Patent Publication Number: US-11638867-B2

Title: Simulated soccer game device and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/792,876 filed Jan. 15, 2019 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to board games and, more particularly, to football based board games. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Soccer is a football game played on a large rectangular field outdoors. Two opposing teams defend a goal area on their respective ends of the field. A single ball is used in the game, where the players may not use their hands to maneuver or propel the ball. The objective of the game is for one team to get the ball into the opposing teams goal area. The respective goal areas may be guarded by a single player, who may be allowed to use hands to prevent the ball from entering the goal area. 
     As soccer is a popular sport throughout the world, a desire to play is often left unsatisfied. Due to limited space, players, time, and resources, many soccer enthusiasts are left only to spectate the game. Strong affinity for soccer has manifested into various outlets including backyard play, videogames, and playing cards. Soccer enthusiasts are known to play imaginary soccer games where players assemble a fictitious team of known professional players. Points and statistics from professional games may generally used to determine a winner. 
     SUMMARY 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known soccer board game art, the present disclosure provides a novel soccer game device and method. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a soccer game device and method. 
     A game device is disclosed herein. The game device includes a substantially rectangular rigid planar surface having a plurality of apertures disposed thereon. A plurality of elongate pieces are included such that each is sized and shaped to mate with any of the plurality of apertures. Mating of the elongate pieces to the surface enables the pieces to maintain a perpendicular orientation to the substantially rectangular rigid planar surface. A simulated soccer field is sized and dimensioned to be disposed on the substantially rectangular rigid planar surface. A pair of nets corresponding to the field of play are configured to attach to the planar surface. A simulated soccer ball is included with the game device and scaled accordingly with respect to the simulated soccer field. A sleeve that is to be worn by the user is included for physical communication with the simulated soccer ball. 
     According to another embodiment, a game device is also disclosed herein. The game device includes a providing a game device, attaching a plurality of elongate pieces to a substantially rectangular rigid planar surface, moving a simulated soccer ball towards of a pair of nets, and (optionally) rearranging the plurality of elongate pieces. 
     The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, the following description and drawings are intended to be exemplary in nature and non-limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of the game device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the game device of  FIG.  1   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the game device of  FIG.  1   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is an accessory view of the game device of  FIG.  1   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     All ranges and ratio limits disclosed herein may be combined. It is to be understood that unless specifically stated otherwise, references to “a,” “an,” and/or “the” may include one or more than one and that reference to an item in the singular may also include the item in the plural. 
     The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical changes and adaptations in design and construction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and the teachings herein. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation 
     The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, coupled, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. Surface shading lines may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials 
     Generally, the game device is a tabletop simulated soccer game. The game device is a scaled soccer field having stationary simulated players and a simulated soccer ball. A rectangular rigid plane is provided that includes multiple holes that are configured to mate with simulated players. In one embodiment, a piece of material having indicia that corresponds to a soccer field is sized to be placed on the rectangular plane. The material may be removed and replaced with material that includes different indicia, for playing a different game having different rules. A pair of nets are included and attachable to opposing ends of the simulated field. 
     The game device further includes a ball propelling sleeve accessory that may be worn by the users. In one embodiment, the sleeve includes simple aiming indicia. In another embodiment, the sleeve is attached to a launching mechanism that transmits momentum to the simulated soccer ball. The launching mechanism may utilize elastic properties, and may be manually manipulated by the user&#39;s fingers. In another embodiment the launching mechanism may include a flywheel configured to store rotational energy. Rules may dictate that only the energy stored in the flywheel may be used through the course of the game. Further embodiments of the launching mechanism include electricity power and gravity powered means, such as motors and pendulums. 
     Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , various views of a game device  100 . 
       FIG.  1    shows a game device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Here, the game device may be beneficial to play a game of simulated soccer. As illustrated, the game device  100  may include a substantially rectangular rigid planar surface  110 . The substantially rectangular planar surface  110  includes a plurality of apertures  112 . A plurality of elongate pieces  120  having at least one end sized to mate with any of the plurality of apertures  112  in shown. These enable the elongate pieces  120  to maintain a perpendicular orientation to the substantially rectangular rigid planar surface  110 . A simulated soccer field  130  is sized and dimensioned to be disposed on the substantially rectangular rigid planar surface  110 . A pair of nets  140  are included and configured to attach to the substantially rectangular rigid planar surface  110 . The pair of nets  140  may comprise a rigid material. Alternatively, the nets may comprise of a resilient material, fabric, and any combination thereof. A simulated soccer ball  150  that is substantially scaled with respect to the simulated soccer field  130  is shown. A sleeve  160  that is configured to be worn by a user and used to propel the simulated soccer ball  150 . 
     According to one embodiment, the game device  100  may be arranged as a kit  105 . In particular, the game device  100  may further include a set of instructions  107 . The instructions  107  may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of the game device  100  such that the game device  100  can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner. 
       FIG.  2    shows the game device of  FIG.  1   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the game device  100  may include a substantially rectangular rigid planar surface  110  having a plurality of apertures  112  ( FIG.  3   ) configured to retain a plurality of elongate pieces  120 . It should be noted that the simulated soccer field  130  is designed to allow the passage of the plurality of elongate pieces  120  into the plurality of apertures  112  on the substantially rectangular rigid planar surface  110 . To accommodate the plurality of elongate pieces  120 , the simulated soccer field  130  may include field apertures (not shown). Alternatively, the simulated soccer field  130  may comprise a material configured to allow the plurality of elongate pieces  120  to pass through without field apertures. The simulated soccer field  130  may be removably replaceable from the substantially rectangular rigid planar surface  110  allowing a user to change the gameplay. The plurality of elongate pieces  120  act as simulated players on the simulated soccer field  130 . The substantially rectangular rigid planar surface  110  may include supports  204  that are configured to elevate the game. The supports  204  may be adjustable such that a user may raise and lower the simulated field from the floor as per preference. The supports  204  may utilize telescoping functionality that allows an analogue modification of distance from the floor. Supports  204  may be integrated to the substantially rectangular rigid planar surface  110  through a pivot or any mechanical means. An elastic border  200  may be configured to be disposed along a periphery of the substantially rectangular rigid planar surface  110 . Generally speaking, the elastic border  200  is designed to define the area where the game device  100  is played. It is preferable that the simulated soccer ball  150  remains on the simulated soccer field  130 , thus the elastic border  200  is provided for optional attachment. 
       FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the game device of  FIG.  1   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here shown is another view of the game device  100  that illustrates the substantially rectangular rigid planar surface  110  ( FIG.  1   ) without the simulated soccer field  130  ( FIG.  2   ). As pictured, the plurality of apertures  112  define potential locations for the plurality of elongate pieces  120 . The plurality of elongate pieces  120  act as simulated soccer players when mated with the plurality of apertures  112  that are disposed on the substantially rectangular rigid planar surface  110  ( FIG.  1   ). To further the simulation, the game device may include ornamental dressings  208  that are configured to attach to the plurality of elongate pieces  120 . In some embodiments, the ornamental dressings  208  have the appearance of a professional soccer player. The ornamental dressings  208  may include traditional soccer player attire including numbering and other markings of a professional team. In other embodiments, the ornamental dressings  208  are customizable. Possible customizations include fictitious figures, creatures, superheroes, and any conceived effigy. 
     Orientation of the elongate pieces  120  about the game device  100  may be dynamic. Each of the plurality of apertures  112  include a corresponding plug  114 . The plugs  114  are sized and dimensioned to mate with the plurality of apertures  112 . The plugs  114  create a flush surface with the substantially rectangular rigid planar surface  110  ( FIG.  1   ) when mated with the plurality of apertures  112 . A user may mate the plurality of elongate pieces  120  with the plurality of apertures  112  that remain unmated with the plugs  114 . It may be obvious that the plugs  114  are used to fill the plurality of apertures  112  such that a level playing surface is maintained. Reconfiguration of the plurality of elongate pieces  120  to a desired formation by may be achieved replacing the plugs  114  from the plurality of apertures  112  with the plurality of elongate pieces  120 . Desired formations of the plurality of elongate pieces  120  may be set in predetermined intervals during play, as per predefined rules. 
     For example, as depicted in  FIG.  3   , the planar surface of the game device may comprise four rows of apertures. A first of the four rows of apertures may extend orthogonal to a sideline of the simulated soccer field and across a first penalty area of the simulated soccer field. A second of the four rows of apertures may extend orthogonal to the sideline and across a first penalty arc of the simulated soccer field. A third of the four rows of apertures may extend orthogonal to the sideline of the simulated soccer field and across a second penalty area of the simulated soccer field. A fourth of the four rows of apertures may extend orthogonal to the sideline and across a second penalty arc of the simulated soccer field. The first penalty area may encompass two of the apertures of the first row. The second penalty area may encompass two of the apertures of the third row. 
     The game device  100  may further include conceptual sizes, designs and features. In some embodiments, at least one catch basin  206  is disposed on the substantially rectangular rigid planar surface  110  ( FIG.  1   ). The catch basin  206  may be paired and disposed on opposing ends of the simulated soccer field  130  ( FIG.  1   ) respective to a goal area. The pair of nets  140  ( FIG.  1   ) may be disposed over the paired catch basins  206  respectively. In this orientation, when the simulated soccer ball  150  ( FIG.  1   ) is retained in the catch basin  206  a goal is defined, and a point is awarded. A scoring apparatus  212  may be included for accounting points received. In some embodiments, the scoring apparatus  212  is disposed on opposing ends of the game device  100 . The scoring apparatus  212  may comprise a simple counting mechanism, such as abacus. In other designs, the scoring apparatus  212  may comprise electronic means of accounting for points. Electronic versions of the scoring apparatus  212  may range in complexity from manual input when a point is awarded, to automatic detection of points through the use of technology. 
       FIG.  4    is another view of the game device of  FIG.  1   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here shown are conceived accessories for use with the game device  100 . A sleeve  160  is included with the game device  100  that is configured to be worn by a user and used to propel the simulated soccer ball  150  ( FIG.  2   ). The sleeve  160  may comprise a material that has elastic properties, enabling resilient reformation for a given application. In this sense, the sleeve  160  may be configured to be attached to the arm of the user, and alternatively, a finger of a user. Attachment and wearability of the sleeve  160  is determined by material, size, application, and preference. The sleeve  160  may include indicia used for aiming  213 . The sleeve  160  may further include an attachment  214  that is configured to be in physical communication with the simulated soccer ball  150 . In various embodiments, the sleeve may comprise an elastic material having an elastic property such as, for example, one of a rubber, a synthetic rubber, a polyester, a polyether-polyurea copolymer, and/or the like. An embodiment of an attachment  214  is shown having a simulated shoe that pivots with gravitational force. Various renditions and designs for the attachment  214  functionality are also considered. It is disclosed that an attachment  214  to the sleeve  160  comprises a device where the orientation in space, or structure, is physically manipulated during gameplay to propel the simulated soccer ball  150  ( FIG.  2   ). Alternative means of propelling the simulated soccer ball  150  ( FIG.  2   ) may include a launching mechanism  210 . The launching mechanism  210  may be configured to exert a force of the simulated soccer ball  150  ( FIG.  2   ). A conceived launching mechanism  210  is illustrated in the form of a flywheel. In this embodiment, the flywheel retains a rotational energy that may be used during gameplay to propel the simulated soccer ball  150  ( FIG.  2   ). Various embodiments of the launching mechanism  210  include electronic solenoids, motors, and all means of transferring energy from the launching mechanism  210  to the simulated soccer ball  150  ( FIG.  2   ). As one could imagine, rules may dictate that only predetermined energy values that are stored in the flywheel are may be used through the course of gameplay. 
     There is also disclosed a method for playing a game, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method for playing a game may include one or more components or features of the game device  100  as described above. As illustrated, the method for playing a game may include the steps of: step one, providing a game device; step two, attaching a plurality of elongate pieces to a substantially rectangular rigid planar surface; step three, moving a simulated soccer ball towards one of a pair of nets; step four, rearranging the plurality of elongate pieces. 
     Benefits and other advantages have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, and any elements that may cause any benefit or advantage to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. 
     Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to “various embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments. 
     Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.