Tabletop Entertainment Apparatus

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for amusement or entertainment that is portable and capable of being played in the confines of an indoor space. The apparatus employs a striking means to propel a projectile from a launching zone down a target surface and toward one or more targets. The invention can be adapted into either single player or multiplayer embodiments and is conducive to being played in crowded, noisy, and social environments.

Claims

1. An entertainment apparatus, comprising: a target surface comprising a top face and a target region, wherein the target region further comprises one or more targets; the one or more targets comprise one or more holes, gaps, notches, or combinations thereof in the top face of the target surface; and each of the one or more targets further comprise a diameter of between about inch to about 1 inches; one or more launching zones, wherein each launching zone is configured to support a projectile; and a striking means associated with each launching zone, wherein each striking means is configured to strike the projectile and propel the projectile from the launching zone toward the target region.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a striking means support structure associated with each striking means; the striking means support structure comprising two side supports and a top support that continues horizontally from one side support to an opposite side support.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the striking means comprises a striker block pivotally attached to the top support of the striking means support structure.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the target surface further comprises two ends with a launching zone at each end and a single target region disposed near the center of the target surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the target surface comprises four arms and four launching zones and a single target region disposed near the center of the target surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the target region is disposed near the center of the target surface.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the target region is disposed near an end of the target surface.

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the target surface extends upward from the launching zone at an angle from about 1 to about 45.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the angle of the target surface is adjustable.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the target surface comprises outer edges and further comprises walls extending along the outer edges; wherein the walls comprise an interior face and an exterior face.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a transverse supporting member that extends horizontally from the interior face of one wall to the interior face of an opposite wall.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a base on which the target surface is mounted.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the base comprises a notch, hole, slot, or gap, wherein the notch, hole, slot, or gap extends longitudinally across a portion of the base.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a projectile return mechanism configured to catch a projectile that falls through the one or more targets and further configured to allow the projectile to be returned to the front of the apparatus.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more ramps.

19. A method of propelling a projectile toward a target region on an entertainment apparatus comprising: receiving the entertainment apparatus, wherein the entertainment apparatus comprises: a target surface that further comprises the target region; wherein the target region further comprises one or more targets; the one or more targets comprise one or more holes, gaps, notches, or combinations thereof in the top face of the target surface; and each of the one or more targets further comprise a diameter of between about inch to about 1 inches; one or more launching zones; a striking means support structure associated with each launching zone; and a striking means coupled to each striking means support structure; placing the projectile upon a top face of the one or more launching zones; generating and storing potential energy within the striking means; releasing the striking means such that the striking means is directed toward the launching zone, wherein the striking means strikes the projectile; thereby propelling the projectile from the launching zone toward the target region.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: a striking means support structure associated with each striking means, wherein each striking means support structure further comprises two side supports and a top support that continues horizontally from one side support to an opposite side support; each striking means comprises a striker block pivotally attached to the top support of its striking means support structure; and pivoting the striker block in an upward direction generates the potential energy within the striking means.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Certain illustrations are appended hereto to promote a better understanding of the present invention. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only selected exemplary embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of scope, for the inventions can admit to other equally effective embodiments and applications.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a top right perspective view of the amusement apparatus showing the striking means in an elevated position and a projectile resting upon the launching zone.

[0021] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the FIG. 1 apparatus showing the striking means in a dropped position and the projectile traveling along the target surface in the direction of the closed arrow.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the front of the apparatus taken from circle F3 of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the front portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a top view of the the apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a bisected side view of the amusement apparatus wherein the left half is removed. This view is taken from line F6 of FIG. 5.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a side view of the amusement apparatus of FIG. 6 that includes the left half of the apparatus.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a bottom left perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a top, side perspective view of a two-player embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with no walls.

[0030] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with no walls, no base, a ramp, and a plurality of targets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Abbreviations and Definitions

[0031] Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate manner.

[0032] The singular forms a, an, and the include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The use of the word a or an when used in conjunction with the term comprising in the claims and/or the specification can mean one, but it is also consistent with the meaning of one or more, at least one, and one or more than one.

[0033] Wherever any of the phrases for example, such as, including and the like are used herein, the phrase and without limitation is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly an example, exemplary and the like are understood to be nonlimiting.

[0034] The term substantially allows for deviations from the descriptor that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term substantially even if the word substantially is not explicitly recited. Therefore, for example, the phrase wherein the lever extends vertically means wherein the lever extends substantially vertically so long as a precise vertical arrangement is not necessary for the lever to perform its function.

[0035] The terms comprising and including and having and involving (and similarly comprises, includes, has, and involves) and the like are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patent law definition of comprising and is therefore interpreted to be an open term meaning at least the following, and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, etc. Thus, for example, a process involving steps a, b, and c means that the process includes at least steps a, b and c. Wherever the terms a or an are used, one or more is understood, unless such interpretation is nonsensical in context.

[0036] As used herein the term about can mean approximately, roughly, around, or in the region of. When the term about is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term about is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of twenty percent up or down (higher or lower).

[0037] In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention relates generally to an apparatus for amusement and entertainment comprising a target surface 1, one or more launching zones 5, and a striking means 10.

[0038] The targets surface 1 comprises a target region 30. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-8 and 10-11, the target surface 1 comprises a front edge, a front portion 150, a back portion 250, a top face, and bottom face. In these embodiments, the target region 30 is disposed closer to the back portion 250 of the target surface 1 than the front portion 150 of the target surface 1. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, the target region 30 can be disposed at a central location along the target surface. Such a central target region is particularly useful for multi-player versions of the game.

[0039] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-8 and 10, the launching zone 5 is situated along the front edge of the target surface 1. The launching zone 5 is configured such that a projectile 20 can rest thereon. The projectile 20 can rest either horizontally or vertically upon the launching zone 5. As shown in FIGS. 1 & 6, the launching zone 5 can be configured such that, when resting thereon, the projectile 20 extends beyond the outer edge of the launching zone 20. The projectile 20 can be a ball, disk, coin, bean bag, or any other object known by those skilled in the art to be suitable for tossing or launching in such game apparatuses. In preferred embodiments, the projectile is a coin.

[0040] The angles disclosed below are in relation to the surface on which the embodiment sits including but not limited to a tabletop, a floor, the ground, or any other surface on which a game of this type can be played. In embodiments, the target surface 1 extends upward, starting from the launching zone 5 at an angle of between 1 and 85. The angle can be between 10 and 60, between 10 and 30, or between 10 and 15. Alternatively, the angle of the target surface 1 can be between 1 and 10. The angle can be about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, or about 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the target surface 1 can be substantially level with the playing surface. In still other embodiments, the angle of the target surface 1 can be adjustable (described below). The target surface 1 of embodiments can further comprise one or more ramps, trenches, holes, or combinations thereof disposed between the launching zone 5 and the target region 30.

[0041] The target region 30 comprises one or more targets 35. FIG. 1-10 embodiments comprise a single target 35; whereas FIG. 11 provides an exemplary embodiment that comprises multiple targets 35. Embodiments can comprise twenty-five or more targets 35. Some embodiments can comprise up to ten targets 35. Alternatively, certain embodiments can comprise up to five targets 35. Some target regions 30 can comprise up to three targets 35. Embodiments comprise nine targets, eight targets, seven targets, six targets, five targets, four targets, three targets, two targets, or one target. In embodiments, the targets 35 can be printed, etched, painted, engraved, inscribed, impressed on the target surface 1, or combinations thereof. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-11, the targets 35 comprise holes, gaps, notches, or combinations thereof in the top face of the target surface. The holes gaps, notches, or combinations thereof can extend partially or completely through the target surface 1. In embodiments with multiple targets 35, the target size can be uniform or can vary from target to target. The targets 35 can comprise a diameter suitable to receive any denomination of U.S. coin currency that has been in circulation since the early 1900s. In certain embodiments, the diameter of each target 35 is between about inch and about 5 inches, inclusive. The targets 35 can have diameters of between about inch and about 3 inches, inclusive. Alternatively, the targets 35 can have diameters between about inch and about 1 1/12 inches, inclusive. In certain embodiments, the diameters of the targets 35 are about 1 inch.

[0042] Embodiments also comprise a striking means support structure 15 associated with each striking means 10. In a non-limiting example of FIG. 3, the striking means support structure 15 comprises two side supports 12, 13 and a top support 14 that continues horizontally from one side support 12 to an opposite side support 13. The striking means support structure 15 can be attached to the top face of the target surface 1 or any other surface such that the striking means 10 strikes the projectile 20 and propels the projectile 20 from the launching zone 5 toward the target region 30. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-8, the striking means support structure 15 is attached to the top of the side walls 40, 41. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 9-11, the striking means support structure 15 is attached to the top face of the target surface 1, being disposed thereon within about one inch from the front edge of the target surface 1 and extending upward from the target surface 1.

[0043] In various exemplary embodiments, the striking means 10 comprises a hammer, a club, a striker block, a bat, or any other striking means that can be suitable for use in the game apparatus. As show in FIG. 6, the striking means 10 can be pivotally attached to the top support of the striking means support structure 15. The striking means 10 can comprise a top, bottom, a front face, a back face, and two side faces. In the FIG. 3 embodiment, the striking means comprises a hole 11 that extends through the side faces of the striking means 10; wherein the hole is configured to receive the top support 14 of the striking means support structure 15. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, the side supports of the striking means support structure 15 are so dimensioned that the front face of the bottom portion of the striking means 10 abuts the launching zone 5 when in a resting position. The striking means support structure 15 and the associated striking means 10 can be configured such that, when the striking means 10 is pivoted away from the target surface 1 the bottom of the striking means moves in an upward direction, and the potential energy of the striking means 10 increases as the bottom of the striking means 10 is pivoted to an elevated position (FIGS. 1, and 3-8). When released from the elevated position, the striking means 10 generates kinetic energy through gravitational forces as the striking means 10 pivots back to its resting position (FIG. 2). Immediately prior to reaching the resting position, the bottom portion of the front face of the striking means 10 is configured to strike the portion of the projectile 20 that extends beyond the front edge of the launching zone 5. Upon striking the projectile 20, the kinetic energy of the striking means 10 is transferred to the resting projectile 10, which propels the projectile 10 toward the target region 30 (FIG. 2). Alternatively, any suitable means of generating potential energy in the striking means 10 can be utilized. By way of example only, the alternate means can include: generating elastic potential energy through spring-loaded mechanisms or relying on electrical potential energy generated from placing a charged striking means inside of an electrical field.

[0044] In the FIGS. 9-11 embodiments, the striking means support structure fits into holes 17 that extend through a portion of the top face of the target surface 1, wherein the holes are configured to receive the two side arms 12, 13 of the striking means support structure 15. In embodiments, the striking means 10 can be removable. In alternate embodiments, the striking means is permanently affixed to the apparatus.

[0045] The embodiments of FIGS. 1-8 comprise walls 40-42 with exterior faces, interior faces, and top faces. The embodiments of FIGS. 1-8, comprise side walls 40, 41 and back walls 42, creating an enclosure that surrounds the target surface 1 while leaving an opening for the launching zone 5 and striking means 10. Alternatively, walls can be placed along the sides only, leaving the ends of the target surface 1 open. In the FIG. 9-11 embodiments, no walls surround the target surface 1.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the walls 40-42 extend vertically beyond the target surface. The walls 40-42 can extend up to about two times higher than the highest point of the target surface 1. Alternatively the walls 40-42 can extend up to about one and half times the highest point of the target surface 1. Embodiments comprise walls 40-42 that are substantially the same height as the highest point of the target surface 1. In still other embodiments, the highest point of the target surface 1 extends vertically above the walls 40-42.

[0047] In embodiments with walls the striking means support structure 15 can be either attached to the target surface 1 as previously described or, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, attached to the top face or interior faces of the side wall members 40, 41.

[0048] Embodiments with walls can also comprise a transverse supporting member 45 that extends horizontally from the interior face of one side wall 40 to the interior face of an opposite side wall 41. This supporting member 45 provides additional support to the side walls 40, 41. In the FIG. 6 embodiment, the supporting member 45 comprises a bottom face and is attached to the side walls 40, 41 such that the bottom face of the supporting member 45 is situated directly above the launching zone 5. When so situated, the space between the bottom face of the supporting member 45 and the top face of the launching zone 5 defines a slot 25 such that the projectile 20 can rest horizontally on the top face of launching zone 5 and under the bottom face of the transverse supporting member 45.

[0049] As seen in FIGS. 1-10, certain exemplary embodiments comprise a base 50. In embodiments, the target surface 1 is mounted upon the base 50. As shown in FIG. 11, the apparatus can also be provided without a base, wherein the target surface 1 rests directly upon the playing surface.

[0050] In embodiments with a base 50, the target surface 1 can be mounted directly to the base 50 or mounted on supports 60 that elevate the target surface 1 above the base 50. FIGS. 6, 8-10 illustrate embodiments wherein a single support 60 is positioned between the target surface 1 and the base 50 to provide the upward angle of the target surface 1. In addition, the walls 40-42 described above can be affixed directly to the base (FIGS. 1-8). In certain embodiments, the striking means support structure 15 is attached directly to the base 50. The base 50 can be continuous across the entire apparatus, or, as shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 8, the base can comprise a notch, hole, slot, or gap 55 that extends longitudinally across a portion of the base 50.

[0051] A base 50 is particularly useful in embodiments wherein the angle of the target surface 1 is adjustable. In these embodiments, a hinging mechanism (not shown) can be utilized wherein the hinging mechanism is attached to or integrated with bottom face of the launching zone 5. The target surface 1 can be angled along this hinging mechanism and one or more target surface support mechanisms 60 of varying thickness can be placed under the target surface 1 at multiple locations along the bottom face of the target surface 1 to adjust the angle. Alternatively, the aforementioned walls 40-42 of the apparatus can comprise notches within each wall (not shown). These notches can provide support for the target surface 1 at varying angles and allow for adjustment of the angle. The support notches can be used alone or in combination with the hinging mechanism previously mentioned. Alternative methods for providing an adjustable angle will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art.

[0052] Embodiments can also comprise a projectile return mechanism (not shown), which is particularly useful for embodiments wherein the targets 35 comprise one or more holes, gaps, notches, or combinations thereof. The projectile return mechanism can be disposed underneath the target surface 1 and extends from under the target region 30 to the launching zone 5. The projectile return mechanism is configured to catch a projectile 20 that falls through the targets 35 and return the projectile to the front 150 of the apparatus. Alternatively, the projectile return mechanism can extend to a region just below the launching zone 5. In embodiments with a base 50, the projectile return mechanism can be configured to fit within a notch, hole, slot, or gap 55 that extends longitudinally across a portion of the base 50. In certain embodiments, the projectile return mechanism is angled downward in relation to the target surface 1 such that the projectile 20 slides gravitationally along the return mechanism and back to the launching zone 5. The projectile return mechanism can also comprise a conveyor belt or other means for carrying the projectile 20 back to the launching zone 5. The downward angle or conveyor belt can be used alone or in combination to enable the projectile return mechanism to function properly.

[0053] Embodiments of the apparatus can be configured for a single player or for two or more players. In the single player embodiments of FIGS. 1-8, 10, & 11, there is a single launching zone 5, a single striking means 10, and one or more targets 35. In multiplayer embodiments, the target surface 1 comprises one or more arms, two or more launching zones 5, two or more striking means 10, and one or more targets 35. Multiplayer embodiments can be configured for two to eight players. FIG. 9 shows a two-player embodiment comprising a target surface 1 with a single arm and two ends wherein a launching zone 5.1, 5.2 and striking means 10.1, 10.2 are disposed at both ends. In embodiments for three or more players, the number of target surface 1 arms corresponds to the maximum number of players. By way of example, in a four-player embodiment, the apparatus comprises four arms, each arm comprising its own launching zone 5 and its own striking means 10. Similarly, in a six-player embodiment, the apparatus comprises six arms, each arm comprising its own launching zone 5 and its own striking means 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the launching zones 5.1, 5.2 in multiplayer embodiments are disposed on the ends of the arms that are distal to the target region 30.

[0054] Exemplary embodiments, such as the FIG. 11 embodiment, comprise one or more ramps 70. The one or more ramps 70 can comprise a front end 72 and a back end 75. The front end 72 of the one or more ramps 70 is disposed toward the launching zone 5, and the back end 75 of the one or more ramps 70 is disposed toward the target region 30. In certain embodiments, the launching zone 5 is disposed upon the front end 72 of the one or more ramps 70. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the launching zone 5 is disposed on the front 72 end of the ramp 70, and, beginning at the launching zone 5, the ramp extends upward at an angle from the target surface 1. The ramp 70 is configured such that, after being propelled by the striking means 10 and reaching the back end 75 of the ramp 70, the projectile 20 is momentarily suspended in the air before landing on the target surface 1. The ramp 70 can extend upward from the target surface 1 at various angles between 1 and 85. The angle can be between 10 and 60, between 10 and 30, or between 10 and 15. Alternatively, the angle of the ramp 70 can be between 1 and 10. The angle can be about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, or about 10. Alternatively, the ramp 70 can be substantially level with the target surface 1. In still other embodiments, the angle of the ramp 70 can be adjustable. Ramps 70 with an adjustable angle can utilize a multitude of mechanisms to achieve the desired angle. These mechanisms can include, but are not limited to, the hinging and notching mechanisms described above in relation to the adjustable angle of the target surface 1.

[0055] A sound-insulating material can be applied to various surfaces of the entertainment apparatus to reduce the noise associated with use of the entertainment apparatus. The sound-insulating material can be in the form of a coating or layer of sound-insulating material along the surfaces of the apparatus. The sound insulating material can be placed along the entire surface of the entertainment apparatus. Alternatively, the sound insulating material can only partially cover the apparatus or portions of the apparatus. In one aspect, sound insulating material is placed around or on regions of increased impact. Such regions include but are not limited to the target region, targets, the target surface, the portion of the base disposed beneath the target region, the walls, or the striking means. Sound insulation is particularly useful in embodiments that comprise a ramp as described above. The sound-insulating material can be comprised of carpeting, polypropolene, silicon, rubber, combinations thereof, or any other suitable material that would be apparent to one skilled in the art of soundproofing.

[0056] It will be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art that the apparatus described herein can be readily modified to any size suitable for indoor play or enlarged for outdoor game play. The apparatus can be constructed of metal, plastic, cardboard, wood, combinations thereof, or any other suitable material currently known or later developed or combinations of material that would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art.

Equivalents

[0057] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific substances and procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention, and are covered by the following claims.