Abstract:
A table game has a plurality of pucks for sliding across a table top that is divided into an elongated runner section and a scoring section. Both the runner section and the scoring section have multiple bumpers for affecting the path of the pucks, and the scoring section has multiple scoring indicators representing different scores. Each player has a predetermined number of throws and once a set score is reached, a winner is crowned.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a table game suitable for play by a wide variety of age groups. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     There are a number of known table games commercially available for play by adults and children alike. These games include, for example, table hockey, table soccer and foosball, among others. As the majority of commercially available games are stick and ball type games, few incorporate logic and mathematical skills, along with the physical activities of a user in order to determine the ultimate outcome. 
     Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a table game and a method of play which overcomes the deficiencies noted above and is appealing to a wide variety of age groups. It is also an objective of the invention to provide a game table which is simple and economical to manufacture. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a table game for combining logic, mathematic skills and the physical ability of a user to determine a winner. One embodiment of a table game can include a number of pucks for sliding across a table top that is divided into an elongated runner section and a scoring section. Both the runner section and the scoring section can include multiple bumpers for affecting the path of the pucks, and the scoring section can include multiple scoring indicators. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention can include a method of playing a table game including the features described above. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a puck for use with the presently claimed invention. 
         FIG. 1   a  illustrates a top view of the puck described in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of a playing table according to one embodiment that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts described herein. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of a table according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of a table according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5   a  illustrates a top view of a table according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5   b  illustrates a side view of the scoring section of a table according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5   c  illustrates a plan view of the scoring section of a table according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6   a  illustrates a game play example according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6   b  illustrates a game play example according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     A table game described herein as “Knockilus” incorporates an elongated playing surface having a plurality of pucks and obstacles in which the object of the game is to outscore an opponent by positioning your pucks in high scoring positions. As will be described below in more detail, this can be done in several manners such as blocking or knocking opposing pucks from the scoring area. The game is easy to play and can be enjoyed by players of almost any age. 
     Pucks 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a puck that can be used in conjunction with the presently claimed invention. As shown, puck  10  can include but is not limited to a circular member  11  having an indentation  12  at the bottom end thereof. Such an indentation, can allow a smaller portion of the puck to contact the surface area of the playing board in order to reduce friction. Additionally, puck  10  can further include a hole  13  (See  FIG. 1   a ) extending through the center portion thereof. As will be explained below in greater detail, such a feature can allow the user to readily identify the scoring position of the puck in play. Moreover, puck  10  can also include one or more weighted inserts  14  for ensuring an optimal weight of the puck. In one embodiment, one or more inserts  14  can be incorporated into the construction of the puck and can further include a variety of different weight options suitable for players ranging from children to adults. Inserts  14 , as described above can be constructed from virtually any known material having a high weight to size ratio such as metal, for example, and can be utilized to ensure the puck  10  has a sufficient weight and balance to glide across the playing board without overturning. 
     In one preferred embodiment, puck  10  can be constructed from hardened plastic, however other materials are also contemplated including, for example, injection molded plastic, nylon, teflon or other known materials. 
     Playing Table 
       FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of a playing table  20  that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts described herein. As shown, table  20  can include a playing surface having an elongated runner section  21  and a scoring area  22  each having a slick surface on which a puck can glide. 
     The runner section  21  can take the shape of an elongated rectangle having an opening  21   a  at a first end and a wall  24  extending along a portion of both sides of the runner. As will be described below in more detail, a player can stand along the opening  21   a  and slide a puck  10  down the length of the runner  21  and into the scoring area  22  which is positioned on the opposite end of the runner. 
     In one embodiment, the runner  21  can also include a qualify line  21   c  located adjacent to the scoring area  22 , and a play line  21   b  positioned at the termination point of the wall  24  and adjacent to the opening  21   a.    
       FIG. 3  illustrates one alternate embodiment of a playing table  20 , which includes an optional play line barrier  30  positioned above the play line  21   b . In one embodiment, barrier  30  can be secured to each side of the wall  24  so as to be securely fastened to the table. Such a feature can act to physically prevent a player from releasing the puck at a location beyond the play line by requiring the puck to pass beneath the barrier. To this end, play line barrier  30  can be constructed from virtually any type of rigid or semi-rigid material such as a board or a plastic tube extending across the playing surface. Additionally, the barrier  30  can further include foam padding or a rubber liner (not shown) positioned along a periphery thereof to prevent injury to a player when making contact with the barrier. 
     In another embodiment, play line barrier  30  can further include an optional score keeper  31  capable of keeping a running score of the game and/or a tally of the number of games previously won and lost. As such, score keeper  31  can include components ranging from a mechanical instrument that is manually operated to a fully electronic device with an integrated memory and sound system, for example. As each of these items are well known in the art, no further description is provided. 
     Returning to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the scoring area  22  can take the shape of a rectangular element positioned perpendicular to the runner  21  and can include a plurality of scoring marks  25   a - 25   i  positioned thereon. As shown, scoring marks  25   a - 25   i  can take a variety of shapes and sizes. 
     In one preferred embodiment, both the runner section  21  and the scoring area  22  can be constructed from polystyrene, however other materials such as nylon, plastic, wood or laminate, for example are also contemplated. Moreover, in one alternate embodiment, the runner  21  and scoring area  22  can be made from different materials each having a different coefficient of friction. Such a feature can thus affect the path of the puck during game play in order to increase the challenge to the player. 
     In another embodiment, table  20  can further include a plurality of lighting elements (backlights)  29  positioned throughout the playing area. In one preferred embodiment, backlights  29  can include a series of LED lights positioned along the wall  24  in order to illuminate the playing surface, however other light types and locations are also contemplated. For instance, one or more of the scoring areas  25   a - 25   i  can also include a lighting element  29  positioned so as to illuminate that particular scoring area. 
     Additionally, table  20  can further include one or more bumpers  23  positioned along both the runner  21  and the scoring area  22 . Bumpers  23  can act to deflect the motion of the puck  10  during game play. As illustrated above in  FIG. 2 , bumpers  23  can take a variety of shapes including triangles, circles and squares, among others. To this end, virtually any shape can be utilized, and each bumper  23  can be constructed from a variety of materials including plastic and rubber, for example. As such, a single table  20  can include a plurality of bumpers  23  each having the same shape or multiple shapes. 
     In one alternate embodiment, bumpers  23  can be removably secured to table  20  such that a user can chose the type, number and location of bumpers  23  for each game. Several non limiting examples of materials suitable for removably securing a bumper  23  to a table  20  can include VELCRO, magnetic elements or compression fittings such as snaps, for example. As each of these elements are well known in the art, no further description will be provided. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an alternate embodiment of a table  20  that includes collapsible legs  40  and the ability for the table to fold. As shown, the runner  21  and scoring area  22  can be connected via a connection unit  41  in order to allow the table to fold upward for easy storage, as shown by arrow a. As described herein, a connection unit  41  can include any number of known mechanisms for connecting two elements together, including for example, a hinge, latch or other similar hardware. 
       FIGS. 5   a - 5   c  illustrate another alternate embodiment in which the table  20  can be easily and quickly disassembled into a compact unit for easy storage and/or transport. As shown in  FIG. 5   a , runner  21  can include two or more individual segments (21×, and  21   y ) joined together at a first seam  50 . Additionally, runner segment  21   x  can also be removably connected to the scoring area  22  via a second seam  51 . Moreover, the scoring area  22  can further include several openings  22   x ,  22   y  and  22   z  (See  FIG. 5   b ) for storing components of the table and game. To this end, and as illustrated in  FIG. 5   c , the individual runner sections  21   x  and  21   y  can be placed into openings  22   x  and  22   y  (See arrows a and b) and any additional components such as the pucks  10 , for example can be placed into opening  22   z  as shown by arrow c. 
     As used herein, table segments can be joined using any known methodology and hardware such as tongue and grove connections, compression fittings such as a latch or pegs among others. Additionally, openings  22   x ,  22   y  and  22   z  may further include doors or other enclosure mechanisms for keeping the contents placed therein securely fastened. Finally, although illustrated as two distinct runner sections ( 21   x  and  21   y ) and 3 distinct openings ( 22   x ,  22   y  and  22   z ), one of skill in the art will readily understand that this is for illustrative purposes only, as multiple components and/or openings can be utilized without deviating from the scope of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, by including the above noted features, a table  20  as described herein can be easily transported for play during picnics, tailgates and parties, for example. 
     Game Play 
     The description below illustrates one method of playing Knockilus utilizing the puck and playing table described above. As would be known to one of skill in the art, many modifications and alterations to the preceding description can be employed without deviating from the scope and spirit of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. 
     To play the game, each player or team can begin with seven pucks  10  and seven slides (also called throws). Each throw can be both offensive and/or defensive in nature. All pucks must be released by the throw line  21   b , and each released puck must pass the qualify line  21   c . Any puck that does not pass the qualify line is removed from play for the remainder of the round. 
     There are nine scoring marks  25   a - 25   i , including: four 1 point areas, two 3 point areas and three 4 point areas. Each of these scoring areas are designated by a number and a color. In the event that a puck is in a questionable scoring position, the player can look through the hole  13  in the puck to identify what color is shown in order to assign a score for that puck. 
     Each team throws one puck at a time followed by the opposing team. Each team member must participate and throw on their turn in the rotation. 
     Each throw can act to score points for your team or to knock the opposing teams puck out of scoring position. Once all pucks have been thrown, the score is tallied and a winner for this round is declared based on the team having the highest score. The team scoring the least amount of points in the previous round will throw first in the next round, thus giving the winning team the last throw in the next round. Having the final throw gives a significant strategic advantage and is thus the reward for winning the previous round. 
     In one alternative method of play, each round is played to 22 total points. The first to reach 22 points or more after all eligible pucks have been thrown has won the round, and a winner is declared once they have won 2 rounds or once a team has won 2 rounds more than the opponent. In the event that both teams score the same amount of points, the round is considered to be forfeited and new round replaces it. A winner must be declared in order for the round to count. 
     Game Play Example 
     The game can be further understood by an actual example of play as illustrated in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   b.    
     As shown in  FIG. 6   a , a first team can slide a first puck  1 . 1  across the runner section  21  into the scoring area  22 . Because the majority of puck  1 . 1  is located in the scoring mark  25   a , and this mark is designated with a 4, team  1  will receive 4 points at the end of the round if puck  1 . 1  remains in place. 
     However, as shown in  FIG. 6   b , if the second team uses their puck  2 . 1  to dislodge puck  1 . 1 , the result is that team  2  will have 4 points at the end of the round, and team  1  will have 1 point at the end of the round. 
     Other examples can include: placing your puck in a position where your next throw can be played off your previous throw. For instance, team  1  can position a first puck in a non scoring area, and use their next puck to propel their first puck into a scoring area. These types of strategic throws if played properly can also be used to move multiple pucks into scoring areas or knock the opposition&#39;s puck or pucks out of scoring areas. 
     In another example, teams can use the bumpers or opposing pucks as obstacles to play from. This can benefit teams by placing their pucks in a better position while lessening the opposition&#39;s chance to score. 
     In yet another example, teams can place their puck(s) in positions to protect pucks that are currently in a good scoring or defensive positions. For instance, if you have a well placed shot that has moved your puck into one of the front 3 point scoring positions. You may consider using one of your upcoming pucks to protect this shot. The opposition may attempt to remove your puck from your desired position to better themselves and their score so it&#39;s important to protect your plays. 
     The play of Knockilus is especially useful for the development and practice of motor dexterity in players as skilled movements are required to slide the puck at the correct angle and speed to achieve the desired scoring location. Moreover, it allows all players to keep a running mathematical score that can change with each throw of the puck. Accordingly, Knockilus incorporates educational, physical and logic based functions into a game that is fun for players of all ages, skill levels and handicaps. 
     The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.