FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hockey type games and skill development, more particularly, shooting game boards and systems with accessories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Com hole type game systems have had enduring appeal as recreational pass times. While sport themes and different game rules have been applied to provide variations of the original com hole game format, specialized adaptations to promote particular types of skill development have been lacking.

[0003] In recent years, the recreational product market has grown to accommodate the design of compact and portable hockey net/goal articles and systems. Some of these, include a small footprint platform, and suitably sized hockey net with a ramp leading up to the opening of the net. Examples of such articles and systems are disclosed in US Patent No. 7066847, and products on the market branded under the labels Puck Catcher™, Saucer King™ and Sauce Kit™. Others include a platform with a hockey net over a hole for the puck to go into, such as Perfect Pass™. These articles and systems are generally designed in single target formats and are not necessarily designed to encourage a particular form of skill development, such as a specific type of hockey shot technique.

[0004] A variation of a Skee ball or com hole type game platform, Skee-Puck™ includes an angled platform with several round holes which can be of varying sizes. The platform is covered by an enclosure structure to stop the puck from being shot past the platform and a player shoots the puck at the different holes (targets) from a launch pad. This system is intended as a semi-permanent installation indoors, such as at an arcade or in a basement. [0005] It is desirable to provide for alternative, on the go (portable), hockey-type play game formats to maintain user engagement and promote different kinds of hockey shot skill development.

[0006] To address these and other recreational user needs, a new portable, game board and system for hockey-type play is provided for in the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide a portable game board and system with one or more target holes to promote the development of hockey shot skills, such as the saucer pass, by integrating target hole configurations which impact (limit) the ways in which a puck-shaped object can pass through the target holes. [0008] More particularly, the present invention generally comprises an angled game board, wherein the dimensions of the target hole(s), such as the shape and size, are configured to partially obstruct or impede the passage of a puck-shaped object, depending on the orientation of the puck-shaped object in the air just as it reaches the target hole(s). The desired shape and size of the target hole(s) can be obtained by the way holes are formed in the game board and/or with the addition of other structures fitted to generally align with holes formed in the board. Game play is further enhanced by selecting configurations and using structures that mimic the appearance and form of hockey nets.

[0009] In one aspect there is provided a game board with top and bottom sides, two side walls and two end walls, comprising one or more target holes formed through the top and bottom sides, through which a puck-shaped object can pass, and wherein at least one of the one or more target holes has a substantially prismatic perimeter.

[0010] In one embodiment of the game board, the at least one of the one or more target holes having a substantially prismatic perimeter is further configured to impact the puck-shaped object’s ability to pass through said target hole when shot at the game board positioned for game play, depending on the puck-shaped object’s orientation in the air just as it reaches the opening of said target hole at the top side of the board. [0011] In another embodiment, the game board is constructed of one or more materials selected from metal, wood-based material, plastic and fabric.

[0012] In still another embodiment, a set of legs is connected to the game board to prop the game board up at an angle off of a surface. [0013] In yet another embodiment of the game board, all of the one or more target holes have a substantially prismatic perimeter.

[0014] In a further embodiment, one or more target holes is partially obstructed by a structure attached to the game board.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the bottom side of the game board is configured to receive a framing system.

[0016] In a still another embodiment, the framing system defines part of the perimeter of one of the one or more target holes when connected to the game board.

[0017] In one embodiment, netting is positioned beneath the bottom side of the game board for receiving the puck-shaped object when it goes through one of the one or more target holes.

[0018] In another embodiment, the game board is constructed of plastic using an injection or blow molded process.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the game board is constructed of fabric material forming all or a portion of the top and bottom sides of the game board and connected to a frame structure integrated as part of the game board.

[0020] In still a further embodiment, the frame structure forms the side walls and end walls of the game board.

[0021] In another aspect there is provided a game board system comprising: a) a game board with top and bottom sides, two side walls and two end walls, comprising one or more target holes formed through the top and bottom sides, through which a puck-shaped object can pass, and wherein at least one of the one or more target holes has a substantially prismatic perimeter; b) a set of legs connected to the game board to prop the game board up at an angle off of a surface; and c) netting positioned beneath the bottom side of the game board for receiving the puck shaped object when it goes through one of the one or more target holes.

[0022] In an embodiment of the system, the at least one of the one or more target holes having a substantially prismatic perimeter is further configured to impact the puck-shaped object’s ability to pass through said target hole when shot at the game board positioned for game play, depending on the puck-shaped object’s orientation in the air just as it reaches the opening of said target hole at the top side of the game board.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the system, the game board is constructed of one or more materials selected from metal, wood-based material, plastic and fabric. [0024] In one embodiment of the system, all of the one or more target holes have a substantially prismatic perimeter.

[0025] In another embodiment of the system, the opening of one or more of the one or more target holes is partially obstructed by a structure attached to the game board.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the system, the bottom side of the game board is configured to receive a framing system.

[0027] In still another embodiment of the system, the framing system defines part of the perimeter of one of the one or more target holes when connected to the game board.

[0028] In yet another embodiment of the system, the game board is constructed of plastic using an injection or blow molded process. [0029] In still a further embodiment of the system, the game board is constructed of fabric material forming all or a portion of the top and bottom sides of the game board and connected to a frame structure integrated as part of the game board.

[0030] In another embodiment of the system, the frame structure forms the side walls and end walls of the game board.

[0031] In one embodiment, the game board system further comprises a launch pad from which to shoot the puck-shaped object at the one or more target holes

[0032] In another aspect there is provided a method of playing a hockey-type game comprising the steps of: a) propping up at an angle off of a surface, a game board with top and bottom sides, two side walls and two end walls, comprising one or more target holes formed through the top and bottom sides, through which a puck-shaped object can pass, and wherein at least one of the one or more target holes has a substantially prismatic perimeter; and b) shooting the puck-shaped object at the one or more target holes of the game board. [0033] In one embodiment of the method, the at least one of the one or more target holes having a substantially prismatic perimeter if further configured to impact the puck-shaped object’s ability to pass through said target hole, when shot at the game board positioned for game play, depending on the puck-shaped object’s orientation in the air just as it reaches said target hole at the top side of the game board. [0034] In a further embodiment of the method, the game board is constructed of one or more materials selected from metal, particle board, medium density fiber, plastic and fabric.

[0035] In another embodiment of the method, a set of legs is connected to the game board to prop the game board up at an angle off of a surface. [0036] In yet another embodiment of the method, all of the one or more target holes have a substantially prismatic perimeter. [0037] In still another embodiment of the method, the opening of one or more of the one or more target holes is partially obstructed by a structure attached to the game board.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the method, the bottom side of the game board is configured to receive a framing system.

[0039] In yet another embodiment of the method, the framing system defines part of the perimeter of one of one or more target holes when connected to the game board.

[0040] In still a further embodiment of the method, netting is positioned beneath the bottom side of the game board for receiving the puck-shaped object when it goes through one of the one or more target holes.

[0041] In yet another embodiment of the method, the game board is constructed of plastic using an injection or blow molded process.

[0042] In one embodiment of the method, the game board is constructed of fabric material forming all or a portion of the top and bottom sides of the game board and connected to a frame structure integrated as part of the game board.

[0043] In another embodiment of the method, the frame structure forms the side walls and end walls of the game board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings (Figures), briefly described as follows:

[0045] Figure 1: Front view of a game board according to the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 2: Front side (isometric) view of a game board according to the present disclosure. [0047] Figure 3: Back side view of a game board according to the present disclosure with a pair of foldable legs in an extended state/position.

[0048] Figure 4: Back side view of a game board according to the present disclosure with a pair of foldable legs in a collapsed state/position. [0049] Figure 5: Netting attached to the bottom side of game board according to the present disclosure around the perimeter of a target hole.

[0050] Figure 6: A puck-shaped object (soft puck) for use in game play with a game board according to the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 7: A game board system according to the present disclosure including metal framing attachable to the bottom side of the board and various accessories for game play and portability. Views A and B represent front (top) and back (bottom) side views, respectively.

[0052] Figure 8: Components of the game board system shown in Figure 7. View A represents the top side of the board. View B represents the bottom side of the board. View C represents the netting and metal framing. View D represents the legs, pucks and puck casing.

[0053] Figure 9: Various game ready and storage states of the game board system shown in Figure 7. View A represents a collapsed game board system for storage and transport. View B represents a side view of View A. View C represents the launch pad (cover) detached from the game board. View D represents the legs of the game board system in an extended state. View E represents View D with the launch pad flipped open to uncover the top side of the game board.

[0054] Figure 10: Alternative netting attachment means for the game board shown in Figures 1-4. View A illustrates a top view of a molded plastic insert (fitting) which fits into the board holes and functions as the netting attachment means. View B illustrates a side view of the molded plastic insert. View C illustrates netting attached to the molded plastic insert fitted into the board hole from the underside (back) of the board. View D illustrates netting attached to the molded plastic insert fitted into the board hole from the top side (front) of the board.

[0055] Figure 11: Exemplary illustrations of target hole configurations according to the disclosure of the game board herein, including prismatic and non-prismatic variants.

[0056] Figure 12: A front view of a game board system according to the present disclosure comprising a fabric canvass and framing structure to construct the game board.

[0057] Figure 13: A side view of the game board system of Figure 12 with legs for propping up the game board off of a surface.

[0058] Figure 14: A back side view of a game board system of Figure 12 according to the present disclosure. The view presented does not necessarily correspond to a leg angle as shown in Figure 13 and has been drawn for the purpose of being able to clearly represent all of the salient features of the game board system.

[0059] Figure 15: The various parts of the framing structure, legs and related supports for the game board system of Figure 12.

[0060] Figure 16: A net assembly for a game board constructed of fabric including the fitting for attaching netting to the underside of the board around the perimeter of a target hole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0061] The present invention relates to hockey-type game boards and systems, which provide amusement and encourage hockey shot skill development by the application of target hole configurations which impact the manner in which a puck-shaped object can pass through a target hole. [0062] Various features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the illustrations in the Figures. The design factors, construction and use of the game boards and systems disclosed herein are described with reference to various examples representing embodiments which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described and claimed herein. The skilled technician in the field to which the invention pertains will appreciate that there may be other variations, examples and embodiments of the invention not disclosed herein that can be practiced according to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Definitions

[0063] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0064] The use of the word“a” or“an” when used herein in conjunction with the term “comprising” may mean“one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of“one or more,”“at least one” and“one or more than one.”

[0065] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including” and “containing,” and grammatical variations thereof, are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements and/or method steps. The term“consisting essentially of’ when used herein in connection with an apparatus, article, use or method, denotes that additional elements and/or method steps may be present, but that these additions do not materially affect the manner in which the recited apparatus, article, method or use functions. The term “consisting of’ when used herein in connection with an apparatus, article, use or method, excludes the presence of additional elements and/or method steps. An apparatus, article, use or method described herein as comprising certain elements and/or steps may also, in certain embodiments consist essentially of those elements and/or steps, and in other embodiments consist of those elements and/or steps, whether or not these embodiments are specifically referred to. [0066] As used herein, the term“about” refers to an approximately +/-l0% variation from a given value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.

[0067] The recitation of ranges herein is intended to convey both the ranges and individual values falling within the ranges, to the same place value as the numerals used to denote the range, unless otherwise indicated herein.

[0068] The use of any examples or exemplary language, e.g.“such as”,“exemplary embodiment”, and “for example” is intended to illustrate or denote aspects, embodiments, variations, elements or features of the invention and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0069] As used herein, the terms “connected” and “attached” and grammatical variations thereof refer to any direct or indirect physical association between elements or features of the apparatus (game board and game board system) of the present disclosure. Accordingly, these terms may be understood to denote elements or features that are partly or completely contained within one another, coupled, disposed on, joined together, etc., even if there are other elements or features intervening between the elements or features described as being connected or attached. For example, netting attached to a game board according to the present disclosure may be attached directly to the underside of the game board or to metal framing which is itself attached to the underside of the game board.

[0070] As used herein, the terms,“hole” and“target hole” refer to the holes which are formed in a game board according to the present disclosure. A hole may or may not be a target hole. For example, a hole can be formed in the game board which is then used and/or further configured to form one or more target holes for game play, to receive a game board accessory, or to receive a component or structure used to set up the board for game play. When reference is made to a target hole, the hole is formed through the top and bottom sides of the board and is substantially in a game ready state to function as a shooting target. A target hole may or may not be configured to impact the ability of a puck-shaped object to pass through it. Target holes can have various constructions and configurations as provided in the present disclosure. Moreover, a target hole can be adapted to provide for alternative configuration of a target hole using the same game board.

[0071] As used herein, the term“perimeter” with reference to a hole or target hole is used to denote the edge of an opening of a hole or target hole. Where a hole or target hole is made through or manufactured into the design of a game board, the perimeter may also refer to the inner walls or surface of a game board defining the space of the hole irrespective of whether said hole is or is not modified using additional components and structures to make the hole ready for game play as a target hole. By extension the term“perimeter” may also be used herein to denote the shape of a space not necessarily defined in a physical sense by walls and surfaces. In this way, the perimeter of a hole can be the perimeter of a hole or space within a hole. For example, a hole within a hole can be created by a funnel that extends physically through a hole in the game board, or can be understood as a sight line extension of a funnel resting on the top of a game board surface over a hole. In the latter case, the perimeter (including the 3D space) of the hole will be defined in part by the perimeter of the hole in the board and perimeter of the funnel resting over the hole, and will not have a complete set of wall or physical surface structures delineating its shape after a puck-shaped object passes through the surface entry point of the target hole opening. Accordingly, the term“perimeter” can be understood to denote the space through which a puck-shaped object must pass when going through a hole of a game board as guided by structural features forming the hole, or guiding the path of the puck-shaped object into and through the hole.

[0072] As used herein, the term, “substantially prismatic” with reference to the perimeter of a hole is used to denote one of a number of possible shapes for a hole or target hole (space), such as a square, rectangle, triangle, hexagon, rhombus and the like and can include shapes where one or more of the comers of the prism are slightly rounded, or otherwise altered by the insertion or attachment of structures to the hole of a game board.

[0073] It is contemplated that any embodiment of the game board and system, methods and uses disclosed herein can be implemented by one skilled in the art, as is, or by making such variations or equivalents without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

GAME BOARD AND SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

[0074] The game board and system of the present disclosure may be configured to comprise various component parts in order to be able to set up the board for game play and collapse the board into a more compact (e.g. flattened) format for portability and storage.

Game Board

[0075] The game board of the present disclosure comprises a board with one or more holes formed through the top and bottom surfaces. To simulate hockey -type play one or more of the target holes of the game board will have a substantially prismatic shape configuration (perimeter). To promote hockey shot skill development, one or more of the target holes of the game board will be configured to impact the ability of puck shaped object to go through it, depending on how the object is shot and arrives at the opening of a given target hole. To achieve such configurations for target holes, the overall shape and dimensions of a target hole will be factors. Other factors will be the presence of impediments or obstructions to the puck-shaped object’s path to and through the (target) hole, positioned in and/or around the target hole perimeter. In this sense, certain physical impediments and/or obstructions can be understood to create modified or new target holes within an existing (target) hole by altering the perimeter of the hole (shape) through which the puck-shaped object must pass to result in a successful on target shot during game play.

[0076] To provide for a game board system according to the present disclosure, a set of legs can be attached (connected) to the underside (bottom side surface) and/or side walls of the board to provide a means for propping up the board at an angle when in use. The legs can be supported by one or more cross bars connecting the legs to the game board and/or each other as shown in the Figures 3, 4, and 7 to 9. [0077] The board can consist essentially of any shape desirable so long as it is amenable to be being propped up at an angle for game play using a suitable support means and remain stable when puck-shaped objects hit it.

[0078] In one embodiment, the game board has a generally rectangular shape with substantially prismatic holes, wherein each hole has the same dimensions. In a related embodiment, the dimensions of the game board can be about 85 cm in length (for the side walls), about 55 cm in width (for the end walls), and about 7 cm deep. The board could be wider or narrower, or it could be rotated so the length is oriented horizontally (parallel), and the width is vertically oriented (perpendicular), to the surface the game board is positioned on when in use (for game play). The dimensions can be varied by about 20% and still provide for a board sized to maintain engaging game play and ease of storage and transport.

Target Hole(s)

[0079] Target holes can have various constructions and configurations which can be defined by, but not limited to, the dimensions (i.e. the openings and three dimensional (3D) space) of the initial hole(s) made through the top and bottom sides of the game board. To create target holes, structural elements can be attached the game board to partially obstruct or change the shape or dimensions of the openings (perimeter) of the hole on the top side, and/or bottom side of the game board, or at the perimeter walls of a hole of the board. Structural elements can also be used to create optimal and/or sub- optimal paths for a puck-shaped object to reach the opening of a target hole (see Figure 1, Figure 8 and Figure 11 for illustrative embodiments).

[0080] In one embodiment, the target holes formed into a game board are substantially prismatic (e.g. rectangular). In a related embodiment, the target holes have the same dimensions. In another related embodiment, the target holes have different dimensions. In still another related embodiment, all of the target holes have the same prismatic shape (as may be defined by the perimeter). In another related embodiment, the target holes have different shapes as may be defined by the perimeter of the hole in the game board, or perimeter created by applying structural elements (structures) to modify the perimeter of the hole made through the game board.

[0081] In a further related embodiment, the target holes are formed to look like miniature (rectangular) goals and are each 9.3 cm in height, and 20.8 cm in width. The rectangular target holes are not only designed to simulate the shape of an actual hockey goal, but are also intended to cause the user to perform a proper saucer pass/shot making it more challenging to get a puck through a target hole. The user must start the release of the shot/pass off the heal of the blade of their stick in order to have the puck hover through the air flat, while rotating towards to the goal, otherwise known as a saucer pass or shot. This is a skillset that is developed and requires repetition in order to master.

[0082] In a further embodiment, one or more holes are formed through the game board, wherein at least one of the one or more holes is divided into one or more target holes. The target holes may be configured using various structures, such as hole covers, guides, funnels, deflectors, inserts, as well as framing elements integrated into the game board or framing systems attached to the underside of the board (see Figure 7).

[0083] In another embodiment, the target holes can be formed by partially covering part of the holes using removable plates, or similar structures. In an embodiment, a round hole can be partially covered with a plate structure, which converts or provides within the perimeter of a round hole a substantially prismatic (target) hole. In this way, a game board with round holes used for a com hole or golf type shooting game can be converted into a game board according to the present disclosure by reconfiguring the round holes to target holes which impact a puck-shaped object’s ability to pass through it (based on the puck-shaped object’s orientation in the air just as it reaches the opening of said target hole at the top side of the board).

[0084] In still another embodiment structural (hole) inserts, such as dividers or other forms of similar impediments and obstructions can be used to change the 3D configuration of the holes to form one or more target holes. [0085] In yet another embodiment, game play can be made more challenging by incorporating structures extending from the top side of the game board, at or near the perimeter of the target holes. Such structures serve as obstacles that impact the ability of puck-shaped object to reach a given target hole, depending on how the puck-shaped object it is shot at the target hole (i.e. the object’s trajectory). The structural obstacles can take on different forms, such as plates, fins, posts or other structures, or a tubular structure fitted around the perimeter of a target hole. In Figure 11 where such variations are illustrated, a hole 8 of a game board can function as a target hole without modifications or else be modified to create new target hole configurations 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d using structures 40, 41, 42 and 37, respectively.

[0086] In Figure 11D a round hole like those found on standard com hole boards and variations thereof is fitted with a prismatic plate structure 37 which has a prismatic opening in it to convert such a standard com hole type board game into a game board according to the present disclosure.

[0087] In a further embodiment, netting can be attached to the underside (bottom side) of the game board around the perimeter of each hole or target hole. The netting receives puck-shaped objects which pass through the (target) hole(s) of the game board. The netting can be directly or indirectly attached to the underside of the game board using pins, hooks, ring nails or screws. A string or fibre can be run through the netting and threaded through the ring nails/screws (see Figure 5). Other means for directly or indirectly connecting netting to the board can also be applied using stmctures to which the netting is attached and which are then snapped, locked into, or otherwise fitted onto the underside of the board, without having to use multiple hooks and nails/screws. For example, a mechanism comprising a plastic injection mold that has channels in it so that the netting can be looped through it is known in the art.

[0088] Figure 10 illustrates a fitting 29, which can be constmcted using a suitable plastic form adapted to fit different hole configurations. The fitting 29 has a groove 30 around its perimeter defined by a wall portion 31 and two flange portions, one which rests on the top side of the board 32 and another which is fitted up against the bottom side of the board 33 when the insert is fitted into a hole of the board. A further wall portion 34 extends downward (perpendicular) to the flange 33 away from the bottom side of the board when the insert is fitted into a hole. This wall portion 34 includes holes 35 through which the netting can be threaded and thereby secured to the underside of the board. [0089] A variation of such a netting attachment means adapted for a canvass (fabric) version of the game board according to the present disclosure (Example 3) is to take a strip of material with holes in it for receiving netting, and stitch one edge of it to the under (bottom) side of the canvass game board structure along the perimeter of a hole in the canvass (see Figure 16) [0090] In another embodiment netting is attached to framing elements or a framing system, such as the metal framing (or a portion/segment thereof) as shown in Figure 7 that substantially aligns with, or forms at least part of the perimeter of a target hole in the game board.

Game Board System [0091] A game board system for hockey -type play and shooting skill development is provided including a game board according to the present disclosure, a means for stably propping up the game board, such as a set of legs and optionally netting to capture puck-shaped objects shot through target holes in the game board.

[0092] In one embodiment, a set of legs is attached to the bottom side, side walls and/or one or both of the end walls of the game board. The set of legs can be a pair of legs connected proximal to one end of the game board relative to the other end of the game board. In a related embodiment, the leg length for a pair of legs positioned proximal to end wall 4 as shown in Figure 4 is about 63.5 cm.

[0093] Alternatively, the set of legs can consist of two pairs of legs, each pair with a different length, proximal to one end of the game board, in order to prop up the game board at an angle off of a surface. In still a further embodiment, a tripod leg system can be used to prop up the game board off of a surface. In still another embodiment, the legs height or angle relative to the surface the game board is propped on (when in use) can be varied using telescoping legs, or providing for notches in the legs, which can receive cross support elements that attach to the board and legs, in order to lock the legs in a certain position for game play.

[0094] To accommodate different type of surface topographies (e.g. uneven ground terrains), and ensure the game board can be securely and stably set up for use, additional features can be integrated in a game board system. In one embodiment, the individual leg lengths can be adjusted using a telescoping leg configuration. In another embodiment, a variety of fittings can be connected to the free end of each leg (opposite to the end connected to the game board) to either secure the legs into a surface, or have them rest more stably on a given surface. For example, a spike fitting can be used to pin a leg into the ground, or connectors can be used to secure the free ends of the legs to a surface structure. For example, a cross bar can be used as shown in Figures 14 and 15, where connectors 44 link the free ends of legs 10 using a bar/tube 39.

[0095] In a further embodiment, another board or plate structure can be used instead of a set of legs to prop up the game board at an angle relative to a surface. The bottom side of the game board can be configured with a groove or other like feature to receive the end of such a board or plate structure at an angle.

[0096] A base (surface) structure (e.g. a flat surface or a base of a framing system) can be optionally provided, onto, or into which an end of the game board and/or legs, or other board or plate structure can be received.

[0097] In one embodiment, netting is secured to the underside (bottom side) of the game board under one or more of the one or more target holes. Individual nets can be secured under each target hole or one large net can be secured under all of the target holes. Alternatively, netting can be provided on a separate framing assembly configured and positioned under the game board so as to capture puck-shaped objects successfully shot through a target hole, irrespective of the angle of passage of the puck shaped object through said target hole. For example, the net frame assembly could be taller at the end sitting under the higher end wall of the game board when propped up off a surface (e.g. the ground) for game play. Similarly, net framing assembly, can provide a cover over the game board can be used to contain puck-shaped objects, which do not go through a target hole so as to make the recovery of the puck-shaped objects easy for players during game play.

[0098] In still another embodiment, the game board can be expanded modularly by connecting game boards (e.g. panels) together to increase the available number of holes available for creating target holes for game play. Board panels can be connected to one another using hinges, clips, rivets, interconnecting framing elements, or other means known in the art.

Framing [0099] Various framing features made from a similar array of materials as the game board can be used to construct the game board and game board system of the present disclosure. A framing structure can be used to provide peripheral and internal frameworks for a game board (as shown in Figures 12-15), or act as finishing elements as shown in Figures 1-3 around the edges of the sides of the game board. Framing supports and elements can be used to delineate target holes, and position/secure netting underneath said holes. See, for example, the plastic inserts used for the netting in Figure 10 and frame segments of the framing system shown in Figures 7 and 8. Framing features can also be used to provide overall support and stability to a game board system. As contemplated herein, the legs of a game board system can be integrated into a framing system or framing structure and thereby provide support, as well as facilitate the positioning of a game board for game play.

[00100] In one embodiment the game board system comprises a framing system (e.g. made of wood, metal or plastic) attached to the bottom side of the game board. The framing system can serve several functions. It can provide various forms of structural support for the board, netting and legs. The framing system or segments within it, can also be used to define part of, or the entirety of the perimeter of a target hole within a hole provided for in the game board. A third function is to provide a partial obstruction within a target hole to promote shooting skill development. The portion of the framing system used as an obstruction within a target hole can be configured with netting to create a miniature hockey goal. Off target shooting which results in a puck hitting framing elements obstructing a target hole (e.g. made of metal) can simulate hitting a hockey goal frame/post.

[00101] In one embodiment, the framing system can be formed as a single structure with various functional portions or segments as shown in the Figures 7 and 8. In another embodiment the framing system can comprise a number of separate portions or segments which can be individually or independently fitted and connected to the underside of a game board.

Accessories [00102] The game board system may also be provided with various accessories to facilitate and enhance game play and the convenience of storing and transporting the game board system. Optional accessories include pucks, a puck carrying case, a game board cover and a (puck shooting) launch pad.

[00103] In one embodiment, one or more puck-shaped objects are provided for shooting at the target holes of a game board according to the present disclosure. The puck-shaped object(s) can be standard hard rubber pucks, plastic pucks, soft pucks similar to bean bag toss articles (see Figure 6), or any combination of the foregoing.

[00104] In yet another embodiment, distinguishable sets of puck-shaped objects are provided to facilitate competitive shooting play between two or more players. The sets of puck-shaped objects may be distinguished using different colouring and markings.

[00105] In a further embodiment, the puck-shaped objects may be provided in a carrying case. The carrying case may be netting, a flexible textile bag or a rigid casing. In a related embodiment, the casing for storing puck-shaped objects can be attached to the cross bar(s) of the pair of legs provided with the game board system in such a manner so as to maintain a compact footprint for the game board system for storage and transport (see Figures 7B and 9B).

[00106] In still another embodiment, a launch pad for shooting the puck is provided with the game board system. The launch pad can be provided as a separate accessory, or be detachably connected to the game board. In an embodiment, the launch pad is attached by way of a hinge mechanism to one end of the game board. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the height and width dimensions of the launch pad can correspond to that of the game board. When not in use, the launch pad can function as a cap or cover for the top side of the game board to protect this surface from being damaged during storage and transport. By making the launch pad detachable, it can be positioned at a desired distance from the game board when propped up for use in order to play and develop shooting skills.

CONSTRUCTION OF GAME BOARD and SYSTEM [00107] The game board of the present disclosure can be constructed of standard materials used to make com hole-type and other similar toss and shooting game boards, such as, but not limited to, wood based products such as particle board, medium density fiber (MDF) board, metals, plastic (e.g. using a blow/injection molding process) and fabrics, as well as combinations and composites (e.g. wood-plastic composites) of said materials. The plastic used can be polyethylene pellets heated and melted in a blow molding process. The board can also be mounted into a lightweight (e.g. hollow) plastic or metal frame (e.g. made from aluminum). When using fabric a number of different fabrics may be suitable, for example, provided they are sturdy enough to withstand repeated hits from puck-shaped objects at high speeds, such as an Oxford canvass woven material.

[00108] In one embodiment, the game board is made of MDF board (e.g. 5 mm) and finished around the edges with aluminum framing or flashing. In another embodiment the side walls of the game board extend beyond the thickness of the game board between and including the top and bottom sides such that the underside of the board is recessed from the one end of each of the side walls as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[00109] In another embodiment, the game board is a plastic, injected molded board/casing including indentations for fitting or mounting a relatively light weight metal framing (e.g. hollow tubing made of steel). This construction reduces damage to the board from shots taken with pucks that miss the target holes. An injection molded construction for the game board also simulates the sound of hitting the metal that is often heard when hitting a hockey goal post with a puck.

[00110] In a further embodiment, the game board is made of fabric (e.g. canvass) secured to a frame structure (see Figures 12-15). The fabric is secured with sufficient tension to create a substantially flat surface and expose the holes therein according to the their intended shapes and dimensions. This embodiment can be constructed as a lightweight and portable game board and game board system. For example, the frame can be made, assembled and disassembled from a set of plastic tubing and connector pieces to link the tubing together to form the frame structure. [00111] In still a further embodiment, the game board may be constructed to have different game play regions made of different materials. For example, the center region of the game board with the single target hole labelled as 3G shown in Figure 12 can be made of fabric attached to a framing structure integrated into the rest of the game board made from a wood-based or plastic material/product. The fabric portion can be tensioned as desired using string/elastic elements attached to the framing structure and thereby provide an additional level of game play interest for the differential manner in which a puck-shaped object might be deflected (bounce) off of the game board in said central region, if not on target with the 3G target hole when shot at the game board.

[00112] Other components of game board system, such as the legs can be made of light weight metal such as aluminum, plastic or wood. Various supporting elements can also be included, such as cross bars, and other stabilizing features appropriate to ensure that the game board can be reliably propped up at a desired angle relative to a surface when in use (during game play). Such features will further assist to maintain game board positioning after being repeatedly struck by puck-shaped objects. For game board system portability, the legs can be constructed so as to be readily removable (detached) from the game board or foldable (while remaining attached to the game board) to be able to flatten the system for transport.

[00113] In one embodiment, a set of plastic legs is detachably connected to a game board frame structure and stabilized with plastic tubing functioning as a cross bar to connect the ends of the legs on a surface base, opposite from the ends connected to the game board.

[00114] Netting can be constructed using standard netting fibres made of nylon and other suitable materials known in the art. [00115] Use of different puck-shaped objects can be considered with respect to the durability of a given game board construction and in order to obtain a particular kind of shot trajectory, orientation through the air towards a target hole and shooting result when the puck-shaped object hits the top surface of the board. If, for example, the saucer pass/shot is done with a plastic or standard hard rubber puck, and done properly, the puck will either go straight in and through a target hole, or deflect away from the board. If pucks hit the surface flat they may slide down or up depending on their trajectory. When using a bean bag (soft) puck, a missed target hole may be more likely to result in the puck landing on the surface (top side) of the board and sliding down into, to the edge of or around a target hole to the bottom of the game board. USE OF GAME BOARD AND SYSTEM

[00116] The game board and system of the present disclosure can be used for hockey- type play and hockey shot skill development. The method for using the game board and system comprises the steps of setting up the game board of the present disclosure at an angle and shooting a puck-shaped object at one or more target holes. To make game play more engaging various adjustments can be made to the game board angle (off of, or relative to the surface the game board is resting on for game play) and in the configuration of the target holes. Additionally, different game rules can be designed to associate point scoring schemes with successfully made shots on (target) goal.

[00117] The arrangement of target holes in the game board can be varied according to user preferences and game play design, such that the game scoring system is correlated to the target holes on the board as part of the game instructions and directions. In one embodiment the game board has five target holes. In a related embodiment, each hole can have a certain point value listed below it, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 12. Lighting features (e.g. light emitting diodes (LED) with sensors) can also be integrated into the game board and set to light according to how well game play is executed by a player to simulate goal scoring experiences in hockey-type play on ice

[00118] A game can be designed to challenge players by requiring the winning player to get a specified total number of goals/points to win the game. In addition to the configuration of target holes (e.g. shape, size), the number of target holes and point value amount associated with the target holes could make game play more or less engaging. Having too many target holes could make it less challenging, or more difficult to complete the game depending on the point system applied. Having fewer holes requires the player to be accurate, and apply the skillset that can be developed or learned with practice.

[00119] In one embodiment the game board is set up at about a 35 degree angle relative to the ground or surface it is resting on. In another embodiment the game board is set up at about a 45 degree angle relative to the ground or surface it is resting on. In still other embodiments, the game board is set up an angle ranging between about 25 to about 60 degrees relative to the ground or surface it is resting on. The game board can be set up at different angles to accommodate different levels of shooting skill development and provide variety to the user’s experience. For example, by propping up the game board at angles ranging between about 25 to about 60 degrees, the difficulty of the saucer pass/shot will change. If the board is more upright, this requires more accuracy, whereas when the board is less upright, the puck-shaped object is more able to land on the board and slide into a target hole.

[00120] In another embodiment, the launch pad is placed within a few meters of the game board. Making a saucer pass shot from this distance requires keeping the puck shaped object at a lower height off the ground to reach the target holes in an optimal orientation and pass through any one of them as the case may be. In another embodiment, the launch pad is placed more than a few meters from the game board. Making a saucer pass shot from this distance requires a higher trajectory to reach the target holes in the optimal orientation and pass through. [00121] The following examples of a game board and system according to the present disclosure are set forth and described with reference to the Figures. It will be understood that these examples are intended to describe illustrative embodiments of the game board and system and uses thereof and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

EXAMPLES

Example 1 - Wood Product Game Board and System

[00122] With reference to Figures 1-5 and 10, an embodiment of the game board provided in the present disclosure includes a board 1 with top 2 and bottom 3 sides, and four side walls 4, 5, 6 and 7. The board can be set-up at an angle supported by a pair of folding legs 10 using the hinge and leg support bar system shown at features l3a to l3d. The legs are thereby supported when extended to prop up the game board for game play, and can be readily collapsed to fit up against the bottom side of the game board for transport. Five holes 8 having the same dimensions are configured as target holes with substantially prismatic perimeters 11. The dimensions of the target holes are designed to encourage the use and development of saucer pass skills in order to get a puck-shaped object 21, such as the soft puck shown in Figure 6, to pass through the holes 8. In other words, the chances of the puck-shaped object 21 getting through a target hole are higher if shot using a saucer pass technique where the puck moves through the air like a saucer in the orientation shown in Figure 6. Netting 9 (for receiving pucks, which go through the target holes), is attached around the perimeters 11 of the holes 8 using a threading string 20 and hooks or ring nails 12 secured directly to the bottom (under) side 3 of the board 1 (Figure 5).

[00123] Alternatively, the netting can be securely threaded through small holes 35 and secured to the board by way of a grooved plastic insert 29 with flange portions 32, 33, which sit, respectively, against the top 2 and bottom 3 sides of the board when the insert 29 is fitted into a hole of the board (Figure 10). The wall portion 31 defining the recessed part of the groove 30 of the insert 29 fits along and against the perimeter wall 11 of a board hole. [00124] The board shown in Figures 1 to 4 can be made of various rigid materials suitable for constructing a relatively light weight board and include finishes to protect the board from damage during game play and transport. For example, a particle or fiber type board can be laminated on the top 2 and bottom sides 3 and finished around the side walls 4, 5, 6, and 7 using a frame or flashing made of metal or plastic, as the case may be.

[00125] The top side 2 of the board can also comprise various markings in line with the theme for game play (in this case hockey) and to display a goal/point scoring system for successfully shooting a puck-shaped object 21 into each target hole 8. Example 2 - Plastic Game Board and System

[00126] In an embodiment of the game board system illustrated in Figures 7 to 9, a board 1, including holes 8a, 8b and 8c, is provided with netting 9 for each hole, a pair of foldable legs 10, metal framing (system) 17 (which can alternatively be constructed of plastic) to provide target holes, pucks 21, a puck launching pad 14 and puck carrying case 22.

[00127] The board 1 can be blow/injection molded using suitable plastic materials to include three holes 8a to 8c and channel indentations 20 on the bottom side 3 with fittings 19 for receiving and securing the metal framing 17, for example, using brackets and/or screws. The metal framing 17 is constructed as one continuous framework with distinct portions/segments, which provide different functions once attached to the bottom side 3 of the board 1.

[00128] In Figures 7B and 8C the metal framing 17 has five prismatic formations 23a to 23e with interconnecting supporting frame segments 24. Formations 23a, 23b, 23d and 23e serve to partially define or section off target holes within holes 8a and 8c. The perimeter of each target hole is defined towards the center of holes 8a and 8c by one side of the metal framing formations 23a, 23b, 23d and 23e and on three sides by the perimeter 11 of holes 8a and 8c. While the metal framing formations 23a, 23b, 23d and 23e substantially align with the perimeters 11 of holes 8a and 8c, they are positioned slightly off-set from the perimeters 11, such that three of the sides of each of the metal framing formations 23a, 23b, 23d and 23e partially obstruct (the openings of) holes 8a and 8c.

[00129] Similarly, metal framing formation 23c partially obstructs the target hole defined by the perimeter 11 of hole 8b on three sides by being positioned slightly offset from said perimeter.

[00130] A puck launch pad 14 is provided with the game board system. The launch pad 14 has top 15 and bottom 16 sides and can be attached at end 26 to the end 5 of the board 1 using a detachable hinged mechanism 18 (see Figure 9C). When the board 1 is deployed for game play, the pair of folding legs 10, attached to the side walls of the board 1 proximal to the bottom side 3, are extended so that the board 1 can rest on the ground propped up an angle (see Figure 9D). In this way the launch pad 14 can be unfolded (see Figure 9E) and removed to be set up at a suitable distance from the board 1. Pucks 21 can be shot from the top surface 15 of the launch pad 14 at the target holes formed in the board 1 as described above. [00131] When not in use, the launch pad 14 can be reattached to the end 5 of the board

1 and articulated using the hinge mechanism 18 to cover the top side 2 of the board 1, thereby protecting the game play surface and providing a convenient transport format for the game board system (see Figures 9A and 9B). At end 25 of the launch pad 14 there is provided a coupling means 27 for securing the launch pad 14 to a corresponding coupling means 28 near the other end 4 of the board 1.

[00132] An accessory puck carrying case 22 can be configured to attach to the cross bars connecting the pair of legs 10, as shown in Figure 7B, to provide a compact storage and transport solution for the game board system.

Example 3 - Fabric Game Board and System [00133] In another embodiment, with reference to Figures 12 to 15, the game board 1 is constructed of a fabric canvass essentially forming the top 2 and bottom 3 sides of the gaming board and framing structure, with frame tubing components 39, 38, T- connector 43 and comer connector 44. The canvass is an Oxford canvass and comprises flaps, one on each of the four sides, which can be folded onto themselves and stitched to form tunnels through which the frame tubing 39 and 38 can be passed through. Alternatively, the flaps can each be wrapped around said tubing and secured using other means, such as Velcro strips or snap fittings. Frame tubing 39 forms the end walls 4 and 5 of the game board and tubing 38 forms the side walls 6 and 7 of the game board. Comer fittings (connectors) 44 allow frame tubing 39 and 38 to be connected to complete the framing structure for the game board.

[00134] The legs 10 of the game board system can be connected to the framing structure to the bottom side 3 of the gaming board using T-connectors 43. As shown in Figures 13 and 15, the T-connector 43 has a smaller diameter on one end, opposite from where the framing structuring tubing 38 is secured into the T-connector 43. This smaller diameter end mates into the comer connector 44 in order to facilitate attaching the legs to the framing structure. If no T-connector 43 is used to assemble the game board system with legs, tubing 38 can be inserted directly into a comer connector 44. [00135] As shown in Figure 13, the legs are integrated into the frame structure at a 90 degree angle relative to the game board. As a result, the game board is angled off of a resting surface at a 45 degree angle and the legs are resting on said surface also at a 45 degree angle.

[00136] In this embodiment, the overall dimensions of the game board are 35 inches long (high) and 21.5 inches wide. The tubing, connectors and legs are made of polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC, a thermoplastic resin). The legs are 22.5 inches long and have a 1 inch diameter. The cross tubing 39 is 19.75 inches long by 1 inch in diameter. The tubing 38 is longer than tubing 39 and can range from 29.75 to 33.25 inches long, and has a 1 inch diameter. [00137] Further the dimensions of the comer connectors 44 are 2 inches in height and width and have a 1.25 inch diameter. The dimensions of the T-connectors 43 are 3.5 inches long (having the ends which interconnect with the frame tubing 38 and comer connectors 44. The end which mates with the frame tubing has a 1.25 inch diameter and the end which mates into the comer connector has a 1 inch diameter. The height of the T-connector 43 which includes the opening for receiving the leg is 2 inches and has a 1.25 inch diameter.

[00138] Netting is attached under each target hole using a nylon material (fitting) with metal rivets (or grommets) to delineate holes through which to thread the netting. As shown in Figure 26, the fitting 29 has material strips 45 and holes 46. One side of the strips 45 is stitched to the bottom side 3 of the game board canvass. Netting 9 is threaded through the holes 46.

[00139] The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, publications and database entries referenced in this specification are hereby specifically incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each such individual patent, patent application, publication and database entry were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[00140] Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications as would be apparent to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.