TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a table game and more specifically relates to a table game having modular and moveable goals and modular and moveable obstacles.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Games of skill or games of wit have been around for quite some time. A game of skill is a game where the outcome is determined in part by mental or physical skill, rather than chance. For example, cue sports, e.g., billiards or snooker, have been around since the 15th century. Other games of skill include rolling and releasing a ball with a human’s hand over an area, e g., skee-ball, and have been around since the early 20 ^th century. However, games like skee-ball are limited to only rolling a ball over a set area that does not allow for the scoring areas (e.g., holes) to change positions or be able to be moved. Games of skill, such as skee-ball, also do not have modular or changeable obstacles. Other games of skill, like billiards, do not include obstacles for the user (e.g., human player) to face off against when attempting to get a ball into one of the holes on the billiards table.

[0003] Thus, there is a need for a new and improved game of skill that may include both the joys of various different games of skill, including skee-ball, bocce ball, and billiards.

SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to, among other things, a table game having modular goal-scoring, modular obstacles, or modular goals. In an exemplary embodiment, the table game includes a goal-scoring area, one or more elongated rail obstacles, and one or more terrain pieces (e.g., sloped, irregularly shaped obstacles) that may promote bank shots along the surface of the table game for scoring on said table game. In another exemplary embodiment, the table game includes a modular or movable goal-scoring area, one or more movable elongated rail obstacles, and one or more modular and/or movable terrain pieces (e.g., sloped, irregularly shaped obstacles scattered along the top surface of the table game) that may promote bank shots along the surface of the table game for scoring on said table game.

[0005] In general, the game consists of a table with walls and bumpers, a field area or playing surface on the top surface of the table, modular and moveable scoring areas on the field area or playing surface, modular and moveable field pieces or obstacles on the field or playing surface, and balls. According to one aspect, the table is quadrilateral shaped, and the top surface has a field area or playing surface encompassed by walls and bumpers. According to another aspect, the table is square-shaped. In such a case, players can play the table game in multiple directions, including in all four sides of the table.

[0006] According to one aspect, the field area or playing surface consists of a hollow core field, a dampening field on top of the hollow core, and a cloth layer on the upper surface. The dampening field may consist of underlayment, rubber, PET or a similar material used to dampen sound or bounce. The cloth layer may consist of cloth material. Felt, woven fabric, plastic or similar material.

[0007] According to one aspect, the scoring areas are repositionable during game play, and may consist of markings, holes, pockets, traps or gutters. The scoring areas may be positioned on each side or end of the table. According to another aspect, there may be hollow forms beneath the scoring areas. In such a case, there may be a hole or opening to allow a ball to fall from the scoring area into the hollow forms. The holes or openings may be differently sized to allow only specific ball sizes to fall into the hollow forms. A cover may also be placed over the holes or openings to prevent any balls from falling into the hollow forms. According to another aspect, there may be nets to collect balls falling through the holes or openings. According to another aspect, there is a ball return mechanism that collects balls falling through the holes or openings via a gutter. Said gutter may lead the balls into a compartment on a side of the table where it is accessible and retrievable by a player.

[0008] According to one aspect, the field pieces or obstacles are repositionable during play, may be positioned flush against a longer side wall or flat on the field area or playing surface between the walls, and consist of wood, paper, carbon fiber, resin, ceramic, plastic, rubber concrete, stone, metal, fabric or glass. Such field pieces may be beneath, above or level to the field of play in the forms of terrestrial topography. In another aspect. The field pieces or obstacles may have a theme corresponding to racetracks, golf courses, amusement parks, billiards or video games.

[0009] According to one aspect, the table game has seven small balls and one large ball or four small balls, three medium balls and one large ball that are launched or rolled by a player’s hand. In another aspect, the table has pucks, coins or dices instead of balls.

[0010] According to another aspect, the game is played on a virtual platform, such as on a video game, computer game or virtual reality world, instead of a physical structure. In such a case, there is a computerized table, computerized playing surface, computerized scoring areas, computerized field pieces or obstacles and computerized balls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG.l is a front-side perspective view of the table game according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the table game of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is front perspective of the playing surface according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a view of a modular and moveable rail piece according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG 5 is a view of a modular and moveable field piece according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG 6 is a close-up view of a scoring area with two holes, a pocket cover and a sand trap according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a close-up view of a scoring area with one hole, one uncovered pocket and no trap according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a close-up view of a scoring area with three different-sized holes and a plush trap according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a close-up view of a scoring area with three different-sized holes and no trap [0021] FIG. 10 is a close-up view of a scoring area with no holes, three pocket covers and no trap according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a close-up view of a scoring area with no pocket covers and leather- upholstered pockets according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a close-up view of a score keeper according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a close-up view of a score keeper with a different colored table game according to one embodiment. [0025] FIG. 14 is a front-side view of a miniature version of the table game according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

[0026] The present disclosure relates to a new and improved table game. In an exemplary embodiment, and with reference to Figure 1, an exemplary embodiment of the new and improved game of skill is shown as table game 100. Table game 100, which may be referred to as “TerraBall” or “Terraball table”, is a table game and sport, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The Terraball table game 100 may include moveable pocket positions 104 or a trap or a gutter 106 that may be incorporated at each end of the table game 100.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the table game 100 is a handball game of skill and terrain modularity. During play, a ball 128 may be rolled over one or more undulating (e.g., convex/concave) topographical surfaces by a player/user (e.g., human player); thus, creating ball travel variations. The table game 100 may be played within a changing “field of play” 108. In an exemplary embodiment, this play may be referred to as “navigating the terrality.”

[0028] The table game 100 is a handball game played within the cavern of a “table” 102 of varying height and dimension, which may consist of any number of sides to form a “box or tray”. The table game 100 may utilize modular three-dimensional (“3D”) field pieces (e.g., modular obstacles, as shown in Figures 4 and 5) 120 with any number of appearances (e.g., shape, mass, texture, etc.). These field pieces 120, or modular obstacles, may be formed from or derived from organic or natural shapes (i.e., terrestrial formations, or topography of terrestrial space) above the playing surface 108 and industrial shape (e.g., boxes, drawers or holes, rational number dimensions 3D spaces) beneath the “field of play” 108. The table game 100 does not have to be limited to these appearances, but may, for example, include racetracks, golf courses, amusement parks, billiards, or video games.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the table game 100 may include the following shapes - square or rectangle, or some other polygon. The table game 100, when in a rectangular shape, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, may have the following dimensions: 10 feet, 12 feet, 14 feet, 16 feet field lengths; 6 inches, 8 inches, 10 inches, 12 inches, table game depths; and 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet table game widths. In some exemplary embodiments of the table game 100, the width of the table 102 may be increased relative to the increase in the length dimension. Further, it is conceivable that the game may be played in multiple directions, such that the widths would be increased so much that the course would essentially be square. The widths of the table game 100 may increase according to a desired length. Generally, a TerraBall table 102 is rectangular in shape. The playing surface dimension (of a 12-foot table) is 12 feet x 3 feet x 6 inches. The walls or “rails" 110 of the TerraBall table 102 may be generally 6 inches tall, but can be taller or shorter depending on the table design. The shorter sides of the table 102 may be 4 inches in height to allow for a more natural throwing motion. Each wall 110 of the table 102 contains a bumper 112 along the inside face (similar to a billiard table). Players may be spaced 12 feet apart facing each other.

[0030] The table game 100 may include one or more table accessories, which may be referred to as Terraforms 120. Terraforms 120 may be tertiary terrain pieces that comprise a varying percentage of the playing “field” 108 (e.g., a flat surface) and playing “space” (e.g., a volume). In an exemplary embodiment, these terrain pieces, or terraforms 120, may come as “sets” with each “set” following a specific theme, e.g., golf course, motor cross bike racing, amusement parks, popular tabletop games, etc. When the terraforms 120 are positive space pieces they can be derived from organic (terrestrial) shapes, generally taking the appearance of hills or mounds (but not limited to those forms). When the terraforms 120 are negative space pieces, such as cavities or valleys, they can be either beneath the field of play 108 or level to the field of play 108. For example, the negative space piece terraforms 120 may include boxes, cups, bowls, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, these boxes, cups, bowls, etc. may form a “scoring area” 114.

[0031] Table game 100 is scored in a unique way. For example, the “score” may be tallied with a score keeper 116 by the number of shots made into the scoring area 114: holes 118, pockets 104, or surfaces 108. TerraBall is a skill game. It is played by rolling a ball 128 over a playing field 108 with modular terrain pieces 120 positioned on the field of play 108. The balls 128 may be rolled over the terrain into a scoring area 114 at the opposite end of the table 102. It can be appreciated that in alternative exemplary embodiments, instead of a ball 128, the player may use a puck, coin(s), dice, or any other suitable object that can replace the ball 128. In the example where dice may be used instead of a ball, the table game 100 may be tailored more towards an amusement or casino table (e.g., Craps). In an exemplary embodiment, the scoring area 114 may contain modular pockets 104 or traps 106. The pockets 104 may be repositioned during play to make the game more difficult for an opponent. The unique terrain pieces 120 may also be repositioned at will to create a new unique terrain. The game is generally played with 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) players. In the case of 2 players, each player is positioned opposite to each other on the short side of the table 102. In the case of 4 players, each team of 2 is positioned across from each other on the short side of the table 102. [0032] In an exemplary embodiment of the game, the terraball table 102 may contain three sections or elements: 1) a playing surface (or field) 108; 2) a scoring area 114 on each side of the table (for example, a 1 foot x 3 foot dimension, or a 1.5 foot x 3 foot scoring area at each end) 102; and 3) Terrain Pieces (or TerraForms) 120. These sections are in addition to the table build itself which contains the field 108, scoring area 114, and Terraforms 120. The table design may take on any number of appearances in the same way that a pool table can be constructed in numerous design styles.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the table game 100 is played by having a player “launch” or roll the ball 128 onto the table game 100 playing surface 108. However, it can be appreciated that other launching mechanisms may be implemented. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the table game 100 may also include one or more launching mechanisms for launching the ball 128 onto the table’s field of play 108. For example, the launching mechanism may include: pinball paddles, bumper bowling ramps, pinball starter, coin rolling ramp (similar to quarter games at the arcade that launch a coin into a slot and based on which slot the coin enters a certain number of tickets are received). In other exemplary embodiments, the launching mechanism of the table game 100 may be a pool cue or pool stick.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the table game 100 is played in a video game with a virtual table], virtual playing surface, virtual scoring areas , virtual field pieces , and virtual balls. In another exemplary embodiment, the table game 100 is played in a virtual reality world.

The “Field” of the TerraBall Table

[0035] The playing surface 108 may include a hollow substrate with a padded layer attached flat on top. The hollow substrate and padded layer may be formed to provide sound dampening and/or bounce. The field surface 108 has a slight bounce to it, unlike a pool table or shuffleboard table which are composed of slate and solid wood respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, a cloth layer may be stretched over the padding layer for appearance and to improve the game play. In one embodiment, the cloth layer used has a billiard “felt” or outdoor woven cloth. In other embodiments, it may be not necessary to have a cloth layer if the creation of the field using another material allows for adequate game play, i.e., having a table game field surface having bounce and allowing the balls 128 to roll smoothly over the surface of the playing field 108. [0036] In an exemplary embodiment of the table game 100, the play field “surface” 108 can be comprised of three layers: Layer 1 : Hollow Core Field (“Door”); Layer 2: Dampening layer (underlayment, rubber, PET, or similar material); and Layer 3: “Cloth/Material surface” (Felt/Woven Fabric, plastic).

[0037] The “field” 108 of the table game 100 may also include one or more hole paddles or one or more hole covers. For example, the field may include openings 118 of various diameters and shapes, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. During scoring, points may be awarded to the player based on the hole size the player rolls the ball 128 into.

The Scoring Area

[0038] The scoring area 114 may be divided into two sections (6 inches x 3 feet and 6 inches x 3 feet). The first section is for scoring table game 100 activities containing “pockets" 104, and the second section is for those activities having a “trap” or gutter 106. The “traps” 106 may be formed as hollow forms. The surface 108 of the table game 100 may also include a designed scoring area 114 and/or a designated area of “rest”. An area of “rest” may be defined as a designated place on the surface of the field 108 or within the scoring area 114 (or even on the terraforms 120) in which if a ball 128 comes to rest there, it is still in play, in contrast to a ball 128 falling into a trap 106 and no longer being in play. For example, the trap 106 in the scoring area 114 could be repositioned on some versions of the game, to be in front of the pocket section 104. The trap 106 in this case would not take up the entirety of its designated space (e.g., in the 12 inches x 3 feet section on a 10-foot table). Additionally, a designated area of “rest” could be used for scoring purposes, similar to how shuffleboard is played.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment of the table game 100, the “traps”106 may be formed as holes 118 on the game board surface, which may be hollow spaces with an opening on the playing surface 108. The bottom of these holes 118 or traps 106 may be netted or tufted, like a “pocket” in billiards. In embodiments where the holes 118 or traps 106 are not netted, then, in such embodiments, a solid bottom is used in which the ball 128 falls below the surface of play 108 (or low enough so that the ball 128 does not come back onto the field of play 108). In an exemplary embodiment of the table game 100, a solid bottom is used in the trap area 106 and is tufted with leather upholstery. This trap 106 is tufted in such a way that eight balls 128 each have a place to be at rest spaced evenly apart, which allows for the player to see how many balls 128 have been thrown, apart from any that may be in a pocket 104. This allows for easier tracking of the balls 128 in play in case the shooting player’s opponent forgets to check their “pockets” 104 before it is the shooting player’s turn. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the trap 106 may be filled with sand. In other embodiments, the trap 106 may include a ball return mechanism. In essence, the “pockets” 104 and “traps” 106 may be one and the same. The difference lies in their position on the table 102 and the size of the opening 118. “Pockets” 104 or “traps” 106 may be constructed in the same manner, with the difference being the shape of the cover pieces which fit on top. In some embodiments of the table game 100 the entire trap area 106 is eliminated and instead the field of play 108 continues until the table wall 110 at the end of the table 102. In such a configuration, there are only pockets 104 and no traps 106.

[0040] In alternative exemplary embodiments of the table game 100, each of these sections, described above may be divided further depending on the design of the pockets 104 or trap area 106. For example, the pocket section 104 may be divided into equal parts with covers over the pocket 122. The pocket cover 122 may contain an open hole 118 for scoring (e.g., allowing the ball 128 to fall into a “pocket" 104, or a solid cover 122 allowing the ball 128 to roll past the scoring area 114 into the trap 106). The holes for scoring 118 may be formed such that the hole(s) 118 may allow the balls 128 to fall through; the holes 118, which may have various diameter openings. The smallest hole 118 may be slightly larger than the largest ball 128. In an exemplary embodiment, three separate hole sizes may be provided. Players may choose to use one, two, or three holes in the pocket section 104.

[0041] Where a hole 118 is not used, a solid cover 122 is placed, as shown in Figures 6 and 10. The pocket covers 122 may be reposition-able such that no pocket opening 118 or solid cover 122 needs to stay in the same spot during the course of a game. One of the unique features of the TerraBall game 100 is that the pocket 104 positions are changeable during the course of a game and may be moved in order to make scoring harder for the opponent. The trap section 106 catches balls 128 that roll past the scoring area 114, as shown in Figures 6 and 8.

The Terrain Pieces (or TerraForms)

[0042] The TerraForms 120 may be seated on the playing field 108 of the table game 100 and create a 3-dimensional topography. There are generally two types of TerraForms 120: “Rail Pieces” 124, and “Field Pieces” 126. The rail pieces 124 may be disposed flush against the long side walls of the course and the field pieces 126 may be disposed flat between the rail pieces 124 on the field 108. The TerraForms 120 generally may take the shape of hills or mounds, i.e., shapes that are derived from terrestrial topography. The rail pieces 124 may appear as mounds or hills cut in half. The TerraForms 120 may also be modular. Each of the rail 124 or field pieces 126 may be moved during play to change the course, which may allow for a completely different game set-up each time the player plays the game. The terraforms 120 may act to hinder the direct path of the ball 128 from one side of the table 102 to the other. The terraforms 120 eliminate a “straight shot”. The skill of the game involves rolling the ball 128 over the field of play 108 and navigating the hills and mounds to find a line into a pocket 104 using speed, spin, and angle.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment of the table game 100, the terraforms 120 may be formed from wood pieces and shaped as natural forms. In other exemplary embodiments, however, the terraforms 120 may be formed from one or more of the following materials: resin, wood, foam, plastic, rubber, concrete, fabric, fabric-wrapped, etc. Additionally, the terraforms 120 may be sold as sets or kits (e.g., collections) based on a theme (e.g., golf course, billiards, motor cross bike racing, amusement park, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the table game 100 may include terraforms 120 that mimic or replicate certain known golf course designs, dirt track racing experiences (e.g., Hot Wheels), or a skateboard park.

Balls For Play [0044] Finally, the balls 128 used for TerraBall may be various sizes. In one embodiment, the sizes are 2 1/8” diameter (American snooker), 2 7/16” (Carom balls) and 3” (the

“TerraBall”). Versions of play can use any combination of these balls 128, but generally the game is played with either 7 small and 1 TerraBall (7:1), or 4 small, 3 medium and 1 TerraBall

(4:3:1).

General Rules of TerraBall:

Object of the Game

The object of TerraBall is to make the balls fall into the holes at your opponent’s end of the table in order to accumulate points. More points are awarded for placing the balls into the smallest holes. The TerraBall is worth the most points. A player or team wins by scoring an agreed-upon number of points constituting a victory. Generally, a TerraBall game is played to 50 points. A

TerraBall match or set consists of playing the best of three games, switching sides after the first game, and rearranging the course after the second game.

Players & Equipment

TerraBall may be played with 2 or 4 players, i.e., singles or doubles.

To play TerraBall the following pieces of equipment are required:

Table: The table used in TerraBall is approximately 12 feet by 3 feet, although games can be played on differing sized tables. The scoring area on either end of the table is approximately 1 foot by 3 feet. The scoring area is divided into two sections, the trap area and the pocket area.

There are tw o spots on either end of the table which are centered 1 foot in front of the scoring area referred to as the foot spots. Balls. There are 8 balls in total. The standard TerraBall set includes one TerraBall and seven small balls, referred to as 7:1. A substitute TerraBall Set including 4 small balls, 3 medium balls, and 4 TerraBall is optional, referred to as 4:3:1.

TerraForms: The Terraforms are modular game pieces that are placed on the field of play. Any number of TerraForms can be used depending on player preference. Traditionally, a total of six pieces are used, two large rail pieces, two small rail pieces, and two field pieces. The rail pieces are positioned along the long ends of the table against the side walls. Apart from the bottom of the piece, they have one straight flat edge. The field pieces are placed between the rail pieces down the middle of the table. Apart from the bottom of the piece, they are rounded on all sides and have no flat sides.

Pocket Covers: There are three different sized hole covers for each pocket area, as well as solid covers. Players may choose to play with one-, two-, or three-hole pockets (small, medium, large) set up in the scoring area. A solid cover is used to cover any remaining pockets. Traditionally, two-hole pocket covers are used (large and small) with one solid pocket cover.

Scoring

One-Pocket Scoring:

Small Ball into hole = 1pt, TerraBall = 5pts

Two-Pocket Scoring:

Small Ball into large hole = 1pt, TerraBall into large hole = 5pts Small Ball into small hole = 5pts, TerraBall into small hole = 15pts

Three Pocket Scoring:

Small Ball into large hole = 1pt, TerraBall into large hole = 5pts

Small Ball into medium hole = 3pts, TerraBall into medium Hole = 10pts

Small Ball into small hole = 5pts, TerraBall into Small hole = 15pts

If a ball thrown during a turn, returns to the player’s own pocket or trap, points are awarded to the opposing team. This is referred to as an “Own Goal”. Own goal points are as follows:

Small Ball into trap = 1 point, TerraBall into trap = 5 points

Small Ball into large hole = 5 points, TerraBall into large hole = 10 points

Small Ball into medium hole = 10 points, TerraBall into medium hole = 15 points

Small Ball into small hole = 15 points, TerraBall into small hole = Loss of Game

Points are tallied on an abacus on each end of the table. Each side is responsible for their own point tally.

How to Play

Before beginning a game, players arrange the course game pieces (TerraForms) on the table.

Rail pieces may be placed along the side walls on the field of play, but not overlapping the scoring area. Field pieces are placed down the middle of the table away from the rail pieces and between the two foot spots. Field pieces should not be placed inside of the foot spot closest to the scoring area. This allows for a proper throwing area. The TerraForms must lay flat on the table and not overlap other pieces. Players must agree on the course layout before beginning a game.

Each player or team arranges their pocket hole cover positions. The hole positions may be changed after each turn, before the opposing player begins their next turn.

A coin may be flipped to determine which player or teams throws firsts.

To begin, one player or team throws all of the available balls toward their opponent’s scoring area. Players must release the ball before the foot spot closest to them. A ball must initially contact the field of play and not a TerraForm. The balls may be thrown in any order or combination. In doubles play both players on a team must throw at least one ball during a turn. All balls are “in play” during a turn unless they have fallen into the opposing side’s trap area. More than one ball is permitted to be in motion at any one time. A player may score into a pocket by knocking one ball into another as in a carom shot. After all eight balls are thrown in a turn, points are tallied. The balls are then collected from the pockets and from the field of play and the next player or team begins their turn. Pocket hole cover positions may be rearranged at this point before the next turn begins. [0045] While principles of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, embodiments, and substitution of equivalents all fall within the scope of the embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description.