by backlighting.

Preferably audio speakers are provided in the housing. The audio speakers may be linked to discrete areas in the first playing surface and may emit a sound when one or more of the discrete areas are successfully targeted by a dart. For example, the speakers may emit a pre-recorded 'cheer' or a 'fanfare'.

Preferably a plurality of first playing surfaces is provided, each being adapted to fit the housing, and each relating to a different game.

This is advantageous because a greater variety of games can be played using a single dartboard arrangement. For example, the first playing surface may pertain to the games of football, cricket, hockey, tennis, rugby, American football or any other desired game.

Preferably a pen holder and writing surface are mounted on the housing enabling players to keep score.

Preferably the writing surface is a plastics wipe clean surface.

Preferably the or each first playing surface is retained in the housing by means of magnets.

Furthermore, the dartboard arrangement may include a network interface for providing local and/or remote game play and/or advertisement.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic exploded view of a dartboard arrangement; and

Figure 2 shows a front view of the assembled dartboard arrangement of Figure 1.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a dartboard arrangement is indicated generally at 10. The dartboard arrangement 10 includes a housing generally indicated at 12, including a front casing 14 and a rear closure plate 16. A substantially rectangular recess 18 is provided at the centre of the front casing 14 and a traditional numerical bristle dartboard 20 is mounted in the rear of the recess. A second dartboard or playing surface 22 is mounted in the recess 18 in front and independently of the traditional dartboard 20.

The playing surface 22 displays a field game, for example, football, and is divided into discrete areas. The surface 22 is constructed as an outer plastics face 26 with apertures 28 therethrough with a pressure sensitive pad or map 24 disposed behind the face 26. The pressure sensitive map 24 includes a first sheet having an input contact array thereon, a second sheet having an output contact array thereon and a third sheet disposed between the first and second sheets. Apertures are provided through the third sheet which allow contact of the first and second sheets on the application of pressure, for example, by means of a soft tipped dart.

The playing surface 22 is provided with an electrical connection means which connects with a complimentary electrical connection means provided on the housing 12. The connections are provided by male and female sockets. Magnets 30 are disposed in apertures 32 in the edge of the playing surface 22 which are attracted to corresponding magnets 34 in the housing 12 and serve to retain the playing surface 22 within the housing 12.

A liquid crystal display (LCD) or light-emitting diode (LED) screen 36 is provided along the upper face of the housing 12 above the playing surface 22 and can be programmed either locally or remotely via a network interface to display information pertaining to a game being played or with advertising material. Backlit display areas 38 are also provided on either side of the playing surface 22 in the housing 12 and typically are used for the display of advertising materials. Channels 40 are provided along the lower edge of the housing 12 adjacent the playing surface 22 for receiving business cards or other advertising cards there between. A score area 42 is provided on either side of the housing 12 which is covered with a wipe-clean surface 44 made from plastics laminated with a polyester film. Pen holders 46 are disposed on either side of the housing 12 for receiving pens. A pair of audio speakers 48 are disposed in respective upper corners of the housing 12, which can either be programmed to emit a pre-recording relating to a game being played or to advertising material.

Each playing surface 22 fits into the housing 12 as part of a fully integrated electronic gaming system. The playing surface, speakers 48 and screen 36 are connected through a printed circuit board (PCB) including a processor, which controls the state of play. The PCB is preferably mounted within the housing and is pre-programmed for different games. Optionally the PCB can be mounted within the playing surface 22. Input means for beginning games, pausing games, ending games, changing skill levels and inputting advertising slogans for display on the screen 36 can be provided on the housing or on the playing surface. Optionally, the input means may be a hand held remote wireless controller or via remote access on the network interface.

In use, a player or plurality of players may use the electronic playing surface 22 with soft tipped darts, or may remove the separate first playing surface 22 from the housing 12 to reveal the traditional independent bristle dartboard 20 behind. Alternative playing surfaces 22 may also be provided relating to different sports. The dartboard arrangement 10 is ideally suited for both domestic use and use in commercial environments such as public houses. The first playing surface 22 is suitable for use by young children, because steel tipped darts are not required. However, the traditional bristle dartboard 20 can be revealed for play by adults as desired.

The first playing surface does not rely on the second playing surface in any way, and vice versa, and thus provide separate and independent game options.

It is feasible that the traditional dartboard may be mounted in front of the electronic game surface, instead of being mounted behind as described above.

The advertising space on the housing 12 provides a useful promotional area for, in particular, local businesses when the dartboard arrangement 10 is used in a public environment, such as a public house or youth club.

Claims

1. A dartboard arrangement (10) comprising a housing (12), a first playing surface (22) mounted in the housing (12), and a second playing surface (20) mounted in the housing (12) behind the first playing surface (22), the. first and second playing surfaces (20, 22) being independent of each other, and the first playing surface (22) being removable, enabling the second playing surface (20) to be exposed for use.

2. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first playing surface (22) is adapted for playing a first game without requiring the use of the second playing surface (20), and the second playing surface (20) is adapted for playing a second game without requiring the use of the first playing surface (22).

3. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the first playing surface (22) is pressure sensitive.

4. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the first playing surface (22) is a composite member and includes an outer member (26) having a plurality of apertures (28) therein for receiving the tip of a soft tip dart and a pressure sensitive pad (24) disposed behind the outer member (26).

5. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in claim 4, in which the pressure sensitive pad (24) includes a first member having an input contact array thereon, a second member having an output contact array thereon, and a third member disposed between the first and second members and having a plurality of apertures therein, contact being made between the arrays when the input array comes into contact with the output array through one of the apertures.

6. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which complimentary electrical connectors are disposed on the first playing surface (22) and housing (12).

7. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an electronic screen (36) is provided on the housing (12) for displaying information pertaining to a game being played on the first playing surface (22).

8. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the electronic screen (36) is one of an LCD screen and an LED screen.

9. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, in which the screen (36) can be programmed to display advertising matter.

10. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second playing surface (20) is a conventional numerical bristle dartboard.

11. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which means (40) is provided on the surface of the housing (12) for receiving and displaying business cards.

12. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which illuminated advertising areas (38) are provided in the housing (12).

13. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which audio speakers (48) are provided in the housing (12).

14. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a plurality of interchangeable first playing surfaces (22) are provided, each being adapted to fit into the housing (12), and each relating to a different game.

15. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a pen holder (46) and writing surface (44) are mounted on the housing (12).

16. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in claim 15, in which the writing surface (44) is a wipe clean surface.

17. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first playing surface (22) is retained in the housing (12) by means of magnets (30).

18. A dartboard arrangement (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a network interface for providing local and/or remote game play and/or advertisement.

19. A dartboard arrangement (10) substantially as claimed herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.