Shuffleboard games including a lightweight shuffleboard

Abstract

Shuffleboard games comprising a lightweight shuffleboard One aspect of the invention relates to a shuffleboard game comprising: shuffleboards (A1, A2, A2', A3, A3'), a shuffleboard board (P, P1, P2, P3) comprising: a rigid plate (1, 1', 1'', 1''') of a material of lower density than lead, comprising a lower surface (15, 15') and an upper surface (16) opposite the lower surface (15, 15'), a cushioning base (2, 2', 2'', 2''') comprising: a foam layer (21, 21'') of polyurethane, comprising a lower surface (25, 25'') fixed on the upper surface (16) of the rigid plate (1, 1', 1'', 1'''), and an upper surface (26) opposite the lower surface (25, 25''). The base further comprising a cut protection covering layer (22, 22''') covering at least the upper surface (26) of the foam layer (21).Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Puck games comprising a lightweight puck board TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of puck games.

[0002] The present invention relates to a puck board and in particular to a board of Vendée-type pucks. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There are various games and sports of agility and precision, including the game of pucks. A game of pucks consists of pucks and a board also called a rectangular or square plate or plate.

[0004] There are classically two types of puck games depending on the material of the board and the type of pucks used. In the case of a Breton type puck game, the board is made of wood and the pucks are made of cast iron. In the case of a Vendée type puck game, the board is made of lead, and the pucks are either cast iron or brass.

[0005] Pucks are substantially flat, circular pieces. A puck game consists of pairs of different numbered or colored pucks, and one of the pucks is smaller in volume and is called the "master." The master and pucks are typically either all cast iron or all brass. The master is first thrown onto the board, then each player throws their numbered pucks by hand onto the board so that their pucks are closest to the master.

[0006] When the board used is made of lead, its mass depending on its size (from 40cmx40cm to 45cmx45cm) and its thickness (approximately 7mm to 10mm) is approximately 13kg to 25kg depending on its volume. The very high mass of the board poses significant problems during transport and installation of the board before starting the game, especially when it is used by children because it is difficult for them to move it. In addition, the use of lead has a significant ecological impact, particularly concerning CO2 emissions during the production and recycling of the board, but also due to the release of lead particles into nature during the use of the board.

[0007] The lead board has the advantage, compared to the wooden board, of absorbing the shock between the puck and the board and therefore reducing the noise but also the rebound, thus facilitating the placement of the puck on the board. Generally, the wooden board is larger, for example approximately 70cmx70cm, than that of a lead board which is between 40 / 40cm and 45cm / 45cm. The wooden board therefore has the disadvantage of being bulky.

[0008] A board is known comprising a 2mm thick lead plate and underneath, a plate made of a material having a rigidity greater than that of lead but lighter such as aluminum, steel and a plastic material, such as polypropylene, polystyrene or polyurethane. However, the lead plate still has an ecological impact and also has a mass of about 7-8kg, which is still too heavy for children.

[0009] The present inventor therefore sought a solution to the problem of the mass of a Vendée-type puck board, in particular because of the use of lead, while maintaining good behavior of the pucks when they are received on the puck game board. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention offers a solution to the problems mentioned above, by making it possible to play pucks, in particular Vendée pucks, with a lighter and more eco-responsible board than that of the prior art.

[0011] One aspect of the invention relates to a puck game comprising: • pucks, • a shuffleboard game board including: • a rigid plate made of a material of lower density than lead, comprising a lower surface and an upper surface opposite the lower surface, and • a depreciation base.

[0012] The cushioning base comprises a polyurethane foam layer, comprising a lower surface attached to the upper surface of the rigid plate, and a cut-resistant protective coating layer covering the foam layer.

[0013] Thanks to the invention, the puck board is free of lead, allowing for a board that is significantly lighter than a lead board. Indeed, such a board allows for an iso volume, a board that is significantly lighter than one made entirely of lead, in this case with a mass of between 3 kg and 5 kg, in particular 3.5 kg. Indeed, the polyurethane foam allows for the formation of a shock absorber for a puck similar to that of lead. The coating layer prevents damage to the polyurethane foam. The rigid plate prevents deformation of its surface facing the ground, even if the latter is irregular, to ensure a flat external surface of the anti-cut protection coating layer. Indeed, without this rigid plate, this flat external surface of the anti-cut protection coating layer would deform depending on the uneven flatness of the ground.

[0014] A foam layer comprises only foam but can be formed by one or more foam blocks of different densities.

[0015] Thus, this board is free of lead which, according to the aspect of the invention, makes it possible to reduce the ecological impact both on CO2 production and soil pollution.

[0016] The rigid plate has a rigidity greater than that of the damping base.

[0017] The pucks can be made of any material, including steel, cast iron or brass.

[0018] In addition to the characteristics which have just been mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the puck game according to one aspect of the invention may have one or more complementary characteristics among those described in the following paragraphs, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations:

[0019] According to one embodiment, the rigid plate is a metal plate: The metal plate has the advantage of having a reduced thickness;

[0020] According to an example of this embodiment, the metal plate comprises a thickness of between 1.1mm and 3mm, in particular 1.5mm: It has been noted that a 1mm thick metal plate is not rigid enough for a board surface of between 40cmx40cm and 45cmx45cm. Beyond 3mm thickness, the metal plate begins to be too heavy for a child.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the rigid plate comprises at least three feet forming a projection relative to the lower surface of the rigid plate: the feet make it possible to adapt to non-flat terrain.

[0022] According to an example of this embodiment, the board may include removable pads mounted on the feet of the rigid plate, the pads each having a coefficient of friction greater than that of the foot of the rigid plate on a flat floor. This makes it possible to prevent the board from sliding on the floor when receiving the puck.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the rigid plate comprises holes each housing a projection of the foam layer. This makes it possible to maintain the foam layer relative to the rigid plate at different locations on the board, in particular against a shear force during an impact with a puck on the covering layer.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the board further comprises a peripheral holding means making it possible to hold the rigid plate and the damping base together against a shear force caused during an impact with one of the pucks. This makes it possible to hold the foam layer relative to the rigid plate over the entire periphery, in particular against a shear force during an impact with a puck on the covering layer.

[0025] According to an example of this embodiment, the holding means is an elastic rubber seal surrounding the peripheral edges of the rigid plate and the peripheral edges of the cushioning base. This solution allows for simplicity and disassembly for changing layers if necessary. However, this solution includes areas (part of the joint) on the playing face of the board that are not playable and the joint can be damaged by a puck.

[0026] According to a variant of this example, the holding means comprises a plurality of peripheral openings in the rigid plate each running along a portion of a peripheral edge of the rigid plate and the foam layer comprises a plurality of protrusions relative to the lower surface of the foam layer, each protrusion being housed in a corresponding peripheral opening. This solution makes it possible to have a maximum playing surface of the covering layer over the entire board. In addition, it also makes it possible to change the layer if necessary.

[0027] According to another variant of this example, the holding means comprises a plurality of holding openings in the rigid plate and a plurality of holding elements each comprising: • a first wall covering part of the rigid plate and comprising at least one fixing stud housed in the holding opening, • a second wall covering part of the damping base, • a third wall covering part of the peripheral edge of the plate rigid and a portion of the peripheral edge of the damping layer, the third wall extending from the first and second walls connecting them. This solution is a simple and inexpensive solution but includes areas (the second wall) on the playing face of the non-playable board. Furthermore, in this solution, the pucks can damage the plurality of elements during an impact when throwing pucks.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the rigid plate comprises a first and second loop each projecting from the lower surface formed by stamping and cutting, the board further comprising a strip comprising a first and a second end each secured respectively to the first and second loops of the rigid plate. This solution makes it easy to transport the board.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the foam layer is a polyurethane layer with a density of between 20g / L and 40g / L. After carrying out different tests on boards having different structures including different densities, this density rate makes it possible to have a rebound of the pucks on the board very close to that on a lead board.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the covering layer is a felt layer made of a mixture of 80% to 95% polyester fiber and 5% to 20% elastane, and in that the foam is overmolded onto the covering layer. This makes it possible to have a covering layer fixed on the foam layer and to have good resistance to the cut to protect the foam layer while maintaining cushioning close to that of a lead board.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the covering layer only covers the upper surface of the foam layer. This makes it possible to avoid a wave effect on the foam layer. Indeed, it has been noted that by covering the peripheral edge of the foam layer with the covering layer, the damping base could exhibit deformation.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the foam layer is between 1 mm and 6 mm thick.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the coating layer is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm thick.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the foam layer is a single piece and comprises a uniform density. According to another example, the foam layer comprises at least two foam blocks of different densities.

[0035] Another aspect of the invention relates to a puck game board comprising: • a lower face for facing the ground and an upper playing face for receiving the pucks, the playing face being rectangular, in particular preferably square, and comprising a surface dimension of between 35cmx35cm and 75cmx75cm, preferably with the dimensions 40cmx40cm or 45cmx45cm or 70cmx70cm, • a rigid plate made of a material of density lower than lead, comprising a lower surface forming at least part of the lower face and an upper surface opposite the lower surface, • a depreciation base including: • a layer of polyurethane foam, comprising a lower surface fixed on the upper surface of the rigid plate, • a layer of anti-cut protective coating covering the foam layer comprising an upper surface forming at least 95% of the upper playing face.

[0036] The invention and its various applications will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0037] The figures are presented for information purposes only and in no way limit the invention.

[0038] [Fig.l] shows a schematic representation according to a side view of a board of a puck game according to a first embodiment of the invention and pucks.

[0039] [Fig.2] shows a schematic representation according to a top view of a board of a puck game according to the first embodiment of the invention and pucks.

[0040] [Fig.3] shows a schematic representation in exploded view of a board of a game of pallets according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0041] [Fig.4a] shows a schematic representation according to a top view of a board of a puck game according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0042] [Fig.4b] shows a schematic representation according to a section of the board of a puck game according to the third embodiment of the invention.

[0043] [Fig.5a] shows a schematic representation according to a three-dimensional view of a board of a puck game according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0044] [Fig.5b] shows a schematic representation along a section of the board of a puck game according to the fourth embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The figures are presented for information purposes only and in no way limit the invention.

[0046] [Fig.l] shows a schematic representation according to a side view of a puck game according to a first embodiment of the invention. The puck game comprises a board P and pucks A1, A2, A2'. In particular, a smaller puck A1, called master or the small one, is placed on a playing face Pj of the board P, a first puck of a player A2 is placed on this face Pj also on the board P and a second puck of the same player A2' is shown when it hits the board P. These pucks can be made of brass or cast iron or even steel or even composite.

[0047] [Fig.2] shows a schematic representation according to a top view of the board P with two other pucks A3, A3' from another player placed on the board P.

[0048] The board P is lead-free but comprises a rigid plate 1 having a density lower than that of lead. In this example, the rigid plate is a metal plate 1, in this case 1.5 mm thick and with a square surface area of 45 cm x 45 cm but could have another dimension, for example a surface area of 40 cm x 40 cm and a thickness of between 1.1 mm and 3 mm. It could also be made of another material, for example plastic or wood but this would involve increasing the thickness and potentially the weight of the board P.

[0049] By rigid plate is meant a plate which comprises a rigidity greater than that of the damping base to allow the board to be held without flexing (visually to the naked eye) when it is held by a hand on one side.

[0050] The board P further comprises a damping base 2 which together absorbs the shock of the pucks striking the board P in a similar manner to a lead board. Thus, such a board P dampens the pucks A2, A2', A1 better than a wooden board of pucks.

[0051] The board P comprises a lower face Ps corresponding in this mode of realization connection to a lower surface 15 of the rigid plate 1 to be placed on the ground. This lower surface 15 is in this case a flat surface.

[0052] The rigid plate 1 further comprises an upper surface 16 opposite the lower surface 15. The upper surface is covered, in this case, entirely by the damping base 2.

[0053] The damping base 2 comprises a layer of polyurethane foam 21, here in this case in a single block with a density of 30g / L (grams per liter) but could be between 20g / L and 40g / L.

[0054] The foam layer 21 comprises an upper surface 26 and, opposite, a lower surface 25 fixed to the upper surface 16 of the rigid plate. The fixing can be in this example by gluing.

[0055] The cushioning base 2 comprises a layer of anti-cut protection covering 22, in this case completely covering the upper layer 26 of the foam layer 22.

[0056] The covering layer 22 therefore comprises a lower surface 27 fixed to the upper surface 26, covering it completely here. In this example, the foam layer 21 has been overmolded onto the covering layer 22. The covering layer 22 is in this case a layer of felt made from a mixture of 80% to 95%, here 90%, of polyester fiber and 5% to 20%, here 10% of elastane. This coating layer 22 makes it possible to avoid tearing, cutting and plastically deforming the upper surface 26 of the foam layer 22. The coating layer 22 comprises an upper surface 28 corresponding, in this example, entirely to the playing face Pj of the puck board P. In other words, the coating layer 22 comprises mechanical properties making it possible to withstand impacts with the pucks A1, A2, A2', in particular during an impact such as represented by the puck A2'.Indeed, the peripheral edge of a puck Al, A2, A2' is generally an edge with little or no fillet that can cut and plastically deform (leave a mark) a lead or linden-type wood board. Thus, in this example, the coating layer 22 with the foam layer 21 (i.e. the damping base 2), together make it possible to resist tearing and plastic deformation more, during an impact with a peripheral edge of a puck Al, A2, A2', as shown in [Fig.l], than a lead or linden-type wood board. Such a board P therefore has a playing surface with a longer flat lifespan than a lead or wood puck board.

[0057] In [Fig.2], a top view of the board P is shown, i.e. a view of the playing face Pj of the board P, of which two other pucks A3, A3' are placed on the upper surface 28.

[0058] According to other embodiments of a puck game described next, the board PI, P2, P3 is similar to that of the first embodiment except mainly in that it further comprises a peripheral holding means for holding the rigid plate 1' and the damping base 2 relative to each other against a shear force caused during an impact with a puck.

[0059] According in particular to a second embodiment of a puck game whose board PI is shown in exploded view in [Fig.3], the peripheral holding means is a seal 3 surrounding the peripheral edge 13 of the rigid plate 1' and the peripheral edge 23 of the damping base 2'. The seal 3 may have a U-shaped section to further cover a peripheral zone of the lower surface 15 of the rigid plate 1' and an opposite zone of the upper surface 28 of the damping base 2.

[0060] Furthermore, in this example, the rigid plate 1' is different from that of the first embodiment, in that it comprises feet 10, here in this case five, each formed by a plastic deformation of the rigid metal plate 1'. Each foot 10 forms a projection relative to the flat lower surface 15' of the rigid plate 1'. In this example, each foot 10 is formed by plastically deforming the metal plate 1 forming a projection relative to the lower surface 15' forming the foot, surrounding a hole 100, which in this example is through. These holes could also be blind. According to another example, the feet are molded, in particular in the case of a rigid plastic plate, or even machined, for example, in the case of a rigid wooden plate.

[0061] The board may further comprise removable pads, not shown, clippable onto each foot 10. Each pad thus covers one of the corresponding feet 10 and the corresponding hole 100 and are for example made of a material such as EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer).

[0062] The damping base 2' is similar to that of the first embodiment except that the foam layer 21' comprises projections 20 extending from the lower surface 25, each housed in a hole 100 without exceeding the feet 10. This allows the foam layer 21' to improve its resistance to detachment with the rigid plate 1, but also to have a greater thickness in this area to avoid a rebound effect of the puck in this area.

[0063] The rigid plate 1' is further different from that of the first embodiment, in that it further comprises a first and second loop 11 each projecting from the lower surface 15'. The two loops 11 are preferably aligned along a straight line parallel to one side of the peripheral edge 23. Each loop 11 is formed here by stamping and cutting the rigid plate 1 (made of metal), but could be molded in particular in the case of a rigid plastic plate, or even machined for example in the case of a rigid wooden plate. The loops 11 each comprise a height measured between the lower surface 15 and the surface of the loop facing the ground, less than or equal to the height of each foot 10.

[0064] The board PI further comprises a strip, not shown, comprising a first and a second end, each secured respectively to the first and second loop 11 of the rigid plate 1'. This allows it to be easily moved, for example over the shoulder.

[0065] According to a third embodiment of a puck game whose board P2 is shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the board P2 is different from the board PI of the second embodiment only in that the peripheral holding means is different. Thus the board P2 is devoid of the joint 3 but the rigid plate 1” further comprises a plurality of peripheral openings 14 and the foam layer 21 comprises a plurality of protrusions 24 each housed in a corresponding peripheral opening.

[0066] Each peripheral opening 14 is through, from the upper surface to the lower surface 15” of the rigid plate 1”. Each peripheral opening 14 runs along a section of the peripheral edge. The rigid plate 1” comprises in this case a wall 19 arranged between each peripheral opening 14 and the corresponding peripheral section, preferably of small width, for example 1 cm. According to another example of this embodiment not shown, each peripheral opening 14 forms a notch cut in the peripheral edge 13.

[0067] In particular, the rigid plate 1” comprises four arcuate peripheral openings 14a each running along a corner of the rigid plate 1”, and on either side, a portion of the side of the peripheral edge extending from the corner. In particular, the rigid plate 1” comprises four rectilinear peripheral openings 14b arranged between two arcuate peripheral openings 14a.

[0068] Each protrusion 24 extends relative to the lower surface 25 of the foam layer 21 into a peripheral opening.

[0069] In this example of this embodiment, as seen in the sectional view of board P2 of [Fig.4b], each protrusion 24 is clipped into a peripheral opening. In this example, each protrusion 24 has a T-shape. Thus, the base of the T extends from the lower surface 25” of the foam layer 21” and is housed in the corresponding peripheral opening 14. The two teeth extend on either side of the end of the base in two opposite directions and cover a peripheral area of the lower surface 15”, along the corresponding peripheral opening 14.

[0070] Thus in this example, four of the protrusions 24 are located at the corner and comprise a portion extending in an arcuate manner and four other protrusions 24 each comprising a rectilinear shape.

[0071] According to a fourth embodiment of the puck game in [Fig.5a] and [Fig.5b], the board P3 is different from board PI of the second embodiment only in that the peripheral holding means is different and in that the hole 100”' of each leg 10”' is blind. Thus, board P3 is devoid of the joint 3 but further comprises a plurality of holding elements 4. The peripheral holding means further comprises, from the plurality of holding elements 4, a plurality of holding openings 14' passing through the rigid plate 1'” from the upper surface 16”' to the lower surface 15'”.

[0072] In [Fig.5b] representing a portion of the board P3 at a corner, a part of the damping base 2'” is deliberately not shown.

[0073] Each holding element 4 comprises a first wall 41 covering a part of the rigid plate 1'” and comprising at least one fixing stud 41' housed and clipped into the holding opening 14'.

[0074] Each holding element 4 comprises a second wall 42 covering a portion of the damping base layer 2. In this example, the covering layer 22'” comprises on its peripheral edge notches 220”' each corresponding to the shape of the second wall 42 of the holding element 4. Thus, in this example of the holding element 4, the second wall 42 is in contact with the upper surface of the foam layer 21.

[0075] Each holding element 4 finally comprises a third wall 43 covering a part of the peripheral edge 13 of the rigid plate 1'” and a part of the peripheral edge 23 of the damping layer 21. The third wall 43 extends from the first 41 to the second wall 42, connecting them.

[0076] In this example, the board P3 comprises four corner holding elements 4a and four side holding elements 4b. In this case, the four corner holding elements 4a are arched.

[0077] In the various examples of the second, third and fourth embodiments, the corners of the board are arched but could be at right angles.

[0078] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing in different figures has a single reference.

Claims

Claims

1. A shuffleboard game comprising: - shuffleboards (A1, A2, A2', A3, A3'), - a shuffleboard board (P, P1, P2, P3) comprising: • a rigid plate (1, 1', 1”, 1”') made of a material of lower density than lead, comprising a lower surface (15, 15') and an upper surface (16) opposite the lower surface (15, 15'), • a cushioning base (2, 2', 2”, 2'”) comprising:

1. a layer of polyurethane foam (21, 21”), comprising: a. a lower surface (25, 25”) fixed to the upper surface (16) of the rigid plate (1, 1', 1”, 1'”), b. an upper surface (26) opposite the lower surface (25, 25”), 2. a layer of cut-resistant protective covering (22, 22'”) covering at least the upper surface (26) of the foam layer (21).

2. A puck game according to the preceding claim, wherein the rigid plate is a metal plate.

3. A puck game according to the preceding claim, wherein the metal plate (1, 1', 1”, 1”') has a thickness of between 1.1mm and 3mm, in particular 1.5mm.

4. A puck game according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rigid plate (1, 1', 1”, 1'”) comprises at least three feet (10) forming a projection relative to the lower surface (15, 15') of the rigid plate (1, 1', 1”, 1'”).

5. A puck game according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rigid plate (1', 1”, 1'”) comprises holes (100, 12a, 12b, 100') each housing a projection (20) of the foam layer (21', 21”, 21'”).

6. A puck game according to any preceding claim, wherein the board (1', 1”, 1'”) further comprises peripheral holding means (3, 12a, 12b, 24, 14, 14', 4) for holding the rigid plate (1', 1”, 1”') and the damping base (2) together against a shear force caused during an impact with a puck (A1, A2, A2', A3, A3').

7. A puck game according to the preceding claim, wherein the holding means (3) is an elastic rubber seal surrounding the peripheral edges (13) of the rigid plate (1') and the peripheral edges (23) of the damping base (2).

8. A puck game according to claim 6, wherein the holding means (24, 14) comprises a plurality of peripheral openings (14, 14a, 14b) in the rigid plate (1) each running along a portion of a peripheral edge (13) of the rigid plate (1) and the foam layer (21) comprises a plurality of protrusions (24) relative to the lower surface (25”) of the foam layer (21), each protrusion (24) being housed in a corresponding peripheral opening (14).

9. A puck game according to claim 6, wherein the holding means (14', 4) comprises a plurality of holding openings (14') in the rigid plate (1'”) and a plurality of holding elements (4) each comprising: - a first wall (41) covering a portion of the rigid plate (1'”) and comprising at least one fixing stud (41') housed in the holding opening (14'), - a second wall (42) covering a portion of the damping base (2), - a third wall (43) covering a portion of the peripheral edge (13) of the rigid plate (1”') and a portion of the peripheral edge (23) of the damping layer (21), the third wall (43) extending from the first (41) and the second wall (42) connecting them.

10. A puck game according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rigid plate (1', 1”, 1'”) comprises a first and second loop (11) each projecting from the lower surface (15, 15') formed by stamping and cutting, the board (PI, P2, P3) further comprising a strip comprising a first and a second end each secured respectively to the first and second loops (11) of the rigid plate (1', 1”, 1'”).

11. A puck game according to any preceding claim, wherein the foam layer is a polyurethane layer with a density of between 20g / L and 40g / L.

12. A puck game according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover layer (22) is a felt layer made from a mixture of 80% to 95% polyester fiber and 5% to 20% elastane, and wherein the foam is overmolded onto the cover layer.

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