Patent Publication Number: US-9901797-B2

Title: Ball striking apparatus

Description:
FIELD 
     The following specification describes exemplary embodiments of a ball striking apparatus and an apparatus for playing a game using the ball striking apparatus. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to various exemplary embodiments, there is provided a ball striking apparatus that comprises 
     a support structure; 
     at least one resiliently flexible arm that is mounted at one end to the support structure with an opposite, free end adjacent a primary impact zone; 
     a ball strike member that is arranged on the opposite free end of the arm(s) so that the free end of the arm(s) can be drawn back manually and subsequently released to drive the ball strike member through the primary impact zone so that the ball strike member can strike a ball in the primary impact zone; and 
     a ball support arrangement configured to support the ball in the primary impact zone such that the ball can be struck by the ball strike member and driven away from the primary impact zone. 
     The ball striking apparatus may include a fastening assembly for fastening the support structure to an edge of a table that defines a playing surface. 
     The support structure may include an elongate stanchion with the fastening assembly arranged on one end of the stanchion so that the stanchion extends generally orthogonally with respect to the playing surface when mounted on said edge and the arm(s) are mounted on an operative upper end of the stanchion. 
     The stanchion may be generally rectangular and may define an opening. The arm(s) may be positioned on a proximal side of the opening and the primary impact zone may be located in the opening and/or on a distal side of the opening. 
     The ball strike member may be arranged on the free end of the arm to extend at least partially into the opening when the arm(s) is in a released condition. 
     The ball strike member may have a profile that is selected to impart a degree of deflection to the ball when striking the ball. 
     The ball support arrangement may include a ball support assembly that is mounted on a distal side of the support stanchion. The ball support assembly may be configured to support a tee in the primary impact zone. 
     The ball support assembly may be configured to support the tee in a range of positions in the impact zone. 
     The ball striking apparatus may include a number of flexible arms mounted on the support stanchion such that a user can select one of the arms for striking the ball. 
     A striking device may be mounted on the upper end of the stanchion. The striking device may define the number of flexible arms extending from a hub in a spoke-like manner, the striking device being rotatable so that a user can rotate the device to select one of the arms for striking the ball. 
     The ball strike members on each arm may have different profiles so that a user can select a degree of deflection to be applied to the ball when struck. 
     The ball striking apparatus may include a secondary ball support arrangement configured to support the ball in a secondary impact zone above or higher than the primary impact zone. The secondary ball support arrangement may include an upper support member that is mounted on a distal side of the support stanchion, the upper support member being configured to support a tee in the secondary impact zone. 
     According to various exemplary embodiments, there is provided an apparatus for playing a game, which comprises the ball striking apparatus as described above and a table that defines a playing surface so that the apparatus can be mounted on an edge of the table and the ball can be driven towards an opposite edge of the table. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for playing a ball game, including an exemplary embodiment of a ball striking apparatus mounted on an exemplary embodiment of a table. 
         FIG. 2  shows a rear view of the ball striking apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a front view of the ball striking apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a further rear view of the ball striking apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  shows a detailed view of a ball support arrangement of the ball striking apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  shows a rear view of part of the ball striking apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  shows a side view of a further exemplary embodiment of a ball striking apparatus for the apparatus for playing a ball game. 
         FIG. 8  shows a rear view of the apparatus of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  shows a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  shows a further front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  shows a further rear view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  shows a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13  shows a side view of a ball support arrangement of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 14  shows plan and front views of the ball support arrangement of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  shows a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in use and imparting one form of trajectory to a ball. 
         FIG. 16  shows a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in use and imparting another form of trajectory to the ball. 
         FIG. 17  shows a three-armed ball striking device selectively used as part of any one of the apparatus of the figures. 
         FIG. 18  shows a four-armed ball striking device selectively used as part of any one of the apparatus of the figures. 
         FIG. 19  shows a five-armed ball striking device selectively used as part of any one of the apparatus of the figures. 
         FIG. 20  shows a six-armed ball striking device selectively used as part of any one of the apparatus of the figures 
         FIG. 21  shows a side view of a further exemplary embodiment of a ball striking apparatus for the apparatus for playing a ball game. 
         FIG. 22  shows a an exploded side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 21   
         FIG. 23  shows a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 24  shows a rear view of the apparatus of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 25  shows a detailed side view of part of the apparatus of  FIG. 21 , excluding the ball striking device. 
         FIG. 26  shows a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 27  shows a top view of the apparatus of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  shows a sectioned top view of the apparatus of  FIG. 26 , sectioned along section line I-I of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 29  shows a side view of the ball striking apparatus of  FIG. 26 , including a breeze guard for protecting the ball from a wind or breeze. 
         FIG. 30  shows a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 29 , excluding the breeze guard. 
         FIG. 31  shows a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 29 , including the breeze guard. 
         FIG. 32  shows a rear view of the apparatus of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 33  shows a number of views of two screens of the breeze guard of the apparatus of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 34  shows a rear view of a wicket assembly of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 35  shows a front view of the wicket assembly of  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 36  a side view of the wicket assembly of  FIG. 34  released from its position mounted to the table. 
         FIG. 37  shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a ball spin simulating pad or mat in position on a table of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 38  shows a top view of another exemplary ball spin simulating pad for the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 39  shows a side view of the apparatus for playing a ball game, including the ball striking apparatus of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 40  shows a top view of the apparatus of  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 41  shows a running marker post for the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 42  shows a safe marker post for the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 43  is a diagram indicating a manner of use of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 44  shows front profile views of a number of embodiments of bats and balls of the apparatus for playing a ball game. 
         FIG. 45  shows a top view of another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for playing a ball game, including an exemplary embodiment of a ball striking apparatus mounted on an exemplary embodiment of a table. 
         FIG. 46  shows a perspective rear view of the apparatus for playing a ball game of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 47  shows a perspective side view of part of the apparatus for playing a ball game of  FIG. 45 , showing a mat demarcating a batter&#39;s plate. 
         FIG. 48  shows a detailed perspective rear view of part of the apparatus for playing a ball game of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 49  shows a top view of the mat of  FIG. 47 . 
         FIG. 50  shows a perspective view of part of the apparatus for playing a ball game of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 51  shows two examples of safe marker post assemblies for the apparatus of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 52  shows further exemplary embodiments of safe marker post assemblies for the apparatus of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 53  shows examples of buzzers for use with an apparatus for playing a ball game. 
         FIG. 54  is a diagram indicating a manner of use of the apparatus of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 55  shows a detailed rear view of another exemplary embodiment of a ball striking apparatus 
         FIG. 56  shows a rear view of another exemplary embodiment of a ball striking apparatus. 
         FIG. 57  shows a front view of the ball striking apparatus of  FIG. 56 . 
         FIG. 58  shows an exemplary embodiment of an arm and ball impact assembly for use with the ball striking apparatus of  FIG. 26 , in one condition. 
         FIG. 59  shows the arm and ball impact assembly in another condition. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     In  FIGS. 1 to 6 , reference numeral  10  generally indicates an exemplary embodiment of a ball striking apparatus for use with an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for playing a game, generally indicated with reference numeral  12 . 
     The ball striking apparatus  10  includes a support structure in the form of an elongate post or stanchion  14 . The stanchion  14  is generally rectangular. A fastening assembly  16  is arranged on a lower end of the stanchion  14  for fastening the stanchion  14  to an edge  18  of a table  20  of the apparatus  12 . 
     The stanchion  14  defines a generally rectangular opening  22  in an upper half of the stanchion  14 . The opening  22  at least partially defines a primary impact zone  24 . The zone  24  can also extend distally from the opening  22 . 
     A ball support arrangement includes a ball support assembly  26  arranged with respect to the stanchion  14  to support a ball  28  in the zone  24 . 
     A ball striking device  30  is mounted on the stanchion  14 , above the opening  22 . The ball striking device  30  includes a flat sheet of a resiliently flexible material that is shaped to define four resiliently flexible arms  32  extending from a hub  34  in a cruciform manner. The sheet can have a number of different characteristics, including material, depending on the required application. For example, the sheet can be of a plastics material, such as a polycarbonate material, for example Lexan™. Instead, the sheet can be of carbon fibre material. The sheet can be between about 1.6 mm and 5 mm, more particularly between about 2 mm and 4 mm thick, for example, about 3 mm thick. 
     The arms  32  can each have a width of between about 30 mm and 70 mm. More particularly the arms  32  can have a width of between about 40 mm and 60 mm, for example, 50 mm. The arms  32  can have a length of between about 100 mm and 200 mm. These dimensions can vary depending on the required performance characteristics of the device  30 . The inventor also envisages that other materials may be required and, selected depending on the dimensions of the arms  32 . 
     In this example, the stanchion  14  is in the form of a flat board of suitable material such as timber or a plastics material. For example, the stanchion can be of timber with a width of between about 120 mm and 180 mm, for example 150 mm and a thickness of between about 15 mm and 25 mm, for example, about 20 mm. A length or height of the stanchion  14  can vary for different applications. 
     A mounting plate  36  is fixed to an upper end of the stanchion  14  to provide a mounting surface that is proximally spaced with respect to the stanchion  14 . The mounting plate  36  can have the same width and thickness as the stanchion  14  to be positioned flush with an upper end region of the stanchion  14 . 
     The ball striking device  30  is mounted to the mounting surface and is rotatable in a generally vertical plane. Thus, the mounting plate  36  serves to inhibit interference between the arms  32  and the stanchion  14 . 
     The ball striking device  30  is mounted to the mounting surface with a pivot bar or rod  38  ( FIG. 3 ) that passes through the hub  34 , the mounting plate  36  and the stanchion  14 . A knob  40  is arranged on one end of the rod  38 . The rod  38  is fully threaded. The knob  40  is a female knob that is threaded onto the rod  38 . The rod  38  is threaded to engage a further knob  43  that is also a female knob that is internally threaded to engage the rod  38 . Thus, the knobs  40 ,  43  can be rotated relative to each other to clamp the ball striking device to the mounting plate  36  or to release the ball striking device  30  from the mounting plate  36 . In the released condition, the device  30  can be rotated so that a user can select one of the arms  32 . 
     The arms  32  are dimensioned so that the device  30  can be rotated to bring an end region  42  of any of the arms  32  into alignment with the opening  22 . The end region  42  is adjacent the impact zone  24  when the end region  42  is in alignment with the opening  22 . 
     In that position, a selected arm  32  can be drawn back and subsequently released to be driven, as result of a bias, towards the zone  24 . Thus, the arm  32  is effectively flicked towards the zone  24 . 
     A ball strike member  44  is mounted on a distal side of each end region  42 . Thus, the ball strike member  44  can be driven or flicked towards and into the strike zone  24 . 
     Each member  44  has a different impact surface  46 . For example, each member  44  is a wedge-shaped block that is glued to the end region  42 . Each member  44  has a different wedge-shaped form with the impact surface  46  sloping towards an end of the respective arm  32 . Thus, each impact surface  46  can impart a different degree of deflection to the ball  28  when striking the ball  28 . 
     The ball support assembly  26  includes a hole  50  defined in a lower internal edge  48  of the opening  22 . A tee  52  can be positioned in the opening  22  by inserting it into the hole  50 . That way, the ball  28  can be positioned in the opening  22  to be struck by a selected impact member  44 . 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 10 to 14 , the ball support assembly  26  further includes a tee support member  54  that is mounted on a distal side of the stanchion  14  beneath the opening  22 . The support member  54  is elongate and has a generally rectangular cross-section. The support member  54  is mounted between a pair of guide plates  56  in a generally vertical orientation so that the support member  54  can slide up and down between the plates  56 . An adjustment mechanism  58  is arranged on the support member  54  and the stanchion  14  so that a vertical position of the support member  54  can be adjusted. 
     The adjustment mechanism  58  includes a slot  59  defined in the support member  54  and extending vertically. A shank  55  extends through the stanchion  14  and the slot  59 . The shank  55  is threaded. An internally threaded, female knob  60  is threaded on to one end of the shank  55 . A knob  63 , which is also an internally threaded female knob, is threaded on to the shank  55 . Thus, when the knobs  60 ,  63  are rotated relative to each other the support member  54  can either be clamped to the stanchion  14  or released from the stanchion  14  allowing adjustment by sliding the support member  54  up or down. 
     Thus, an upper surface  62  of the support member  54  is height-adjustable. The upper surface  62  includes a row of holes  64  ( FIG. 5 ) that extends generally at right angles to the stanchion  14 . Thus, a position of the tee  52  in the zone  24  can be adjusted. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the tee  52  can either be mounted in the lower internal edge  48  or on the support member  54 . 
     A handle  66  is mounted on each end region  42  to extend proximally therefrom. Thus, a user can grasp any one of the handles  66  to bend the associated arm  32  away from the zone  24 . Subsequently, the user can release the handle  66  so that the associated impact member  44  is flicked into and through the zone  24  to strike the ball  28 . 
     It will be appreciated that the user can achieve different trajectories by selecting an appropriate arm  32  and position of the tee  52 . Furthermore, the user can achieve some degree of directional adjustment by flexing or twisting the arm  32 . 
     In  FIG. 15 , the arm  32  that has been selected has an impact member  44  with an impact surface  46  configured to impart a trajectory to the ball  28  so that the ball  28  bounces on the table  20 . In  FIG. 16 , the arm  32  that has been selected has an impact member  44  with an impact surface  46  configured to impart a trajectory to the ball  28  so that the ball  28  reaches a batter without bouncing on the table  20 . 
     The apparatus  12  can be suited for simulating a game of cricket. Thus, the apparatus  10  can be mounted on a minor edge  18  of the table  20  that is configured to represent a cricket pitch. 
     The table  20  can have a length of between about 3 m and 4 m, for example, about 3.6 m and a width of between about 40 cm and 80 cm, for example, about 60 cm. The inventor envisages that the table can be significantly longer, depending on the scale of the game being played. 
     The table  20  can be provided with adjustable legs  67  ( FIGS. 1, 6 ). The legs  67  can be configured to allow adjustment of the table  20  from about 40 cm to 90 cm to suit various heights and ages of users or players. The table  20  can also be configured to be capable of being folded up for storage and/or transport. 
     A surface  69  of the table can be painted or coated with suitable material such as paint. Lines can also be painted or otherwise demarcated on the surface to represent cricket crease lines  71 . 
     In a cricket-simulating application, the impact members  44  are configured so that when the ball  28  is struck, the ball  28  assumes a velocity and trajectory that simulates a cricket ball in a real game of cricket. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 17 to 20 , the ball striking device  30  may have any number of equi-spaced arms  32  extending tram the hub  34 . The ball striking device may have three arms ( FIG. 17 ), four arms ( FIG. 18 ), five arms ( FIG. 19 ), or six arms ( FIG. 20 ). The arms  32  can be labelled at  68  with information relating to the type of velocity and trajectory associated with different styles of bowling. For example, the labels  68  can carry words such as “Low Zone”, “High Zone”, “Mid Zone” for a baseball game, or “Good Length”, “Yorker”, “Short Ball”, “Full Toss” or similar for a cricket game. The inventor envisages that the device could also have two arms or a single arm. There would be no limitation, other than structural, on the number of arms. 
     In  FIGS. 21 to 33 , reference numeral  200  generally indicates a further exemplary embodiment of a ball striking apparatus mounted on an exemplary embodiment of a table  20  and forming part of an apparatus  204  for playing a game. 
     With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. However, any use of common reference numerals is not intended to limit the scope of the following description or the claims. 
     The main difference between the ball striking apparatus  200  and the ball striking apparatus  10 , is the addition of a secondary ball support arrangement or assembly  202  elevated or higher relative to the ball support assembly  26 . The secondary ball support arrangement  202  includes a secondary tee  206  on top of the stanchion  14  in a secondary impact zone  208 . The secondary impact zone  208  is above the primary impact zone  24 . 
     The secondary impact zone  208  and tee  206  allows for a ball  28  to be struck by an arm  32  from the 12 o&#39;clock or upwardly extending position. The elevation of the secondary tee  206  above the tee  52  provides for the delivery of the ball  28  from a higher position than the tee  52  and striking of the ball  28  at a different angle. A ball  28  mounted on the tee  206  is struck by the arm  32  in the 12 o&#39;clock position and the arm  32  follows through in a downward arcing path. In contrast, a ball mounted on the tee  52  is struck by the arm  32  in the 6 o&#39;clock or downwardly extending position and the arm  32  follows through in an upward arcing motion. 
     The stanchion  14  has a hole  207  in the top surface thereof to receive the tee  206 . The apparatus  200  further includes an upper support member  210  that extends generally at right angles to the stanchion  14 . The upper support member  210  has one or more holes  209  to support the secondary tee  206 , in an arrangement wherein the position of the secondary tee  206  in the secondary impact zone  208  can be adjusted. 
     The elevated position of the secondary tee  206  provides for a “bouncer” type delivery wherein the ball is delivered from an elevated position and angled sharply downwardly. The secondary tee  206  is preferably a brush tee. 
     The apparatus  200  includes a slip plate  224  seated between the guide plates  56 . The slip plate  224  is located between the support member  54  and the stanchion  14 . The slip plate  224  is of polycarbonate material. 
     The apparatus  200  may include a wind or breeze guard  214 , as shown in  FIGS. 29 to 33 . The breeze guard  214  comprises two screens  216  which are mounted to the stanchion  14  on either side of the opening  22  and alongside the impact zone  24 . The breeze guard  214  shelters the ball from side draughts of wind which may destabilise the ball or blow the ball from the tee  52 . 
     The apparatus  200  includes resiliently deformable bumper stops  220  fixed to an upper and lower edge of the mounting plate  36 . The arms  32  seat against the bumper stops  220  when the ball striking device  30  is mounted to the mounting plate  36 . The bumper stops  220  are useful to lessen the recoil bounce effect on the arm  32  after the ball has been struck. The bumper stops  220  are of synthetic rubber material, or may be of any suitable resiliently deformable material. 
     The apparatus  200  includes a hexagonal gusset plate  222  fixed to the ball striking device  30 . The gusset plate  222  is between the hub  34  of the ball striking device  30  and a washer  224 . The gusset plate  222  is glued to the ball striking device  30  by silicon glue or the like. The gusset plate  222  strengthens areas of the device  30  where the legs  32  meet the hub  34 , preventing cracks or tears where the legs  32  meet the hub  34 . The gusset plate  222  is of the same material as the ball striking device  30 . 
     The rod  38  of the apparatus  200  is a round-headed bolt  38 . The head of the bolt  38  seats against the stanchion  14 . 
     A wicket assembly  70  is mounted on an opposite edge  72  of the table  20  ( FIGS. 34 to 36 ). The wicket assembly  70  includes a wicket member  74  that is formed from a sheet of a suitable material such as metal, timber or a plastics material. The wicket member  74  is shaped to define a pair of slits so that, overall, the wicket member  74  can represent a set of wickets. Furthermore, a size of the wicket member  74  is selected to be in proportion with a length and width of the table  20  to achieve a desired level of difficulty. 
     It will thus be appreciated that a user can use the ball striking apparatus  10  to drive the ball  28  towards the wicket member  74  as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . 
     The wicket member  74  is formed from a sheet of material that is configured so that the wicket member  74  can vibrate when struck with the ball  28 . The wicket assembly  70  includes a motion sensitive LED light assembly  76  of the type that is configured to activate when motion is detected. Thus, the LED light assembly  76  can be configured to activate when the wicket member  74  is struck with the ball  28 . 
     It follows that it will be apparent to players that the wicket assembly  70  has been struck by the ball  28  during play. 
     A ringer, buzzer or whistle can be mounted on the wicket member  74  so that a player can indicate a return to the wicket assembly  70  during play as set out below. In this example, a manually operated bell  78 , shown in  FIG. 34 , of the type that rings when struck is mounted on the wicket member  74  so that a player can strike the bell  78  when returning after a run.  FIG. 36  shows a whistle  78 . 1  mounted on the wicket member  74 . Reference  78 . 1  could also refer to a bell or buzzer. 
     The wicket assembly  74  is mounted to the table  20  by a rod or dowel  79  received in a hole  77  in the end  72  of the table  20  ( FIG. 36 ). 
     A bell or buzzer can be mounted on a support  75  at the lower end of the stanchion  14  so that a player can be “run out” as will be explained below. In this example, a manually operable bell  73  is mounted on the lower end of the stanchion  14 . 
     In  FIGS. 37 and 38 , reference numeral  80 ,  82  respectively indicate a ball spin simulating pad or mat for positioning on the table  20  in an operative location relative to the wicket assembly  70 . 
     The mat  80  includes a number of deflection formations in the form of recesses  84  that are defined by the mat  80 . The recesses  84  are circular and dimensioned so that the ball  28  can be deflected by an edge of either of the recesses  84  when bouncing on or striking the mat  80 . 
     The mat  82  includes a number of deflection formations in the form of projections  86  that are defined by the mat  82 . The projections  86  are cylindrical and are dimensioned so that the ball  28  can be deflected by an edge or side of either of the projections  86  when bouncing on or striking the mat  82 . 
     The recesses  84  and projections  86  are arranged in a suitable array on the mat  80 ,  82 . Thus, a user can attempt to direct the ball  28  onto a suitable location on the mat  80 ,  82  to achieve a desired deflection of the ball  28  to simulate the effect of a spinning cricket ball striking a pitch. 
     An example of a suitable location for the mat  80 ,  82  is shown in  FIG. 37 . Thus the mat  80 ,  82  can be generally rectangular and can have the same width as the table  20 . In use, the mat  80 ,  82  is positioned on a delivery side of the crease line  71  used by the batter. 
     The mat  80 ,  82  is of a relatively rigid material. For example, the mat  80 ,  82  is of plywood or similar. Otherwise, the mat  80 ,  82  can be of a plastics material. 
       FIG. 41  shows a running marker post  88 . The post  88  can be of any suitable length. For example, it may be about waist height for an average adult. The post  88  can be suitably coloured. The post  88  can also be sharpened so that it can be driven into the ground or into a container carrying soil or sand. Use of the post  88  is described with reference to  FIG. 43 , below. 
       FIG. 42  shows a safe marker post  90 . The safe marker post  90  is the same or similar to the running marker post  88 . However, a bell or buzzer  92  is mounted on the post  90 . Use of the post  90  is described with reference to  FIG. 43 , below. 
       FIG. 43  is a diagram indicating the manner in which the apparatus  12  is used. 
     One of the players uses the apparatus  10 , in the manner described above, to strike the ball  28  so that the ball  28  can travel towards the wicket assembly  70 . Another player is positioned with respect to the table  20  and is provided with a bat so that he or she can attempt to strike the ball  28 . As in cricket, should the ball  28  strike the wicket assembly  70 , the LED light assembly  76  flashes and the player is “out”. Other players can also participate as fielders. Thus, should one of the players catch the ball  28  after the ball is struck, the player striking the ball or “batter” is “out”. 
     The running marker posts  88  can be located in suitable positions with respect to the table  20 . For example, if the batter is right-handed, the batter can stand on a left-hand side of the table  20  when viewed from the batter&#39;s perspective. If the batter is left-handed, the batter can stand on a right-hand side of the table  20 . The posts  88  can be positioned on corresponding sides so that the batter is not required to run around the table  20 . A right handed batter runs away from the table  20  to the run around post  88  to the left of the table  20  (or a position behind the table  20 , not shown). Conversely, a left handed batter runs away from the table  20  to the run around post  88  to the right of the table  20  (or a position behind the table  20 , not shown). 
     In order to make runs, the batter strikes the ball  28 , runs around the appropriate post  88  and strikes the bell  78 . It will be appreciated that it may be convenient for a run simply to be a single length from the batter to the post. In that case, instead of the posts  88 , the safe marker posts  90  can be used. On reaching the posts  90 , the batter strikes the bell or buzzer  92  indicating that the batter has made a run. The batter simply then walks back to the wicket assembly  70  and takes up his or her position at the “crease”. 
     In cricket, a batter can also be “run out”. Thus, a player can throw or pass the ball  28  to the player that has “bowled” the ball  28 , while the batter is running so that the bowler can activate the bell  73  before the bell  78  is activated and the batter is “run out”. As in cricket, a fielder can also activate the bell  73  before the bell  78  is activated so that the batter is “run out”. 
     The ball  28  can take a number of different forms. For example, the ball  28  can be a ping-pong or table tennis ball or similar. An example of a suitable ball  28  is one that is moulded of a relatively thin plastics material and capable of bouncing on a table such as a table used for table tennis. The ball  28  can thus be of various sizes. The sizes can range for example from about 30 mm to 60 mm.  FIG. 44  shows a number of differently sized balls  28 . 
       FIG. 44  shows a number of differently sized and shaped bats  29 . It will be appreciated that various other types and sizes of bats  29  can be used. These might include miniature timber cricket or baseball bats for adult players or table tennis bats for younger players. 
     In  FIGS. 45 to 50 , reference numeral  100  generally indicates a further exemplary embodiment of a ball striking apparatus mounted on an exemplary embodiment of a table  102  and forming part of an apparatus  104  for playing a game. 
     With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. However, any use of common reference numerals is not intended to limit the scope of the following description or the claims. Furthermore, the inventor envisages that components described with reference to the preceding drawings can be interchanged with components of the apparatus  100 , where practical. 
     In this example, the apparatus  104  is suitable for playing a game that simulates baseball or softball. In baseball or softball, the ball is not supposed to bounce. Thus, the impact members  44  are selected so that the ball  28  can be struck in a suitable fashion to travel over a base plate  106  arranged or demarcated on the table  102 . 
     The table  102  is also elongate and rectangular with the apparatus  104  mounted on a minor edge  108  in the same manner as the apparatus  12  is mounted on the table  20 . 
     Instead of defining four arms, the ball striking device  30  defines three arms  32 . In baseball or softball, a pitcher attempts to throw a ball at different levels through a strike zone. Thus, each of the arms  32  can be labelled at  110  with information regarding the nature of the trajectory of the ball  28 . For example, the labelling can include words such as “high zone”, “mid zone” and “low zone”. 
     The table  102  is configured to represent a space between the pitcher&#39;s mound and the batter&#39;s box which is also referred to as the “keyhole”. 
     In one example, the table  102  can have similar dimensions to the table  20  allowing a user to customise the table to suit either cricket or baseball. Thus, the base plate  106  can be defined by or demarcated on a mat  114  that is simply placed over an end portion of the table  102  to cover the existing crease line  71  and to be in alignment with the end and sides of that portion. 
     The mat  114  ( FIG. 49 ) can be similar to the mat  80 ,  82  in material. 
     The apparatus  104  includes a strike zone marker post  116 , two examples of which are shown in  FIG. 50 . The two posts  116  are shown in possible positions. It is not envisaged that the apparatus  104  will be used with both posts in that position and they are only shown in that configuration for convenience. The post  116  has a demarcation  118  intermediate its ends. The post  116  can be configured to suit players of different ages and heights. For example, the post  116  can be shorter with an appropriately dimensioned demarcation  118  for younger players or longer with an appropriate demarcation for older players. 
     Two tubular post holders  120  ( FIGS. 47 and 50 ) are mounted on respective major side edges  122  of the table  102  adjacent the base plate  106 . The holders  120  are configured to retain the post  116  in a vertical orientation. The demarcation  118  is configured so that it can be aligned with a strike zone above the base plate  106 . Thus, the “pitcher” can attempt to strike the ball  28  with the device  30  so that the ball  28  can travel through the strike zone. 
     The provision of two holders  120  facilitates right-handed or left-handed batting. In particular, the post  116  can be positioned on either side of the table  102  to suit the batter. One of the holders  120  is shown in  FIG. 50A . The holder  120  has a gripping, fixing or mounting arrangement  121  to allow the holder  120  to be attached to a side of the table in a releasable or removable manner. 
     The apparatus  104  includes a number of safe marker post assemblies or base pegs  124 , shown in  FIG. 51 . Each of the base pegs  124  can be positioned with respect to the table  102  to represent bases for baseball or softball. The base pegs  124  may be mounted in a container of sand. The pegs  124  can be driven into the sand with the container located in a suitable position relative to the table  102   
     A bell  128  or tap down whistle or buzzer  126  can be mounted on an end of each peg  124  to be operated by a player running between the pegs  124 . 
     In  FIG. 52 , there is shown three bollards  125  that can be used instead of the pegs  124 . The bollards  125  each include a post  127  and an enlarged base or foot  129  to support the post  127  in a vertical position at a selected position representing a base. A button activated buzzer and/or light assembly  131  is mounted on an upper end of each post  127 . Thus, when a batter reaches the bollards  125 , he or she can strike the assembly  131  to indicate a “safe” condition. Alternatively, a fielder can receive the ball and strike the assembly  131  before the batter to indicate that the batter is “out”. 
     The post  127  can be fabricated of PVC piping that is selected to be of a suitable weight to facilitate storage and conveyance. 
     It will be appreciated that the bollards  125  can also be used in the cricket simulating game described above instead of the marker posts  88 . 
     Instead of using the bell  126 ,  128 , buzzers  130 , shown in  FIG. 53  can be used. The buzzers  130  can be of different colours, depending on the use. It will be appreciated that the buzzers  130  can replace the bells used in the previously described embodiment, as well. The buzzers  130  can be of the types that generate light when struck. Thus, the buzzers  130  can have lenses  132  and associated LEDs of different colours. 
     In this embodiment, the ball  28  can be similar to that of the previous embodiment. However, in some instances, it can be desirable to have a larger ball, for example, up to or even over 55 mm in diameter. 
     Also, in this embodiment, the bat is selected to represent a baseball or softball bat shown in  FIG. 44 . This can be in the form of a wooden bat of pine or hardwood. However, for children, a bat of a plastics material would be more suitable for children, particularly since the strike area can be made larger without a significant increase in weight. 
       FIG. 54  is a diagram indicating the manner in which the apparatus  104  can be used. 
     As can be seen, three base pegs  124  or bollards  125  are provided. Each of two base pegs  124  or bollards  125  can be positioned on respective sides of the table  102 , while a third base peg  124  or bollard can be positioned behind the device  30 . 
     It is to be understood that suitable mats can be used instead of the pegs  124  or bollards  125 , if necessary. Such mats can simulate the mats that are used in baseball or softball. 
     In this example, at least five players are involved. These are the batter, the pitcher who operates the device  30  and a base keeper at each base peg  124 . 
     In use, the pitcher uses the device  30  so that the ball  28  can be struck and “pitched” towards the batter. The batter can run between the base pegs  124 . The batter can operate the bell  128  or buzzer  130  to indicate that he or she has arrived safely. Otherwise, the relevant base keeper can operate the bell  128  or buzzer  130  to indicate that the batter is out. 
     As can be seen in the diagram, the batter can run either clockwise or anticlockwise depending on whether he or she is right-handed or left-handed. A right handed batter runs away from the table  102  to the base peg  124  to the left and forward of the table  102  as the start of a clockwise run. Conversely, a left handed batter runs away from the table  102  to the base peg  124  to the right and forward of the table  102  as the start of an anti-clockwise run. The inventor envisages that players may make adjustments to the manner in which the apparatus used, depending on their particular circumstances. 
     As mentioned above, the tables  20 ,  102  are interchangeable. Thus, an exemplary embodiment of a ball striking apparatus is indicated with reference numeral  140  in  FIG. 55 . With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. However, any use of common reference numerals is not intended to limit the scope of the following description or the claims. Furthermore, the inventor envisages that components described with reference to the preceding drawings can be interchanged with components of the apparatus  140 , where practical. 
     The device  30  includes six arms  32 . Four of the arms  32  can be used for the simulated cricket game while three can be used for the simulated baseball game. It will be appreciate that the arm  32  that is suited for launching a “full toss” (cricket) will be suitable for the “low zone” (baseball/softball). The arms  32  can be labelled appropriately as shown in  FIG. 20 . The arm  32  that is suited for a “full toss” or “low zone” launch is labelled “LZ/FT” as can be seen in  FIG. 20 . Any variation in the number of arms  32  is also envisaged. 
     Instead of the device  30  with arms  32  that are adjustable in position, either of the apparatus  10 ,  104 ,  142  can include an alternative device  144  as shown in  FIGS. 56 to 59 . With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. However, any use of common reference numerals is not intended to limit the scope of the following description or the claims. 
     The device  144  includes a single arm  146  that is fastened, at one end, to the mounting plate  36 . The single arm  146  is generally rectangular and is formed from a sheet of a resiliently flexible material. Examples of such a material are a plastics material such as polycarbonate or a spring steel or any other material that can be used to generate a flicking action when withdrawn and released. The single arm  146  can be dimensioned similarly to the arm  32 . A particular example of a suitable width is about 65 mm. 
     A ball impact assembly  148  is mounted on an opposite end of the arm  146 . The arm  146  is dimensioned and fastened to the mounting plate  36  so that when withdrawn and released, the arm  146  can flick the ball impact assembly  148  through the impact zone  24 . 
     The ball impact assembly  148  includes a ball strike member  150 . The ball strike member  150  defines a ball impact surface  152 . The impact member  150  is pivotally mounted on the arm  146  with an adjustable tilt mechanism  154 . The adjustable tilt mechanism  154  is configured for operation by a user to alter an angle of the surface  152  relative to the arm  146 . To that end, the mechanism  154  includes a handle  156  to release the impact member  150  so that a tilt of the surface  152  relative to the arm  146  can be adjusted. Once adjusted, the handle  156  can be used to tighten and secure the impact member  150  relative to the arm  146 . 
     It follows that a player can adjust a trajectory imparted to the ball  28  by adjusting the tilt mechanism  154 . 
     The stanchion  14  and the mounting plate  36  are configured to accommodate either of the devices  30 ,  144  described above. 
     In one example, either of the mats  80 ,  82  and the mat  114  can be provided in a single mat that is suitably configured. For example, the recesses  84  or projections  86  can be defined on one side of a single mat and the base plate  106  can be demarcated or otherwise defined on the other side of the single mat. 
     The inventor(s) envisages that the apparatus can be used to simulate other forms of ball sports. Furthermore, the apparatus can be used without reference to any other form of sport. Thus, it is to be appreciated that the simulations of cricket and baseball/softball are not intended to limit the scope of use of the apparatus. 
     In the above examples, the arms  32 ,  146  have a thickness of between about 3 mm and 4 mm when of a polycarbonate material. However, the inventor(s) envisages that longer and thicker arms can be provided with suitably scaled balls and tables to achieve an expanded version of the uses described above. Furthermore, the inventor(s) envisages that the apparatus need not be mounted on a table. For example, the apparatus could be mounted in a substrate such as the ground or in concrete. This would particularly be the case with scaled up versions of the apparatus which are intended to be within the scope of the above description and claims. 
     Throughout the specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term “comprising” and variants thereof such as “comprise” or “comprises” are to be interpreted as including the stated integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers. 
     It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art. 
     Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter, are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g., modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 
     The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter. 
     The use of words that indicate orientation or direction of travel is not to be considered limiting. Thus, words such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “side”, “up”, “down”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “forwards”, “backwards”, “towards”, “distal”, “proximal” “in”, “out” and synonyms, antonyms and derivatives thereof have been selected for convenience only, unless the context indicates otherwise. The inventor envisages that various exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter can be supplied in any particular orientation and the claimed subject matter is intended to include such orientations. 
     Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise:
         a. there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements;   b. no characteristic, function, activity, or element is “essential”;   c. any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated;   d. any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and   e. any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary.       

     The use of the terms “a”, “an”, “said”, “the”, and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. 
     Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate sub range defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all sub ranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc. 
     Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent.