TABLE GAME INCLUDING MODULAR GOALS AND MODULAR OBSTACLES

A table game is provided with modular goal-scoring, modular obstacles, or modular goals. The table game consists of a table with walls and bumpers, a field area or playing surface on the top surface of the table, modular and moveable scoring areas on the field area or playing surface, modular and moveable field pieces or obstacles on the field area or playing surface and balls. The table game includes modular or movable terrain pieces scattered along the top surface of the table game that may promote bank shots along the surface of the table game for scoring on said modular or moveable scoring areas.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a table game and more specifically relates to a table game having modular and moveable goals and modular and moveable obstacles.

BACKGROUND

Games of skill or games of wit have been around for quite some time. A game of skill is a game where the outcome is determined in part by mental or physical skill, rather than chance. For example, cue sports, e.g., billiards or snooker, have been around since the 15th century. Other games of skill include rolling and releasing a ball with a human's hand over an area, e.g., skee-ball, and have been around since the early 20thcentury. However, games like skee-ball are limited to only rolling a ball over a set area that does not allow for the scoring areas (e.g., holes) to change positions or be able to be moved. Games of skill, such as skee-ball, also do not have modular or changeable obstacles. Other games of skill, like billiards, do not include obstacles for the user (e.g., human player) to face off against when attempting to get a ball into one of the holes on the billiards table.

Thus, there is a need for a new and improved game of skill that may include both the joys of various different games of skill, including skee-ball, bocce ball, and billiards.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to, among other things, a table game having modular goal-scoring, modular obstacles, or modular goals. In an exemplary embodiment, the table game includes a goal-scoring area, one or more elongated rail obstacles, and one or more terrain pieces (e.g., sloped, irregularly shaped obstacles) that may promote bank shots along the surface of the table game for scoring on said table game. In another exemplary embodiment, the table game includes a modular or movable goal-scoring area, one or more movable elongated rail obstacles, and one or more modular and/or movable terrain pieces (e.g., sloped, irregularly shaped obstacles scattered along the top surface of the table game) that may promote bank shots along the surface of the table game for scoring on said table game.

In general, the game consists of a table with walls and bumpers, a field area or playing surface on the top surface of the table, modular and moveable scoring areas on the field area or playing surface, modular and moveable field pieces or obstacles on the field or playing surface, and balls. According to one aspect, the table is quadrilateral shaped, and the top surface has a field area or playing surface encompassed by walls and bumpers. According to another aspect, the table is square-shaped. In such a case, players can play the table game in multiple directions, including in all four sides of the table.

According to one aspect, the field area or playing surface consists of a hollow core field, a dampening field on top of the hollow core, and a cloth layer on the upper surface. The dampening field may consist of underlayment, rubber, PET or a similar material used to dampen sound or bounce. The cloth layer may consist of cloth material. Felt, woven fabric, plastic or similar material.

According to one aspect, the scoring areas are repositionable during game play, and may consist of markings, holes, pockets, traps or gutters. The scoring areas may be positioned on each side or end of the table. According to another aspect, there may be hollow forms beneath the scoring areas. In such a case, there may be a hole or opening to allow a ball to fall from the scoring area into the hollow forms. The holes or openings may be differently sized to allow only specific ball sizes to fall into the hollow forms. A cover may also be placed over the holes or openings to prevent any balls from falling into the hollow forms. According to another aspect, there may be nets to collect balls falling through the holes or openings. According to another aspect, there is a ball return mechanism that collects balls falling through the holes or openings via a gutter. Said gutter may lead the balls into a compartment on a side of the table where it is accessible and retrievable by a player.

According to one aspect, the field pieces or obstacles are repositionable during play, may be positioned flush against a longer side wall or flat on the field area or playing surface between the walls, and consist of wood, paper, carbon fiber, resin, ceramic, plastic, rubber concrete, stone, metal, fabric or glass. Such field pieces may be beneath, above or level to the field of play in the forms of terrestrial topography. In another aspect. The field pieces or obstacles may have a theme corresponding to racetracks, golf courses, amusement parks, billiards or video games.

According to one aspect, the table game has seven small balls and one large ball or four small balls, three medium balls and one large ball that are launched or rolled by a player's hand. In another aspect, the table has pucks, coins or dices instead of balls.

According to another aspect, the game is played on a virtual platform, such as on a video game, computer game or virtual reality world, instead of a physical structure. In such a case, there is a computerized table, computerized playing surface, computerized scoring areas, computerized field pieces or obstacles and computerized balls.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

The present disclosure relates to a new and improved table game. In an exemplary embodiment, and with reference toFIG.1, an exemplary embodiment of the new and improved game of skill is shown as table game100. Table game100, which may be referred to as “TerraBall” or “Terraball table”, is a table game and sport, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The Terraball table game100may include moveable pocket positions104or a trap or a gutter106that may be incorporated at each end of the table game100.

In an exemplary embodiment, the table game100is a handball game of skill and terrain modularity. During play, a ball128may be rolled over one or more undulating (e.g., convex/concave) topographical surfaces by a player/user (e.g., human player); thus, creating ball travel variations. The table game100may be played within a changing “field of play”108. In an exemplary embodiment, this play may be referred to as “navigating the terrality.”

The table game100is a handball game played within the cavern of a “table”102of varying height and dimension, which may consist of any number of sides to form a “box or tray”. The table game100may utilize modular three-dimensional (“3D”) field pieces (e.g., modular obstacles, as shown inFIGS.4and5)120with any number of appearances (e.g., shape, mass, texture, etc.). These field pieces120, or modular obstacles, may be formed from or derived from organic or natural shapes (i.e., terrestrial formations, or topography of terrestrial space) above the playing surface108and industrial shape (e.g., boxes, drawers or holes, rational number dimensions 3D spaces) beneath the “field of play”108. The table game100does not have to be limited to these appearances, but may, for example, include racetracks, golf courses, amusement parks, billiards, or video games.

In an exemplary embodiment, the table game100may include the following shapes—square or rectangle, or some other polygon. The table game100, when in a rectangular shape, as shown inFIGS.1and2, may have the following dimensions: 10 feet, 12 feet, 14 feet, 16 feet field lengths; 6 inches, 8 inches, 10 inches, 12 inches, table game depths; and 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet table game widths. In some exemplary embodiments of the table game100, the width of the table102may be increased relative to the increase in the length dimension. Further, it is conceivable that the game may be played in multiple directions, such that the widths would be increased so much that the course would essentially be square. The widths of the table game100may increase according to a desired length. Generally, a TerraBall table102is rectangular in shape. The playing surface dimension (of a 12-foot table) is 12 feet×3 feet×6 inches. The walls or “rails”110of the TerraBall table102may be generally 6 inches tall, but can be taller or shorter depending on the table design. The shorter sides of the table102may be 4 inches in height to allow for a more natural throwing motion. Each wall110of the table102contains a bumper112along the inside face (similar to a billiard table). Players may be spaced 12 feet apart facing each other.

The table game100may include one or more table accessories, which may be referred to as Terraforms120. Terraforms120may be tertiary terrain pieces that comprise a varying percentage of the playing “field”108(e.g., a flat surface) and playing “space” (e.g., a volume). In an exemplary embodiment, these terrain pieces, or terraforms120, may come as “sets” with each “set” following a specific theme, e.g., golf course, motor cross bike racing, amusement parks, popular tabletop games, etc. When the terraforms120are positive space pieces they can be derived from organic (terrestrial) shapes, generally taking the appearance of hills or mounds (but not limited to those forms). When the terraforms120are negative space pieces, such as cavities or valleys, they can be either beneath the field of play108or level to the field of play108. For example, the negative space piece terraforms120may include boxes, cups, bowls, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, these boxes, cups, bowls, etc. may form a “scoring area”114.

Table game100is scored in a unique way. For example, the “score” may be tallied with a score keeper116by the number of shots made into the scoring area114: holes118, pockets104, or surfaces108. TerraBall is a skill game. It is played by rolling a ball128over a playing field108with modular terrain pieces120positioned on the field of play108. The balls128may be rolled over the terrain into a scoring area114at the opposite end of the table102. It can be appreciated that in alternative exemplary embodiments, instead of a ball128, the player may use a puck, coin(s), dice, or any other suitable object that can replace the ball128. In the example where dice may be used instead of a ball, the table game100may be tailored more towards an amusement or casino table (e.g., Craps). In an exemplary embodiment, the scoring area114may contain modular pockets104or traps106. The pockets104may be repositioned during play to make the game more difficult for an opponent. The unique terrain pieces120may also be repositioned at will to create a new unique terrain. The game is generally played with 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) players. In the case of 2 players, each player is positioned opposite to each other on the short side of the table102. In the case of 4 players, each team of 2 is positioned across from each other on the short side of the table102.

In an exemplary embodiment of the game, the terraball table102may contain three sections or elements: 1) a playing surface (or field)108; 2) a scoring area114on each side of the table (for example, a 1 foot×3 foot dimension, or a 1.5 foot×3 foot scoring area at each end)102; and 3) Terrain Pieces (or TerraForms)120. These sections are in addition to the table build itself which contains the field108, scoring area114, and Terraforms120. The table design may take on any number of appearances in the same way that a pool table can be constructed in numerous design styles.

In an exemplary embodiment, the table game100is played by having a player “launch” or roll the ball128onto the table game100playing surface108. However, it can be appreciated that other launching mechanisms may be implemented. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the table game100may also include one or more launching mechanisms for launching the ball128onto the table's field of play108. For example, the launching mechanism may include: pinball paddles, bumper bowling ramps, pinball starter, coin rolling ramp (similar to quarter games at the arcade that launch a coin into a slot and based on which slot the coin enters a certain number of tickets are received). In other exemplary embodiments, the launching mechanism of the table game100may be a pool cue or pool stick.

In an exemplary embodiment, the table game100is played in a video game with a virtual table], virtual playing surface, virtual scoring areas , virtual field pieces, and virtual balls. In another exemplary embodiment, the table game100is played in a virtual reality world.

The “Field” of the TerraBall Table

The playing surface108may include a hollow substrate with a padded layer attached flat on top. The hollow substrate and padded layer may be formed to provide sound dampening and/or bounce. The field surface108has a slight bounce to it, unlike a pool table or shuffleboard table which are composed of slate and solid wood respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, a cloth layer may be stretched over the padding layer for appearance and to improve the game play. In one embodiment, the cloth layer used has a billiard “felt” or outdoor woven cloth. In other embodiments, it may be not necessary to have a cloth layer if the creation of the field using another material allows for adequate game play, i.e., having a table game field surface having bounce and allowing the balls128to roll smoothly over the surface of the playing field108.

In an exemplary embodiment of the table game100, the play field “surface”108can be comprised of three layers: Layer 1: Hollow Core Field (“Door”); Layer 2: Dampening layer (underlayment, rubber, PET, or similar material); and Layer 3: “Cloth/Material surface” (Felt/Woven Fabric, plastic).

The “field”108of the table game100may also include one or more hole paddles or one or more hole covers. For example, the field may include openings118of various diameters and shapes, as shown inFIGS.8and9. During scoring, points may be awarded to the player based on the hole size the player rolls the ball128into.

The Scoring Area

The scoring area114may be divided into two sections (6 inches×3 feet and 6 inches×3 feet). The first section is for scoring table game100activities containing “pockets”104, and the second section is for those activities having a “trap” or gutter106. The “traps”106may be formed as hollow forms. The surface108of the table game100may also include a designed scoring area114and/or a designated area of “rest”. An area of “rest” may be defined as a designated place on the surface of the field108or within the scoring area114(or even on the terraforms120) in which if a ball128comes to rest there, it is still in play, in contrast to a ball128falling into a trap106and no longer being in play. For example, the trap106in the scoring area114could be repositioned on some versions of the game, to be in front of the pocket section104. The trap106in this case would not take up the entirety of its designated space (e.g., in the 12 inches×3 feet section on a 10-foot table). Additionally, a designated area of “rest” could be used for scoring purposes, similar to how shuffleboard is played.

In an exemplary embodiment of the table game100, the “traps”106may be formed as holes118on the game board surface, which may be hollow spaces with an opening on the playing surface108. The bottom of these holes118or traps106may be netted or tufted, like a “pocket” in billiards. In embodiments where the holes118or traps106are not netted, then, in such embodiments, a solid bottom is used in which the ball128falls below the surface of play108(or low enough so that the ball128does not come back onto the field of play108). In an exemplary embodiment of the table game100, a solid bottom is used in the trap area106and is tufted with leather upholstery. This trap106is tufted in such a way that eight balls128each have a place to be at rest spaced evenly apart, which allows for the player to see how many balls128have been thrown, apart from any that may be in a pocket104. This allows for easier tracking of the balls128in play in case the shooting player's opponent forgets to check their “pockets”104before it is the shooting player's turn. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the trap106may be filled with sand. In other embodiments, the trap106may include a ball return mechanism. In essence, the “pockets”104and “traps”106may be one and the same. The difference lies in their position on the table102and the size of the opening118. “Pockets”104or “traps”106may be constructed in the same manner, with the difference being the shape of the cover pieces which fit on top. In some embodiments of the table game100the entire trap area106is eliminated and instead the field of play108continues until the table wall110at the end of the table102. In such a configuration, there are only pockets104and no traps106.

In alternative exemplary embodiments of the table game100, each of these sections, described above may be divided further depending on the design of the pockets104or trap area106. For example, the pocket section104may be divided into equal parts with covers over the pocket122. The pocket cover122may contain an open hole118for scoring (e.g., allowing the ball128to fall into a “pocket”104, or a solid cover122allowing the ball128to roll past the scoring area114into the trap106). The holes for scoring118may be formed such that the hole(s)118may allow the balls128to fall through; the holes118, which may have various diameter openings. The smallest hole118may be slightly larger than the largest ball128. In an exemplary embodiment, three separate hole sizes may be provided. Players may choose to use one, two, or three holes in the pocket section104.

Where a hole118is not used, a solid cover122is placed, as shown inFIGS.6and10. The pocket covers122may be reposition-able such that no pocket opening118or solid cover122needs to stay in the same spot during the course of a game. One of the unique features of the TerraBall game100is that the pocket104positions are changeable during the course of a game and may be moved in order to make scoring harder for the opponent. The trap section106catches balls128that roll past the scoring area114, as shown inFIGS.6and8.

The Terrain Pieces (or TerraForms)

The TerraForms120may be seated on the playing field108of the table game100and create a 3-dimensional topography. There are generally two types of TerraForms120: “Rail Pieces”124, and “Field Pieces”126. The rail pieces124may be disposed flush against the long side walls of the course and the field pieces126may be disposed flat between the rail pieces124on the field108. The TerraForms120generally may take the shape of hills or mounds, i.e., shapes that are derived from terrestrial topography. The rail pieces124may appear as mounds or hills cut in half. The TerraForms120may also be modular. Each of the rail124or field pieces126may be moved during play to change the course, which may allow for a completely different game set-up each time the player plays the game. The terraforms120may act to hinder the direct path of the ball128from one side of the table102to the other. The terraforms120eliminate a “straight shot”. The skill of the game involves rolling the ball128over the field of play108and navigating the hills and mounds to find a line into a pocket104using speed, spin, and angle.

In an exemplary embodiment of the table game100, the terraforms120may be formed from wood pieces and shaped as natural forms. In other exemplary embodiments, however, the terraforms120may be formed from one or more of the following materials: resin, wood, foam, plastic, rubber, concrete, fabric, fabric-wrapped, etc. Additionally, the terraforms120may be sold as sets or kits (e.g., collections) based on a theme (e.g., golf course, billiards, motor cross bike racing, amusement park, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the table game100may include terraforms120that mimic or replicate certain known golf course designs, dirt track racing experiences (e.g., Hot Wheels), or a skateboard park.

Balls for Play

Finally, the balls128used for TerraBall may be various sizes. In one embodiment, the sizes are 2⅛″ diameter (American snooker), 2 7/16″ (Carom balls) and 3″ (the “TerraBall”). Versions of play can use any combination of these balls128, but generally the game is played with either 7 small and 1 TerraBall (7:1), or 4 small, 3 medium and 1 TerraBall (4:3:1).

General Rules of TerraBall

Object of the Game

The object of TerraBall is to make the balls fall into the holes at your opponent's end of the table in order to accumulate points. More points are awarded for placing the balls into the smallest holes. The TerraBall is worth the most points. A player or team wins by scoring an agreed-upon number of points constituting a victory. Generally, a TerraBall game is played to 50 points. A TerraBall match or set consists of playing the best of three games, switching sides after the first game, and rearranging the course after the second game.

Players & Equipment

TerraBall may be played with 2 or 4 players, i.e., singles or doubles.
To play TerraBall the following pieces of equipment are required:
Table: The table used in TerraBall is approximately 12 feet by 3 feet, although games can be played on differing sized tables. The scoring area on either end of the table is approximately 1 foot by 3 feet. The scoring area is divided into two sections, the trap area and the pocket area. There are two spots on either end of the table which are centered 1 foot in front of the scoring area referred to as the foot spots.
Balls: There are 8 balls in total. The standard TerraBall set includes one TerraBall and seven small balls, referred to as 7:1. A substitute TerraBall Set including 4 small balls, 3 medium balls, and 4 TerraBall is optional, referred to as 4:3:1.
TerraForms: The Terraforms are modular game pieces that are placed on the field of play. Any number of TerraForms can be used depending on player preference. Traditionally, a total of six pieces are used, two large rail pieces, two small rail pieces, and two field pieces. The rail pieces are positioned along the long ends of the table against the side walls. Apart from the bottom of the piece, they have one straight flat edge. The field pieces are placed between the rail pieces down the middle of the table. Apart from the bottom of the piece, they are rounded on all sides and have no flat sides.
Pocket Covers: There are three different sized hole covers for each pocket area, as well as solid covers. Players may choose to play with one-, two-, or three-hole pockets (small, medium, large) set up in the scoring area. A solid cover is used to cover any remaining pockets. Traditionally, two-hole pocket covers are used (large and small) with one solid pocket cover.

Scoring

Small Ball into large hole=1 pt, TerraBall into large hole=5 ptsSmall Ball into small hole=5 pts, TerraBall into small hole=15 pts

Three Pocket Scoring

Small Ball into large hole=1 pt, TerraBall into large hole=5 ptsSmall Ball into medium hole=3 pts, TerraBall into medium Hole=10 ptsSmall Ball into small hole=5 pts, TerraBall into Small hole=15 pts
If a ball thrown during a turn, returns to the player's own pocket or trap, points are awarded to the opposing team. This is referred to as an “Own Goal”. Own goal points are as follows:Small Ball into trap=1 point, TerraBall into trap=5 pointsSmall Ball into large hole=5 points, TerraBall into large hole=10 pointsSmall Ball into medium hole=10 points, TerraBall into medium hole=15 pointsSmall Ball into small hole=15 points, TerraBall into small hole=Loss of Game
Points are tallied on an abacus on each end of the table. Each side is responsible for their own point tally.

How to Play

Before beginning a game, players arrange the course game pieces (TerraForms) on the table. Rail pieces may be placed along the side walls on the field of play, but not overlapping the scoring area. Field pieces are placed down the middle of the table away from the rail pieces and between the two foot spots. Field pieces should not be placed inside of the foot spot closest to the scoring area. This allows for a proper throwing area. The TerraForms must lay flat on the table and not overlap other pieces. Players must agree on the course layout before beginning a game.
Each player or team arranges their pocket hole cover positions. The hole positions may be changed after each turn, before the opposing player begins their next turn.
A coin may be flipped to determine which player or teams throws firsts.
To begin, one player or team throws all of the available balls toward their opponent's scoring area. Players must release the ball before the foot spot closest to them. A ball must initially contact the field of play and not a TerraForm. The balls may be thrown in any order or combination. In doubles play both players on a team must throw at least one ball during a turn. All balls are “in play” during a turn unless they have fallen into the opposing side's trap area. More than one ball is permitted to be in motion at any one time. A player may score into a pocket by knocking one ball into another as in a carom shot. After all eight balls are thrown in a turn, points are tallied. The balls are then collected from the pockets and from the field of play and the next player or team begins their turn. Pocket hole cover positions may be rearranged at this point before the next turn begins.