Table game

Abstract

A game configured to be placed on a table top or a suitable support surface, where the game of the invention is configured to mimic football sports. The invention comprises a base part, wherein the base part is planar in way and rectangular in shape, having a first end and a second end. The base member has an upper surface with a cover overlaid thereon, where the cover has indicia to emulate a football field. The wall member is circumferentially present around the base member, wherein the wall member includes a first end member and a second end member oppositely located on the base member. The base member includes a plurality of apertures having a stem member journalled therein, where the stem member extends upwardly from and perpendicular to the base member. A ball striking component and a ball component are provided and utilized to attempt to score a goal in the net component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to games and gaming devices, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to tabletop games configured to replicate a soccer gaming experience, wherein the present invention provides key elements of the soccer experience, such as, but not limited to, strategic shot decisions and shot variations. Background Art

[0002] As known in the art, football is the most popular sport in the world. It is estimated that nearly 300 million people play football all over the world. Football participation ranges from casual games between friends to professional football leagues, to global competitions, such as but not limited to the World Cup where countries compete. Although many people enjoy playing real football games, many times individuals cannot play or want to challenge games that replicate some of the elements of football games. Table games are well known in the art and can provide fun to those who participate therein. Conventional table games are convenient and can be deployed and stored without too much difficulty. These games cover a variety of sports and interests, which include sports such as but not limited to baseball, rugby and football.

[0003] Although tabletop soccer games are known in the art, there are many deficiencies in what they offer. By way of example and not limitation, existing tabletop soccer games often have inefficient construction and are unable to replicate the soccer field experience. Additionally, existing games often have overly complex game rules and methods, which ultimately interfere with a player's ability to play the game and the enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, many of the existing tabletop games do not have structures that properly simulate some of the physical elements of the game.

[0004] It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a tabletop game that is configured to replicate playing a soccer game, wherein the configuration and method of play of the present invention provides a realistic soccer experience. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a tabletop gaming apparatus configured to replicate the play of a soccer game, wherein the invention comprises a base member that is rectangular in shape, has an upper surface, and is further planar in manner.

[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide a soccer game apparatus that is configured to be placed on a suitable horizontal support surface, such as but not limited to a table, wherein the base member of the present invention includes a covering.

[0007] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a tabletop game apparatus configured to replicate the play of a soccer game, wherein a base member has a plurality of apertures formed in an upper surface thereof, and wherein the apertures are arranged in a particular pattern.

[0008] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a soccer game apparatus that is configured to be placed on a suitable horizontal support surface, such as but not limited to a table, and includes a plurality of rod components, wherein the plurality of rod components are configured to be inserted into the plurality of apertures.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tabletop gaming apparatus configured to replicate a soccer game wherein a base member has wall members secured thereto, wherein the wall members are circumferentially disposed around a peripheral edge of the base member and extend vertically upward from the base member.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a soccer game apparatus configured to be placed on a suitable horizontal support surface, such as but not limited to a table, wherein the wall members include opposing end wall members, wherein the opposing end wall members have voids formed therein, the voids being located near midpoints of the end wall members.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tabletop gaming apparatus configured to replicate the play of a soccer game wherein each of the opposing end wall members further comprises a net member operably coupled to a void formed at a midpoint of each end wall member.

[0012] It is an alternative object of the present invention to provide a soccer game apparatus configured to be placed on a suitable horizontal support surface, such as but not limited to a table, and including scoring elements on the top edge of the wall members of the present invention.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tabletop gaming apparatus configured to replicate the game of soccer, wherein the present invention further comprises a ball striking member, wherein the ball striking member is operable to strike a provided ball member.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a soccer game apparatus configured to be placed on a suitable horizontal support surface, such as but not limited to a table, wherein the ball striking member includes a first end that is wider than a midpoint and a second end.

[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a tabletop game apparatus configured to replicate the play of a soccer game, wherein a cover element superimposed on an upper surface of a base member is made of a textile material.

[0016] It is an alternative object of the present invention to provide a soccer game apparatus that is configured to be placed on a suitable horizontal support surface, such as but not limited to a table, wherein the cover member further includes indicia printed thereon that replicates soccer field markings.

[0017] To achieve the above and related ends, the present invention may be embodied in the form shown in the accompanying drawings. Attention is drawn to the fact that the drawings are only illustrative. Variations are contemplated as being part of the present invention limited only by the scope of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by referring to the following detailed description and appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 A top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the present invention; and

[0021] Figure 3 Detailed views of the ball striking component and the ball component of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Referring now to the drawings filed herewith, wherein the various elements depicted herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein like elements are referred to by like reference numerals throughout the views and figures, there is shown a table game 100 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention are discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted with this article. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the detailed description of these figures herein is for the purpose of explanation, and it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are reasonable. As an example but not as a limitation, in view of the present teachings of the present invention, in addition to the specific implementation selections in the embodiments described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, depending on the needs of a specific application. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

[0024] It will also be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific methods, materials, uses and applications described herein, because these methods, materials, uses and applications can vary. In addition, it will also be understood that the terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that, as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, for example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements, and includes its equivalents known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used will be understood in the broadest possible sense. Therefore, the word "or" should be understood as having a definition of a logical "or", rather than a definition of a logical "xor", unless the context clearly makes it necessary otherwise. The structure described herein will be understood to also refer to the functional equivalent of such a structure. It can be interpreted as expressing an approximate language should be so understood, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” etc. may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include particular features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular features, structures, or characteristics.

[0026] Referring now to the figures filed as part of this article, a table game 100 includes a base member 10. The base member 10 in a preferred embodiment is rectangular in shape, has a first end 11 and a second end 12, and is made of a lightweight rigid material such as, but not limited to, plastic or wood. The base member 10 includes an upper surface 14, wherein the upper surface 14 has a covering 15 superimposed thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the covering 15 is made of a textile material so as to simulate the turf on a football field. The covering 15 includes markings 20, wherein the markings 20 are used to replicate areas of a football field, such as, but not limited to, the midpoint of the field or the goalkeeper area. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the covering 15 may have various markings 20 thereon, marking alternative field areas, team names, or marketing information. It should be further understood within the scope of the present invention that the base member 10 may be provided in alternative sizes, wherein preferably, the size of the base member 10 is such that the base member 10 is appropriately sized to be placed on a horizontal support surface, such as, but not limited to, a tabletop.

[0027] The base member 10 includes a plurality of apertures 25, wherein the plurality of apertures 25 are formed in the base member 10 using suitable techniques. The plurality of apertures 25 have a rod member 30 journaled therein. The rod member 30 is rod-shaped and extends upwardly from the apertures 25 and is made of a lightweight rigid material such as, but not limited to, metal, wood, or plastic. The rod member 30 is manufactured with a suitable height to provide sufficient obstruction to the ball member 70 during the play of the table game 100, as further discussed herein. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the rod member 30 can be provided at an alternative height and can be operated to represent a player on a soccer field. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that a variety of alternative arrangements of multiple rows of rod members 30 can be employed. In addition, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the rod members 30 deployed on the base member 10 can alternate in height or all have the same height. Although a particular pattern of apertures 25 and rod members 30 is shown herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the base member 10 may have as few as two apertures 25 and rod members 30, or a number of apertures 25 and rod members 30 arranged in an alternative pattern. It is understood within the scope of the present invention that the rod members 30 are releasably secured in the apertures 25 using suitable techniques.

[0028] The base member 10 also includes a wall member 40 operably coupled thereto and circumferentially present on the peripheral edge of the base member 10. The wall member 40 is made of a lightweight and rigid material such as, but not limited to, wood or plastic. The wall member 40 is perpendicular to the base member 10 and extends upward therefrom, and is configured to ensure that the ball member 70 remains on the upper surface 14 of the base member 10 during play of the table game 100. It is understood within the scope of the present invention that the wall member 40 may be provided at an alternative height and configured to be releasably secured to the base member 10 to facilitate storage of the table game 100 when not in use. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the wall member 40 may have indicia on its surface, such as marketing indicia.

[0029] The wall member 40 includes a first end wall member 45 near the first end 11 and a second end wall member 50 near the second end 12. The first end wall member 45 includes a void 46, wherein the void 46 is approximately located at the midpoint of the first end wall member 45. The void 46 has a first net member 47 operably coupled thereto. The void 46 and the first net member 47 are combined to simulate a goal of a football field. The first net member 47 includes a mesh material 48 and a support member 49, and the support member 49 is operably coupled to the mesh material 48 to capture the ball member 70, ensuring that the ball member 70 traverses through the void 46 formed in the first end wall member 45. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the support member 49 can be provided in an alternative arrangement. In addition, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the base member 10 can extend beyond the first end wall member 50 to provide support to the first net member 47 and thus the bottom. It is also contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the void 46 can be provided in an alternative size. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that an additional side wall member may extend beyond the first end wall member 45 and the second end wall member 50 and have an additional wall member therebetween parallel to the first end wall member 45 and the second end wall member 50, forming a retention space configured to receive and retain a ball member therein. In this embodiment, the base member 10 would extend behind the first end wall member 45 and the second end wall member 50 to the additional wall member.

[0030] The second end wall member 50 includes a second void 56, wherein the second void 56 is approximately located at the midpoint of the second end wall member 50. The second void 56 has a second net member 57 operably coupled thereto. The second void 56 and the second net member 57 combine to simulate a goal of a soccer field. The second net member 57 includes a mesh material 58 and a support member 59, which is operably coupled to the mesh material 58 so as to capture the ball member 70 and ensure that the ball member 70 traverses through the second void 56 formed in the second end wall member 50. As with the first net member 47, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the second net member 57 may be provided with an alternative arrangement of the support member 59 and further extend a portion of the base member 10 or the entire base member 10 beyond the second end wall member 50. Additionally, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the second void 56 may be provided in an alternative size.

[0031] The first end wall member 45 also includes a first scoring element 60 operably coupled thereto. The first scoring element 60 includes a number member 61, wherein the number member 61 is configured with indicia to facilitate counting scores of players of the table game 100. In a preferred embodiment, the number member 61 slidably traverses along the top edge of the first end wall member 45. However, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the first scoring element 60 may be constructed in many alternative ways to include, but are not limited to, alternative mechanical or digital elements. The table game 100 also includes a second scoring element 65. The second scoring element 65 includes a number member 66 and is constructed identically to the first scoring element 60 as described herein. The second scoring element 65 is configured to track the score of a second player of the table game 100. Although the first scoring element 60 and the second scoring element 65 are disclosed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the table game 100 may have only one scoring element movably coupled to any portion of the wall member 40.

[0032] Reference is now made to the Figure 3 , a ball striking component 80 is shown herein. The ball striking component 80 is configured to facilitate striking the ball component 70 by a user during play of the tabletop game 100. The ball striking component 80 includes a first end 81 and a second end 82, wherein a midpoint 83 is between the first end 81 and the second end 82. The ball striking component 80 is formed such that the width of the first end 81 and the second end 82 is greater than the width of the midpoint 83. A preferred embodiment of the ball striking component 80 also has a first end 81 and a second end 82 that are circular in shape. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the ball striking component 80 can be formed in alternative shapes and sizes in order to achieve the desired objectives discussed herein. It is additionally contemplated within the scope of the present invention that at least a portion of the ball striking component 80 may have a rubber coating superimposed thereon to enhance engagement therewith by a player.

[0033] In the use of the table game 100, the player places the ball component 70 at the center mark 98 of the center circle 96. Then, in order to score a goal by placing the ball component 70 into the net component (the first net component 47 or the second net component 57) of the opposing player, the player strategically selects the direction and type of shot he wants to make when navigating through a series of rod components 30. Once decided, the player performs a shot by hitting the ball component 70 with the hitting component 80. If the player does not successfully score a goal by advancing the ball component 70 into the net component of the opposing player, it is the turn of another player to make his shot from where the ball component 70 stopped from the previous shot, and try to score in the net component (the other of the first net component 47 and the second net component 57) of the first player. In order to score a goal, each player alternates shooting in this way after each round. Once a goal is scored, the ball component 70 is placed on the center mark 98 to continue the game by the player who lost the ball. The game continues until the player reaches a predetermined number of goals and is declared the winner.

[0034] The rules of the table game 100 can be modified by the players. For example, if a player inadvertently propels the ball member 70 into their own net member (47, 57) by deflection or a poor shot, this can be ruled as a point for the opposing player, or ruled as an invalid shot (no points). Similarly, the table game 100 can accommodate more than two players by establishing teams and rotating the players who take shots on a given team.

[0035] In the previous detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this document and in which specific embodiments of the invention can be practiced are shown by way of illustration. These embodiments and some variations thereof are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It will be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the previous description is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications and equivalents, as may be reasonably included in the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A gaming device, wherein: The gaming device comprises: a base member, the base member being planar in shape, the base member having a first end and a second end, the base member having an upper surface; at least two apertures formed in the upper surface of the base member on opposing halves of the base member; at least two rod members, the at least two rod members being inserted into the at least two apertures, the at least two rod members being perpendicular to the base member and extending upward from the at least two apertures; a wall member circumferentially existing around a peripheral edge of the base member, the wall member being perpendicular to the base member and extending upwardly therefrom, wherein the wall member comprises a first end wall member proximate the first end of the base member, the wall member further comprising a second end wall member proximate the second end of the base member, the first end wall member having a void at its midpoint and the second end wall member having a void proximate its midpoint; and At least one ball striking component is configured to strike a ball component superimposed on the upper surface of the base component.

2. The game device according to claim 1 further comprises a cover superimposed on the upper surface of the base member, wherein the cover is made of a textile material, the cover having markings thereon, wherein the markings represent logos on a football field.

3. The play set of claim 2, further comprising a first net member operably coupled to the void of the first end wall member, the first net member having a portion of the base member extending therebelow.

4. The play set of claim 3 further comprising a second net member operably coupled to the void of the second end wall member, the second net member having a portion of the base member extending therebelow, the second net member comprising a mesh material supported by at least one support member.

5. The gaming device according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one ball striking component includes a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end of the at least one ball striking component having a width greater than a width of a midpoint of the at least one ball striking component.

6. The game device of claim 5, further comprising at least one scoring element movably coupled to an upper edge of the wall member.

7. The gaming device according to claim 6, wherein: The first mesh member further includes a mesh material supported by at least one support member.

8. The game device of claim 7, further comprising a ball member operable to be engaged by the at least one ball striking member.

9. A tabletop gaming device operable to accommodate at least two players, wherein: The tabletop game device comprises: a base member, the base member being planar in shape, the base member having a first end and a second end, the base member having an upper surface, the upper surface having a covering, the covering being made of a textile, the covering having indicia printed thereon, the indicia being similar to the markings of a field of play markings on a football field; a plurality of apertures formed in the upper surface of the base member on opposing halves of the base member; a plurality of rod members inserted into the plurality of holes, the plurality of rod members being perpendicular to the base member and extending upward from the plurality of holes; a wall member circumferentially existing around a peripheral edge of the base member, the wall member comprising opposed side wall members, the wall members being perpendicular to the base member and extending upwardly therefrom, wherein the wall member comprises a first end wall member proximate the first end of the base member, the wall member further comprising a second end wall member proximate the second end of the base member, the first end wall member having a void at its midpoint and the second end wall member having a void proximate its midpoint, the side wall member having portions extending beyond the first end wall member and the second end wall member, wherein the tabletop gaming device further comprises a wall segment formed together with the portions of the side wall member to create a reserved space behind the void in the first end wall member and the void in the second end wall member; and At least one ball striking component is configured to strike a ball component superimposed on the upper surface of the base component.

10. The tabletop gaming device of claim 9, wherein: The at least one ball striking component is planar in shape, having a first end and a second end of a circular shape, the at least one ball striking component having equal widths at the first end and the second end, and the at least one ball striking component having a midpoint, wherein the midpoint has a width that is less than the width of the first end and the second end of the at least one ball striking component.

11. The tabletop gaming device of claim 10, wherein: The plurality of rod components are arranged in rows, wherein the rows of the plurality of rod components are identical on opposing halves of the base component.

12. The tabletop gaming device of claim 11, further comprising at least one scoring element movably coupled to an upper edge of the wall member.

13. The tabletop gaming device of claim 12, wherein: The wall member is releasably secured to the base member.

14. The tabletop gaming apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a ball member operable to be engaged by the at least one ball striking member.

15. A method of playing a tabletop game, comprising: The ball member is placed on a base member, the base member being planar in shape, the base member having a first end and a second end, the base member having: upper surface; at least two apertures formed in the upper surface of the base member on opposing halves of the base member; at least two rod members, the at least two rod members being inserted into the at least two apertures, the at least two rod members being perpendicular to the base member and extending upward from the at least two apertures; as well as a wall member circumferentially existing around a peripheral edge of the base member, the wall member being perpendicular to the base member and extending upwardly therefrom, wherein the wall member comprises a first end wall member proximate the first end of the base member, the wall member further comprising a second end wall member proximate the second end of the base member, the first end wall member having a void at its midpoint and the second end wall member having a void proximate its midpoint; The ball member is struck with a ball striking member in an attempt to strike the ball member into one of the voids in the first end wall member and the second end wall member.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising striking the ball component in accordance with one or more football rule constraints, and further comprising a covering superimposed on the upper surface of the base component, wherein the covering is made of a textile material, the covering having markings thereon, wherein the markings represent markings on a football field.

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