Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a game device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the art there is a continuous need to provide new games. For example, to bring people together in an enjoyable environment and to improve the feel-good atmosphere.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an amusing and simple, yet challenging game device which can provide entertainment for both an individual player as well as a group of players.

It is another object of the invention to provide an affordable game device attractive to a wide range of ages, thus providing a stimulating experience for the whole family to enjoy together.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent from the description, when considered in connection with accompanying illustrative drawings.

At least one of these objects are achieved at least to some extent by the game device comprising: a playing field comprising at least one ball receiving element for receiving a playing ball; a barrier which surrounds and thereby defines the dimensions of the playing field; at least one weight-receiving element located at two or more opposing sides of the playing field, and a balance element allowing the playing field to tilt in response to weight force received by the weight-receiving element.

The playing field of the device of the invention is tiltable and comprises a surface on which a playing ball can roll. With ffltableQ it is meant that the angle of the playing field in relation to the horizontal can be changed. When a playing ball is positioned on the playing field, tilting of the playing field will result in movement of the ball, as a result of gravity force. The playing ball will tend to roll to the lowest portion of the playing field. The playing field comprises at least one ball receiving element, which is capable of receiving the playing ball. Receiving the playing ball [is meant to encompass any element, capable to discontinue the rolling of the playing ball across the playing field, resulting in the ball to be withheld from further rolling its original path over the playing field. Such receiving element can be e.g. a pocket in the field, or a hole wherein the ball can be captured, accommodated or nested, or where through the ball can fall through the playing field. Other embodiments will be explained later herein.

The playing field is surrounded by a barrier. Thus, the barrier defines the dimensions of the playing field. The barrier is designed such, that it is capable to prevent a playing ball from rolling outside the playing field. Such barrier can e.g. be designed as a wall or extruding rim.

The device comprises weight-receiving elements at two or more opposing sides of the playing field. With opposing sides it is meant herein that the said elements are located such, that an imaginary straight line through the centre of the playing field connects both elements. By this, Opposing sidesEof a round or triangular playing field a re also defined. The weight receiving elements can be located on the playing field or outside the playing field, e.g. on the barrier, or be an integral part thereof, or designed as an additional element such as a platform connected to the barrier. Alternatively, a weight-receiving element may be an integral and/or a removable protruding appendage element of the device, such as a hook, on which a weight element can be placed or hung.

A weight-receiving element is capable of receiving at least one weight element. By positioning a weight on a weight-receiving element, a force is exerted on the device, resulting in the playing field to tilt. By the said tilting, the rolling course of the playing ball can be changed, e.g. in speed and/or direction. The speed and location can be further influenced by the choice of the positioning of the weight on the weight-receiving element. The game device preferably maintains structural integrity when a weight is placed on a weight-receiving element. The weight elements may be identical and e.g. disc-shaped, and capable of being received by the weight-receiving elements. The weight elements may be doughnut-shaped, and may contain an internal cavity, upon which they can be hung from a weight-receiving element, such as a hook, mounted on the game device. Weight elements can also be designed to comprise a hook, to be hung on intended locations of the device.

The device according to the invention comprises a balance element. This element enables the playing field to tilt in response to weight force, received by the weight-receiving element. This weight force can be exerted by a weight, positioned on the weight receiving element. A balance element can be located at either side of the playing field, and, in use, can be in contact with a support, such as a playing floor or table surface. However, the device can also be suspended.

It is the intention of the game device to position one or more weights on the weight-receiving elements to tilt the playing field in an envisaged manner. According to the weight force received by positioning of the weights, the course of a playing ball can be influence both in speed and direction, and the ball can be made to roll towards a ball receiving element. It can be the intention of the game to let the playing ball roll on the playing field such, that it is captured by an envisaged ball receiving element, which capturing event can be regarded as a score.

In a preferred embodiment, the game device comprises one or more weight elements as described above.

The playing field can have any shape, from irregular to multigonal, oval or round. In an advantageous embodiment of the game device invention, the playing field is rectangular, in particular having the form of a square. This form has been shown to allow optimal game fun for the people using the device to play a game. It has been shown to be more complicated to control the course of the rolling of the playing ball by positioning weights around a round or multigonal (like a hexagon or octagon) playing field. A playing field in the form of a triangle is also encompassed by the invention. Such an embodiment provides a very attractive design, but the playing modes are limited as compared to a rectangular shape.

An angular form of the playing field can be advantageous, as such form defines a plurality of corners in the playing field. Ball receiving elements can be positioned in the vicinity of one or more corners of the playing field. As the playing field is surrounded by a barrier, the playing ball can by guided by the barrier towards a ball receiving element in the vicinity of a corner of the playing field. However, in order to make the game more difficult to play, the ball receiving elements can be located less close to the corners of the playing field. The playing field preferably comprises a substantially flat material, conducive to a ball rolling. It is advantageous to laminate the playing field with a protective layer, to preserve the quality of the playing field, for example, to minimise the occurrence of scratches and blemishes of the playing field, which may compromise the integrity of the game. The said layer may be designed as thin, smooth, high-gloss layer.

The barrier of the device surrounds and thereby defines the dimension of the playing field. This means that the playing field is limited by the barrier, which is impermeable to the playing ball, when the said ball is in contact with the playing field surface. The barrier is preferably a continuous structure surrounding the playing field, therewith physically blocking the playing ball from leaving the playing field. The barrier is preferably an uninterrupted wall structure, which the ball cannot roll past. However, the barrier can comprise an interrupted wall structure, inasmuch as the width of a single interruption is less than the playing ball diameter, so that the barrier still functions as a continuous barrier, and blocking the ball from leaving the playing field.

In another attractive embodiment, the barrier may incorporate a ball receiving element, as a protrusion having a diameter of the playing ball or larger, wherein the playing ball can be accommodated. In another embodiment, the barrier can be interrupted by openings larger than the diameter of the playing ball, therewith forming portals for the playing ball to leave the playing field. Such a portal then defines a ball receiving element. In another attractive embodiment, the weight-receiving element(s) surround(s) the playing field. By providing weight-receiving elements surrounding the playing field, many more possibilities are given for one or more weights to be positioned on the weight-receiving elements. In this embodiment, the weights can be positioned around the playing field, at any side thereof, therewith allowing a more controlled tilting of the playing field. Further, more space is provided for the weights to be positioned on the weight-receiving elements. Attractively, the playing field can be surrounded by a single, continuous weight-receiving element, providing optimal possibilities for the weights to be positioned.

A ball receiving element can have any form, as long as it is capable to discontinue the rolling of the playing ball across the playing field, resulting in the ball to be withheld from further rolling its original path over the playing field. It can be designed as a pocket in the playing field, for example in the form of an intrusion of the playing field, wherein the playing ball can be accommodated. In another embodiment, the ball receiving element can be a hole wherein the ball can be nested, or where the ball can fall through the playing field. As outlined above, a ball receiving element can also be defined by the shape of the barrier. In another embodiment, the ball receiving element can be designed as a cave element on the playing field, having a cave opening where through the playing ball can pass to be accommodated in the cave. Such a cave element can be removeably mounted on the playing field, e.g. to make more than one game variant possible, or to change the difficulty for the player to get the playing ball in the cave, e.g. by placing the cave elements away from the corners of the playing field. In a preferred embodiment, a ball receiving element comprises a hole in the playing field, wherein a playing ball is received. In an attractive embodiment, said hole has a diameter smaller than that of the diameter of the playing ball. This enables the playing ball to nest in the ball receiving element. This is advantageous since the ball remains on game device and is therefore substantially accessible, and more convenient for players to recommence with play. If the ball receiving element comprises a hole of a diameter larger than that of the playing ball, the playing ball will pass through the hole and leave the playing field. In this embodiment, the ball receiving element may also comprise a pocket with a lower support, capable of accommodating the playing ball, similar to that of how a snooker table hole encases a snooker ball.

For example, according to a preferred embodiment, intended to be used as a family game on a table or floor, the diameter of the ball receiving element can be chosen to be about 3.0 cm, and the diameter of the playing ball to be about 3.8 cm. A similar ratio can also apply to larger game device constructions, intended to be used on large promotional or game events, wherein e.g. human beings can be used as weight elements. The playing ball is preferably a light, spherical, reliable element, such as a ball, having similar dimensions and weight as a table tennis ball. The ball can be perfectly balanced and spherical, but can also be designed such that it comprises a weight imbalance, or being not perfectly spherical, resulting in irregular rolling characteristics, which may be attractive to the game. For larger embodiments, a corresponding larger ball can be chosen. The game device preferably comprises a playing ball.

In a preferred embodiment, the number of sides of the playing field corresponds to the number of ball receiving elements in the playing field. According to this embodiment, increasing the number of sides of the playing field, allows the number of ball receiving elements in the playing field to increase, as more corners become available where ball receiving elements can be located. The increased number of ball receiving elements in turn increases the challenge element of the intended game. For example, an octagonal playing field comprising eight sides and eight ball receiving elements, commands a high degree of control of the playing ball, to ensure the correct ball receiving element is targeted. In contrast, a comparatively lower degree of control of the playing ball is required, with a circular playing field, comprising one ball receiving element close to the barrier. It is also possible for the device of the invention to have additional ball receiving elements along the sides of the playing field away from the corners, e.g. between two corners, or in the middle portion of the playing field, away from the barrier towards the centre of the playing field.

In a desirable embodiment, the playing field is colour compartmentalized. Dividing the playing field in coloured compartments is advantageous to the nature of the game, as it provides direction for the player, in that a specific coloured compartment can be targeted. Any colour can be chosen, for example for example: red, yellow, blue, white, green.

Preferably, at least one ball receiving element is located in each colour compartment of the playing field. This embodiment enables the player to target a sequence of ball receiving elements, each defined by a colour of the compartment wherein the ball receiving element is located. In an e.g. square-shaped playing field each quarter or corner area, comprising at least one ball receiving element, can be coloured differently. However, the playing field can comprise multiple compartments having the same colour. It is also possible to have the ball receiving elements coloured accordingly, without the need to colour the surface of the playing field.

The player can e.g. have the aim to first bring the playing ball to the ball receiving element in a white compartment, followed to that in a yellow compartment, and so on. If the sequence is completed, the game is then over. In a multiple player version, the player who completes the sequence first wins the game. The sequence can be different for each player and can e.g. be determined by chance.

In an attractive embodiment, the device comprises at least one counter cavity, for receiving a counter element. The device is capable to receive counter elements, such as pins, pawns, skittles etcetera. The pins can be used to keep track of the score of each player.

The counter cavity or cavities can be located anywhere on the device, even on the playing field. In that case, placing a counter element can have the function creating an obstacle in the playing field influencing the course of the playing ball. In a preferred embodiment, one or more counter cavities are located in the barrier and/or the weight-receiving element. In such an embodiment, the playing field can be kept free from counter elements. Further, as the counter elements have a weight themselves, placing and/or removing a counter element may also have impact on the weight balance of the device, and may therefore result in a tilting movement of the playing field, which gives an extra dimension to the game. In a very attractive embodiment, the game device according to the invention comprises at least one counter element having a colour that corresponds with the colour of a coloured

compartment of the playing field. This embodiment allows the player to score when the ball is received in a ball receiving element of a particular colour. A counter element of the

corresponding colour can then be placed in a counter cavity, or removed there from. Preferably, the device comprises counter elements of the same colours as those of the compartments. It can be the intention of the game for each of the players to collect counter elements of each colour, and/or to remove such counter elements from opponents or vice versa. The

arrangement of different coloured counter elements in the cavities on the device can also dictate the targeting sequence of the different ball receiving elements for the player.

In an attractive embodiment, the playing field of the device of the invention comprises a start position tee, capable of holding the playing ball. The said tee holds the playing ball in place, before play commences. The tee is preferably designed such, that tilting of the playing field results in the ball rolling from the tee across the playing field. The starting position of the playing field is preferably horizontal. Such a tee is preferably located at the centre of the playing field. In a preferred embodiment, the start position tee comprises a bolt capable of temporarily holding the playing ball in a stationary position.

The balance element is designed such that it allows the playing field to tilt as soon as a weight force is exerted to the device, in particular to a weight-receiving element thereof. Preferably, the balance element is arranged such, that the device is in a horizontal position when the weight- receiving elements are free of weights.

The balance element can be located above the playing field, e.g. in an embodiment wherein the device is suspended. To this end, the device can be connected, at the edges thereof, with suspension cables, that can be joined together above the playing field, and connected to e.g. a hook. In another embodiment, the centre of the playing field comprises a connection to a central suspension cable by which the device can be suspended. However, in use, suspension cables impair the accessibility of the playing field and of the weight-receiving elements, making the game more difficult to control and less attractive to the players. The advantage of the above- described arrangements is that no horizontal or steady support surface is needed. These embodiments are therefore useful in circumstances of e.g. travelling, such as in a car, train or boat, where supporting surfaces, if available at all, are neither horizontal nor steady.

Preferably, the balance element of the device according to the invention is located below the playing field. By this arrangement, the playing field and the weight-receiving elements remain fully accessible to the players. For example, the balance element can comprise a base in the form of e.g. a pedestal or a socle, with a joint connected to the underside of the device, e.g. under the playing field. This joint is preferably located at the weight centre of the device, to allow the device to balance horizontally when free of weights. The design of the joint can easily be determined by the skilled person. For example, the device can, at the underside thereof, comprise a pin element protruding from the weight centre of the device, which pin element is accommodated in a pit formed element in the base. In another embodiment, a round or ball shaped element can protrude from the underside of the device, which is accommodated in an accordingly concave portion of the base. The balance element would in the above cases comprise both the element protruding from the underside of the device, together with the base. In these embodiments, the base is a separate element from the rest of the device. The balancing element can also be designed such, that the base is fixed to the device, e.g. when the protruding element has a ball shaped end, which is snapped into a concave portion of the base. The balancing element can also comprise an arrangement of axes, allowing the playing field to tilt upon exertion of weight force on a weight-receiving element. In particular this option can be contemplated if the device is intended to be designed with large dimensions, e.g. when human beings or animals are intended to be used as weights. In another embodiment, the device does not comprise a base, wherein the protruding element constitutes the balance element and is contacted with a support surface to obtain the required balance.

In a very attractive embodiment, the balance element of the game device is convex shaped. In this embodiment, a convex element can be formed or be connected to the underside of the device, preferably at the weight centre thereof. By this design, the device can be of a single piece, avoiding part of the device becoming missing. Further, such arrangement allows the player(s) to bring the device in a start position very easily, without installing a base. The device can just be put on a support surface, such as a table or a floor.

The support surface is preferably horizontal to allow optimal tilting of the device. The support surface is also preferably steady, as otherwise, the device can move over the support surface, resulting in less control over the course of the playing ball.

In another embodiment, the convex balance element can be designed as the base, so that the underside of the device below the playing field can remain substantially flat. The device can be put on the convex base element to obtain the proper balance. The underside of the device can comprise a concave portion to cooperate with the convex base.

In an attractive embodiment, the playing field, barrier, and weight-receiving element of the device according to the invention are integrated as a single unit. This allows a compact design and provides a device, which is easy to handle and to play with. More preferably, the playing field, barrier, weight-receiving element and balance element are integrated as a single unit.

Although the playing field is preferably flat, it is also possible for the playing field to comprise elevations in order to make it more difficult to direct the playing ball onto such an elevation. The field can also comprise waved, concave or convex sections, impairing the controllability of the course of the ball.

In another embodiment, the playing field can comprise obstacles intended to influence the course of the ball when the game device is in use. Such obstacles can be of similar design as the counter elements as described above, i.e. having the shape of a rod, pawn or skittle.

However, other designs are possible as well.

In again another embodiment, the playing field can comprise a plurality of levels, located above one another, i.e. a multi-layered playing field. In the upper levels, the playing filed may comprise one or more ball receiving elements designed as a hole to pass through, allowing the playing ball to arrive at the next below level. In another embodiment, such a multi-layered playing field may comprise ball pushing elements, which are designed such that upon receipt of the playing ball, said element pushes the playing ball back to a higher level of the playing field. Such pushing force can e.g. be exerted by one or more springs in the pushing element. In this embodiment, player can have their own dedicated playing ball, and the intention can be to direct the playing ball to the lowest level, or to a ball receiving element on the said level.

It is to be noted that the dimension of the device are not limited. The device can be designed to be used as a round game or party game, and suitable to be played on a table surface as support. In case of a square design, the device may have dimension of e.g. 30x30 to 50x50 cm. However, the dimensions are in no way limited. The device can also be designed as a large size promotional or show game, having dimensions such, that human beings can function as weight elements. To this end, the paying field can have dimensions of 5-7 metres in length and width, such as a 6 x 6 m playing field. Teams can play against each other and the weight elements can e.g. move over the device. In such an embodiment, it is advantageous to provide a boarding, such as a cushion around the game device to prevent the human beings from injury in case of falling from the device or the weight-receiving elements thereof. Such cushions can e.g. be designed as inflatable cushions.

The invention also relates to a method of moving a playing ball in the game device according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

a) providing the game device in balanced state,

b) placing a playing ball on the playing field,

c) placing on and/or removing from the weight-receiving element of at least one weight, therewith tilting the playing field,

d) allowing the playing ball to roll across the playing field as a result of the tilting in step c), allowing the playing ball to roll in the direction of a ball receiving element,

e) if the playing ball is not received in the ball receiving element in step d),

repeat steps c) and d).

In step a), the game device is provided in balanced state. This means that the device is balanced on a support, such as a table or floor surface, or suspended. With balanced state [is meant that the device is in rest. Preferably, in step a) the playing field is substantially horizontal when the device is in a balanced state. However, the playing field can also be at an angle with the horizontal, e.g. in case one or more weights are present on a weight receiving element. In step b) a playing ball is placed on the playing field, preferably in the centre thereof. If the playing field comprises a starting tee, the playing ball can be placed thereon.

In step c), one or more weight elements are taken from, or put on one or more of the weight receiving elements of the game device, allowing the playing field to tilt, in order to move the playing ball across the playing field and/or to change the course of the playing ball. This is achieved in step d), wherein the playing ball is allowed to roll across the playing field as a result of the tilting in step c), allowing the playing ball to roll in the direction of a ball receiving element. The intention is to direct the playing ball towards a ball-receiving element on the playing field, and to allow the playing ball to be received therein. This is then scored as a winning point or a goal.

If no point or goal is scored, steps c) and d) are repeated, optionally by another player, until a point or goal is scored. After that, it can be chosen to return to step b), i.e. by placing the ball on the playing field again to recommence play and attempt to gain another point or goal.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Several embodiments of the device according to the invention are now presented in the drawings, wherein

Figure 1 is a perspective view on a game device having a square playing field with an integral convex balance element with a playing ball,

Figure 2a is a cross section through the game device of figure 1 during a game play,

Figure 2b is a cross section of a suspended game device during a game play,

Figures 2c-d show cross sections through embodiments of game devices having an alternative balance element,

Figures 3 a-e show top views of different embodiments of the game device,

Figures 4a-e show top view of different embodiments of the game device having a square playing field,

Figure 5 shows a game device having a multilevel playing field,

Figure 6a and b are a cross section and a top view, respectively, of a game device of large dimensions intended to be used with human beings as weight elements.

Throughout the figures, the same reference numbers are used for the same features in the device, or are left out for clarity reasons. In figure 1 , the game device is indicated with 1 and includes a square playing field generally indicated with 2, which comprises four ball receiving elements, designed as holes 3, located at corners 21 of the playing field 2. The game device 1 also comprises a barrier 4 in the form of a continuous wall surrounding the playing field 2 and a continuous weight-receiving element in the form of a platform 5, which surrounds the playing field 2 as well. This platform is designed to receive weights (not shown) that can be positioned on the platform by players of the game device. In another embodiment, the weight receiving element can be integrated in the barrier 4. In that case, the upper side of the barrier can e.g. be designed to accommodate weights. The underside of the playing field comprises a convex balance element 6, having a contact point 61 with a support (not shown). In the playing field 2, a playing ball 7 rests on a starting tee 8, located in the centre of the playing field 2. The diameter of the playing ball 7 is larger than the holes 3, so that the playing ball, once received by one of the said openings, will become nested therein. Around corners 21 , the playing field comprises four compartments 22, which can have different colours. The ball receiving elements are located within the said compartments, and confer a coloured identity to the ball receiving elements. The compartments can have any dimensions, and can cover e.g. each a quarter of the playing field. On the playing field, four obstacle elements 23 are placed, having the form of a pin. The platform 5 comprises, at each side of the playing field, four cavities 51 , designed to receive a counter element 52. The counter elements 52 have the form of inverse cones, although any suitable form can be chosen, such as a pin, skittle, pawn etc. The counter elements 52 can be coloured, and the colours can correspond to those of the coloured compartments 22 of the playing field 2. The device is substantially horizontally balanced, although at both the upper and right side of the playing field 2, two counter elements 52 are placed in the cavities 51 , whereas at both the lower and left side, only one counter element 52 is placed. This arrangement will cause the device 1 to tilt somewhat towards the upper right corner. At a starting position of the device, it is advantageous to have a horizontal balance, e.g., by placing an equal number of counter elements 52 at each side of the playing field 2, or to start without counter elements 52 to be present.

In the cross section of figure 2a, a weight 9 in the form of a disc is positioned on the platform 5, resulting in tilting of the playing field 2. The tilting movement is indicated with arrows A. As a result of the tilting, the playing ball 7 rolls towards the lower portion of the playing field, in the direction of opening 31. The upper side of the barrier 4 is indicated by 41. The barrier 4 can be designed wider, resulting in a larger surface for the upper side 41 thereof, so that the said upper side 41 can accommodate weights 9, in addition to the platform 5, or instead of the said platform 5. In the latter case, the platform 5 can be dispensed with, and the upper side 41 of the barrier 4 is to be regarded as weight receiving element according to the invention.

Convex balance element 6 contacts at 61 a support surface 62. In figure 2b, the same situation as in figure 2a is shown, however, the balance element is now located above the playing field, and comprises cables 63, mounted at the barrier 4, by which the device is suspended on a hook 64. This arrangement also allows the device to rotate, indicated by arrow B. The hook 64 is mounted to a frame 65. However, the hook can alternatively be mounted e.g. on a ceiling of a room, a desk light etc.

In figure 2c, a device according to the invention is shown, wherein the balance element comprises a spherical element 66, located below the playing field 2, and connected therewith by a protrusion 68. The spherical element 66 rests on a concave portion 671 of a base 67.

In figure 2d, a game device having an alternative balance element is shown, wherein a protrusion in the form of a pin 68, located below the playing field 2, has an end portion 681 , that rests on a pit 691 of a base 69. Figures 3 a-e all show upper views of different embodiments of the game device of the invention. In figure 3a, the playing field 2 is round, surrounded by barrier 4 and platform 5, having cavities 51 for accommodating counter pins. Starting tee 8 is located in the centre of the playing field 2. In this embodiment, three holes 3 are present to receive a playing ball (not shown). Each hole is located within a coloured compartment 22. Close to each hole, an obstacle pin 23 is located.

In figure 3b, a simple embodiment of a round device of the invention is shown, having a single hole 3 in the playing field 2, and a single cavity 51 in platform 5. In figure 3c, a game device having an octagonal playing field 2 is shown, having a starting tee 8 in the centre of the playing field 2. The playing field comprises 8 holes, each located in a coloured compartment 22. The coloured compartments 22 can all have a different colour, but it can also be chosen that the number of colours is limited to a number less than that of the compartments 22 or ball receiving elements 3. E.g. two opposite compartments 22 can have the same colour, which would result, in the arrangement of four different colours for eight compartments 22. Again, obstacle pins 23 are present in the vicinity of the holes 3. In this arrangement, the holes are not located at the corners 21 of the playing field, but at the middle of sides 24 of the playing field 2. In platform 5, series of 4 cavities 51 are located at each side of the playing field 2. This device is suitable to play with 8 players. Each player can position his or her counter pins (not shown) in one of the series of cavities 53.

In figure 3d, the playing field 2 has a triangular form, having a starting tee in the centre of the playing field. The platform 5 is located at three opposing sides o the playing field, and comprises cavities 51. Holes 3 are located at the corners 21 of the playing field 2, within a coloured compartment 22, also accommodating an obstacle pin 23.

Figure 3e shows an embodiment wherein the device 1 comprises a round playing field 2, wherein multiple pockets 3 are located. At the bottom of the pocket, a scoring number is indicated, with the intention that when a playing ball (not shown) is received in one of the pockets, the player that directed the playing ball into the pocket, receives the number of points indicated in the pocket. In another embodiment, the ball receiving elements are not designed as pockets, e.g. with a concave bottom, but as holes. In that case, the numbering can be at the side of the pocket, or be encoded for by a coloured ring around the hole.

Figure 4a shows an upper view of the device of the invention as shown in figure 1 , with a starting tee 8 in the centre of the square playing field 2, surrounded by a barrier wall 4, having an inner side 42 and an outer side 43, abutting platform 5 with cavities 51. The playing field 2 comprises four compartments 22 at each corner 21 , in which compartment a hole 3 for receiving the playing ball (not shown) is located. Close to the hole, an obstacle element 23 is located. Although the platform 5 follows the form of the outer shape of the playing field 2, which is square in this case, the platform 5 can also be round, or oval, as long as it can accommodate weights to be put on by the players, allowing the playing field 2 to tilt.

In figure 4b, the barrier 4 is interrupted by openings 44, dividing the barrier 4 in barrier portions 45. The size of the opening 44, i.e. the distance between two closest barrier portions 45, is in this embodiment less that the diameter of the playing ball (not shown), so that the barrier has still a continuous character, as the playing ball can not pass the barrier4.

In figure 4c, the barrier is again interrupted by openings 44, but the said openings 44 are now larger than the diameter of the playing ball (not shown). The barrier is now discontinuous, and the openings 44 define ball receiving elements 30, that are passages through the openings 44, so that the playing ball can leave the playing field 2. However, the barrier can still be continuous in that the height of the barrier is larger than the ball diameter, and that the openings 44 are portals through the barrier, and define a tunnel section through the barrier. This has the advantage that weight elements can also be put above the openings 44, to allow the player optimal possibilities to position the weights around the playing field 2 to direct the course of the ball in a precise manner.

In figure 4d, the ball receiving elements are not designed as holes in the playing field, but defined by protrusions 46 of the barrier 4, located at the corners 21 of the playing field. These protrusions define a pocket 31 , which is capable to receive the playing ball (not shown). The openings 44 of the barrier have a diameter larger than that of the playing ball in order to allow the playing ball to enter the pocket 31.

In figure 4e an embodiment of the game device is shown, that comprises two platforms 5, located at opposite sides of the playing field 2. In this embodiment, the players have fewer possibilities to position weight elements around the playing field 2on the platform 5, therewith impairing the control over the course of the playing ball.

Figure 4f shows an embodiment wherein the features of the devices of figures 4d and 4e are combined. The device comprises two platforms 5 at opposite sides of the playing field 2. At these sides, the barrier defines pockets 31 for receiving the playing ball (not shown). The pockets have numbers, corresponding to the score that is obtained when the playing ball is received in the said pocket. The playing field comprises obstacle pins 23, and four compartments. However, the compartments do not have a function in the game and can be absent as well. In the centre of the playing field, a starting tee 8 is located.

Figure 5 shows an attractive embodiment of a multilevel game device, designed in the form of a transparent sphere defined by a spherical wall 4. Within the sphere, multiple circular playing field levels, indicated by 2A, 2B and 2D are accommodated, each having a ball receiving element in the form of holes 3A, 3B and 3D, respectively. The sphere accommodates another playing field level between levels 2B and 2D, however not shown in the perspective of this figure. Each playing field level is limited and defined by the inner side of the spherical wall 4, i.e. the barrier of the device. The sphere is surrounded by a circular platform 5, capable of receiving weights. The sphere, and therewith the multiple playing field levels, are capable to tilt at the concave bottom portion 6 of the sphere. A playing ball (not shown) is entered onto the upper playing field level 2A through entrance opening 81 in the spherical wall. Hole 3D of the lowest playing field level 2D is connected, via a tunnel element 33, with exit opening 32 in the spherical wall 4, allowing the playing ball to exit the sphere. The spherical wall 4 is preferably transparent, allowing the players to follow the playing ball(s).

By positioning one or more weights on the platform 5, and/or by removing one or more weights there from, the sphere and therewith the playing field levels are tilted, allowing a playing ball to roll over the playing field. If the playing ball is received by a hole, it will fall through and will arrive at the next playing fields level. By positioning and/or removing of weights, the tilting of the sphere is changed, and therewith the course of the playing ball, allowing the playing ball to be received by the hole in that next level, and so on, until the playing ball arrives at the hole of the lowest playing field level and exits the sphere. In case multiple players participate to the game, each player can have his or her own playing ball to try to get it out of the sphere before the other players. This embodiment can also be played with player teams.

Although not shown, multiple playing field levels can be designed as multigonal, rectangular, or square playing fields, stacked upon another.

Figure 6a shows a cross section through a large sized device of the invention, suitable to accommodate human beings as weights. The balance element 6 is concave shaped, although this element can also e.g. comprise an arrangement of axes. On playing field 2 a playing ball 7 is present. The playing field is surrounded by a barrier 4, and a platform 5, intended to accommodate human beings or animals as weights. For security reasons, the playing field is also surrounded by an inflatable cushion 9, to avoid injuries when human beings or animals would fall from the platform. Figure 6b is an overview of the device of figure 6a. Air pumps or ventilators 15 are connected to the cushions 9, having a striped design, in order to inflate the cushions and keep these in an inflated condition. The dimensions of a large-sized device of the invention are not limited but the sides of the playing field can be several meters.