FOOSBALL TABLE WITH LONGITUDINAL AND LATERAL PLAYER MOVEMENTS

Abstract

A foosball table with longitudinal and lateral player movements above a playing surface is disclosed. The player figures carried on a control shaft in a spaced apart relation along the shaft. A proximal end of the shaft has a control knob operable from an exterior of the table. A distal end of the shaft is pivotally coupled beyond an interior sidewall of the playing surface, yet within an anteroom of the foosball table defined by an exterior panel of the foosball table and the interior sidewall. A longitudinal slot is provided along the exterior panel for a longitudinal displacement of the control shaft and the player figures carried on the control shaft.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/364,989, filed May 19, 2022, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to table soccer, also known as foosball, and more particularly to player movements along a playing surface of the foosball table.

Typical table soccer (foosball) simulates the outdoor ball game of soccer, although in an unrealistic way as all play figures are restricted to lateral directional movements along the playing surface of the foosball table. Traditional foosball tables that lack longitudinal motion of the players limit the possibilities of gameplay.

As can be seen, there is a need for a foosball table that provides improved mobility of the player figures of the game, and thus expands the possibilities of table soccer game tactics and strategy: passing and shooting (especially diagonally), dribbling, scoring, defending, as well as reducing dead balls—the condition during gameplay when a stationary ball is not reachable by any player figure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a foosball table includes a pivot assembly pivotably connecting a distal portion of a player-figure shaft relative to a playing surface of the foosball table so that a proximal portion of the player-figure shaft moves substantially longitudinally relative to the playing surface in two directions.

In another aspect of the present invention, the foosball table further includes said substantially longitudinal movement is defined by a circular motion of the proximal portion about a z-axis of the pivot assembly, wherein the playing surface is a two-dimensional area defined by a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and wherein the z-axis defines a z-direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral directions, wherein the longitudinal movement is confined by a longitudinal slot disposed in an exterior panel of the foosball table, wherein the pivot assembly is contained in an anteroom adjacent to the playing surface, wherein the anteroom is defined by the exterior panel and an interior sidewall defining a longitudinal edge of the playing surface, wherein each player figure on player-figure shaft is movable rotatable and linearly about a lateral axis and pivotable about the z-axis, wherein the longitudinal slot extends in a longitudinal direction for at least twice (and sometime more than five times; in one embodiment, the longitudinal slot extends more than four inches on each side of a line normal relative to the pivot assembly) a distance of a diameter of the player-figure shaft, wherein a distal end of the player-figure shaft ends prior to the exterior panel, and wherein each player figure of the player-figure shaft is linearly adjustable along a length of the player-figure shaft.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with longitudinal and lateral player movements.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with longitudinal and lateral player movements.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is another cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a detailed isometric view an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, indicated by line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide a foosball table with both longitudinal and lateral player-figure movements over the playing surface of the foosball table. The player figures are carried on a control shaft in a spaced apart relation along the shaft. A proximal end of the shaft has a control knob operable from an exterior of the table. A distal end of the shaft is pivotally coupled beyond an interior sidewall of the playing surface, yet within an anteroom of the foosball table defined by an exterior panel of the foosball table and the interior sidewall. A longitudinal slot is provided along the exterior panel for a longitudinal displacement of the control shaft and the player figures carried on the control shaft.

As stated above, Typical table soccer (foosball) simulates the outdoor ball game of soccer, although in a somewhat unrealistic way as all player figures are restricted, when it comes to traversing the playing surface of the foosball table, to lateral directional movements. The improved foosball table of the present invention incudes mechanisms that allow the rotatable shafts, that the player figures are mounted to, to pivot about a point adding a radial longitudinal movement to the traditional rotational and lateral movements of the players figures.

As seen in reference to the drawings of FIGS. 1-6, the foosball table with longitudinal and lateral player movements 10 is disclosed. The foosball table 10 includes a tabletop surface 12 containing a playing surface 14 disposed below the tabletop surface 12. The playing surface 14 is contained by a sidewall 38, with a goal opening 36 at opposed ends of the playing surface 14.

A plurality of player figures 20 are rotationally carried on a shaft 18 extending through a sidewall 38 of the table 10. A hand grip 16 is provided at a proximal end of the shaft 18 for the user to manipulate the plurality of player figures 20 carried on the shaft 18.

The proximal end of the shafts 18 extend through a longitudinal slot 32 extending along a sidewall 38 of the table 10. The longitudinal slots 32 are disposed in a spaced apart relation along the length of the sidewall 38 of the table 10, with each of the slots 32 carrying one of a plurality of shafts 18. The shaft 18 selectively rides along its respective slot 32 under the manipulate of the player. Each slot 32 may longitudinally extend a slot distance that is at least twice the distance defined by the diameter of its respective shaft 18.

It should be noted that the longitudinal direction is associated with a longitudinal axis, which is perpendicular to a lateral axis associated with the movement of a traditional foosball shaft, running along its length, and wherein both the longitudinal and lateral axes are perpendicular to a z-axis 50 shown in FIG. 6. The rotational movement of the shaft 18 is about the lateral axis.

A distal end of the shaft 18 may be pivotally coupled with the table 10 via a pivot assembly 22. The pivot assembly 22 is positioned external to the sidewall 38 of the playing surface 14 to lengthen a longitudinal traversal distance of the player figure 20 carried by the shaft 18. The pivot assembly 22 is configured to pivot or rotate about the z-axis 50, thereby enabling circular motion of the proximal end of the shaft 18, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The pivot assembly 22 is also configured to slidably carry the shaft 18 along a lateral length of the table 10 such that the player figures 20 may enjoy their traditional lateral and rotational movements.

Preferably, the distal ends of the shafts 18 are contained within an exterior space or anteroom 42 defined on one side by the sidewall 38 (that defines of the playing surface 14) and on the other side an exterior panel 28 of the table 10, thereby protecting an opponent user from being struck by the distal end of the shaft 18 during a lateral displacement and to prevent the opponent user from interfering with a traversal, circular, and/or other movements of the shaft 18.

A bumper 40, or spring assembly, is positioned with the outer player figures 20 on the shaft 18 to cushion the striking of the shaft 18 against the sidewall 38 of the playing surface.

As will be appreciated, the table 10 may include ball entry holes 24 for introducing a game ball 34 onto the playing surface 14. Likewise, ball return paths 26 are provided for carrying the ball 34 to the exterior of the table 10 after the ball 34 has entered the goal 36. The ball return paths 26 may convey the ball 34 to ball return openings 30 defined in the exterior side panel 28 of the table 10.

They (traditional foosball tables) do not work well in the sense that the player figures 20, that are supposed to emulate human athletes, are limited in their range of motion and the size of their playing field. Aspects of the present invention improve the mobility of the player figures 20 of the game and thus expand the possibilities of table soccer game tactics and strategy: passing and shooting (especially diagonally), dribbling, scoring, and defending.

The assembled components work as a table soccer game. When a ball 34 is put into play through a ball entry 24, players on each team (each side of the table) use the grips 16 to manipulate the rods 18 with foosball men to propel the ball 34 into the respective goals 36. Because of the pivot mechanisms 22: the ball 34 can be pushed or pulled longitudinally along the playing surface 14 instead of simply being struck, and the player-figure shafts can be pivoted so that the surface of the player figure's ‘foot’ can be angled towards the opponent's goal 36.

The configuration and spacing of the player figures 20 on the shaft 18 can also be adjusted to give different gameplay variations and still have the game function properly.

This invention may be used as a table soccer game with additional features and gameplay which more closely simulates the outdoor ball game of soccer. Gameplay rules can be derived from the rules of the International Table Soccer Federation (ITSF).

As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. And the term “substantially” refers to up to 80% or more of an entirety. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “aligned” means parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than 35.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “transverse” means perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or forming an angle between 55.0 and 125.0 degrees. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “length” means the longest dimension of an object. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “width” means the dimension of an object from side to side. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “above” generally means superjacent, substantially superjacent, or higher than another object although not directly overlying the object. Further, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “mechanical communication” generally refers to components being in direct physical contact with each other or being in indirect physical contact with each other where movement of one component affect the position of the other.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the embodiments or the claims. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed embodiments.

In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms unless specifically stated to the contrary.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A foosball table comprises a pivot assembly pivotably connecting a distal portion of a player-figure shaft relative to a playing surface of the foosball table so that a proximal portion of the player-figure shaft moves substantially longitudinally relative to the playing surface.

2. The foosball table of claim 1, wherein said substantially longitudinal movement is defined by a circular motion of the proximal portion about a z-axis of the pivot assembly.

3. The foosball table of claim 2, wherein the playing surface is a two-dimensional area defined by a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and wherein the z-axis defines a z-direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral directions.

4. The foosball table of claim 3, wherein the longitudinal movement is confined by a longitudinal slot disposed in an exterior panel of the foosball table.

5. The foosball table of claim 4, wherein the pivot assembly is contained in an anteroom adjacent to the playing surface.

6. The foosball table of claim 5, wherein the anteroom is defined by the exterior panel and an interior sidewall defining a longitudinal edge of the playing surface.

7. The foosball table of claim 6, wherein each player figure on player-figure shaft is movable rotatable and linearly about a lateral axis and pivotable about the z-axis.

8. The foosball table of claim 7, wherein the longitudinal slot extends in a longitudinal direction for at least twice a distance of a diameter of the player-figure shaft.

9. The foosball table of claim 8, wherein a distal end of the player-figure shaft ends prior to the exterior panel.

10. The foosball table of claim 9, wherein each player figure of the player-figure shaft is linearly adjustable along a length of the player-figure shaft.