Skill game device

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a skill game device that comprises a plurality of plates. Each plate has an adjustable orientation for causing a ball to move over the plate in question from a start area to a target area. The plurality of plates comprises a first plate and a second plate. The skill game device further comprises a control system for simultaneously controlling the respective orientations of the plurality of plates. The control system comprises a first manually operable actuating member that is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform a first change of orientation and the second plate to perform a second change of orientation, wherein the second change of orientation is different from the first change of orientation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This disclosure relates to a skill game device, in particular to a skill game device wherein a manually operable actuating member is configured to simultaneously cause a first change of orientation of a first plate and a second, different change of orientation of a second plate.BACKGROUND

[0002] US4240628 discloses a manipulative skill games that involves controlling the orientations of a plurality of plates for causing a ball to pass through a hole that is provided in each plate in order to move the ball downwards through the plates. A disadvantage of this game is that its difficulty level is relatively low. Hence, there is a need in the art for a more challenging skill game device.SUMMARY

[0003] Therefore, an aspect of this disclosure relates to a skill game device that comprises a plurality of plates. Each plate has an adjustable orientation for causing a ball to move over the plate in question from a start area to a target area. The plurality of plates comprises a first plate and a second plate. The skill game device further comprises a control system for simultaneously controlling the respective orientations of the plurality of plates. The control system comprises a first manually operable actuating member that is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform a first change of orientation and the second plate to perform a second change of orientation, wherein the second change of orientation is different from the first change of orientation.

[0004] This skill game device provides for a more challenging game than the skill game device disclosed in US4240628. In US4240628, the device is constructed such that all plates are controlled in the same way and all plates will always be oriented parallel to each other. However, in the skill game device disclosed herein, the first and second plate react differently to the same user input as input by a player via the first manually operable actuating member. For example, the game may start with the ball in the start area of the first plate. The user may then control the orientation of the first plate via the first manually operable actuating member and try to guide the ball to the target area of the first plate. Once the ball reaches the target area of the first plate, the game may continue with the ball being in the start area of the second plate. At this time, the user will have become accustomed to some extent to how the first plate reacted to user input via the first manually operable actuating member. However, the second plate will react differently to user input, because the first manually operable actuating member is configured to simultaneously cause different changes of orientation respectively for the two plates. For example, when the first manually operable actuating member is a turning wheel, turning the wheel in a counter-clockwise direction may simultaneously cause the first plate to rotate in one direction and the second plate to rotate in another direction. Hence, once a player starts to try and move the ball from the start area of the second plate to the target area of the second plate, the player will have some difficulty with the new manner of controlling of the second plate, which renders the game quite challenging.

[0005] Each plate may have one or more obstacles that the ball has to pass through when travelling from the start area to the target area. Also, each plate may comprise a groove that the ball ideally follows when travelling from the start area to the target area.

[0006] As referred to herein, a plate performing a change of orientation may simply be understood as that the orientation of the plate changes. As referred to herein, an actuating member simultaneously causing one plate to perform one change of orientation and another plate to perform another change of orientation may be understood as that one change of orientation of the one plate and the other change of orientation of the other plate occur simultaneously.

[0007] Each plate may have an axis of rotation of some type. Such type of rotational axis is for example an axis running parallel to the plate, preferably along a length of the plate. Two changes of orientation for two respective plates may be different in that one change may involve a rotation of one of the plates around its axis of rotation of one type, as viewed from some point of view, in a first rotational direction and the other change may involve a rotation of the other plate around its axis of rotation of the same type, as viewed from the point of view referred to above, in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction. Two changes of orientation for two respective plates may be different in that one change may involve a rotation of one of the plates around its axis of rotation of one type, as viewed from some point of view, in a first rotational direction with a first angular velocity and the other change may involve a rotation of the other plate around its axis of rotation of the same type in, as viewed from the point of view referred to above, the same, first rotational direction yet with a second angular velocity that is different from the first angular velocity.

[0008] Each plate may have two axes of rotation, one being an axis of rotation of a first type and the other being an axis of rotation of a second type. The first type is for example an axis running parallel to the plate, preferably along a length of the plate, and the second type is for example an axis running horizontally and through a hinge point of the plate where the plate is hingedly connected to another element of the skill game device. Two changes of orientation for two respective plates may be different in that one change may involve a rotation of one of the plates around its first type axis and the other change may involve a rotation of the other plate around its second type axis.

[0009] In an embodiment, the control system comprises a second manually operable actuating member that is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform a third change of orientation and the second plate to perform a fourth change of orientation. The fourth change of orientation is different from the third change of orientation. Preferably, the first change of orientation, second change of orientation, third change of orientation and fourth change of orientation are all different from each other.

[0010] This embodiment is advantageous in that a second manually operable actuating member is provided that also controls the orientation of the plates. However, the way the second manually operable actuating member controls the orientation also differs per plate, which further complicates the game. Typically, the first and second manually operable actuating members are configured to be operated by two respective hands, preferably two respective hands of a single player.

[0011] The first and / or second manually operable actuating member referred to herein may be a mechanical actuator that is mechanically connected to the plates, preferably without electrical components in between. Also or alternatively, the first and / or second manually operable actuating member referred to herein may be an electric actuator that controls an electric circuit that sends out control signals to electromechanical transducers that convert the control signals into mechanical movements. An example of such electromechanical transducer would be a stepper motor and / or servomotor.

[0012] In an embodiment, the plurality of plates comprises a third plate. In this case, the first manually operable actuating member may be configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the first change of orientation and the second plate to perform the second change of orientation and the third plate to perform the first or second or third or fourth change of orientation.

[0013] This embodiment introduces a third plate the orientation of which may be controlled differently from how the orientations of the first and second plate are controlled.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, when the plurality of plates comprises a third plate, the second manually operable actuating member is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the third change of orientation and the second plate to perform the fourth change of orientation and the third plate to perform the first or second or third or fourth change of orientation.

[0015] Preferably, when the plurality of plates comprises a third plate, the first manually operable actuating member is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the first change of orientation and the second plate to perform the second change of orientation and the third plate to perform the first change of orientation, and the second manually operable actuating member is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the third change of orientation and the second plate to perform the fourth change of orientation and the third plate to perform the fourth change of orientation.

[0016] In an embodiment, the plurality of plates comprises a fourth plate. Then, the first manually operable actuating member may be configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the first change of orientation and the second plate to perform the second change of orientation and the third plate to perform the first change of orientation and the fourth plate to perform the second change of orientation.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, when the plurality of plates comprises a fourth plate, the second manually operable actuating member is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the third change of orientation and the second plate to perform the fourth change of orientation and the third plate to perform the fourth change of orientation and the fourth plate to perform the third change of orientation.

[0018] This embodiment advantageously allows for the orientation of each plate to be controlled differently.

[0019] Preferably, when the plurality of plates comprises a fourth plate, the first manually operable actuating member is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the first change of orientation and the second plate to perform the second change of orientation and the third plate to perform the first change of orientation and the fourth plate to perform the second change of orientation, and the second manually operable actuating member is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the third change of orientation and the second plate to perform the fourth change of orientation and the third plate to perform the fourth change of orientation and the fourth plate to perform the third change of orientation.

[0020] In an embodiment, the second change of orientation is substantially opposite to the first change of orientation. Additionally or alternatively, the fourth change of orientation is substantially opposite the third change of orientation. Two changes of orientation may be substantially opposite each other in that one change is a clockwise rotation as viewed from some viewpoint and the other change is a counter-clockwise rotation as viewed from the same viewpoint.

[0021] In an embodiment, each plate out of the plurality of plates is associated with a first axis of rotation, wherein for each plate out of the plurality of plates, the first change of orientation is a rotation around its first axis of rotation and the second change of orientation is a rotation around its first axis of rotation.

[0022] In an embodiment, each plate out of the plurality of plates is associated with a second axis of rotation that is different from the first axis of rotation, wherein for each plate out of the plurality of plates, the third change of orientation is a rotation around its second axis of rotation and the fourth change of orientation is a rotation around its second axis of rotation.

[0023] Preferably, the respective second axes of rotation of the plates are parallel to each other.

[0024] As referred to herein, two plates performing the same change of orientation may be understood as that the two plates both rotate in the same direction around their respective first axes of rotation with the same angular velocity or rotate in the same direction around their respective second axes of rotation with the same angular velocity.

[0025] In an embodiment, each plate is connected to a rotatable shaft that is parallel to the plate in question. Preferably, each rotatable shaft coincides with the first axis of rotation of the plate in question. In this embodiment, the first manually operated actuating member is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the first change of orientation and the second plate to perform the second change of orientation in that it is configured to simultaneously cause the rotatable shaft of the first plate to rotate around its first axis of rotation in a clockwise or, respectively, counter-clockwise direction as viewed in a direction along the first plate's rotatable shaft towards a point where the rotatable shaft is driven and the rotatable shaft of the second plate to rotate around its first axis of rotation in a counter-clockwise or, respectively, clockwise direction as viewed in a direction along the second plate's rotatable shaft towards a point where the rotatable shaft is driven.

[0026] The first manually operated actuating member may be configured to cause the rotatable shafts of the other plates to rotate around their respective first axes of rotation as well, in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, while it causes the rotatable shafts of the first and second plate to rotate.

[0027] For example, the control system may comprise one or more rods that are mechanically connected to the rotatable shafts for causing the rotatable shafts to rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise.

[0028] In an embodiment, the control system comprises a chain and a plurality of sprocket wheels engaged with the chain. In this embodiment, the first manually operated actuating member is configured to drive the chain. Further, the rotatable shaft of the first plate is drivably connected to a first sprocket wheel out of the plurality of sprocket wheels, and the rotatable shaft of the second plate is drivably connected to a second sprocket wheel out of the plurality of sprocket wheels. The first sprocket wheel is engaged with the chain at a different side of the chain than the second sprocket wheel so that a movement of the chain causes the first and second sprocket wheel to rotate in different directions.

[0029] This embodiment provides for a convenient mechanism for achieving different rotation directions for the plates around the first axes upon a player operating the first manually actuating member in some manner.

[0030] Preferably, for each plate out of the plurality of plates, the rotatable shaft is drivably connected to a respective sprocket wheel out of the plurality of sprocket wheels. Each sprocket wheel out of the plurality of sprocket wheel may be arbitrarily engaged at one side, e.g. the inner side, or another side, e.g. the outer side, of the chain so that the sprocket wheels rotate in arbitrary directions when the chain is driven in a certain direction.

[0031] In an embodiment, each plate is configured to hinge around a respective hinge point. Then, for each plate, the second axis of rotation may be a horizontal axis of rotation through the hinge point. Also, for each plate, as viewed from a top view, the second axis of rotation may make an angle with the first axis of rotation. Preferably the angle is between 75 and 105 degrees, more preferably between 85 and 95 degrees, such as 90 degrees. This embodiment renders the skill game even more challenging due to the differently oriented axes of rotation.

[0032] In an embodiment, each plate is connected to a respective height adjustment system that is configured to adjust a height of a part of the plate in question relative to the hinge point herewith causing the plate in question to hinge around its hinge point. Then, the second manually operated actuating member may be configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the third change of orientation and the second plate to perform the fourth change of orientation in that it is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate's height adjustment system to lower or, respectively, raise the part of the first plate relative to the first plate's hinge point and the second plate's height adjustment system to raise or, respectively, lower the part of the second plate relative to the second plate's hinge point. This embodiment provides for a convenient mechanism to hinge the plates around their hinge points.

[0033] In an embodiment, the control system comprises a second chain and a plurality of attachments attached to the chain. The second manually operated actuating member is configured to drive the second chain. The part of the first plate is mechanically connected to a first attachment out of the plurality of attachments and the part of the second plate is mechanically connected to a second attachment out of the plurality of attachments. The first attachment is attached to a first part of the second chain and the second attachment is attached to a second part of the second chain, different from the first part. The second chain is positioned such that when it is driven, the first part of the second chain and the second part of the second chain move in substantially opposite direction, preferably opposite vertical directions.

[0034] This embodiment is advantageous in that it provides for a simple and effective mechanism for different orientation changes of the plates upon a player controlling the second manually operated actuating member.

[0035] If the skill game device comprises more than two plates, then, more generally formulated, for each plate its part, i.e. the part that is raised or lowered, is mechanically connected to an attachment out of the plurality of attachments. For each attachment, it may be arbitrarily selected at which side of the second chain it is attached to the chain in order to vary the response of the different plates to some user input into the second manually operated actuating member.

[0036] In an embodiment, for each plate, the part is mechanically connected to an attachment out of the plurality of attachments via a mechanical connection that allows a distance between the part of the plate in question and the attachment in question to vary. This distance may namely vary as a result of the plate hinging around its hinge point. Further, for each plate, the part may be mechanically connected to an attachment out of the plurality of attachments via a further mechanical connection that allows variation of the orientation of the plate in question relative to the attachment in question. This further mechanical connection is for example a hinge joint.

[0037] In an embodiment, the plates out of the plurality of plates are positioned one below the other. In this embodiment, the plurality of plates comprises a bottom plate that is positioned lowest. Further, in this embodiment, each plate that is not the bottom plate comprises a through-hole at the target area such that the ball falls through the through-hole of the plate in question onto a plate below the plate in question when the ball reaches the target area. The bottom plate may also comprise such through-hole, but that is optional in this embodiment. This embodiment enables to continue the game without having to place the ball onto a next plate.

[0038] In an embodiment, the control system comprises a first motor, such as a stepper motor or servomotor, configured to drive the first plate to perform the first change of orientation and comprises a second motor, such as a stepper motor or servomotor, configured to drive the second plate to perform the second change of orientation. In this embodiment, the first manually operable is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the first change of orientation and the second plate to perform the second change of orientation by simultaneously sending control signals to the first and second motor.

[0039] Preferably, the control system comprises a first plurality of motors, each of which is for example a stepper motor or servomotor. The first plurality of motors comprises the first and second motor referred to above. Each motor out of the first plurality of motors may be configured to drive a plate out of the plurality of plates to cause this plate to perform the first or second change of orientation.

[0040] In an embodiment, the control system comprises a third motor, such as a stepper motor or servomotor, configured to drive the first plate to perform the third change of orientation and comprises a fourth motor, such as a stepper motor or servomotor, configured to drive the second plate to perform the fourth change of orientation. In this embodiment, the second manually operable is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the third change of orientation and the second plate to perform the fourth change of orientation by simultaneously sending control signals to the third and fourth motor.

[0041] Preferably, the control system comprises a second plurality of motors, each of which is for example a stepper motor or servomotor. The second plurality of motors comprises the third and fourth motor referred to above. Each motor out of the second plurality of motors may be configured to drive a plate out of the plurality of plates to cause this plate to perform the third or fourth change of orientation.

[0042] Each plate may be drivable by a motor out of the first plurality of motors and by a motor out of the second plurality of motors.

[0043] Elements and aspects discussed for or in relation with a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Embodiments of the present invention will be further illustrated with reference to the attached drawings, which schematically will show embodiments according to the invention. It will be understood that the present invention is not in any way restricted to these specific embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Aspects of the invention will be explained in greater detail by reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows a skill game device according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a detail of figure 1; FIG. 3 shows the skill game device of figure 1 from a different viewpoint; FIG. 4 is a detail of figure 3; FIG. 5 shows the skill game device of figure 1 from a different viewpoint; FIG. 6 shows a detail of figure 5; FIG. 7A shows a plate and its height adjustment system from a front view; FIG. 7B shows the plate of figure 7A after a height adjustment of part of the plate; FIG. 8 shows the skill game device of figure 1 from a different viewpoint; FIG. 9 shows a front view, top view, bottom view and two side views of the skill game of figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] In the figures, identical reference numbers indicate identical or similar elements. In each figure, the Cartesian axis x, y, z are indicated, wherein the x-axis and y-axis are horizontal axes and the z-axis is a vertical axis. As referred to herein, a height may be understood to refer to a position long the z-axis.

[0046] Figure 1 illustrates a skill game device 2 according to an embodiment. The device 2 comprises a plurality of plates 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. For each plate, the aim of the game is to move a ball (not shown in the figures) from a start area 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d to a target area 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d of the plate by controlling the orientation of the plate in question. Preferably, one and only one ball is used in the game. The respective orientations of the plates are controlled by a player via a control system which will be explained in more detail below. In the depicted embodiment, each plate comprises a through-hole at the target area 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d so that the ball will fall onto the next plate below the current plate when the ball reaches the target area. The aim of the game may for example be to complete all plates in this manner without the ball rolling off. If that happens, then the rules of the game may prescribe that the player must place the ball back in the start area 6a of the plate 4a and start over.

[0047] As the game progresses, the plates may become more challenging in that it requires more skills to move the ball from the start area to the target area. In the depicted embodiment, for example, plate 4a has side bars 5a on both sides that prevent the ball from rolling off plate 4a. Plate 4b has interrupted side bars, while plates 4c and 4d don't have any side bars. Plates 4c and 4d each comprises a groove 9c, 9d through which the ball should be moved in order to reach the target area.

[0048] The device 2 comprises a control system for controlling the respective orientations of the plurality of plates. In the depicted embodiment, the control system comprises a first manually operable actuating member 10 and a second manually operable actuating member 12. In this embodiment, both manually operable actuating members 10, 12 are embodied as turning wheels, however, a manually operable actuating member referred to herein may for example also be a lever, a push button, et cetera. Further, although it is preferred that the control system is configured to control the orientations of the plates via mechanical connections only, and not via electrical components, the manually operable actuating members may be electric and may for example be configured to cause one or more stepper motors to drive one or more of the plates in order to change the orientation of these plates.

[0049] The manually operable actuating member 10 is configured to simultaneously cause plate 4a to perform a first change of orientation and plate 4b to perform a second change of orientation that is different from the first change of orientation. This is illustrated more clearly for this embodiment in figure 2. A clockwise rotation of the turning wheel 10, as viewed in the -y direction, causes sprocket wheel 13, via right angle transmission 22, to turn, as viewed in the -x direction, counter-clockwise. Sprocket wheel 14 drives the chain 14, which drives sprocket wheel 18a, as viewed in the -x direction, clockwise and simultaneously drives sprocket wheel 18b, as viewed in the -x direction, counter-clockwise. The clockwise rotation of sprocket wheel 18a causes a rotatable shaft 28a that is connected to the plate 4a to rotate, as viewed in the -x direction, clockwise around axis 26a herewith causing plate 4a to rotate clockwise around axis 26a as well. Further, the counter-clockwise rotation of sprocket wheel 18b causes rotatable shaft 28b that is connected to plate 4b to rotate, as viewed in the -x direction, counter-clockwise around axis 26b. Axis 26a may also be referred to as the first axis of plate 4a and axis 26b may also be referred to as the first axis of plate 4b. Thus, upon a single rotation of turning wheel 10 as indicated, the plates 4a and 4b rotate around their respective first axes in different, opposite directions. This means that once a player has completed plate 4a and starts with plate 4b, the player has to relearn how plate 4b is controlled, which renders the skill game device quite challenging.

[0050] As can be seen in figure 1, the chain 14 also drives sprocket wheels 18c and 18d which cause respective rotatable shafts 28c and 28d (indicated in figure 5) to rotate as well, clockwise or counter-clockwise depending on which side of the chain the sprocket wheels are positioned. In the embodiment depicted in the figures, plates 4a and 4c, due to the sprocket wheels 18a and 18c being engaged with chain 14 at the same side of the chain, namely at the outer side of the chain, will perform the same change of orientation upon some user input to turning wheel 10. Likewise, plates 4b and 4d, due to the sprocket wheels being engaged with chain 14 both at the inner side of the chain, will also perform the same change of orientation upon some user input, which will be opposite the change of orientation that plates 4a and 4c perform upon the same user input. However, the person skilled in the art will understand that each sprocket wheel 18 may be engaged arbitrarily at one side, e.g. the inner side, of the chain or at another side, e.g. the outer side, of the chain, thus rendering the response of each plate to user input also arbitrary.

[0051] Figure 2 shows part of figure 1 in more detail and shows hinge point 31a of plate 4a and hinge point 31b of plate 4b. The second manually operable actuating member 12 is configured to cause plate 4a to hinge around hinge point 31a, and around axis 30a, and configured to cause plate 4b to hinge around hinge point 31a, and around axis 30b. Axis 30a may also be referred to as the second axis of plate 4a and axis 30b may also be referred to as the second axis of plate 4b.

[0052] The manually operable actuating member 12 is configured to simultaneously cause plate 4a to perform a third change of orientation and plate 4b to perform a fourth orientation that is different from the third change of orientation. How this works in the depicted embodiment is more clearly visible in figure 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows the device 2 of figure 1 from a different viewpoint and figure 4 shows a detail of figure 3.

[0053] Each plate is namely connected to a respective height adjustment system that is configured to adjust a height of a part of the plate in question relative to its hinge point herewith causing the plate in question to hinge around its hinge point. In the depicted embodiment, the height adjustment system for plate 4a is configured to adjust the height of part 34a of plate 4a (indicated in figure 4) so that plate 4a hinges around hinge point 31a (indicated in figure 2), and around axis 30a (indicated in figure 2). Further, the height adjustment system for plate 4b is configured to adjust the height of part 34b of plate 4b (indicated in figure 4) so that plate 4b hinges around hinge point 31b (indicated in figure 2), and around axis 30b (indicated in figure 2).

[0054] In particular, figure 4 shows that the height adjustment system for plate 4a comprises an attachment 20a and the height adjustment system for plate 4b comprises an attachment 20b. Both attachments 20a and 20b are attached to the second chain 16 and therefore move with the second chain 16. Further, both attachments 20a and 20b are slidably connected to a guiding rod 48 that restricts movement of the attachments in the vertical directions (upwards and downwards). The second manually operable actuating member 12 is configured to drive the second chain 16 via a right angle transmission 23, and via sprocket wheel 15. Part 34a of plate 4a is mechanically connected to attachment 20a, in this case via a support element 36a and support rod 38a, which are more clearly visible in figures 5 and 6. Likewise, part 34b of plate 4b is mechanically connected to attachment 20b via support element 36b and support rod 38b.

[0055] As can be clearly seen in figure 6 for plate 4a, rod 38a is hingedly connected to attachment 20a via hinge element which allows the rod 38 to hinge around axis 42a. Likewise, for the other plates 4b, 4c, 4d, a support rod is hingedly connected to an attachment via a hinge element so that the orientation of the support rod relative to the attachment is variable.

[0056] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate what happens upon a height adjustment system raising a part 34 of a plate 4 relative to hinge point 31 as referred to herein. Figure 7A shows an initial situation in which the plate is horizontal. Figure 7B shows the situation after the attachment 20 has been raised by a movement of chain 16 over a distance h. The plate 4 hinges around hinge point 31, in this case around a universal joint 31. As a result, the plate 4 is positioned at an angle α relative to a horizontal line. Note that the axis 26 around which the plate 4 will rotate if the first manually operable actuating member 10 is operated, remains parallel to the plate 4. Figure 7B further shows that rod 38 changes orientation relative to attachment 20 in that it hinges around hinge part 40. Also, it should be noted that rod 38 is slidably connected to support element 36. In figure 7A the rod 38 extends out of support element 36 at the left side of support element 36 to a greater extent than in figure 7B because the support element 36 is positioned closer to attachment 20 in figure 7A than it is in figure 7B. To this end, the support element 36 comprises a through-hole that may comprise bearings, preferably slide bearings, to allow the rod 38 to slide through the through-hole backwards and forwards.

[0057] Referring back to figure 4, it is shown that attachment 20a is attached to a first part of the chain and attachment 20b is attached to a second part of the chain so that upon a rotation of turning wheel 12, attachments 20a and 20b move in opposite vertical directions. As depicted in figure 4, if the turning wheel 12 is, as viewed in the -y direction, rotated clockwise around axis 46, then it drives, via right angle transmission 23, sprocket wheel 15, as viewed in the x direction, counter-clockwise around axis 32. The sprocket wheel 15 drives the second chain 16 such that the left part of the chain 16, as viewed in the x direction, moves downwards while the right part of the chain moves upwards as also indicated by the arrows. Since attachment 20a is attached to the right side of the chain, it will move upwards herewith raising part 34a relative to the hinge point 31a. Further, since the attachment 20b is attached to the left side of the chain, it will move downwards herewith lowering part 34b relative to hinge point 31b. Hence, in the depicted embodiment, once a player has completed plate 4a and starts with plate 4b, the player will have to become used to how the plate 4b responds to the second manually operable actuating member 12. The same user input will namely lead to a different response of plates 4a and 4b.

[0058] As clearly visible in figure 3, for plate 4c, the attachment 20c is engaged with the chain 16 at the left side of the chain and for plate 4d, the attachment 20d is engaged with the chain at the right side of the chain. As a result, upon some user input, e.g. a counter-clockwise rotation of turning wheel 12, as viewed in the -y direction, will simultaneously, as viewed in the -y direction, cause plates 4a and 4d to hinge around their respective hinge points in the clockwise direction and cause plates 4b and 4c to hinge around their respective hinge points in the counter-clockwise direction. Of course, it will be appreciated that it can be arbitrarily chosen for each plate whether its attachment 20 is engaged at the left side of the chain or the right side of the chain, meaning that the response of each plate to a user input into second manually operated actuating member 12 can be arbitrarily selected.

[0059] If the skill game is embodied as a relatively large device, then one person may for example control the first manually operable actuating member, optionally using both hands, and another person may control the second manually operable actuating member. Yet another person or persons may then instruct the two persons how to operate the actuating members.

Claims

1. A skill game device comprising a plurality of plates, wherein each plate has an adjustable orientation for causing a ball to move over the plate in question from a start area to a target area, the plurality of plates comprising a first plate and a second plate, and a control system for simultaneously controlling the respective orientations of the plurality of plates, wherein the control system comprises a first manually operable actuating member that is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform a first change of orientation and the second plate to perform a second change of orientation, wherein the second change of orientation is different from the first change of orientation.

2. The skill game according to claim 1, wherein the control system comprises a second manually operable actuating member that is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform a third change of orientation and the second plate to perform a fourth change of orientation, wherein the fourth change of orientation is different from the third change of orientation.

3. The skill game according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of plates comprises a third plate, wherein the first manually operable actuating member is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the first change of orientation and the second plate to perform the second change of orientation and the third plate to perform the first or second or third or fourth change of orientation.

4. The skill game according to any of the preceding claims, wherein plurality of plates comprises a or the third plate, wherein the control system comprises a or the second manually operable actuating member that is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the third change of orientation and the second plate to perform the fourth change of orientation and the third plate to perform the first or second or third or fourth change of orientation.

5. The skill game device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the plurality of plates comprises a fourth plate, wherein the first manually operable actuating member is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the first change of orientation and the second plate to perform the second change of orientation and the third plate to perform the first change of orientation and the fourth plate to perform the second change of orientation, and / or wherein the control system comprises a or the second manually operable actuating member that is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the third change of orientation and the second plate to perform the fourth change of orientation and the third plate to perform the fourth change of orientation and the fourth plate to perform the third change of orientation.

6. The skill game device according to claim 2 and optionally according to any of the other preceding claims, wherein the second change of orientation is substantially opposite to the first change of orientation and the fourth change of orientation is substantially opposite the third change of orientation.

7. The skill game device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each plate out of the plurality of plates is associated with a first axis of rotation, wherein for each plate out of the plurality of plates, the first change of orientation is a rotation around its first axis of rotation and the second change of orientation is a rotation around its first axis of rotation.

8. The skill game device according to the preceding claim, wherein each plate out of the plurality of plates is associated with a second axis of rotation that is different from the first axis of rotation, wherein for each plate out of the plurality of plates, the third change of orientation is a rotation around its second axis of rotation and the fourth change of orientation is a rotation around its second axis of rotation.

9. The skill game device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each plate is connected to a rotatable shaft that is parallel to the plate in question, wherein the first manually operated actuating member is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the first change of orientation and the second plate to perform the second change of orientation in that it is configured to simultaneously cause the rotatable shaft of the first plate to rotate around its first axis of rotation in a clockwise or, respectively, counter-clockwise direction as viewed in a direction along the first plate's rotatable shaft towards a point where the rotatable shaft is driven and the rotatable shaft of the second plate to rotate around its first axis of rotation in a counter-clockwise or, respectively, clockwise direction as viewed in a direction along the second plate's rotatable shaft towards a point where the rotatable shaft is driven.

10. The skill game device according to claim 9, wherein the control system comprises a chain and a plurality of sprocket wheels engaged with the chain, wherein the first manually operated actuating member is configured to drive the chain, wherein the rotatable shaft of the first plate is drivably connected to a first sprocket wheel out of the plurality of sprocket wheels, and the rotatable shaft of the second plate is drivably connected to a second sprocket wheel out of the plurality of sprocket wheels, wherein the first sprocket wheel is engaged with the chain at a different side of the chain than the second sprocket wheel so that a movement of the chain causes the first and second sprocket wheel to rotate in different directions.

11. The skill game device according to any of the preceding claim 8 - 10, wherein each plate is configured to hinge around a respective hinge point, wherein for each plate, the second axis of rotation is a horizontal axis of rotation through the hinge point, wherein for each plate, as viewed from a top view, the second axis of rotation makes an angle with the first axis of rotation, preferably the angle being between 75 and 105 degrees, more preferably between 85 and 95 degrees, such as 90 degrees.

12. The skill game device according to according to claim 2 and optionally according to any of the other preceding claims, wherein each plate is configured to hinge around a or the respective hinge point, wherein each plate is connected to a respective height adjustment system that is configured to adjust a height of a part of the plate in question relative to the hinge point herewith causing the plate in question to hinge around its hinge point, wherein the second manually operated actuating member configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the third change of orientation and the second plate to perform the fourth change of orientation in that it is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate's height adjustment system to lower or, respectively, raise the part of the first plate relative to the first plate's hinge point and the second plate's height adjustment system to raise or, respectively, lower the part of the second plate relative to the second plate's hinge point.

13. The skill game device according to the preceding claim, wherein the control system comprises a second chain and a plurality of attachments attached to the chain, wherein the second manually operated actuating member is configured to drive the second chain, wherein the part of the first plate is mechanically connected to a first attachment out of the plurality of attachments and the part of the second plate is mechanically connected to a second attachment out of the plurality of attachments, wherein the first attachment is attached to a first part of the second chain and the second attachment is attached to a second part of the second chain, different from the first part, wherein the second chain is positioned such that when it is driven, the first part of the second chain and the second part of the second chain move in substantially opposite direction, preferably opposite vertical directions.

14. The skill game device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plates out of the plurality of plates are positioned one below the other, the plurality of plates comprising a bottom plate that is positioned lowest, wherein each plate that is not the bottom plate comprises a through-hole at the target area such that the ball falls through the through-hole of the plate in question onto a plate below the plate in question when the ball reaches the target area.

15. The skill game device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control system comprises a first motor, such as a stepper motor or servomotor, configured to drive the first plate to perform the first change of orientation and comprises a second motor, such as a stepper motor or servomotor, configured to drive the second plate to perform the second change of orientation, wherein the first manually operable is configured to simultaneously cause the first plate to perform the first change of orientation and the second plate to perform the second change of orientation by simultaneously sending control signals to the first and second motor.

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