Simulated Game (e.g., Hockey, Soccer, Etc.) Patents (Class 273/108.1)
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Publication number: 20100308534Abstract: A dual-purpose football game play table includes a body and a plurality of control rods. Each of the plurality of control rods is provided with figurines for playing a football game along with the movement of the control rods. The body has a face board, a stop board surrounding the face board, and an open chamber defined between the stop board and the face board. The plurality of control rods penetrate through two opposing side portions of the stop board. The figurines are disposed in the open chamber. By the transparent plate to cover the open chamber directly or indirectly, the players are able to watch the game through the transparent plate and the body is able to be used as a table, providing a dual-purpose object. The present invention is nimble and convenient in use, saves space effectively, and is pleasing in appearance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventor: Wei Lin LU
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Patent number: 7798494Abstract: An amusement device which uses a case containing balls that are shot from one side of the case to the other, and pegs are positioned at the bottom of the case to facilitate scoring. A second container is positioned at the top of the case so the game can be turned upside down in order to continue the game or to start a new game.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventor: Gregory Benjamin
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Patent number: 7789390Abstract: A game table for playing a game with a gamepiece includes a playing surface and the gamepiece is movable along the playing surface through the application of gaming forces. A first endwall extends generally perpendicularly from the playing surface and has a first wall length. A second endwall extends generally perpendicularly from the playing surface and is located on an opposite side of the playing surface from the first endwall. A first goal, comprised of at least one proximity sensor, is located along the first endwall and has a first goal length. The first goal length is adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: DMI Sports, Inc.Inventors: Gary D. Giegerich, Paul Giegerich, Edmond J. Dougherty
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Publication number: 20100201067Abstract: A structure for air hockey table top is provided, including a surface and a plurality of bumper units surrounding the surface,. The bumper units form a frame surrounding the surface with two openings located at the centers of two opposite sides of the surface to form goals. According to the present invention, the bumper units surrounding the surface are made of strong elastic material to rebound the puck to sustain the speed of the game. In addition, the bumpers may be hidden under a surrounding canopy around the surface so as to prevent from interfering with the movement of the pushers by the players. As the present invention uses no air generation and vent mechanism, the present invention provides a cost-effective and simple structure of air hockey table top for subsequent maintenance.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2009Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventor: Grace Liao
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Patent number: 7762893Abstract: When a player is controlling a first object with a pointing device, an in-operation flag indicating that the player is controlling the first object with the pointing device is set as “ON”. When the in-operation flag is set as “ON” and a second object is within a predetermined distance from an input position of the pointing device, the second object is selected. When the in-operation flag is set as “OFF”, that is, when the player stops controlling the first object, the first object is caused to perform a process for exerting an effect on the second object having been selected.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2006Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuuji Kando, Yutaka Hiramuki
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Patent number: 7744463Abstract: A parameter of a consumption item (fuel, life) consumed as a game progresses is calculated. When a setting of a game termination condition changes, a rate of change of the parameter of the consumption item is changed according to the change of the setting. The game termination condition is a condition relating to the number of laps on a course, a time limit of a game or a game quota. The rate of change of the parameter of the consumption item is increased as the number of laps on a course is reduced, as the time limit of a game is shortened, or as the game quota is reduced. When a value of the parameter of the consumption item becomes equal to zero as a game progresses, the movement or motion of an object is disabled. The parameter of the consumption item is changed from an initial value set by a player with the rate of change which has been specified based on the game termination condition set by the player.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Namco Bandai Games, Inc.Inventor: Satoru Ouchi
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Patent number: 7731590Abstract: Game apparatuses connected in a peer-to-peer manner play a competitive game with each other. Each of the game apparatuses stores a ranking table ranking points of multiple users based on past games of the users. When finishing playing the game, the game apparatuses respectively calculate points obtained by the respective users based on the result of the game, and update the ranking tables based on the newly calculated points. The game apparatuses transmit and receive information on the updated ranking table to and from each other. Each game apparatus integrates the ranking table locally stored with the ranking table transmitted from the other game apparatus to generate a new ranking table, and displays the new ranking table on a display device.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Square Enix, Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shin Azuma
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Patent number: 7713116Abstract: Within a game, a filter is applied to a game inventory based on an attribute of each one of a plurality of virtual items. The filter can be player defined, game developer defined, system programmer defined, or a combination thereof. In certain versions, the virtual items that satisfy the query provided by the filter are displayed to the player. The player can thereupon access any one of the virtual items that are represented by the icons that satisfy the filtering query. In one version, the attributes of the virtual items can be changed using the filtering game inventory system.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Nigel S. Keam, Leon Pryor
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Publication number: 20100102506Abstract: 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 playin surface while providing an improvement of the game.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: STADIUM TABLE GAMES PTV LTDInventor: Gary Scott Grant
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Patent number: 7690653Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Inventor: Steven Mark Simon
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Publication number: 20100072698Abstract: A game playing apparatus configured to facilitate playing a game is provided. The apparatus includes a body having a plurality of sides. The body includes a plurality of receptacles, wherein each receptacle has an ingress with an inclined surface extending downward from the ingress to facilitate return of a game playing member, and a plurality of indentations in at least one side. The apparatus further includes a game surface coupled to the body. The game surface includes a return surface beneath the plurality of receptacles to further facilitate return of the game playing member, and a plurality of holders. The plurality of holders and the plurality of receptacles are configured to receive a plurality of cups therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: SOAREX, INC.Inventors: Daniel Richard Constantine, David James Constantine, Carrie Ann Constantine
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Publication number: 20090322021Abstract: Promotional methods used in connection with hockey exhibits and hockey simulations are disclosed. A hockey simulation is provided comprising at least one mannequin resembling a hockey player arranged on a playing surface adjacent a target. The target is adapted to receive a hockey puck directed by a participant in the simulation positioned on the playing surface in the simulation. The at least one mannequin has an indicia area for displaying promotional material, and the hockey simulation further comprises a participant input device that among other things stores in a database information representative of the participant's effectiveness in interacting with the simulation in the database. A sponsor is associated with the hockey simulation, and promotional material associated with the sponsor of the simulation is displayed in at least one of indicia area of the hockey player mannequin and the promotional display area of the participant input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: KP VISIONARIES, LLCInventors: Bryce Salvador, Brian Michael McKinney
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Patent number: 7635305Abstract: A game system includes a plurality of game apparatus that can carry out short-range wireless communication with one another. One of the game apparatus 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 piece(s) 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 piece(s) of reception verification data.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoichi Yamada, Minoru Narita
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Publication number: 20090302533Abstract: A game table includes a game playing surface, a display covering and a railing extending around the perimeter of and slightly above the game playing surface. The game table also includes a display unit having a display screen. The display unit may be embedded within the railing, with the covering positioned over the display screen. The covering is illuminated from behind to allow illuminated game status information from the display unit to be visible. The covering is configured to substantially conceal the display unit beneath the covering when not lit, yet allows illumination from the display unit to transmit through the covering when lit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventor: Samuel G. Smith
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Patent number: 7594854Abstract: A game machine is provided with a controller control circuit including a data transfer control circuit. When the data in a first external RAM attached to a first controller is transferred to a second external RAM attached to a second controller, the data transfer control circuit transmits a predetermined command to the first controller. The data stored in the first external RAM is memorize through a data transfer control circuit. The data transfer control circuit then transmits a predetermined command to the second controller. In response thereto, the data stored in the internal RAM is transmitted to the second controller to be stored in the second external RAM.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima
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Patent number: 7585224Abstract: A game apparatus selects one of a plurality of characters as a selected character. The game apparatus also sets a position of a virtual camera in accordance with the position of the selected character and thus causes a display apparatus to display an image of a game space, and also causes the display apparatus to display a cursor for designating a predetermined position in the game space. When a predetermined operation by the player is performed in the state where one of the non-selected characters is designated by the cursor, the game apparatus sets the non-selected character designated by the cursor as a newly selected character. When the selected character is changed in a first change step, the position of the virtual camera is moved in accordance with the position of the newly selected character.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tancred Dyke-Wells
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Patent number: 7500671Abstract: An air-hockey table having a playing surface, a plurality of air-conducting openings in the playing surface, a blower supplying air to the openings and a pair of goals, the improvement wherein the playing surface is non-planar and includes a smooth-curved surface having spaced-apart outer playing-surface regions and a central playing region which is lower than the spaced-apart outer playing-surface regions.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Great Lakes Dart Mfg, MuskegoInventors: Michael Narus, Michael E. Henley
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Publication number: 20090039597Abstract: In order to outshine what is known up to date on this field and also to improve the game, the main objective of this request of patent of Invention is to provide a field player independent of the game board, able to be positioned strategically to make the pass or attempt to score, by means of a mechanism of automatic shooting, whose power can be selected by the contestant as well as the appropriate cleat to get the preferred effect on the ball pathway and a goalkeeper which is moved by the contestant to the position of covering the goal, with body tilting and the preferred opening of the arms to catch the ball, all of which depends on the contestant's ability and reflexes. A second objective of this request of patent of Invention is that the parts that make up the set can be presented disassembled so as to develop the manual ability of the users during the assembly process.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2007Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventor: Gustavo Marcelo Capusotto
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Patent number: 7458579Abstract: A soccer game table includes a table body having two lateral sides and two end sides which define a game space. Each lateral side is formed with at least one slide slot. A predetermined number of operation bars are fitted through the slide slots of the lateral sides of the table body. The operation bars are rotatable within the slide slots and axially movable. In addition, the operation bars are movable along the slide slots. Therefore, the driving blocks mounted on the operation bars can be driven to rotate and two-dimensionally displace. Accordingly, the ball of the soccer game in the game space can be more efficiently driven.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2007Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Inventors: Lore Tsai, Sin Lun Lee
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Publication number: 20080150230Abstract: A game table for playing a game with a gamepiece where a first player defends a first goal to block the gamepiece from entering the first goal. The game table includes a playing surface, a first endwall and a second endwall. The gamepiece is movable along the playing surface through the application of gaming forces and the first endwall extends generally perpendicularly from the playing surface and includes the first goal. The second endwall extends generally perpendicularly from the playing surface and is located at an opposite side of the playing surface from the first endwall. A first starting mechanism is in communication with the first goal through a gamepiece channel that moves the gamepiece from the first goal to the first starting mechanism when the gamepiece enters the first goal. The first starting mechanism moves the gamepiece to the playing surface upon actuation by the first player.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: DMI SPORTS, INC.Inventor: Graham R. Bowe
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Patent number: 7389986Abstract: The present invention provides a soccer table with special entertainment effect. The table frame of the soccer table has a table board, two long frames and two short frames mounted on the four sides of the table board. A predetermined number of control shanks are passing through the two long frames and can be translated and turned by player to control multiple shift blocks, so that the shift blocks can move a ball on the table board. An inner side of each the short frame is inwards recessed a concave curve surface. In the game, when the ball is hit to a curve surface, along the curve surface the ball will overfly and bounce to the table board. In addition, by the curve surface, the ball can be moved backward so that it is passed forward.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2005Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Inventor: Jerry Tsai
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Patent number: 7389987Abstract: A reconfigurable air table hockey game includes at least one air puck and is designed to be set upon a flat, horizontal surface. The game comprises a perforated, bounded playing surface overlying a plenum chamber that is supplied with air under pressure, at least during game play. A score keeping mechanism receives signals indicative of scoring events. The game includes goals suitable for air hockey game play attached to and positioned at opposite ends of the playing surface to accept an air puck and to signal to the score keeping mechanism the passage of an air puck through a goal. The game further includes a control that, when actuated, reconfigures the game to at least one new and different physical configuration such that the game is no longer suited for air hockey but is well suited for the playing of at least one other type of air table game that also utilizes one or more air pucks.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.Inventor: William M. Paukert
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Publication number: 20080122170Abstract: A game that uses a source of compressed gas, such as compressed air, to provide gas to move a play object across a play surface. The compressed gas source is capable of providing compressed gas to jets in communication with the play surface for directing the gas to move the play object across the play surface. A triggering device allows the player to select one or more jets and selectively trigger the flow of gas from a selected jet.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventor: Terry Ruddell
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Patent number: 7374169Abstract: A table parlour game particularly a turbo-bowling comprising a turbo player unit (1), bowling pins (2) and a lane plate tilting to any direction (3). The turbo player unit (1) is a whirling top, namely a conical solid of rotation, the plate (1/a) of which is shaped to have a regular hexagonal pattern and furthermore equipped with a rotating tail (1/b) and tip (1/c) and the lane plate (3) is equipped by setting device (4) comprising centrally attached globe head (4/a) and globe shell (4/b).Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2002Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Inventor: József Szilágyi
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Publication number: 20080093796Abstract: An air hockey game apparatus includes a playing surface having at least one banked portion thereon. The air hockey game apparatus further includes a table frame assembly and a hollow interior region formed by the table frame assembly and the playing surface. An air blower is included and is configured to blow air through the apertures formed in the playing surface to decrease friction between a puck and the playing surface. The banked surface increases the challenge level of the air hockey game.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Michael H. Narus, Justin L. Voden
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Patent number: 7303515Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a support defining a first sliding surface and at least one hand-held sliding device that defines that defines a second sliding surface. The hand-held sliding device, and particularly the second sliding surface, is configured to mate with the first sliding surface. In operation, the second sliding surface slides along the first sliding surface when a user applies body weight to the hand-held sliding device. The exercise apparatus preferably includes a stop coupled to the support which is positioned orthogonally to a sliding direction of the hand-held sliding device. The stop is preferably also adjustable, as is the support, to accommodate performing different types of exercises.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Inventor: Christopher P. Wall
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Patent number: 7252588Abstract: A large “hit range in offense” is applied to a player character 41 on an offense side, and a small “hit range in defense” is applied to player characters 42 and 43 on a defense side. When a ball is free, a “normal hit range” is applied to each player character. As mentioned above, the three hit ranges having different sizes are provided and the applied hit ranges are switched depending on situations. Thus, as compared with a case in which the size of the hit range is constant, pass of the ball is easily successful. Therefore, a beginner, who is strange to a video game machine, can easily pass the ball when the player character in an opponent team steals the ball, and organized offense can be easily performed.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Namco Bandai Games Inc.Inventors: Junichi Takemoto, Norio Egashira
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Publication number: 20070164509Abstract: A game table comprises first and second substantially parallel player sides extending along a length direction, first and second substantially parallel goal sides extending along a width direction and a game playing surface defined within the player and goal sides. The game table includes at least one pivoting handle assembly connected to the game table via a pivot connection. The handle assembly includes at least one turning rod carrying at least one player member, and a handle engaged with the turning rod whereby turning the handle operates to rotate the player to strike a playing piece. The handle assembly is configured to pivot about the pivot connection above the game playing surface in a pivot plane substantially parallel to the game playing surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Peter J. Hylak, Frank A. Judge, Lyle Willimann
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Patent number: 7219892Abstract: This invention relates to a competitive board game comprised of a table with sides surrounding the playing surface. Hockey sticks are suspended from transverse bars suspended across the playing surface and slidably disposed between the sides of the table. The table has a goal at each end of the playing surface and the playing surface mates with sides in formed rounded corners. The playing surface is angled between each rounded corner toward the center of the board to provide for a fast game requiring high levels of skill. A ?th inch lip is provided over the edge of the playing surface to keep the puck in play for special Quninning shots.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Corr Table Sports, LLCInventor: Michael H. Corrado
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Patent number: 7207564Abstract: A mechanized ball-throwing game is provided, comprising at least one game play object, at least one rotating goal assembly, means to maintain a count of the number of times a game play object passes through each of the at least one rotating goal assembly in each of a plurality of designated directions, and means to display the count.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Bedford, Jim Keifer, Jeannie Burns Hardie
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Patent number: 7204487Abstract: A board game for at least two individuals to play. The board game is a modified form of soccer that uses roofing nails pounded into a flat surface as “players,” a marble as a soccer ball, and a pair of Popsicle sticks as shooters. In addition, an elastic band is wrapped around into a rectangular fashion to have a rectangular-shaped playing field.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: Andrew Pohl
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Patent number: 7182340Abstract: A hockey player toy with internal motion rail for puck hitting. The major component is a hockey toy player with special internal mechanism. When the head of the toy player is pulled up, the body, which consists of front piece and back piece, will spin to pull the hockey stick back, ready for a shoot. When the head is pushed down, the body, which consists of front piece and back piece, will spin back, thus move the stick forward to hit the puck. The toy is a big break through from the previous hockey toys in its actuality. It adds a lot of fun and entertainment to the hockey toy games.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2005Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Sinolink Holdings (China) Ltd.Inventor: Dylan Lam Kang Tim
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Patent number: 7178802Abstract: An adjustable goal for use with table top games such as air hockey allows one or both players to independently adjust the width of their respective goals to increase or decrease the difficulty of an opponent to score, i.e., allows a superior player to be handicapped to facilitate more competitive game play. First and second sliding members are slidably attached to a central member. Each of the sliding members may be manipulated to increase or decrease the size of the goal opening. Each sliding member is provided with a linear gear face for engaging a gear mounted on a central member to facilitate equal expansion and contraction of the sliding members. The first and second sliding members may be positioned to selectively define a relatively larger or smaller front opening and rearward opening to compensate for different skill levels of participating players.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventors: Michael Nally, David Rossi
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Patent number: 7178803Abstract: An air cushion game table is provided with a storage compartment useful for stowing game pieces during periods when the game table is not being utilized. The storage compartment is additionally useful for locating keys, watches, etc., that might distract a player during game play. The air cushion game table of the invention includes a playing surface bordered by side walls and end walls. Corner members are located proximate corners of the playing surface. The corner members define a storage receptacle on an outer surface thereof. Preferably, an outer surface of the corner member is flush with exterior apron segments of the game table to present a smooth and attractive appearance. A sliding door made up of slidably mounted segments may be provided for selectively enclosing the storage receptacle. The storage receptacle is preferably sized to receive playing equipment associated with the game table.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Sportcraft, Ltd.Inventors: Michael Nally, Marc Dubner
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Patent number: 7147225Abstract: A genuine fully bordered portable polymer enclosure game board, provided with non secured, multiple polymer human imaged soccer figurines, to be disposed in a random pattern determined by the player and allowing for directed movement, inserted with a micro magnetic element, to be applied on a light weight felt fabric, with printed regulation boundaries, underlain with a fine metallic screened mesh, supplied with a minute medium weight glass or polymer sphere, with altered neutral zone pockets, displayed with transparent walled and/or ramped barriers, establishing a newly developed method of play for miniaturized futbol soccer, that implements defensive and offensive formations, risks and opportunity, in a freestyle non controlled environment.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Inventor: Fausto E. Navarro
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Patent number: 6991231Abstract: A playing table includes a transparent base plate, four foot stands mounted on the corners of the base plate and each having an upper end having a side formed with a through hole, and four light emitting members each mounted in a respective one of the foot stands and each aligning with the through hole. Thus, each of the light emitting members emits a light source passed through the through hole of a respective one of the foot stands and projected onto the base plate, so that the playing table has a light emitting effect, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the playing table.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Acas Design Co., Ltd.Inventor: Feng-Yi Tien
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Patent number: 6854728Abstract: The present invention provides a game having accentuating light emanating through or from a translucent playing surface, sidewalls, and/or representative players.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Classic Sport Companies, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Oister, Thomas M. Doherty, William C. Boettcher
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Patent number: 6851673Abstract: An operation bar for a game table, including: an outer bar; an inner bar movably nested in the outer bar, the inner and outer bars being synchronously rotatable, one end of the inner bar protruding from the outer bar; a rack fixed at inner end of the inner bar and fitted in the outer bar; a gear set including a predetermined number of gears and a roller, the gear set being mounted in the outer bar, whereby when pushing or pulling the inner bar, the rack drives the gear set to make the roller rotate; a doll unit fitted around the outer bar and slidable along the outer bar; and a cable body, the body of the cable body being wound around the roller of the gear set, two ends of the cable body being respectively wound around two ends of the outer bar and extended out of the outer bar to connect with two sides of the doll unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Gison Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventor: Lore Tsai
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Publication number: 20040195762Abstract: The present invention provides a game having accentuating light emanating through or from a translucent playing surface, sidewalls, and/or representative players.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: Michael J. Oister, Thomas M. Doherty, William C. Boettcher
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Patent number: 6790166Abstract: A method for improving balance and coordination associated with the performance of a sport motion. The method comprises the initial step of providing a training apparatus, the latter comprising a stationary base member having first and second platforms rotationally mounted. The first and second are adapted to receive, respectively, a foot of an individual to enable the individual to stand thereon such that each foot can rotate independently about a separate axis. While standing upon the device, an individual may perform a variety of movements, such as a tennis stroke, golf swing, and the like, and, by virtue of imparting rotational movement to the feet, enable an individual to optimally perform proper rotational movements. The training method maybe incorporated into a sports instruction regimen applicable to a wide-variety of sports, including skiing, surfing, and martial arts, as well as many activities, in addition to tennis, golf and baseball.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Inventor: Jack Broudy
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Publication number: 20040164488Abstract: A game apparatus is provided for placement on a table and playing a hockey-like game, using an air cushion for a puck and handheld paddles. The game apparatus includes a playing surface, a pair of sidewalls, a pair of backwalls, and a pair of opposed goals, one in each of the backwalls. One or more of the playing surface, the goals, the puck, and the paddles may be provided with a light-emitting source to emit visible light during the playing of a game. The light emitting source may be a phosphorescent material embedded in the game component. The playing surface may include the light source on various indicia disposed thereon. The playing surface may be substantially black in color other than at the light-emitting sources. The paddles may be provided with a groove within which a user may dispose the user's finger tips while playing the game. The goals may be provided with a scoring tabulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventor: David J. Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 6780117Abstract: A game apparatus (10) adapted for use in conjunction with a standard billiard table (16), the game apparatus (10) comprising a sheet of flexible material (12) and at least one target apparatus (14), wherein the or each target apparatus (14) is releasably engageable with the sheet of flexible material (12) and is adapted to releasably receive a ball member (not shown), said game apparatus (10) being adapted to enable the playing of the game in which one or more billiard balls interact with the ball member, the target apparatus (14) and the billiard table (16), in particular cushions and pockets thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Inventor: David Robert Osborne
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Patent number: 6773010Abstract: The present invention includes a game table for use in a game such as hockey or soccer. The table includes a table bed having an upper support surface. A game surface is mounted on said upper support surface and has an upper playing surface upon which the game is played. As one feature of the present invention, at least one game status indicator is mounted to the table with a display face indicating game statistics such as the score or time. In one embodiment the display face is visible through the game surface which defines at least one transparent section over the game status indicator. In an alternate embodiment, the game indicator display surface is mounted flush with the upper playing surface. The game surface has a thickness separating an upper playing side and a lower side. Graphic decorations are printed between the lower side of the game surface and the upper support surface of the table bed.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Indian Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey R. Zucchi, James R. Allshouse
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Publication number: 20040145113Abstract: Improvements for use with table games include a first set of improvements which allow a player of a table game to more securely hold a paddle used in playing the table game. A second set of improvements provides a visual barrier which obscures a player's view of a playing surface of a game table, providing for more dynamic, challenging and entertaining play. A third set of improvements provides an elevated platform allowing players of significantly differing heights to comfortably, conveniently and safely use a table game with a table surface of a fixed height.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2004Publication date: July 29, 2004Applicant: DMI Sports, Inc.Inventor: Paul Giegerich
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Patent number: 6764074Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a recreational game that promotes coordination, provides a form of exercise, and is an enjoyable pastime. A game box includes a floor, side walls and end walls, wherein each end wall includes a goal formed therein. A center wall extends up from the center of the floor to divide the game box into a plurality of playing areas, and includes one or more passages formed therein to allow a puck to pass from one side of the center wall to the other. Each player utilizes a hockey stick to manipulate a hockey puck. The game is started with a face-off procedure between the players, and once the puck is in play the object is to send the puck through the opponent's goal, which may first require sending the puck through a hole in the center divider. After a goal is made, the face-off procedure is repeated and play resumes until one of the players reaches a predetermined number of goals.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: K-Bang, LLCInventor: Kim Bangerter
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Publication number: 20040124582Abstract: The present invention provides a game having a playing surface illuminated by a lamp.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2002Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Michael J. Oister, Thomas M. Doherty, William C. Boettcher
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Patent number: 6712703Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU that detects a program control code included in a land object in the vicinity of a player object, and the CPU determines a kind of the land object. If the land object is “hole,” the CPU executes a “hole operation” subroutine. Similarly, if the land object is “wall,” “door” or “ladder,” the CPU performs “wall operation,” “door operation” or “ladder” subroutine, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1999Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Yoshiaki Koizumi, Yoichi Yamada, Toshio Iwawaki
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Patent number: 6705945Abstract: Providing game information via character in a game environment comprises monitoring a position of a character in the game environment, providing visual information to the user based on the position of the character in the game environment, the visual information being presented as a modification of the character, and providing audio information to the user based on the position of the character in the game environment, the audio information being presented as statements from another character. A visual information module visually provides game information to the user within the context of the game environment and an audio information module audibly provides game information to the user within the context of the game environment.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.Inventors: Andrew Scott Gavin, Evan Lindsay Wells
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Publication number: 20040046317Abstract: The present invention provides a game having means of illuminating the playing surface to illuminate a design thereon. The means of illumination includes a reflective layer on the playing surface or a top electro-luminescent light sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Michael J. Oister, Thomas M. Doherty, William C. Boettcher
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Publication number: 20040036211Abstract: The present invention provides a game having accentuating light emanating through or from a translucent playing surface, sidewalls, and/or representative players.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventors: Michael J. Oister, Thomas M. Doherty, William C. Boettcher