ELECTRONIC OUTDOOR GAME APPARATUS

Abstract

In one aspect, an outdoor game system is provided, comprising a plurality of upright towers that are operatively connected and suitable for installation outdoors, each tower including a plurality of contact assemblies, each contact assembly including an interface capable of responding to or detecting contact, a light source that emits light proximate the interface, and a sound source that emits sounds proximate the interface, wherein the contact assemblies operate in random or predetermined sequences that constitute game functions. In another aspect, an outdoor game system is provided, comprising four towers, each tower including four interfaces, each interface detecting or responding to contact, at least one light source, and at least one sound source, wherein the interfaces define a four-by-four grid, and the four-by-four grid is entirely visible from a single location within a field of play.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/931,405, filed May 23, 2007, entitled “ELECTRONIC OUTDOOR GAME APPARATUS”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to playground equipment, and more particularly, to electronic game apparatus for outdoor use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Outdoor play apparatus at parks and playgrounds include swings, slides and combination play structures (e.g., structures incorporating various elements adapted for climbing, sliding, and crawling). Parks, playgrounds, and other play environments for children can include dedicated play areas for particular games such as basketball, tennis, roller hockey, etc.

Known playground structures often incorporate activity stations designed for child entertainment, learning or for developing motor skills. An outdoor play apparatus would be desirable that entertains children and is durable, versatile, and visually attractive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, an outdoor game system is provided, comprising a plurality of upright towers that are operatively connected and suitable for installation outdoors, each tower including a plurality of contact assemblies, each contact assembly including an interface capable of responding to or detecting contact, a light source that emits light proximate the interface, and a sound source that emits sounds proximate the interface, wherein the contact assemblies operate in random or predetermined sequences that constitute game functions.

In another aspect, an outdoor game system is provided, comprising four towers, each tower including four interfaces, each interface detecting or responding to contact, at least one light source, and at least one sound source, wherein the interfaces define a four-by-four grid, and the four-by-four grid is entirely visible from a single location within a field of play.

In yet another aspect, an outdoor game system is provided, comprising a plurality of upright towers, a plurality of interfaces disposed on each tower, the interfaces being capable of detecting or responding to an actuation, a plurality of light sources disposed on each tower, the light sources being capable of emitting light, and a plurality of sound sources disposed proximate each of the plurality of interfaces, the sound sources being capable of emitting sound, wherein the sound sources operate sequentially across the plurality of towers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic game apparatus for outdoor play according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of one of the contact assemblies of the outdoor game apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of one of the panels of the apparatus of FIG. 1 at the location of one of the contact assemblies.

FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective view of the housing and bracket of one of the contact assemblies of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an electronic game apparatus for outdoor play according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of an electronic outdoor game apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the electronic outdoor game apparatus of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the electronic outdoor game apparatus of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the electronic outdoor game apparatus of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an electronic outdoor game apparatus according to certain aspects of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the game apparatus of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the game apparatus of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the game apparatus of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the game apparatus of FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the game apparatus of FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the mounting housing and contact assemblies for the one of the towers of the electronic outdoor game apparatus of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of one of the contact assemblies of the electronic outdoor game apparatus of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 19 is a partial side sectional view of the light cover, light transmission tube, and circuit board for one of the contact assemblies of the electronic outdoor game apparatus mounted in the associated mounting housing.

FIG. 20 is an exploded side sectional view of the light cover, light transmission tube, circuit board and mounting housing of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of one of the contact assemblies of the electronic game apparatus of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 22 is a side view of a portion of the contact assembly of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the contact assembly of FIG. 21.

FIG. 24A is a rear perspective view, partially exploded, of the controller of the electronic game apparatus of FIG. 11.

FIG. 24B is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the controller of FIG. 24A including the display and game selector interfaces.

FIG. 25 is a front view of an electronic outdoor game apparatus according to certain aspects of the invention, having an alternative controller design.

FIGS. 26 and 27 are photographs of a portion of a controller for an electronic game apparatus including a main control unit having a display and piezoelectric game selector interfaces mounted in a control box.

FIGS. 28 and 29 are photographs showing the main control unit of the controller shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the main control unit shown in FIG. 29 removed from the control box.

FIG. 30 is a photograph of one of the piezoelectric interfaces of FIGS. 26 and 27.

FIG. 31 is a photograph of a power supply for an electronic game apparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 32 is a schematic illustration of an electronic game apparatus of the present invention illustrating a wiring system.

FIG. 33 is a rear view of a game apparatus according to the invention having wiring conduits.

FIG. 34 is a schematic illustration showing potential illumination sequence pathways for contact assemblies arranged in a four-by-four array.

FIGS. 35 through 37 are tables of information regarding games playable on the electronic outdoor game apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 38 illustrates a control system for an electronic outdoor game apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, where like numerals identify like elements, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 an electronic outdoor game apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic outdoor game apparatus 10 includes a plurality of operatively connected contact assemblies 12 (ten contact assemblies 12 are depicted in FIG. 1) mounted on panels 14 supported on a frame 16 elevated by support legs 18. The electronic outdoor game apparatus 10 can be suitable for installation outdoors, but can also be adapted for installation indoors, or in either environment, as desired. The support legs 18 and frame 16 support the panels above a ground surface in a substantially upright orientation. In other embodiments, there can be greater or fewer contact assemblies 12, including, for example, one, two, three, five, six, eight, or twelve contact assemblies 12. The electronic outdoor game apparatus 10 can include any number of contact assemblies 12 arranged in any orientation, depending on the desired cost, available space at the park or play area, the age of the intended user, and the types of games that are desired to be included.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3, each contact assembly 12 can include a housing 20 which can be substantially circular or substantially circular in shape, but can take any other shape, including square, rectangular, or curvilinear in alternative embodiments. The housing 20 can connect to a support bracket 24 so as to define an interior 22 disposed between the housing 20 and the support bracket 24. As described below, the support bracket 24 functions both to connect the assembly to the associated panel 14, and to support other elements of the contact assembly 12 inside the housing interior 22. Each contact assembly 12 can take any form, but each contact assembly 12 can be capable of detecting contact by a user and emitting light and sound, coincident with or proximate the housing 20. In other embodiments, other styles of contact assembly 12 can be used, including contact assembly 62 (seen, for example, in FIG. 6).

With further reference to FIG. 3, each contact assembly 12 can include a printed circuit board (PCB) 25 secured to the bracket 24. An actuator element 26 (e.g., a switch) can be mounted on the PCB 25 and located within the housing interior 22 behind a human-machine interface 28 (shown in FIG. 2 as substantially circular, but it can take other shapes in alternative embodiments) such as a button or other suitable type of sensor. The interface 28 can be any interface, such as a button or sensor, that can respond to or detect an actuation such as contact, which can be in the form of pressure, light, heat, proximity, or other type of actuation. For example, the interface 28 can be a pushbutton, a piezoelectric button, or, heat sensor, or infrared sensor. The interface 28 can be defined by a portion of the housing 20 or can be discretely mounted onto the housing 20. The housing 20 can include corrugation rings 30 disposed about the periphery of the interface portion 28. The corrugation rings 30 can provide flexibility to the housing 20 such that the interface portion 28 deflects inwardly when a player presses on the interface portion 28 (e.g., using a finger as illustrated by user 31 in FIG. 1). An actuation rod 27 can be located between the actuator element 26 and the interface portion 28 to transmit contact force applied to the interface portion 28 to the actuator element 26. The interface portion 28 is thus in communication with the actuator element 26.

Each contact assembly 12 can include at least one light source (e.g., an LED) 32 mounted on the PCB 25 such that the LED 32 is located within the housing interior 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the interface 28 can be vibrationally isolated or spaced apart from the light source 32 in the contact assembly 12 such that the vibration of one will result in a reduced vibration of the other. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 20 can be compliant, and can be vibrationally isolated or spaced apart from the light source 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the LED 32 is mounted on the PCB 25 beneath the actuator 26. The invention is not so limited, however, and other arrangements of elements can be used (for example, there can be multiple LEDs arranged in a circle or other pattern, such as LEDs 106 as seen in FIG. 18). The housing 20 can be molded from a translucent plastic material such that the light from the LED 32 is visible to a player in front of the housing (e.g., by user 31 illustrated in FIG. 1). Each assembly 12 can include multiple LEDs, and the multiple LEDs can be adapted for creating multiple colors. For example, an LED strip generating the primary additive colors of red, green and blue could be used to provide for color mixing by which additional colors could be made visible through the housing 20.

Each contact assembly 12 of apparatus 10 can include a speaker 34 located within the housing interior 22 and connected to the PCB 25. In alternate embodiments, the speaker 34 can be disposed in any other suitable location relative to each contact assembly 12. For instance, each speaker 34 can be disposed adjacent to each contact assembly 12, in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 17, which shows speaker housing 102 disposed adjacent to contact assembly 62. The speaker 34 can be located behind apertures 36 defined by the housing 20. The apertures 36 can facilitate passage of sound generated by the speaker 34 through the housing 20 to a user located in front of the associated panel 14 (such as user 31 illustrated in FIG. 1). In the depicted assembly 12, each aperture 36 is an elongated slot opening. In other embodiments, the apertures 36 can assume any suitable desired shape, including round, rectangular, curvilinear, and the like. The apertures 36 can be evenly spaced in a horizontal row that extends across the front of the housing 20, although in alternative embodiments, any arrangement of apertures 36 can be used. The arrangement of apertures 36 depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 can facilitate passage of sound through the housing 20 while limiting passage of matter into the housing interior 22 from the exterior that could potentially damage the electronic elements of the assemblies 12. As shown, the housing 20 can be indented at the location of the row of apertures 36 such that the apertures are located in a recess 38 of housing 20.

Each contact assembly 12 can comprise an interface 28, a light source 32, and a sound source 33 that can include a speaker 34, apertures 36, and any other sound-generation or sound-emission components. Each of the interface 28, the light source 32, and the sound source 33 can be proximate one or two of the others. As used herein, “proximate” means, for instance, that when a light source 32 emits light or a sound source 33 emits sound, a user would be able to identify a target location of a particular contact assembly 12 or interface 28. For example, in order for a user to be able to identify which contact assembly 12 or interface 28 has been contacted or is the next target location to be contacted, the light source 32 or the sound source 33 can be closer to the identified contact assembly 12 or interface 28 than to any other contact assembly 12 or interface 28.

In some embodiments, a contact assembly 12 can include a PCB 25, an interface 28, a light source 32, a speaker 34, and apertures 36 disposed within a single common boundary (for example, the housing 20). In other embodiments, one or more of the PCB 25, interface 28, light source 32, speaker 34, or apertures 36 can be disposed outside the single common boundary such as the housing 20. For example, the interface 28, light source 32, speaker 34, and/or apertures 36 can be located around the outer perimeter of each contact assembly 12.

Even if one or more of a light source 32, speaker 34, or apertures 36 are not disposed within a single common boundary such as the housing 20, these components may still be proximate a particular contact assembly 12 such that they can identify a particular target contact assembly 12 or interface 28.

The interface 28 can be vibrationally isolated or spaced apart from the PCB 25 and/or the light source 32 in the contact assembly 12. In embodiments where the interface 28 is vibrationally isolated from the PCB 25 and/or the light source 32, this means that there can be some degree of vibration dampening (which can be accomplished with the use of a compliant material to construct the housing 20 and/or the interface 28) that can dissipate some of the energy transmitted to the PCB 25 and/or the light source 32 when a user contacts the interface 28.

Referring to FIG. 4, the support bracket 24 includes a central plate 40 having a front surface on which the PCB 25 of the contact assembly 12 is secured. As described above, each of the actuator 26, LED 32, and speaker 34 of assembly 12 is mounted on the PCB 25. In alternative embodiments, however, other arrangements of the elements can be used. The support bracket 24 can include L-shaped tabs 42 arranged about a periphery of the central plate 40 such that a mounting portion 44 of each tab 42 is located rearward of the central plate 40. The mounting portion 44 of each tab 42 defines an opening 46 for receiving a fastener 48 (e.g., a bolt or screw).

Referring to FIG. 5, a second exemplary embodiment of an outdoor game apparatus 50, suitable for installation outdoors, is shown. The electronic outdoor game apparatus 50 can be adapted for installation outdoors, indoors, or in either environment, depending on the requirements of the user. The apparatus can include four operatively connected play towers 52, and each tower can include four operatively connected contact assemblies 12 (shown in FIGS. 2-4) stacked vertically to create a four-by-four array of assemblies. The play towers 52 and the included contact assemblies 12 can be operatively connected to each other via a wiring system (shown in FIG. 32 as wiring system 139), a wireless communication system (not shown), or any other suitable communication system.

Each of the play towers 52 can be disposed in a fixed spatial relationship to each other, for example, by providing stakes (not shown) that can anchor each play tower 52 into the ground at desired relative locations to each other. In other embodiments, each of the play towers 52 may be moveable relative to each other, for example, by providing a rolling mechanism by which a user may change the locations of each play tower 52 relative to each other.

Each play tower 52 includes a panel 54, which can be flexible, to which the four assemblies 12 of the tower are mounted and a frame 56, which can be rigid. The frame 56 can support the panel 54 at an elevated height above a support surface (e.g., ground or a slab). The four contact assemblies 12 of the play tower 52 can be arranged in the panel 54 in a vertically extending tower, although in alternate embodiments, other arrangements of the contact assemblies 12 can be used. The play towers 52 can be spaced apart from each other in substantially equal fashion as shown such that the contact assemblies 12 of the apparatus 50 define the four-by-four array. As shown, the assemblies 12, panel 54 and frame 56 of each play tower 52 are configured to provide a pod-like appearance.

Each interface 28 can be disposed anywhere on a tower unit 52, and each interface 28 can be disposed anywhere within or outside of a contact assembly 12. Each interface 28 can be disposed in the center of a contact assembly 12, or it can be disposed at any relative location on a contact assembly 12, such as off-center, or at the top or bottom edge.

Referring to FIGS. 6 through 25, there is illustrated a third exemplary embodiment of an electronic outdoor game apparatus 58, which can be suitable for installation outdoors. The electronic outdoor game apparatus 58 can be adapted for installation outdoors, indoors, or in either environment, depending on the requirements of the user. As shown in FIGS. 6 through 16, the apparatus 58 can include four operatively connected tower units 60, and each tower unit 60 can include four operatively connected contact assemblies 62 arranged in a vertical tower. This arrangement of the contact assemblies 62, in similar fashion as the contact assemblies 12 of apparatus 50, can create a four-by-four array or grid for the electronic outdoor game apparatus 58 described in greater detail below. Each contact assembly 62 can take any form, but each contact assembly 62 can be capable of detecting contact by a user and emitting light and sound, coincident with or proximate the contact assembly 62.

In other embodiments, there can be greater or fewer tower units 60, including, for example, one, two, three, five, six, eight, or ten tower units 60, and each tower unit 60 can include greater or fewer contact assemblies 62, including, for example one, two, three, five, six, eight, or ten contact assemblies 62. The particular included number and arrangement of tower units 60 and contact assemblies 62 will depend on the desired cost, available space at the park or play area, the age of the intended user, and the types of games that are desired to be included.

The games described below can optimally be played on a grouping of four tower units 60 each including four contact assemblies 62, creating a four-by-four array or grid of contact assemblies 62. However, other embodiments of the electronic outdoor game apparatus 58 that include the capability to play other games (not described) can require a different number and arrangement of tower units 60 and contact assemblies 62, including, for example an array or grid of contact assemblies 62 in a configuration such as three-by-three, three-by-four, four-by-five, five-by-five, four-by-six, six-by-six, eight-by-eight, ten-by-ten, or any other configuration. Also, non-rectangular or asymmetrical configurations of the contact assemblies 62 can be used, including a triangle, hexagon, octagon, oval, or any other shape.

Embodiments that include a grid of contact assemblies 62 that is a four-by-four array or larger can provide an improved capability for the game apparatus 58 to allow the user enough of a response time to contact a target contact assembly 62 during game play. In some games (described below), particularly the pathway games, the contact assemblies 62 may emit light and sound in a particular pattern, such as in order from left to right. The goal of the particular game can be for a user to “stop” the moving sequence of lights before the user runs out of a predetermined amount of time. When a four-by-four grid of contact assemblies 62 is used, the first two contact assemblies 62 that are illuminated can indicate a direction. Then, a user has to contact a target contact assembly 62 at the end of a particular row, column, or diagonal in the time it takes to sequentially activate (with light and/or sound) the last two contact assemblies 62 in a particular row, column, or diagonal direction.

Referring to FIG. 6, each tower unit 60 can include an upstanding support tower 64, a assembly housing 68 secured to the support tower 64, and a decorative rear cover 70 attached to the support tower 64 and covering a rearward portion of the support tower 64. The four contact assemblies 62 of each tower unit 60 can be mounted in the assembly housing 68 in vertical alignment to provide the above-mentioned four-by-four arrangement for the game apparatus 58. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, other arrangements of contact assemblies 62 within the electronic outdoor game apparatus 58 can be used. The decorative rear cover 70 can be removably attached to the support tower 64 for uncovering the rear of the support tower 64, to facilitate servicing of the contact assemblies 62 for example. The rear of the support tower 64 can include access doors or panels for access to the contact assemblies 62 from the rear side of the game apparatus 58.

The game apparatus 58 can include three intermediate connecting panels 72, each extending between an adjacent pair of the tower units 60. In alternative embodiments, other mechanisms can be used to connect the support towers 64, or each support tower 64 can be used without physical connection to the other support towers 64. Each intermediate panel 72 can be supported along opposite sides from the support tower 64 of the adjacent tower units 60. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the interconnection between the tower units 60 provided by the intermediate panels 72 facilitates overall structural integrity for the apparatus 58 by providing increased lateral stability for each of the tower units 60 compared to that provided if the tower units were not linked structurally. However, structural linkage of the support towers 64 to each other is not required, and other mechanisms for providing increased stability can be used. The intermediate panels 72 can be dimensioned, as shown, to prevent a person from passing through the apparatus 58 between the tower units 60. In this manner, the panels 72 retain players in a play area located in front of the apparatus 58, such as the ellipsoidal play area 74 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Each of the tower units 60 can be disposed in a fixed spatial relationship to each other, for example, by including intermediate connecting panels 72, as shown in FIG. 6, or by providing stakes (not shown) that can anchor each tower unit 60 into the ground at desired relative locations to each other. In other embodiments, each of the tower units 60 can be moveable relative to each other, for example, by providing a rolling mechanism by which a user can change the locations of each tower units 60 relative to each other. In embodiments including moveable tower units 60, the intermediate connecting panels 72 can be removable or can slide relative to each tower unit 60. The coupling between each tower unit 60 and the intermediate connecting panels 72 can allow the tower units 60 to slide along the intermediate connecting panels 72 (not shown) so that the tower units 60 can be positioned at different locations relative to each other.

As shown in FIG. 6, each of the intermediate panels 72 has an upper and lower periphery that defines a segment of a circle, although each intermediate panel 72 can take any shape. In addition, the assembly housing 68 for each of the tower units 60 can include decorative notches 82 each defining a segment of a circle and arranged so that the appearance of the notches 82 in combination with the appearance of the panels 72 presents the illusion or suggestion of intersecting circles (see, e.g., the front view of FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 9, the rear covers 70 of the tower units 60 also can include decorative notches 82 providing the illusion of intersecting circles when the apparatus 58 is viewed from behind the apparatus. In other embodiments, any decorative scheme can be used, including any configuration of decorative notches 82.

The game apparatus can include a controller 76 that can be secured to one of the intermediate panels 72, which can be the centrally located panel 72. The controller 76 can include a display unit 78 mounted within a controller housing 80. As described below in greater detail, the controller 76 can include a central processor having a memory in which the software for various games, such as the exemplary games identified in FIGS. 35-37 and described below, are stored. The display unit 78 can be adapted to present game scores during the playing of a selected game. The display unit 78 can be adapted to present information during game setup to facilitate various game attributes (e.g., game selection, number of players, level of difficulty). As shown, the display unit 78 is mounted in an upper portion of the controller 76, although the display unit 78 can be mounted in any other location. The exemplary arrangement depicted in FIG. 6 places the display unit 78 in a prominent location on the apparatus 58 for viewing by players as well as others (e.g., spectators) who can be located nearby. The controller 76 can include a human-machine interface assembly 84 that can include buttons, sensors, and the like, which in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is mounted adjacent to an opening provided in a lower portion of the controller housing 80 for use by a player during game setup (e.g., game selection, number of players, difficulty level, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the interface assembly 84 can take any form and be mounted in any location within electronic outdoor game apparatus 58.

Each contact assembly 62 can be adapted to illuminate or emit light in a color that can be predetermined by the controller 76 for a given game selected by a player(s). The contact assemblies 62 can be adapted such that the color displayed by the assembly 62 is capable of being varied. For example, the assemblies 62 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 shown as lighted could be directed by the controller 76 to light in a different color for a different game (or in a different color during the same game). The contact assemblies 62 are adapted to respond to a player(s) during game play to register contact by the player(s) (e.g., a pressing or slapping force applied by a hand, elbow, knee, foot, etc.). The height at which the contact assemblies 62 are located above the associated playing surface can range between approximately one foot at the lowest to approximately five to six feet at the highest. However, the contact assemblies 62 can be located at any height above the playing surface, depending on the height of the anticipated users and the included games. The arrangement depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 provides for use of the apparatus by children in which a child must stoop to reach the lowest assemblies 62 with a hand (or alternatively contact assemblies 62 with a foot or other body part) and, conversely, must jump to reach the highest assemblies 62.

Referring to FIG. 15, in an exemplary embodiment, the front surfaces of the assembly housings 68 of tower units 60 do not all face in exactly the same relative direction (although in some embodiments, the front surfaces of the assembly housings 60 can all face in the same relative direction). Instead, when viewed from the top as in FIG. 15, the assembly housings 68 on the left-hand side of the controller 76 can be positioned with a slightly counter-clockwise orientation relative to the controller 76, while the assembly housings 68 on the right-hand side of the controller 76 are positioned with a slightly clockwise orientation relative to the controller 76. Similarly, the panel 72 on the left-hand side of the electronic outdoor game apparatus 58 can be oriented slightly counter-clockwise with respect to the controller 76 while the panel 72 on the right-hand side can be oriented clockwise. The relative angular orientation of the assembly housings 68 can increase with distance from the controller 76 such that the magnitude of the angular orientation for the tower units 60 at the ends of the apparatus 58 with respect to the controller 76 are larger than that of the tower units 60 adjacent the controller 76. The relative angular orientation of the tower units 60 and the assembly housings 68 can facilitate the ability of a user to view all of the contact assemblies 62 from a single vantage point anywhere in the play area 74.

In an exemplary embodiment, the relative locations and orientations of the tower units 60 can be positioned along a curved line or continuous arc (i.e., each tower unit 60 placed parallel to a tangent to such a curved line). This can be seen in FIG. 9, for example, by comparing the orientation of each tower unit 60 with respect to the adjacent curved boundary of the ellipsoidal play area 74 on which the electronic outdoor game apparatus 58 is positioned. The relative angular orientation of the tower units 60 can serve to facilitate viewing of all contact assemblies 62 from any location on the playing area. For example, the ability of a player located at one end of the apparatus 58 to view the contact assemblies 62 of the tower unit 60 located at the opposite end of the apparatus 58 can be improved compared to an embodiment in which all tower units 60 face in the same relative direction. This any-location viewability of all contact assemblies 62 can be useful in an outdoor setting in which the player's ability to perceive a lighted assembly can be diminished by sunlight on the game apparatus.

The assembly housing 68 and rear cover 70 of the tower units 60, and the controller housing 80, can be made from a roto-molded plastic material or any material that is highly impact resistant. However, any material can be used to construct these exterior components of electronic outdoor game apparatus 58. The support towers 64 of the tower units 60 and the intermediate panels 72 can be made from a metal such as steel, although any other material can be used that provides the desired degree of stability for the tower units 60 and the intermediate panels 72.

The structure and function of the contact assemblies 62 included in accordance with certain aspects of electronic outdoor game apparatus 58 are shown in FIGS. 17-23 and described below. However, other embodiments can include contact assemblies 62 of different styles and configurations, including, for example, the contact assemblies 12 shown in FIGS. 1-5. Each contact assembly 62 can include or can be located proximate a light source 106, a sound source 127, and a human-machine interface 128 such as a button or sensor, or the like, that can register or detect contact from a player. The interface 128 can be a pushbutton. The interface 128 can be piezoelectric. The shape, size, style, strength, and particular detailed capabilities of each of the light source 106, the sound source 127, and the interface 128 can vary, depending on the desired cost, available space at the park or play area, the age of the intended user, the desired power source, and the types of games that are desired to be included in the electronic outdoor game apparatus 58.

Each contact assembly 62 can comprise an interface 128, a light source 106, and a sound source 127 that can include a grill 116, a speaker 100, a speaker housing 102, and any other sound-generation or sound-emission components (described in more detail below). Each of the interface 128, the light source 106, and the sound source 127 can be proximate one or two of the others. As used herein, “proximate” means, for instance that when a light source 106 emits light or a sound source 127 emits sound, a user would be able to identify a target location of a particular contact assembly 62 or interface 128. For example, in order for a user to be able to identify which contact assembly 62 or interface 128 has been contacted or is the next target location to be contacted, the light source 106 or the sound source 127 can be closer to the identified contact assembly 62 or interface 128 than to any other contact assembly 62 or interface 128.

Each interface 128 can be disposed anywhere on a tower unit 60, and each interface 128 can be disposed anywhere within or outside of a contact assembly 62. Each interface 128 can be disposed in the center of a contact assembly 62, or it can be disposed at any relative location on a contact assembly 62, such as off-center, or at the top or bottom edge.

In some embodiments, a contact assembly 62 can include a circuit board 88, an interface 128, a light source 106, a sound source 127, and a grill 116 disposed within a single common boundary (for example, the outer housing or light cover 110). In other embodiments, one or more of the circuit board 88, interface 128, light source 106, sound source 127, or grill 116 can be disposed outside the single common boundary such as the housing 20. For example, the interface 128, light source 106, sound source 127, and/or grill 116 can be located around the outer perimeter of each contact assembly 62. Even if one or more of a light source 106, sound source 127, or grill 116 are not disposed within a single common boundary such as the outer housing or light cover 110, these components may still be proximate a particular contact assembly 62 such that they can identify a particular target contact assembly 62 or interface 128.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 through 23, the construction of the contact assemblies 62, which can be used in electronic outdoor game apparatus 58 or other in embodiments, is shown in greater detail. FIG. 17 shows an exemplary embodiment of one of the assembly housings 68 from a rearward side of the assembly housing 68 separated from the tower support 64 and including four associated contact assemblies 62 mounted to the assembly housing 68. FIG. 18 shows an upper portion of the assembly housing 68 of FIG. 17 with the uppermost one of the contact assemblies 62 shown in an exploded state. As shown in FIG. 18, the assembly housing 68 defines a mounting aperture 86 for each of the contact assemblies 62 of the tower unit 60.

Each contact assembly 62 can include a circuit board 88, a first cable 90 and a second cable 92. The cables 90, 92 are connected to the circuit board 88. Each of the cables 90, 92 includes a first coupling 94 and a second coupling 96 (see FIG. 19). Each of the first couplings 94 is adapted to receive one of the second couplings 96 such that cables carrying the couplings become electrically connected. In this manner, the circuit board 88 of each contact assembly 62 can be electrically connected to at least one adjacent contact assembly 62. This interconnection of contact assemblies 62 can be provide the capability, for example, for supplying power to the all of the contact assemblies 62 of the tower unit 60 in a daisy-chain manner. The circuit board 88 can be mounted within an interior of an electronics housing 98 secured to a rearward side of the assembly housing 68 as shown in FIG. 17.

Each contact assembly 62 can include a speaker 100 mounted within the interior of a speaker housing 102. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the speaker housing 102 can be secured to the electronics housing 98 at an upper end of the electronics housing 98. The electronics housing 98 can define an opening (not seen) adjacent the location at which the speaker 100 is mounted to facilitate passage of sound through the electronics housing 98. A cable 104 can connect the speaker 100 to the circuit board 88 for control of the speaker 100 by a microprocessor on the circuit board 88 (as directed by the controller 76 during operation of the game apparatus 58).

Each contact assembly 62 can include a plurality of light sources (can be LEDs) 106. The LEDs 106 can be arranged in pairs of red and green LEDs on a front surface of the circuit board 88. The pairs of LEDs 106 can be arranged in a circular pattern. The geometric pattern of LEDs 106 can match the general shape of the light cover 110. The contact assembly 62 can include a light transmission tube 108 secured to the circuit board 88 at a rearward end of the tube 108 and received through the associated aperture 86 of the assembly housing 68 at an opposite forward end of the tube 108. As shown, the diameter of the circular pattern of LEDs 106 can be substantially the same as the diameter of the light transmission tube 108 at the rearward end of the tube 108. In this manner, the light generated by the LEDs 106 can be directed from the LEDs into the wall of the tube 108 at the rearward end of the tube 108. This light is then transmitted along the tube 108, through the aperture 86 of the assembly housing 68 to the forward end of the tube 108. For example, red or green light can be transmitted through the tube 108 by alternatively energizing red and green LEDs 106. The contact assembly 62 can be adapted to mix colors to provide additional colors (e.g., lighting both red and green lights simultaneously to create yellow light). The addition of blue LEDs 106 to red and green can provide an R-G-B light source associated with known color mixing systems for creating a wide variation of colors.

The interface 128 can be vibrationally isolated or spaced apart from the light sources 106 and/or the circuit board 88 in the contact assembly 62. In embodiments where the interface 128 is vibrationally isolated from the light sources 106 and/or the circuit board 88, this means that there can be some degree of vibration dampening (which can be accomplished with the use of a compliant material to construct the outer housing or light cover 110) that can dissipate some of the energy transmitted to the light sources 106 and/or the circuit board 88 when a user contacts the interface 128.

Each contact assembly 62 can include a light cover 110 received in the aperture 86 from a front side of the assembly housing 68. The light cover 110 can include an inner plate portion 112 and a rounded rim 114. The light cover 110 that forms part of the exterior housing of each contact assembly 62 can be made from a compliant material that is capable of absorbing, dampening, or dissipating vibrations, such that the circuit board 88 and the LEDs 106 can be partially protected from vibrations originating from the contact assembly 62 being struck by a user. As shown in FIG. 19, the light cover 110 is received on the light transmission tube 108 such that the forward end of the tube 108 is located within an interior defined by the rim 114. At least the rim 114 of the light cover 110 can be made from a translucent material such that light transmitted to the forward end of the tube 108 is visible through the rim 114 of the light cover 110 from the front of assembly housing 68.

As can be seen in FIGS. 17-23, each contact assembly 62 can include a speaker grill 116 on the front side of the assembly housing 68 having an annular plate 118 and four support posts 120. The support posts 120 of the speaker grill 116 are received through peripheral tabs 122 of the light cover 110 and by support bosses 124 defined about the aperture 86 by the assembly housing 68. In this manner, both the speaker grill 116 and the light cover 110 can be secured to the assembly housing 68 (e.g., using fasteners engaging the support posts 120 from a rear side of the assembly housing 68). Sound from the speaker 100 can be directed around the light transmission tube 108 and through the aperture 86 to the front of the assembly housing 68 via the annular plate 118 of the speaker grill 116. The plate 118 of the speaker grill 116 can be adapted (e.g., by including slots) to facilitate passage of sound through the grill 116.

Each contact assembly 62 can further include an actuator assembly 126 that is responsive to contact applied to the assembly 62 by a player in order to provide for registration of such contact during game play, as described below in greater detail. The actuator assembly 126 can be any piezoelectric button actuator, however, any other button, sensor, or actuator mechanism, or the like, can be used that is capable of responding to or detecting contact by a player. The piezoelectric button actuator 126 can include a button human-machine interface 128 such as a button, sensor, or the like, mounted in a button housing 130.

The interface 128 can be any interface, such as a pushbutton or a piezoelectric button, that can respond to or detect an actuation such as contact, pressure, infrared light, heat, proximity, pushing, or other type of actuation by a user, or any other mechanism for a human-machine interface. A cylindrical post 132 extends from a rearward surface of the button housing 130. A spacer disk 134 is located between the inner plate 112 of the light cover 110 and the button housing 130 of the piezoelectric button actuator 126. The post 132 of the actuator 126 is received through central apertures of the spacer disk 134 and the light cover 110.

The piezoelectric actuator 126 can include wiring 136 extending from the post 132. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the wiring 136 can extend through a central aperture defined by the circuit board 88 to a male coupler 133 of the actuator assembly 126 located rearward of the circuit board 88. To electrically connect the piezoelectric actuator assembly 126 to the circuit board 88 (e.g., for monitoring and reporting contact of interface 128 by a player), the contact assembly 62 can include a female receptacle 135 adapted for receipt of male coupler 133. The female coupler 135 is connected to wiring 137. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 23, the wiring 137 for the female coupler 135 can extend through the central aperture in the circuit board 88 for electrical connection to the circuit board 88 on the front surface of the circuit board 88. In a manner known in the art, the movement of the interface 128 of piezoelectric actuator 126 with respect to the button housing 130 can be registered at the circuit board 88 via the wiring 136, couplers 133, 135, and coupler wiring 137. It is not required that male/female couplers 133, 135 be included to electrically connect the wiring of the piezoelectric button actuators to the circuit board. In alternate embodiments, the button actuators can be connected to the circuit board using any desired suitable connections.

Referring to FIGS. 24A and 24B, the controller 76 is shown in greater detail, separate from the apparatus 58. The structure and function of the controller 76 included in an exemplary embodiment of electronic outdoor game apparatus 58 is shown in FIGS. 24A-24B and described below. The controller 76 can include mechanisms for selecting games to be played on the electronic outdoor game apparatus 58. The shape, size, style, materials, and particular detailed capabilities of the controller 76 can vary, depending on the desired cost, available space at the park or play area, the age of the intended user, the desired power source, and the types of games that can be included in the electronic outdoor game apparatus 58. Other embodiments of electronic outdoor game apparatus 58 can include controllers 76 of different styles and configurations, for example, as shown in FIG. 25.

As shown in FIG. 24A, the controller housing 80 can include a front mount portion 81 and a rear cover portion 83. A control box 85 of the controller 76 can be located between the housing portions 81, 83 of the controller housing 80. The control box 85 can be received in a recess 87 defined by the front mount portion 81 disposed adjacent openings 89, 91 respectively defined for the display unit 78 and the interface assembly 84 of controller 76. Other embodiments of electronic outdoor game apparatus 58 can include controller housings 80 and display units 78 of different styles and configurations, for example, as shown in FIG. 25.

Referring also to the exploded perspective view of FIG. 24B, a portion of the controller 76 including the control box 85 is shown separately. As shown, the control box 85 includes a front mount portion 93 defining an interior and a rear panel 95 for enclosing the interior. The display unit 78 of controller 76 is mounted within the interior of the control box 85. As shown, the main display unit 78 is located adjacent an opening 97 defined in an upper portion of the front portion 93 of control box 85. The controller 76 includes a main circuit board 99 on which the above-described CPU and memory (not shown) for controlling the operation of the display unit 78, interface assembly 84 and contact assemblies 62 of apparatus 58 is mounted. The main circuit board 99 is secured to a support bracket 101 for supporting the main circuit board 99 within the interior of the control box 85 at a distance from a front wall 103 of the control box 85.

The interface assembly 84 can include a plurality of selector interfaces 105 such as buttons or sensors. The selector interfaces 105 can be piezoelectric buttons. Similar to the above described piezoelectric actuator assemblies 126 for the contact assemblies 62, the selector interfaces 105 can include a button actuator, button housing, wiring and coupler and are adapted for coupling the buttons to the main circuit board 99 to register entry of selected game attributes (e.g., game selection, number of players, difficulty, etc.). The selector interfaces 105 have been shown schematically in FIG. 24B without the wiring and couplers to facilitate illustration of the invention. Similarly, the display unit 78 of controller 76 is shown in FIG. 24B without associated wiring to facilitate illustration, it being understood that the controller 76 includes wiring connecting the display unit 78 to the main circuit board 99 for control of the display unit 78 by the CPU of the controller 76. Other embodiments of electronic outdoor game apparatus 58 can include interface assemblies 84 of different styles and configurations, for example, as shown in FIG. 25.

The controller 76 can include a placard panel 107, located in front of the control box 85, for displaying indicia associated with the operation of the interface assembly 84 (e.g., game selection, number of players, difficulty levels). As shown, the placard panel 107 includes a plurality of openings alignable with openings in the front wall 103 of the control box 85 for receiving the button housings of the selector interfaces 105 when the interfaces 105 are mounted to the control box 85.

In a similar fashion as the circuit board 88 of the contact assemblies 62, the main circuit board 99 of the controller 76 can include a central aperture for receiving the wiring for the selector interfaces 105 from in front of the main circuit board 99 for connection of the selector button couplers to compatible couplers located behind the main circuit board 99. As shown in FIG. 24B, the support bracket 101 also includes an aperture substantially aligned with the central aperture of the main circuit board 99 for passage of the wiring associated with the selector interfaces 105. Similar to the contact assemblies 62, the controller includes wiring 109 and couplers 111 for connecting the main circuit board 99 to a power supply circuit.

Referring to FIGS. 26-30, a controller 113 for the electronic outdoor game apparatus 58 can include a main control unit 115 mounted to an upper portion of a control box 117. The main control unit 115 of controller 113 can incorporate a display (e.g., for presenting game scores). The controller can include a plurality of selector interfaces 119 such as piezoelectric buttons or sensors, mounted to a lower portion of the control box 117. As shown in FIG. 30, each of the selector interfaces 119 can include a button actuator, a button housing, wiring, and a wiring coupling. The couplers for the selector interfaces 119 can be coupled to the main control unit via wiring and couplers as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. In an exemplary embodiment, the depicted controller 113, unlike the controller 76 shown in FIG. 24B, is not shown to include a circuit board that is separated from a display unit.

Referring to FIG. 31, a power supply unit 121 can supply DC power to an electronic outdoor game apparatus 58 via cord 123. The power supply unit 121 can include a power cord 125 connectable to a source of power such as an AC power line via a suitable plug and receptacle connection.

Referring to FIG. 32, wiring system 139 is shown for distributing power throughout the electronic outdoor game apparatus 58. However, in other embodiments, power can be distributed thought the electronic outdoor game apparatus 58 in other configurations that are known to those skilled in the art. As shown in FIG. 32, the four tower units 60 of the electronic outdoor game apparatus 58 are respectively identified as T1 through T4 from left to right. Similarly, the intermediate panels interconnecting the tower units are respectively identified as P1 through P3 from left to right. In FIG. 32, power is introduced into the wiring system 139 (e.g., from a power supply unit, battery, or other source of power) via connector 141.

Power can be distributed to the tower T3 from connector 141 via line 143. The power from line 143 can then be distributed upwardly in series or daisy-chain fashion to the circuit board 88 of each of the four contact assemblies 62 of tower unit T3. Power can be distributed to tower unit T4 from the uppermost contact assembly 62 of tower unit T3 via line 145. As shown, the line 145 is directed downwardly within unit T3, then across a middle portion of panel P3, and then upwardly within tower unit T4 to the uppermost contact assembly of unit T4. As shown, the circuit boards 88 of unit T4 are connected in daisy-chain fashion to distribute power within unit T4. Tower unit T4 includes a line 147 that extends from the lowermost contact assembly 88 of the tower unit to a termination end.

Power is distributed from the connector 141 to the controller 76 via line 149. As shown, line 149 is first directed upwardly within tower unit T3 from connector 141 and then across a middle portion of panel P2 to the controller 76. Power is distributed from the controller 76 to tower unit T2 via line 151, which is directed from the controller 76 to tower unit T2 across a middle portion of P2. Line 151 is then directed downwardly within tower unit T2 to the lowermost contact assembly 62. Similar to tower unit T2, power is distributed upwardly in daisy-chain fashion from the lowermost contact assembly to the uppermost contact assembly.

Power is distributed from tower T2 to tower T1 via line 153. In a similar fashion that line 145 is directed within tower units T3 and T4, the line 153 is directed downwardly in tower unit T2, across a middle portion of panel P1 to tower unit T1, and then upwardly within tower unit T1 to the uppermost contact assembly of T1. Similar to tower unit T4, the assemblies 62 of tower unit T1 are connected in series or daisy-chain fashion and the tower unit T1 includes a line 155 extending from the lowermost assembly 88 to a termination end.

The wiring system 139 of FIG. 32 was described above as providing an example embodiment for power distribution for the contact assemblies 62 and the controller 76 of electronic game apparatus 58. The same wiring system 139 can be used to provide a communication network interconnecting the contact assemblies 62 and the controller 76 (e.g., for control of the contact assemblies 62 by the controller 76 and for communicating feedback information from the assemblies 62 back to the controller 76).

Referring to FIG. 33, there is shown another embodiment of an electronic game apparatus 157. The game apparatus 157 is substantially similar to game apparatus 58, including four tower units 60, interconnecting panels 72, and a controller 76. As shown in FIG. 33, the game apparatus 157 can include conduits 159 extending across portions of the panels 72 for enclosing wiring (e.g., lines of wiring system 139 shown in FIG. 32).

As described in FIGS. 6-16 above, the outdoor electronic game apparatus 58 can include four tower units 60, each including four contact assemblies 62, thereby providing a four-by-four array of sixteen total contact assemblies 62. Referring to FIG. 34, there is illustrated schematically a four-by-four array 138 of light sources 140. This arrangement of light sources 140 provides for play of a wide variety of games such as the exemplary games shown in FIGS. 35-37 and described further below.

A desired feature for certain games involves sequential light emission and/or sound emission to indicate target contact assemblies 62 and/or interfaces 128 along a pathway (e.g., to represent movement of an object). The broken lines 142 in FIG. 34 represent potential pathways for light and/or sound movement to be represented between the contact assemblies 62 by such sequential lighting and/or sounding of the assemblies. The locations of the contact assemblies 62 represent nodes or junctions for the pathways (i.e., locations where the path direction for the simulated moving light and/or sound could be changed).

As used herein, sequential operation of light and/or sound across the towers means that a random or predetermined sequence can be used to sequentially generate light emission and/or sound emission to indicate target locations, which can be for instance target contact assemblies 62 and/or interfaces 128. The sequential operation can be along a single tower, in an upwards or downwards direction, for example, or the sequential operation can be across the towers, where a light and/or sound source on each successive tower is activated, in a random or predetermined order, to indicate a target contact assembly 62 or interface 128. The random or predetermined light and/or sound activation sequences can constitute game functions, as described below. The random or predetermined light and/or sound activation sequences can be programmed, and the sequences can be controlled by a controller 76.

Referring to FIG. 35, three exemplary games for a game apparatus such as apparatus 58 are described. In the first game 144, the controller 76 directs the contact assemblies 62 to display light at randomly selected nodes of the four-by-four array. Game 144, therefore, is not a pathway game. To score points, the player(s) must contact the interface 128 of the lighted assembly 62 (sufficient to trigger the actuator assembly 126) while the LEDs 106 of the assembly 62 are lit. Upon successful contact with the lit assembly 62, the LEDs 106 will be turned off. The LEDs 106 can also, depending on the difficulty level, be turned off if there is no successful contact within a predetermined time period (i.e., a time-out period). Game 144 can be played by a single player or, alternatively, as a multiple player game. The second game 146 is a pathway-type of game. In game 146, the controller 76 directs four contact assemblies 62 to display light in a sequential fashion along a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line. Such a line of lights might represent, for example, the path of a missile or other moving object such as a car. The third game 148, like first game 144, is a random-node type of game (i.e., not a pathway type). Game 148 is a multiple player game in which each player is assigned a particular color light. The goal for each player is to contact the contact assembly 62 to extinguish the lighting of that assembly when the contact assembly is lit in that players color. Although the depicted game is described as a two-player game, the invention is not so limited. It is conceivable, for example that the contact assemblies could be adapted for color mixing to provide for more than two different colors (and therefore more than two players).

Referring to FIG. 36, three more games are described. Game 150 is a pathway-type of game. Contact assemblies 62 are directed by the controller 76 to define a set of lights that move around the four-by-four array along varying pathways (e.g., representing the movement of a snake). The set must be extinguished (i.e., by contacting the assemblies 62 while the assemblies are lit) before a time-out period is completed. Game 152 is a random-node type of game in which the controller 76 directs an contact assembly 62 to light initially in one predetermined color and then to change color according to a predetermined progression of colors before finally extinguishing if no contact is made. The earlier that contact is successfully made while the assembly 62 is lit, the greater the resulting score. Game 154 is a memory game that utilizes sound generated by the speakers 100 of the contact assemblies 62 as a game feature (i.e., more than generation of sound effects or background music). Each contact assembly 62 is assigned a particular sound, which can be not limited to musical tones but instead could include a wide range of sounds. The sound that a given assembly 62 generates, however, would vary from game to game. The controller 76 directs a certain number of assemblies 62 to sound in a series. The goal for the player is to remember the order of the series and to playback the sounds in the correct order by actuating the actuator assemblies 126 of the contact assemblies 62 in the same order.

Referring to FIG. 37, three more exemplary games are described. Game 156 is a pathway type game in which a player(s) defends a designated half of the array against light pathways moving across the four-by-four array. When a lit assembly 62 is contacted by a player, the direction of the path changes. Game 158 is a random-node game in which a selected node lights in a flashing manner such that the flashing is timed with background music output from the speakers 100 of the contact assemblies 62. Game 160 is neither a random node game nor a pathway game. In game 160, each of the contact assemblies 62 is assigned a particular sound to generate when the actuator assembly 126 of the assembly 62 is triggered by a player. The sounds can be musical tones or musical effects allowing a player to compose music. The speakers 100 of the apparatus 58 can also generate other background accompaniment (e.g., drum line, base, etc.) automatically (i.e., without requiring player contact with an contact assembly 62 during game play).

Referring to FIG. 38, there is illustrated schematically an embodiment of electronic outdoor game apparatus 162, showing exemplary control features. As shown in FIG. 38, the game apparatus 162 can include a plurality of contact assemblies 164 and a central controller 166. In order to present the control features in a clear manner, three of the contact assemblies 164 are shown. However, the game apparatus 162 can include sixteen contact assemblies 164 arranged in a four-by-four array as described above. Each of the contact assemblies 164 can include a speaker 168 and a lighting assembly 170, each represented schematically by rectangles to facilitate description. The lighting assembly 170 can include a plurality of LEDs and light transmitting components such as the above-described light transmission tube and light cover adapted to generate light and transmit the light to a front side of the apparatus 162 to be viewable to a player(s). The lighting assembly 170 can be adapted to provide color mixing for generating viewable light in a variety of different colors.

The central controller 166 can include a processor (CPU) 172 having memory storage 174. The CPU 172 can be adapted to retain in its memory storage 174 the software programming associated with operation of the game apparatus during game play (e.g., for playing the exemplary games of FIGS. 35-37). The CPU 172 can be adapted to access selected game programs from the memory storage 174 and to control the operation of the contact assemblies 164 as required by the steps of a selected game program.

To provide for transmission of control and communication signals between the central controller 166 and the contact assemblies 164, the game apparatus 162 can include wiring 176 connecting the central controller 166 to each of the contact assemblies 164. However, the electronic outdoor game apparatus 162 is not limited in application to hardwired communication. In alternate embodiments, the electronic outdoor game apparatus 162 can include a wireless form of communication for transmitting control and communication signals between the central controller 166 and each of the contact assemblies 164. Such a wireless communication system would be desirable, for example, in a game apparatus having separate tower units such as the outdoor electronic game apparatus 50 shown in FIG. 5. An electronic outdoor game apparatus 162 having separate tower units (i.e., no mechanical coupling between the tower units) can be adapted to facilitate repositioning of the tower units with respect to each other to provide for an even broader variety of different games or exercises than might be available without this repositioning capability. For example, in some embodiments, the separate tower units can be located at various points of an obstacle course.

As shown in FIG. 38, each of the contact assemblies 164 can include a microprocessor 178 adapted to receive control signals from the central controller 166. The microprocessor 178 of the contact assemblies 164 can be adapted to control the operation of the speaker 168 and lighting assembly 170 in response to the control signal from the CPU 172 of the central controller 166. For example, the control signal from the central controller 166 can direct the microprocessor 178 to light the lighting assembly 170 in a particular color or at a particular time (e.g., as part of series of sequentially lighting assemblies in a pathway type game) or to generate a particular sound from the speaker 168. The microprocessor 178 of the contact assembly 164 can be adapted to transmit responsive signals back to the central controller 166 (e.g., report to the central controller when a player triggers the actuation assembly of the contact assembly by pressing its button).

The electronic outdoor game apparatus 162 can include a power supply unit 180 for powering the central controller 166 and the contact assemblies 164. The power supply unit can be a low-voltage dc power supply unit, which can be 12-volts. The dc power supply unit, in turn, can be powered by a power source such as 120 or 240 volt AC power supplied by a utility company. In some embodiments, the power supply unit can receive power from a battery that can be rechargeable. In some embodiments, the power supply unit can be powered by solar cells associated with the game apparatus or located adjacent the game apparatus.

The above description relates to operation of various embodiments of a game apparatus, such as the electronic outdoor game apparatus 58, during actual game play. The game apparatus can be adapted to go into a power-saving “sleep” mode during times when no one is near the game apparatus. In this sleep mode, energizing of electrical components of the game apparatus would be minimized in order to conserve energy. The game apparatus can be brought into an “game-active” mode in response to a person pressing the interface 128 of one of the contact assemblies 62. In alternate embodiments, the game apparatus can be adapted with a “tease” mode in which the apparatus includes a device (e.g., a motion sensor) for sensing the presence of person approaching or passing near to the apparatus. In the tease mode, the apparatus can light the lighting assemblies of one or more of the assemblies and sound the speakers in order to draw attention of a person to the game apparatus.

The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of explanation and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments or exemplary methods, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Furthermore, although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular structure, methods, and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein, as the invention extends to all structures, methods and uses that are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the relevant art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, can effect numerous modifications to the invention as described herein, and changes can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, any features of one described embodiment can be applicable to the other embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. An outdoor game system, comprising:

a plurality of upright towers that are operatively connected and suitable for installation outdoors, each tower including a plurality of contact assemblies, each contact assembly including: an interface capable of responding to or detecting contact; a light source that emits light proximate the interface; and a sound source that emits sounds proximate the interface;

wherein the contact assemblies operate in random or predetermined sequences that constitute game functions.

2. The outdoor game system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of upright towers are disposed in a fixed spatial relationship to each other.

3. The outdoor game system of claim 1, wherein the random or predetermined sequences are across the plurality of upright towers.

4. The outdoor game system of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to receive an indication of contact from the interface and send signals to the light source and the sound source.

5. The outdoor game system of claim 1, further comprising a controller including programmed game sequences for activation of the light sources and the sound sources.

6. The outdoor game system of claim 1, wherein each light source emits light in response to contact at the interface.

7. The outdoor game system of claim 1, wherein each light source emits light to indicate a target contact location.

8. The outdoor game system of claim 1, wherein each sound source emits sound in response to contact at the interface.

9. The outdoor game system of claim 1, wherein each sound source emits sound to indicate a target contact location.

10. The outdoor game system of claim 1, wherein each interface is vibrationally isolated or spaced apart from the light source in the contact assembly.

11. The outdoor game system of claim 1, wherein each interface is a pushbutton.

12. An outdoor game system, comprising:

four towers, each tower including: four interfaces, each interface detecting or responding to contact; at least one light source; and at least one sound source;

wherein the interfaces define a four-by-four grid, and the four-by-four grid is entirely visible from a single location within a field of play.

13. The outdoor game system of claim 12, wherein each of the four towers are disposed in a fixed spatial relationship to each other.

14. The outdoor game system of claim 12, wherein each of the four towers is located along a continuous arc.

15. The outdoor game system of claim 12, wherein the light sources and sound sources operate sequentially across the towers.

16. The outdoor game system of claim 12, further comprising at least one contact assembly, each contact assembly including an interface, a light source, and a sound source.

17. The outdoor game system of claim 16, wherein a grill for sound emission is located around the perimeter of each contact assembly.

18. An outdoor game system, comprising:

a plurality of upright towers;

a plurality of interfaces disposed on each tower, the interfaces being capable of detecting or responding to an actuation;

a plurality of light sources disposed on each tower, the light sources being capable of emitting light; and

a plurality of sound sources disposed proximate each of the plurality of interfaces, the sound sources being capable of emitting sound;

wherein the sound sources operate sequentially across the plurality of towers.

19. The outdoor game system of claim 18, wherein the actuation comprises contact.

20. The outdoor game system of claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of upright towers are disposed in a fixed spatial relationship to each other.

21. The outdoor game system of claim 18, wherein the light sources operate sequentially across the plurality of towers.

22. The outdoor game system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of sound sources are further disposed proximate the plurality of light sources.

23. The outdoor game system of claim 18, further comprising at least one contact assembly, each contact assembly including one of the interfaces, one of the light sources, and one of the sound sources.

24. The outdoor game system of claim 23, wherein a grill for sound emission is located around the perimeter of each contact assembly.

25. The outdoor game system of claim 23, wherein each interface is substantially circular and located substantially in the center of a contact assembly.