Simulated Game (e.g., Hockey, Soccer, Etc.) Patents (Class 273/108.1)
  • Patent number: 11311796
    Abstract: A toy battle arena game and method for manufacturing an asymmetrical battling stadium providing unique arena having four inclined battling surface curved regions collectively creating an asymmetrical concave bowl-shaped battling stadium for generating unpredictable top action about and around an asymmetrical battling surface for exciting and dynamic game play in a relatively small arena. Four semi-circular or curved inclined surfaces each includes a banked corner and are each defined by arc segment with a radius prescribing a midpoint of each arc segment. Connecting midpoints of each arc segment or partial sphere delineates an irregular quadrilateral in a central area of stadium to collectively create an asymmetrical battling surface which enhances game play by maximizes random and dynamic interactions between actively spinning tops about and around the asymmetrical battling surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: TOMY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Douglas Arthur Schultheis, Luke C Lohan
  • Patent number: 11154769
    Abstract: A battle arena game apparatus with one or more symmetrical side tracks creating a one-way flow pattern that repeatedly exits spinning tops into a middle area of a battling surface to maximize the frequency of collisions between actively spinning tops for enhanced game play and fun for a user. A barrier at an exit of the one or more side tracks prevents the one or more spinning tops from entering the exit of the side tracks creating a one-way flow pattern of the one or more spinning tops from a periphery area of the battling surface to launch into the middle area of the battling surface to continuously engage spinning toy tops in combat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: TOMY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Douglas Arthur Schultheis, Hama Hiroyuki, Saito Shina, Charles Latham Gaines, Luke Lohan
  • Patent number: 10427031
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a game scoring and tracking system, including a playing surface, a projectile, a central unit, at least one speaker, a first corner illuminated indicia, a second corner illuminated indicia, a third corner illuminated indicia, a fourth corner illuminated indicia, a first goal, and a second goal. The first goal and the second goal are configured to receive the projectile from the playing surface. The first goal and the second goal each include an at least one sensor communicatively coupled to the central unit. The at least one sensor detects the projectile entering the applicable goal. The at least one speaker outputs various sounds and the first corner illuminated indicia, the second corner illuminated indicia, the third corner illuminated indicia, and the fourth corner illuminated indicia illuminate in numerous sequences to indicate the status of a game event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Medal Sports (Taiwan) Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin Chunhao Tsai
  • Patent number: 10307663
    Abstract: A cue sport soccer game is disclosed including a playing surface, a first goal, a second goal, and playing pieces. The cue sport soccer game includes one or more indicator objects and/or one or more move indicators. The cue sport soccer game is to be played with a cue stick. The playing pieces include field pieces that are configured to slide on the playing surface strategically when struck by the cue stick. The field pieces may be struck strategically lightly or heavily to cause a game ball to be trajected in a grounded fashion or an elevated fashion respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: Richard Dally Bates
  • Patent number: 10124244
    Abstract: The present invention provides an animated game table for playing games such as Beer Pong (Beruit), that permits individual or group cup movement across a low-friction game surface via magnetic attraction. In one or more embodiments, the animated game table of the present invention utilizes a series of animated magnets placed below the surface of a low-friction game surface to move an one or more magnetically sensitive cups across the top of the low-friction game surface. In some embodiments, the movement of these magnets, and therefore the cups, is controlled by a microprocessor and various movement patterns can be preprogrammed or controlled through a wireless connection to a smart phone or other similar device. In some embodiments, flashing lights and speakers, also controlled by the microprocessor, can be added to increase the excitement and/or difficulty of the game and improve the overall gameplay experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Adam Bellamy
  • Patent number: 10105591
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus, a system, and method for automatically launching roulette balls into a ball track of a roulette wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Haven A. Mercer, Troy D. Nelson, James P. Helgesen, Paul K. Scheper, Jamal Hani Kotifani, Georg Fekete
  • Patent number: 9993713
    Abstract: A green simulation apparatus having a configurable upper surface with a changeable contour may comprise a covering forming the upper surface and a covering support assembly configured to support the covering. The support assembly may comprise a plurality of movable positioning elements having the covering resting thereon and positioned in an array extending in a reference plane and movable along axes extending substantially perpendicular to the reference plane. The support assembly may comprise a movement actuator configured to move at least one of the positioning elements independently of other positioning elements in the array. The plurality of positioning elements may include active positioning elements and passive positioning elements, with the active positioning elements being associated with a movement actuator and the passive positioning elements not being associated with a movement actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: VG Buyer, LLC
    Inventor: Sean Coffman
  • Patent number: 9950247
    Abstract: Pinball machines are described. A method includes detecting an event during a game played at least in part over a surface of a playfield in a pinball machine. The playfield has first and second playfield portions. In response to the event, a playfield reducer located between the first and second portions is electronically activated in a manner sufficient to prevent a pinball from traveling between the first and second playfield portions. A pinball machine includes a playfield reducer that is operable to be in and transition between first and second positions during normal gameplay. When the playfield reducer is in the first position, the pinball is capable of rolling into and out of a portion of the playfield surface, and when the playfield reducer is in the second position, the playfield reducer prevents the pinball from accessing or from leaving the portion of the playfield surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Multimorphic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Stellenberg
  • Patent number: 9750974
    Abstract: The present invention is a rehabilitation and mobility improvement apparatus (RMIA) and method of use for use in providing increased mobility in persons having reduced strength and mobility due to for instance injury or illness. The apparatus is adapted so as to allow a person who could not readily slide or move their arm or other mobility reduced appendage (MRA) to slide or move their MRA, such as across a flat surface such as a table top or a floor, so as to provide exercise for such MRA, and so as to increase strength and mobility in such MRA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventor: Korey K. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 9616332
    Abstract: A game control device includes a direction obtaining unit, a motion data selection unit, and a user character control unit. In a case where a direction designating operation is performed by a user, the direction obtaining unit obtains a relative direction of the direction designated through the direction designating operation relative to the forward direction of a user character. The motion data selection unit selects any of motion data correlated to a type to which the relative direction obtained by the direction obtaining unit belongs from among the motion data stored in a unit that stores a type of a relative direction relative to the forward direction of the user character and a plurality of kinds of motion data so as to be correlated to each other. The user character control unit causes the user character to perform a motion in accordance with the selected motion data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Fujishiro, Ippei Kondo, Tatsuya Ishida, Masaki Nakamura, Kei Masuda
  • Patent number: 9021544
    Abstract: An apparatus for an electronic feedback system designed to work in combination with a television set to enable a viewer to express his or her anger toward televised events by allowing the viewer to vent his or her anger in a physical, satisfying manner, yet do no harm to the television set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Louella Bourbeaux
  • Publication number: 20150091249
    Abstract: A two-sided table game has a game board having a first game playing surface on a first side and a second game playing surface on a second side. Rotatable leg assemblies support the game board above a support surface. When it is desired to play the game on the second side, the rotatable leg assemblies are rotated and the game table is flipped or rotated so that the second game playing surface faces up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Nally
  • Patent number: 8925922
    Abstract: An apparatus for playing a game and particularly a table-top game which represents soccer. The apparatus includes a figure for playing a game comprising a model player fitted to a hollow base (5) wherein the base has at least one opening (2, 3, 4) in communication with the cavity and the player has at least one opening (1) in communication with the cavity, and wherein a ball can enter the cavity through the opening on the base or the opening on the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Dozie Nwanna
  • Publication number: 20140353910
    Abstract: An apparatus for playing a game and particularly a table-top game which represents soccer. The apparatus includes a figure for playing a game comprising a model player fitted to a hollow base (5) wherein the base has at least one opening (2, 3, 4) in communication with the cavity and the player has at least one opening (1) in communication with the cavity, and wherein a ball can enter the cavity through the opening on the base or the opening on the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Dozie NWANNA
  • Patent number: 8888594
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU controls a moving object within a virtual space on the basis of acceleration data and angular velocity data which are transmitted from a controller. For example, before the angular velocity data is above a predetermined magnitude, a position and an orientation of the moving object is controlled on the basis of the angular velocity data. When the angular velocity data is above the predetermined magnitude, an initial velocity of the moving object is decided on the basis of the acceleration data, and a moving direction (orientation) of the moving object is decided on the basis of the angular velocity data. Thereafter, the moving object moves within the virtual space according to a general physical behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Hiratake, Takayuki Shimamura, Yoshikazu Yamashita, Masahiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8727348
    Abstract: An air-blowing assembly of game table, which is installed in a table frame of the game table, includes a face board, an inner board and an air space defined between the boards. One or more flow guide members are arranged in the air space, each flow guide member has multiple lattices arranged in rows. At least one air guide channel is formed on each flow guide member so that at least one lattice row has longitudinal notches and/or lateral notches. Accordingly, the flow guide member has longitudinal and/or transverse airflow passages. A fan is used to blow air into the air space. Under the guide of the air guide channels, the air flows out of the face board from fine orifices thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Zhejiang Elephant Sport Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jason Tsai
  • Patent number: 8726548
    Abstract: An integral greeting card/game is disclosed wherein a multi-panel greeting card also serves as a game board and is combined with a game piece and launch mechanism to create a novel, interactive greeting card. The multi-panel greeting card contains a sound module therein and a magnetic trigger is contained and concealed below one or more of the multiple greeting card panels. The game piece contains a magnet therein so that when the game piece comes into contact with the area of the greeting card above or proximate to the magnetic trigger, playback of an audio file is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corp.
    Inventors: Seth Larson, Tony Begin, David Mayer, John Talbot, Sharon Bogdanski, Mike Gali
  • Patent number: 8645085
    Abstract: A billiard cue stroke simulator includes a wireless acceleration sensing device and a computing system. The wireless acceleration sensing device measures acceleration of a billiard cue along two or more axes of a coordinate system during a stroke of the billiard cue and generates acceleration data including the acceleration data. Additionally, the wireless acceleration sensing device transmits a wireless communication signal including the acceleration data to the computing system. The computing system generates image data indicating movement of the billiard cue during the stroke of the billiard cue based on the acceleration data and displays the image data. In this way, the billiard cue stroke simulator simulates the stroke of the billiard cue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Dustin Lee Morris
  • Patent number: 8616551
    Abstract: The present invention implements the use of tension in interacting cables to maintain control of a table-top. By creating an apparatus designed to replicate an actual sports field, the table-top sports game allows for indoor playing of a popular sport. Also, since the game makes use of hand-eye coordination rather than placing an emphasis on foot-eye coordination, it allows various people, especially those with lower appendage disabilities, to enjoy the sport as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Michael R. Swalley
  • Patent number: 8556692
    Abstract: To provide a game device that allows a user to grasp a positional situation of a user character relatively easily in a game device for executing a game based on a position of the user character that moves in a game space according to an operation of the user. Position storage means (70a) stores the position of the user character that moves in the game space according to the operation of the user. Determination means (74) determines whether or not the position of the user character satisfies a positional condition regarding the position of the user character. Display control means (76) controls, based on a determination result obtained by the determination means (74), display-output related to a game character that is not being operated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryuji Mimura
  • Publication number: 20130264772
    Abstract: An air-blowing assembly of game table, which is installed in a table frame of the game table, includes a face board, an inner board and an air space defined between the boards. One or more flow guide members are arranged in the air space, each flow guide member has multiple lattices arranged in rows. At least one air guide channel is formed on each flow guide member so that at least one lattice row has longitudinal notches and/or lateral notches. Accordingly, the flow guide member has longitudinal and/or transverse airflow passages. A fan is used to blow air into the air space. Under the guide of the air guide channels, the air flows out of the face board from fine orifices thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Jason TSAI
  • Patent number: 8529355
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU controls a moving object within a virtual space on the basis of acceleration data and angular velocity data which are transmitted from a controller. For example, before the angular velocity data is above a predetermined magnitude, a position and an orientation of the moving object is controlled on the basis of the angular velocity data. When the angular velocity data is above the predetermined magnitude, an initial velocity of the moving object is decided on the basis of the acceleration data, and a moving direction (orientation) of the moving object is decided on the basis of the angular velocity data. Thereafter, the moving object moves within the virtual space according to a general physical behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Hiratake, Takayuki Shimamura, Yoshikazu Yamashita, Masahiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8485526
    Abstract: An air game apparatus. The apparatus comprises a table. The table comprises a horizontal top surface and peripheral side walls. A plurality of manual pneumatic mechanisms projects air in a substantial manner from each outlet, across the top surface of the table. The plurality of manual pneumatic mechanisms are positioned between top surface and bottom surface and have outlets and handles. One play object is positionable on the top surface of the table. The projected air streams move the play objects on the top surface of the table under the control of opposing players manipulating each of the plurality of manual pneumatic mechanisms with manual pumps, manipulating the direction of the air streams by rotation of outlets and produced the compressed-air necessary to move the playing object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Ovidiu Toma
  • Publication number: 20130134670
    Abstract: A small scale dynamic activity which comprises the use of a method, a hand-operated apparatus, a shooting apparatus, and a playing surface platform, presented as a preferred embodiment in the format of a small scale adaptation of the sport of hockey. A hand-operated apparatus is used as goalie equipment with a method of defending a goal from forthcoming small pucks. A shooting apparatus allows rotating a paddle member to control and propel such small pucks. A playing surface platform complements the use of the method along with these two apparatuses within shielded boundaries. The hand-operated apparatus can be positioned in a pose representative of goalie equipments and of bending of limbs. Furthermore, the present invention can be composed of different arrangements for alternative embodiments such as new types of games or to allow small scale adaptation of a physical activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony Lam
  • Patent number: 8434762
    Abstract: An air table game assembly has a platform. Outer sections of the platform have a perimeter edge and an interior side with the interior side being adjacent to a central section. A border wall extends around the perimeter edge of each outer section. Openings in the border wall define goals positioned in each of the outer sections. A first barrier is pivotable between a retracted position and a deployed position. The first barrier extends across a first one of the outer sections defining a first excluded section when in the deployed position. A bottom panel is coupled to the border wall in spaced relationship to the platform to define an air chamber. A plurality of vents extends through the platform and a blower is coupled to the bottom panel. The blower urges air through the vents in the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Theodore Kerpovich
  • Patent number: 8403326
    Abstract: A game table comprises a playing surface, two ramps, and two target boards arranged along a longitudinal axis of the game table. The two ramps are disposed between the two target boards, and the playing surface is disposed between the two ramps. The playing surface is substantially flat, and each of the two ramps rises upward away from the playing surface. Each of the two target boards, in turn, defines a respective set of openings therein. Two sidewalls are disposed on opposing sides of the playing surface and rise up therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy D. Flanagan, Benjamin I. Cohen, Andrew M. Trachta
  • Patent number: 8393966
    Abstract: A game system includes a plurality of game apparatuses that can carry out short-range wireless communication with one another. One of the game apparatuses functions as a parent apparatus, and at least one other game apparatus functions as a child apparatus. The parent apparatus transmits transmission verification data a predetermined number of times. Accordingly, the child apparatus receives the transmission verification data from the parent apparatus, and transmits to the parent apparatus the same number of pieces of reception verification data as those of the received transmission verification data. The parent apparatus receives the reception verification data from the child apparatus, and detects the number of the received pieces of reception verification data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Yamada, Minoru Narita
  • Publication number: 20130053191
    Abstract: A multi-function table includes a table body, a first table board, a table tennis board and a second table board. The table face has a trough thereon. The first table board is placed in the trough. The first table board has an air hockey table face at one side thereof and a billiard table face at a reverse side thereof. The table tennis board is detachably connected to the table body. The second table board is detachably connected to the table body or the table tennis board. The second table board has a coffee table face at one side thereof and a playing card table face at a reverse side thereof. Various table boards are detachably connected to the same table body, so that the multi-function table of the present invention can be used as an air hockey table, a billiard table, a table tennis table, a playing card table, a coffee table, and the like. The structure of the present invention is compact and takes less space to save cost greatly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Wei Lin Lu
  • Patent number: 8360856
    Abstract: An entertainment device comprises communication means for communicating with a remote device over a network; program code and resources for running a full version of the program, the program code being operable to interact with remote devices also running a full version of the program; and program resource classification means, and in which when communication with a remote device indicates that the remote device is running a demonstration version of the program code; the program code on the entertainment device restricts the use of program resources to those identified by the program resource classification means as being available to or compatible with the demonstration version of the program, thereby restricting the full version of the program to operate substantially as a demo version of the program for the purposes of interaction with a demo version of the program being run on the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited
    Inventor: Douglas Ralph Ealey
  • Patent number: 8353769
    Abstract: The game apparatus obtains angular velocity data and acceleration data from an input device equipped with at least an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor, and determines whether or not a ball has been thrown in accordance with the angular velocity data. When it is determined that ball-throwing is fulfilled, the game apparatus calculates the intensity of swinging the input device and a curve amount. The game apparatus applies a force and a curve to a ball in accordance with the calculated intensity of swinging and the curve amount, and performs a process of causing the ball to move and curve in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Okamura
  • Publication number: 20130001873
    Abstract: Some embodiments may relate to a magnetic glide game. Such a game may include one or more magnetically polarized game pieces. A game board may include a substantially planar playing surface adapted to receive the game piece in a slideable relation. Embodiments may also include at least one deflection means disposed in, or positionable within, a glide path of the game piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: KINETI-GO GAMES, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Stromberg
  • Patent number: 8302965
    Abstract: A table top ball game that enables two or more people to play a variety of ball sports. Games are based on foosball/soccer table games and use similar controls, skills and operations to those already in existence. The stadium games enhance the game experience by adding features that are present in real games and by resembling the shape and imitating the images, sounds and atmosphere of a real stadium. Another aspect of the present invention provides a protective volume around the distal ends of the user operated control rods with a plurality of player figure mounted thereon. A further aspect of the present invention provides a plurality of means for eliminating dead spots on a playing surface while providing an improvement of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Stadium Table Games Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Gary Scott Grant
  • Patent number: 8303412
    Abstract: The game apparatus obtains angular velocity data and acceleration data from an input device equipped with at least an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor, and determines whether or not a ball has been thrown in accordance with the angular velocity data. When it is determined that ball-throwing is fulfilled, the game apparatus calculates the intensity of swinging the input device and a curve amount. The game apparatus applies a force and a curve to a ball in accordance with the calculated intensity of swinging and the curve amount, and performs a process of causing the ball to move and curve in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Okamura
  • Publication number: 20120205865
    Abstract: Support device for slidable shafts or rods of table soccer games, including a frame in which a seat is formed for the passage of a rod slidable along its axis, and at least one pulley or wheel, provided with race and rim, respectively, and rotatably associated with the frame so that the race or rim defines a portion of the seat, the remaining seat portion being closed by the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: ARTECH S.R.L.
    Inventors: Ottavio Colombo, Corrado Colombo
  • Patent number: 8226477
    Abstract: An exemplary method for automatically simulating calling scenarios comprises the steps of receiving, from a user, information relating to a call center scenario, automatically obtaining at least one calling scenario template based on the information, automatically merging code modules specific to the scenario with the template to generate a simulation program, executing the simulation program, and providing simulation results to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: LiveOps, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Machado, Markus Hahn
  • Patent number: 8167712
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and techniques for replacing players in an online game are described. Replacing players in an online game includes associating a first player with a first online identity and associating a second player with a second online identity. Then replacing the first player and associating the first online identity with a third player that is registered with the first online identity. Replacing players in an online game can also include associating a first player with a first online identity and associating a second player with a second online identity. Then replacing the first player and the second play so that the second player is associated with the first online identity and the first player is associated with the second online identity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
    Inventors: Bhaswar Bhanu Sarkar, Ben Choorut
  • Publication number: 20120074644
    Abstract: A game structure which may be packaged and sold separately or as part of a package for a beverage container, including bottles for water, soda, adult beverages and the like. While the game structure is adaptable for use with bottles of various types, it may be included in packaging for cans, in addition to bottles, so long as an associated bottle is available for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Bryan Patrick O'Reilly
  • Publication number: 20120032392
    Abstract: The present invention implements the use of tension in interacting cables to maintain control of a table-top. By creating an apparatus designed to replicate an actual sports field, the table-top sports game allows for indoor playing of a popular sport. Also, since the game makes use of hand-eye coordination rather than placing an emphasis on foot-eye coordination, it allows various people, especially those with lower appendage disabilities, to enjoy the sport as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Michael R. SWALLEY
  • Publication number: 20110312432
    Abstract: A desktop bowling game is provided including bowling pins having metal that is attractable by magnets located at a base of each bowling pin, a ball, a main unit having a playing board having a surface with position markers for setup of the pins, and a pin reset mechanism, located below the playing board. The pin reset mechanism includes a sliding plate that slides up and down beneath the playing board between a first, up position immediately below and adjacent to the playing board to a second, down position away from the playing board. Magnets are disposed on the sliding plate adjacent to the playing board and adjacent to the position markers of the playing board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Wai Yam Fu
  • Publication number: 20110260396
    Abstract: A bumper hockey game may be provided. The bumper hockey game may comprises a hockey board, a plurality of rails, a plurality of goals, and a plurality of guard blocks. The plurality of rails may surround the hockey board. The plurality of guard blocks may each situated near one of the plurality of goals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Jerome Edward Kokoszka
  • Patent number: 7992872
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a game device. In one aspect, a foosball game apparatus is provided. The foosball game apparatus includes a game body having a playing field, an endwall adjacent each end of the playing field, and a sidewall adjacent each side of the playing field. The foosball apparatus further includes an electronic digital display formed in each end wall for indicating a time period and a score. In another aspect, a method of playing a timed foosball game is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Steven Mark Simon
  • Publication number: 20110180989
    Abstract: An apparatus for playing a game and particularly a table-top game which represents soccer. The apparatus includes a figure for playing a game comprising a model player fitted to a hollow base (5) wherein the base has at least one opening (2, 3, 4) in communication with the cavity and the player has at least one opening (1) in communication with the cavity, and wherein a ball can enter the cavity through the opening on the base or the opening on the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Dozie Nwanna
  • Patent number: 7938725
    Abstract: Operation data is obtained from an input device and is stored into a memory, and initial state data indicating an attitude or a position of an object in a virtual game world is calculated with predetermined start timing using acceleration data included in the obtained operation data. Depending on acceleration data included in operation data sequentially obtained on and after the start timing, change amount data for sequentially changing the attitude or position of the object over time is calculated. Thereafter, the attitude or position of the object disposed in the virtual game world, depending on the initial state data, is changed, depending on the change amount data, to perform a game process of controlling a motion of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Okamura
  • Patent number: 7934996
    Abstract: An online video game controlling server includes an online game information storage database for storing game information on an online video game that includes player information on player characters and area information on a game area of the online video game, and a control section for controlling the progress of the video game on the basis of the game information. A shared area and an unshared area are provided in the game area of the online video game. When one player character moves to the unshared area, the control section creates instance information including area specifying information, character identification information and instance creating necessary object information. In addition, the control section server breaks communication between the one player character and the other belonging player character to update the instance information whenever the progress state of the instance creating necessary object changes due to the action of the one player character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Square Enix
    Inventors: Koji Aoyama, Tomoaki Murata
  • Patent number: 7927215
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes an LCD, and on the LCD, a touch panel is set. When a player object encounters an enemy object, a battle screen is displayed on the LCD. A player performs a sliding operation on the touch panel with a stick or the like in such a manner as to surround the enemy object and tries to obtain the enemy object. At this time, when the enemy object (affecting object) already obtained is selected, an ability (effect) equipped with the affecting object can be produced. For example, a flame according to a surrounding line is generated. When the flame hits the enemy object, the enemy object is damaged to decrease its moving speed and stop moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Ninetendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuki Sekimori
  • Patent number: 7901290
    Abstract: A table game includes a lower level (2) providing a surface on which a plurality of player pieces (21) can move, an upper level (1) providing a surface on which a game is played and including a plurality of slots, a plurality of player pieces extending from the lower level and through the slots in the upper level, a plurality of electronic movement devices coupled to the player pieces to provide movement to the player pieces, and control means (4) for controlling the electronic movement of the player pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Temple
  • Patent number: 7887402
    Abstract: To provide a game device for presenting to a player inputting the amount of operation while utilizing a gauge, the length of a gauge which corresponds to a desired amount of operation. In a game device in which an object placed in a virtual three dimensional space is moved by a distance according to the displayed length of the gauge when the player carries out a predetermined operation, a target position to which the object is going to be moved is obtained (S102), a distance between the target movement position and the present position of the object is calculated (S103), and the length of the gauge corresponding to the calculated distance L is calculated based on the distance L (S104). Then, the target length of the gauge is presented based on the calculated length of the gauge (S105).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Suzuki, Tadakatsu Izumi, Ippei Kondo, Atsushi Mizutani
  • Patent number: 7883402
    Abstract: A golf game operable by data processing apparatus by one or more players comprising a video golf game having various scoring features emulating a corresponding feature of a golf game played on an actual golf course; a rank-assigning element for responsively assigning a virtual military ranking for each of the one or more players for each scoring feature of the video golf game as playing of the video golf game progresses; and an interface element interconnecting the rank-assigning element in communication with the video golf game. The virtual military ranking of each of the one or more players playing the video golf game is promoted or demoted based on his golfing scores as playing of the video golf game progresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: William E. Peiser
  • Patent number: 7862042
    Abstract: A doll of football game table for mounting on an operation rod of the football game table. The doll includes a first main body and a second main body which are detachably latched with each other to hold the operation rod. The doll further includes at least one fixing member for engaging at least one of the main bodies with the operation rod, whereby by means of operating the operation rod, the doll can be driven to move or rotate. The doll can be directly mounted on or taken off from the operation rod. In case of damage of the doll, the main bodies of the doll can be unlatched from each other to take off the doll from the operation rod so that the doll can be easily replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry Tsai
  • Publication number: 20100320682
    Abstract: A toy action game where magnetic sticks work by maneuvering magnetic vehicles and riders from underneath a theme park constructed with minimal thickness, making the vehicles and riders look like they are moving under their own power. The vehicles and riders can be dragged around slowly and smoothly or can be flicked off a jump or towards a target with tremendous speed and are capable of launching over a hundred scale feet of air then landing and rolling it out. The magnetic sticks and jump plates are the key to the vehicle and rider's speed and accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Steven J. Derrah