Abstract:
A table top ball game that enables two or more people to play a variety of ball sports. Games are based on foosball/soccer table games and use similar controls, skills and operations to those already in existence. The stadium games enhance the game experience by adding features that are present in real games and by resembling the shape and imitating the images, sounds and atmosphere of a real stadium. Another aspect of the present invention provides a protective volume around the distal ends of the user operated control rods with a plurality of player figure mounted thereon. A further aspect of the present invention provides a plurality of means for eliminating dead spots on a playin surface while providing an improvement of the game.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a table top ball game but is not limited to such. It is particularly related to soccer (football) game type tables having user operated rods that control player figures located at positions above the playing surface. The present invention encompasses soccer games as well as other kicking ball and carrying ball type games such as Australian Rules football and Gaelic Football. 
         [0002]    Soccer table top ball game apparatuses have been known for many years. These games generally comprise a substantially horizontal flat playing surface which is enclosed within a rectangular open top “box”. The playing surface is typically rectangular with four sidewalls that define right-angled corners. Goal openings are provided at the centre of each end wall extending along the short sides of the rectangular playing surface. 
         [0003]    There are a number of parallel mounted user operated rods that are used to control the player figures that populate the game&#39;s playing surface. Typically each user operated rod extends through bores provided in each of the game long sidewalls of the open top box. These user operated rods are located at equidistant height above the playing surface and in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the long sidewalls. 
         [0004]    Typically there are a total of eight user operated rods, four rods for each soccer team although other configurations are possible. Generally the rods have a handle at one end. Each team has alternating rods with their handles extending out a common sidewall such that one or more players for one team can stand on one side of table top ball game and control their teams players while the one or more players of the opposing team control their rods by handles extending from the opposing sidewall and the one or more players of the opposing team can stand on the opposing side of the table top ball game. The rod closest to each goal represents the respective goalie. One or more player figures are mounted on each user operated rod such that the player figures are suspended above the playing surface. 
         [0005]    Each user operated rod is mounted with the handle and limiting means used by a game user to both rotate the rod and the player figures mounted thereon, as well as shift the lateral position of the player figures within a limited range relative to the playing surface. 
         [0006]    The soccer game may be played by each game user controlling the player figures on the user&#39;s team to advance a game ball past the opponent&#39;s player figures and into the opponent&#39;s goal. 
         [0007]    Due to inherent limitations on the length and reach of the user operated rods, it may not be possible for the player figures to reach a ball located in one of the corners or on the boundary. Thus, the corners and the boundary may constitute a “dead spot” on the playing surface. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, there is a need for a soccer table top ball game apparatus that eliminates dead spots at the boundary of the playing surface, and/or reduces the tendency of the game ball from resting in these dead spots. 
         [0009]    Dead spots can also be found within the boundaries of the playing surface, where the ball may come to rest at a position that is in a parallel line with the user operated rods and is between the rows of player figures. In this case neither player is able to reach the ball with their player figures. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, there is a need for a soccer table top ball game apparatus that eliminates dead spots within the playing surface, and/or reduces the tendency of the game ball from resting in these dead spots. 
         [0011]    Many current versions of these ball table games are constructed such that the player operated rod extends completely through the opposite side of the outer enclosure. This provides a simple means of construction but has the disadvantage of obstructing the player on the opposite side of the table game. The protrusion of a user operated rod can also cause injury to a player on the opposite side of the table top ball game apparatus by poking into such player or by that player running into a protruding rod. Furthermore players on the opposite side of the table game can frustrate a player by deliberate obstruction of the player&#39;s user operated rod. 
         [0012]    There is a need for a simple means of preventing the user operated rod from protruding the game enclosure on the opposite side of the game enclosure. There is also a need for a table top ball game with a game playing surface that more closely resembles the playing area of the actual game being played 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a table top ball game that more closely resembles a real ball game stadium. 
         [0014]    It is another object of the present invention to eliminates dead spots on the playing surface and perimeter of the table top ball game apparatus. 
         [0015]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a table top ball game with playing surface ball capture and manual or automatic reinsertion of the ball into the playing surface. 
         [0016]    It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a soccer table top ball game apparatus that has crowd sounds and other sounds associated with the game being played including but not restricted to, siren sounds, emergency vehicle sounds, half time entertainment sounds and the like. 
         [0017]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a more realistic looking game shape. The table game and associated game playing field can be made to more closely resemble a real game stadium. 
         [0018]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide manual and automatic game scoring. 
         [0019]    It is yet another object of the present invention to prevent the user operated rods from protruding to the opposite side of the table top ball game apparatus. 
         [0020]    Additional objects and advantages of the invention are set forth, in part, in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the description and/or from the practice of the invention. 
         [0021]    In accordance with the invention there is provided a table top ball game apparatus for providing a simulation of a field game play of a ball game between two teams, the apparatus including: a substantially horizontal playing surface; with a substantially vertical boundary surface surrounding the playing surface; a number of parallel user operated rods are mounted to extend through bores provided in each of the vertical boundary surfaces forming game apparatus sidewalls wherein the user operated rods are used to control a plurality of player figures mounted thereon that populate above the game&#39;s playing surface and provide striking elements of a ball on the substantially horizontal playing surface; whereby the game apparatus includes one or more means for eliminating dead spots where the plurality of player figures cannot strike the ball on the playing surface. 
         [0022]    The table top ball game forms a stadium effect which has an improved means of operation wherein said boundary surface includes upper side surrounds formed by outwardly sloping sidewalls extending from an upper side of the substantially vertical boundary surface whereby to assist the game ball being maintained within the playing surface while allowing ready viewing of the playing surface and while providing a stadium appearance and a transparent upper dome section connected to the upper side surrounds to provide an enclosed means for maintaining the ball within a confined volume while said one or more means for eliminating dead spots ensures continual means of play. 
         [0023]    The present invention takes into account the added realism that is desired for ball games other than soccer. The shape of the table can be made to more closely resemble an actual ball game stadium. The table shape can be made other than a rectangle thereby making the table look like a miniature stadium complete with external decoration and embellishments that would be found on a typical ball game stadium. further the present invention incorporates a domed cover that is positioned over the playing surface so that it does not obstruct the game. The dome preferably has a domed shape that will discourage the placement of drinks and other items that the players may thoughtlessly place on the game enclosure. Furthermore the domed shape adds to the aesthetics of the game. The dome will preferably be made of a resilient clear material so that the view of the game is not obstructed but will have enough resistive quality so that the players or observers cannot interfere with the motion of the ball in play. 
         [0024]    The table top ball game has a substantially horizontal playing surface has at least one singular or multiple scoring openings at the two longitudinal ends of the playing surface for receiving the game ball and with automatic detection means mounted in or adjacent the scoring openings and a scoreboard providing a stadium type presentation of the detected score. 
         [0025]    The one or more means for eliminating dead spots can also provide an additional play element to the game play during a game. The present invention eliminates the problem of ball dead spots around the boundary of the playing area and the substantially vertical boundary surface by the inclusion of one or more ball deflectors located along the substantially vertical boundary surface. The purpose of the ball deflectors is to deflect the ball in play away from the boundary surface and always back into the active game area. Furthermore to eliminate playing surface dead spots, the inventor has created a slight depression or undulation in the playing surface so that the ball in play cannot come to rest on the actual playing surface. 
         [0026]    The ball will tend to run to lowest point on the playing surface. This low point has an opening which will accept the ball and within this pathway is a ball ejection mechanism that will return the ball into active play. 
         [0027]    The one or more means for eliminating dead spots can include said substantially vertical boundary surface surrounding the playing surface having at least one ball deflection device that will urge the ball to remain within the playing surface. 
         [0028]    Also the one or more means for eliminating dead spots can include a plurality of undulations of said playing surface for providing ball deflection that will urge the ball to remain within the range of the plurality of player figures mounted on the parallel user operated rods above the playing surface. The undulations can extend across the entire width of the playing surface and extend between adjacent parallel user operated rods. The height of the undulations above the playing surface can be about half the ball height, The undulation height can be in the range of 2 to 10 mm 
         [0029]    The shape of the undulations can be a peaked undulation extending above a substantially flat playing surface. The undulation can be symmetrical such that the effect of a ball hitting the undulation from either side is the same. Alternatively the undulation can be asymmetrical such that the effect of a ball hitting the undulation from either side is different and therefore the game play can be adjusted by the undulation near a particular goal can provide a different effect to a ball struck by the defending team and striking one side of the undulation to the effect of a ball struck by the attacking team and striking the other side of the undulation. 
         [0030]    The difference of effect can be to provide different heights of ball flight clue to the differing shape of respective sides of the undulation. In particular the undulations can have a height and shape to provide a launch of the game ball above the parallel user operated rods. 
         [0031]    Further the nature of the game can be altered in construction by altering the spacing of the parallel user rods and the undulations. The primary requirement is thatr the base of the undulation to the adjacent parallel user operated rod can be less than the extension of the player figures from the user operated rod on which they are attached and the diameter of the game ball. The differing spacing allows you to make a section of the playing field sparser so as to simulate the real field game strategies more effectively. The spacing of the base of the undulation to the adjacent parallel user operated rod is substantially the distance of the extension of the player figures from the user operated rod on which they are attached and the radius of the game ball. 
         [0032]    The table top ball game apparatus can includes vertical side supports and outwardly sloping sidewalls extending from an upper side of the substantially vertical boundary surface and an outer skin surface extending from an underneath or outer part of the outwardly sloping upper sidewalls to extend substantially parallel to the substantially vertical side supports whereby providing spaced support of the handle end of the user operated rods when mounted in bores of both the outer skin surface and the vertical side supports and whereby the distal end of the user operated rods is located in a protected volume that cannot be accessed by an opposing player on the opposing side of the first players user operated rods. The rods can be encased in a cylinder or in spaced sheaths or merely in spaced bores substantially within the protected volume such as to add strength and prevent bending of the rods. 
         [0033]    The present invention takes into account the problems associated with user operated rods that protrude the opposite side of the game enclosure. In the preferred embodiment of this invention no user operated rods protrude on the opposite side of the game enclosure. This is achieved without the need for telescopic rods, which is a common way of alleviating the problems associated with protruding rods. 
         [0034]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference, and which constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention 
         [0035]    In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in this application to the details of construction and to the arrangement so the components set Forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention, It is important, therefore that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0036]    The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way, 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0037]    These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are defined with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure, For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference would be had to the accompanying drawings, depictions and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments and results of the invention wherein: 
           [0038]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a table top ball game apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  is a view of the boundary deflector means forming a stadium effect of the table top ball game apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation of the boundary deflector means forming a stadium effect of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 4  is an embodiment of a non-spherically shaped ball. 
           [0042]      FIG. 5  is a top view and side view of a ball deflector that can be positioned in dead spots such as corners; 
           [0043]      FIG. 6  is an side cross section of the playing surface, the surrounding boundary surface and sloping surrounds forming a stadium effect and the ball return and ball ejection mechanisms of the table top ball game apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 7  is an overhead view of a preferred embodiment of the playing surface, the surrounding boundary surface and sloping surrounds forming a stadium effect and providing a table end surfaces; 
           [0045]      FIGS. 8 and 9  are lateral cross sections of two preferred embodiments of the non protruding player control rod system; 
           [0046]      FIG. 10  is a side elevation of a scoreboard system in stadium display mode on the table top ball game apparatus of Figure I; and 
           [0047]      FIG. 11  is an embodiment of the undulation system for removing dead spots on the playing surface of the table top ball game apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0048]    Referring to the drawings in detail, like reference characters refer to like elements , in the other drawing figures. 
         [0049]    With reference to  FIG. 1  in particular, the table top ball game apparatus of one embodiment of the invention has an enclosed playing volume having a playing surface  4  beneath a dome  14  that is mounted on a table bench design supported by a support means  23  so as to be at playable height when users are standing. In this form the table bench design is substantially oval and supported on an oval or circular leg formation  23 . 
         [0050]    The table top ball game apparatus simulates a field game play of a ball game such as football, soccer, basketball or other similar ball game between two teams. The apparatus has a substantially, horizontal playing surface  4  with goal openings  16  at opposing ends and a substantially vertical boundary surface  28  surrounding the playing surface. A number of parallel user operated rods  2  are mounted to extend through bores provided in each of the vertical boundary surfaces  28  forming game apparatus sidewalls wherein the user operated rods are used to control a plurality of player  FIGS. 26  mounted thereon that populate above the game&#39;s playing surface and provide striking elements of a ball on the substantially horizontal playing surface. 
         [0051]    In this preferred embodiment, there is a general oval shape of the playing surface  4  with perimetrical vertically extending side walls that define the game shape. Opposed goal openings  16  are provided at the ends of the playing surface  4 . User operated rods  2  extend across and above the playing surface  4 . Mounted on these user operated rods  2  are the player  FIGS. 26 . 
         [0052]    It can be understood that player  FIGS. 26  located at points along user operated rod  2  will rotate and move laterally as the user operated rod  2  is rotated and moved laterally. 
         [0053]    With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3  in particular, there is a substantially vertical boundary surface  28  surrounding and in close proximity to the playing surface  4 . This boundary forms an integral part of the game construction, in that it forms part of the player rod  2  support and defines the playing surface  4 . It also adds substantially to the realism of the entire game. Attached to the top edge of the boundary surface  28  is an outwardly sloping surface  12 . This sloping surface visually interfaces the shape of the playing surface  4  to the shape of the table top ball game apparatus to provide a stadium effect while also aiding in retaining the ball within the playing volume. Covering the playing surface and the sloping surface  12  is a transparent dome cover  14 . This keeps the game surfaces clean and protected and provides an enclosed playing volume. However such volume is not effective unless the dead spots are eliminated. 
         [0054]    Also shown in the  FIG. 3  there is a side elevation of the sloping surface  12 . The purpose of sloping surface  12  is to provide a mechanical and aesthetic link between the playing surface  4 , the boundary surface  28  and the outer surface of the table top ball game apparatus. It can be understood that the sloping surface  12  completely surrounds the boundary surface  28  and is demonstrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 . Crowd scenes and other features can be added onto this sloping surface  12  to further create a more realistic stadium atmosphere. 
         [0055]    With reference to  FIG. 4  there is shown an embodiment of a means to create the illusion of a non spherical ball  20 . It is desirable to recreate the non spherical ball used by some codes of football. A means of providing the illusion of a non spherical ball is described. Enclose within a transparent material that is of suitable qualities for the game to be played, is a shape that is non spherical. This may be an oblong shape as used in Australian Rules football. 
         [0056]    The game apparatus includes one or more means for eliminating dead spots where the plurality of player figures cannot strike the ball on the playing surface. With reference to  FIG. 5  in one embodiment there is a ball deflector  9 . One or more of these deflectors are placed around the boundary surface  28 . The ball  20  may under some circumstances be captured by centrifugal forces that cause the ball to hug the boundary surface  28 , which will effectively keep the ball out of play. Ball deflectors  9  are generally positioned around the perimeter of the playing surface  4 , urge any ball travelling around the perimeter to deflect back onto the main portions of the playing surface  4 . 
         [0057]    Another form of means for eliminating dead spots is shown in  FIG. 11  where there are undulations of the playing surface. In one form these are created by placing shapes on top of a flat playing surface to form an undulating or corrugated playing surface such the ball is urged to positions at which the player figures can strike the ball on the playing surface. These undulations can extend along the side walls, across the playing surface or in the corners of the player surface. This will be further described later. 
         [0058]    With reference to  FIG. 6  there is substantially located in the centre of the playing surface  4  is a ball opening  13 . This opening can both capture the ball  20  and eject the ball  20  back onto the playing surface  4 . A user operated button  27  can be used to cause the ball ejector to operate and insert the ball into play. Associated with the ball ejector is the goal ball return. When a ball is “played” through opening  16 , the ball will be returned to the ball ejector position and manually or automatically reinserted back onto the playing surface  4 . A ball captured in this ball opening  13 , will be manually or automatically reinserted onto the playing surface  4  by ball reinsertion mechanism  19   
         [0059]    This in one embodiment of a means to return a ball that has scored, back onto the playing surface, when ball  20  enters a goal opening  16  the ball  20  is able by momentum and gravity to carry along channel  18  to settle in a position  30 , which is located substantially directly above solenoid  19 . User operated button  27  can be used to complete a circuit  31  which will momentarily operate solenoid  19  which will then reinsert the ball  20  back onto the playing surface  4 . Dome  14  prevents users from interfering with the playing surface  4  or ball  20 . Automatic scoring of user goals can be implemented by incorporating ball sensors  17  along the ball return channels  8 . When a ball  20  enters the goal opening  16  the sensor  17  can detect the ball  20  and increment the score for the associated goal. 
         [0060]    Referring to.  FIG. 7  there is shown an overhead view that shows the plying surface  4  with the return ball opening  13  and surrounded by the 
         [0061]    With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9  there is shown user operated rods  2  extend across the playing surface  4  between and generally at right angle to the longer sidewalls of the table top ball game apparatus. Each user operated rod  2  extends through a bore  95  located on the outer skin  6 . Each user operated rod  2  also extends through a corresponding bore  115  and  125  between and generally perpendicular to the boundary surface  28 . The distance between the boundary surface  28  and the outer sidewalls  6  is such that when user operated rods  2  are at Rill displacement in an inward direction, the user operated rod  2  will not be of sufficient length to contact the opposite sidewall  6 . When the user operated rod  2  is fully displaced in an outwards direction, there is enough length of user operated rod  2  such that the end of the user operated rod  2  will not be able to exit the bore  125 . In this manner the user operated rod has sufficient length and displacement to allow player  FIGS. 26  to cover a sufficient area of playing surface  4  without user operated rod  2  having to protrude the outer sidewall  6 . User operated rods  2  generally have a handle  1 , for comfort and better control. Attached to the user control rods  2  is a shock absorption means  3 , shown as a captured spring, that will prevent any harsh jarring as the user operated rods  2  come to the maximum stop positions. It can be understood that as the user operated rod  2  approached either of its displacement limits, the shock absorption means  3  will begin to interact with boundary wall  28 , thereby cushioning the user operated rod at the extreme displacement positions. 
         [0062]    Typically there are a total of eight user operated rods  2 , four rods for each ball team. One or more player  FIGS. 26  are mounted on each user operated rod  2  such that the player  FIGS. 26  are suspended above the playing surface  4 . Typically, the player  FIG. 26  closest hi proximity to the respective goal openings  16  are generally referred to as goal keepers or in the case of Australian Rules football, full backs. The user operated rods  2  each include a handle  1  used by a genie user to both rotate the rod axially and the respective player  FIGS. 26  mounted thereon, as well as shift the lateral position of the player  FIGS. 26  relative to the playing surface  4 . 
         [0063]    The depression formed into the playing surface  4 , urges the ball towards the ball opening  13 , located substantially in the centre of the playing surface  4 . 
         [0064]    However the use of undulations such as peaks arranged on a flat surface to form an undulating playing surface  4  provides a substantial improvement in operation of the game. Apart from forming a means for eliminating dead spots, it also forms a means for aiding simulation of the game to the field game by providing mechanisms for changing the nature of the game. This includes the spacing of the undulations or peaks to change the density of players, the shape of the undulations or peaks to change the projectile nature of a struck ball, the symmetrical or asymmetrical nature to at one undulation or peak give a different projectile nature of a struck ball depending on the direction of travel and contact with the undulation or peak. 
         [0065]    Further the elimination of dead spots allows the use of the stadium effect. This can include matters of crowd scene and accompanying crowd noise depending n the play of the game, it also can include score display in a stadium effect as well as advertising in a stadium effect. The advertising can extend around the vertical perimeter walls or be included in the score display in a manner that simulates real stadium advertising. 
         [0066]    Whereas, the present invention has been described in relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.