FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
The present application generally relates to games. More particularly, the present application relates to a game to be played, inter alia, involving bocce-like gameplay, wherein interactive game-altering directives and/or visible indicia serve to modify bocce-like play providing additional gameplay scoring and outcome-influencing opportunities.
BACKGROUND
Bocce and bocce-like games are old and well-known games that often involve players throwing round balls at a target ball, wherein score is determined based upon the team closest to the target ball after all players have attempted their throw. Bocce-like games are played by many people throughout the world and are well-liked because gameplay is simple and the various rules are relatively easy to follow. However, in part because bocce-like games are so well-known, there can be a tendency for players of such games to become bored with typical bocce-like gameplay.
Thus, there exists a need for a game which provides new gameplay and scoring opportunities that go beyond ordinary bocce-like gameplay.
SUMMARY
A first general aspect described herein relates to a bocce modifying game, the bocce modifying game comprising: a bocce setup including at least one target object and at least two movable objects wherein the at least two moveable objects contain indicia thereon, further wherein the at least two moveable objects are assigned for gameplay use by at least two players; a first scoring mechanism for recording a first scoring opportunity wherein a moveable object, of the plurality of movable objects, closest to the at least one target object determines a distribution of points; and second scoring mechanism for recording a second scoring opportunity, wherein further distribution of points during gameplay is effected by a display of a plurality of indicia corresponding to the at least two moveable objects.
A second general aspect described herein relates to a method of playing a bocce modifying game comprising the steps of: providing a gameplay setup, the gameplay setup including at least one target object and at least two movable objects, wherein the at least two moveable objects contain indicia thereon; assigning a plurality of players to at least two opposing teams, wherein at least one player on each team is assigned at least one of the moveable objects containing indicia; commencing gameplay, wherein each team attempts to project at least one of the corresponding assigned moveable objects containing indicia closest to the at least one target object; scoring gameplay wherein there is a first scoring opportunity, wherein the moveable object of the corresponding team closest to the at least one target object determines a distribution of points; and modifying gameplay, wherein there is a second scoring opportunity, wherein further distribution of points during gameplay is effected by a display of a plurality of indicia corresponding to the at least two moveable objects.
A third general aspect described herein relates to a bocce-dart modifying game comprising: a target object; a game playing area environment capable of receiving the target object, wherein the game playing area environment includes indicia located thereon; at least two moveable targeting objects, capable of being projected toward the target object and received in the game playing area environment; a first scoring mechanism for recording a first scoring opportunity wherein the moveable targeting object closest to the at least one target object determines a distribution of points; and a second scoring mechanism for recording a second scoring opportunity, wherein further distribution of points during gameplay is effected by an interactive correspondence between the positioning of the moveable targeting objects in the game playing area environment and the proximity of the indicia located nearby, when the moveable targeting objects are received in the game playing area environment.
The foregoing and other features of construction and operation will be more readily understood and fully appreciated from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:
FIG. 1 depicts a typical bocce-like game playing area environment;
FIG. 2 depicts a typical bocce ball and jack ball;
FIG. 3 depicts a target object and a moveable object, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein;
FIG. 4 depicts a second scoring opportunity word game embodiment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein;
FIG. 5A depicts a version of a second scoring opportunity box-type word game embodiment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein;
FIG. 5B depicts another version of a second scoring opportunity box-type word game embodiment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein;
FIG. 5C depicts a further version of a second scoring opportunity box-type word game embodiment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein;
FIG. 5D depicts still another version of a second scoring opportunity box-type word game embodiment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein;
FIG. 6 depicts a second scoring opportunity word-battle-board-type word game embodiment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein;
FIG. 7 depicts a second scoring opportunity word-guessing word game embodiment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein;
FIG. 8A depicts a first option of a second scoring opportunity poker-type word game embodiment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein;
FIG. 8B depicts a second option of a second scoring opportunity poker-type word game embodiment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein;
FIG. 8C depicts a second scoring opportunity poker-type word game score-card embodiment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein;
FIG. 9 depicts another second scoring opportunity embodiment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein;
FIG. 10 depicts a second scoring opportunity cross word game embodiment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein;
FIG. 11 depicts another second scoring opportunity cross word game embodiment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein;
FIG. 12 depicts a second scoring opportunity word-search game embodiment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein;
FIG. 13 depicts an indicia-laden bocce-like playing area environment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein; and
FIG. 14 depicts a schematic of basic methodology corresponding to exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A detailed description of the hereinafter described embodiments of the disclosed game and corresponding method of gameplay are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures. Although certain embodiments of the present invention will be shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present invention will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply for exemplary purposes in depicting a possible embodiment or embodiments of the present invention. The features and advantages of the present invention are illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings.
As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
FIG. 1 depicts a traditional bocce court 100. The bocce court 100 may be set up as a mirror image on either side of a center line 104. In traditional bocce play, a pitch line 103 may be established as a boundary line designating part of an inbound area of play 105. Bocce is traditionally played on natural soil and asphalt courts approximately 27.5 meters (90 ft) in length and 2.5 to 4 meters (8.2 to 13 ft) wide. For instance, the United States Bocce Federation provides that official courts may be approximately 86.92 feet in length and approximately 13.2 feet in width. However, bocce-like gameplay does not need to conform to strict dimensions or materials and often the play area may be much smaller or sometimes larger than the ideal field. Some examples of bocce-like game-playing surfaces include carpet, crushed stone, dirt, oyster shells, pebbles, grass, sand, turf and clay, on table-tops, billiard tables, the bottoms of swimming pools, floating on the top of water, vacuum attached to the side of a smooth surface such as a window, positioned along a ledge (such as a window seal), a board-game box, etc., both indoors or outdoors; virtually any material may be used so long as the play area is relatively smooth and level. Moreover, bocce-like gameplay need not even take place on an actual court. Play may take place in an electronic virtual environment, or otherwise through digital depiction provided by an electronic game system, such as the Nintendo Wii®. Embodiments of a bocce modifying game may include playing area environments that involve combinations of both physical and virtual environments. Almost any conceivable play area environment may be used (within reason) to effectuate bocce-like game play, typically in a manner similar to the setup 100 shown in FIG. 1, or other like set-ups.
Standard bocce may be played between two players or two teams of multiple players, commonly with a total of eight bocce balls. Bocce-like games, however, may comprise of any number of players or teams as necessary to accommodate personal preference. Generally, a standard bocce set may consist of eight bocce balls, such as balls 200 in FIG. 2, wherein four of the typical eight bocce balls 200 may be of one color and four of another. However some sets may vary in the number of balls 200 per team, the number of teams, and the number of colors. Players or teams may choose a certain color ball or may be assigned a certain color ball. A coin toss can also help determine which player or team will go first.
The team going first typically may put an object called a jack 201 (also depicted in FIG. 2) into play. During typical bocce-like gameplay, the jack 201 may be required to be tossed, thrown, or otherwise located in a zone on the opposite end of the court (such as play area 105 depicted in FIG. 1), in order for gameplay to continue and allow teams to attempt to earn points in a traditional manner. This may be done by throwing the jack 201 underhand from behind the pitch line 103, or projecting the jack 201 in any typically known fashion for propelling an object to the desired location. The jack 201 (called a boccino or pallino in some areas of the world), once pitched or otherwise moved into position, can serve as a target object for other movable objects (such as bocce balls 200) to be bowled towards, or otherwise moved in the direction of the jack 201. If the first team that attempts to place the jack 201 misses twice, the other team is awarded the opportunity to place the jack 201 anywhere they want within the prescribed zone. The jack 201 may also be located in areas other than the inbound play area 105, as agreed upon by the players—such as by playing a bocce-like game in a portion of a backyard. The jack, or target object 201 may also be defined as an existing object such as a tree, a stump, a rock or other agree to target.
The side or team that first successfully places the jack 201 within the inbound area of play 105 may typically be given the opportunity to bowl first, while standing behind a back wall (or line) 102 in a designated player area 101; however players may alter the starting rules as they desire. Nevertheless, once bocce-like gameplay has started, the established rules are effective throughout the game. Typically once the first bowl (or toss of a movable object such as a bocce ball 200) has taken place, the other side may proceed to bowl. From then on, the side which does not have the ball closest to the jack 201 has a chance to bowl, up until one side or the other has used their four balls. At that point, the other side bowls its remaining balls. Other examples of bocce-like play include the teams alternating bowling turns regardless of which ball 200 is closest to the jack 201. The players may agree to any sequence of bowling. When playing on a traditional bocce court 100 using traditional rules, a ball 200 may be removed from play and considered dead if the bowled ball 200 hits/crosses the back wall/boundary 102. A dead ball is traditionally not factored in when determining points. The team with the closest ball 200 to the jack 201 is the only team that may score points in any frame. The scoring team receives one point for each of their balls that is closer to the jack 201 than the closest ball of the other team. Sometimes teams can decide that if a player hits the jack 201, a first scoring point may be awarded.
A traditional looking bocce ball 200 is depicted in FIG. 2. The United States Bocce Federation (USBF) recommends a bocce ball 200 be approximately 107 millimeters in diameter and approximately 920 grams; however bocce balls 200 may fluctuate in weight and sizes to accommodate player preferences and surrounding areas. A strict size/weight standard for the jack 201 is not necessary and the jack 201 may vary according to the personal preferences of participants and the surrounding conditions. In the United States the preferred size is approximately 50 millimeters in diameter. Typically jacks 201 may be approximately half the size of the bocce balls 200, however these proportions may vary upon personal preference of the players and surrounding conditions. Bocce balls 200 may be made of a hard plastic composite material, stone, clay, porcelain, metal, plastic, foam, bags filled with plastic, beads or liquids, rubber or any like material operable for allowing the balls 200 to be readily moved by players.
Turning further to the drawings, embodiments of a bocce modifying game of the present invention may utilize a traditional bocce court 100 depicted in FIG. 1, or may utilize any level playing surface such as carpet, crushed stone, dirt, oyster shells, pebbles, grass, sand, turf and clay or any other surface capable of supporting bocce play, or may incorporate a virtual gameplay environment.
With reference to FIG. 3, embodiments of a bocce modifying game may include and utilize bocce-like components. For instance, an embodiment of a bocce modifying game may include at least one target object 301. The target object 301 may be a traditional bocce jack, such as a jack 201. A target object 301 may be constructed out of hard rubber or plastic but can be made from any material common useful for creating an object that can be moveably positioned by players, including rubber, foam, wood, ceramics, rock, plastic or metal. The target object 301 may also be any object capable of being distinguished from moveable objects 300 attempting to come in contact with the target object 301. Exemplary target objects may be comprised in whole or in part from foam, rubber, wood, ceramic, rock, or plastic, and may include balls of various shapes and sizes (both spherical or poly-sided), stakes or poles which may be comprised of metal, plastic, wood, foam or any other common building material, sacks filled with various materials, ring-like structures or flying discs which may be comprised of plastic, foam or foam-filled objects, inflatable objects, water-filled objects, rubber or rubber-filled objects, or other like objects commensurate for gameplay of embodiments of a bocce-modifying game. The target object 301 may also be a virtual representation in an interactive virtual environment.
Embodiments of a bocce modifying game may further include and utilize at least two moveable objects 300. Moveable objects 300 may comprise objects substantially similar to traditional bocce balls 200. However, the moveable objects 300 may also include any object capable of being tossed or thrown in a controlled manner and may be readily identifiable as separate from the target object. Common examples of a moveable object 300 may include balls (both spherical or poly-sided), flying discs, javelin-like structures, rings, or other like objects. The moveable objects 300 may be constructed out of plastic, rubber foam, wood, ceramic, rock, metal, paper, cardboard or any other commonly used material for constructing game accessories. Additionally the moveable objects may be a solidly constructed apparatus or inflatable or filled with liquid. Moreover, the moveable objects 300 may also be a virtual representations moveable within an interactive virtual environment corresponding to an embodiment of a bocce modifying game.
Moveable objects 300 and target objects 301 may include indicia 350, such as alpha-numerical symbols designated or otherwise located thereupon, as depicted in exemplary form in FIG. 3. Moveable objects 300 may contain various amounts of indicia 350 which may or may not be uniform from one moveable object 300 to another. The indicia 350 may include any real or fictitious symbols. Such symbols may include alpha-numeric letters, such as traditional English letters A to Z, letters from other alphabets around the world, past or present, numbers (such as Arabic or Roman numerals), or even symbols such as $, %, &, *, or #, etc. Furthermore, the indicia 350 may be pictures or graphics that may be utilized in storytelling associated with second scoring opportunities. For example, the indicia 350 may correspond to symbols associated with playing cards, so that second scoring opportunities may commence in manners associated with card-game-like gameplay, and may also involve directives associated with spinners or dice. The indicia 350 may also be complete words or short phrases, such as game altering commands. Thus, the short phrases may correspond to commands providing game-altering directives effecting gameplay of a bocce modifying game. Moreover, the indicia 350 may be virtual depictions recognizable within a virtual environment corresponding to an embodiment of a bocce modifying game. The indicia 350 may be separated by boarders or patterns 370, such as the soccer-ball-like gridlines depicted on the moveable object shown in FIG. 3. The boarders or patterns may delineate separate cells or panel areas 380 corresponding to the placement of separate indicia 350. The boarders or patterns, along with the panel-like placement of indicia 350 about a moveable object 300, may help players determine the operative indicia 350 available to provide second scoring opportunities. For example, game players may agree that the operable indicia 350 on a moveable object 300 corresponding to the indicia 350 that is oriented most at the top most part of the moveable object 300, after coming to rest following being moveably located during gameplay. As depicted, the operative indicia 350 of the moveable object 300 would correspond to the alpha-numeric letter “A.” Those in the art should appreciate that the indicia 350 may be located on the moveable object 300 using any effective manner. For instance, the indicia 350 may be painted onto the moveable object 300, may be injection molded and integrally formed with the moveable object 300, may be labels, stickers or decals retrofitted to common bocce balls or other like moveable objects, or may be included on a sleeve or covering (made of fabric, latex, etc.) that is otherwise operably placed about the moveable object 300. Traditional bocce balls 200 may be retrofitted with indicia 350, so as to become operable moveable objects 300 for use in playing a bocce modifying game. Moreover, moveable objects 300 may be constructed so as to be filled with a liquid and a “die” that can float to the top of the moveable object 300 and be visible within a window to show particular indicia 350. In addition, a moveable object 300 may also include a graphical display located on the object that has capability to randomly (or according to a predetermined pattern) depict indicia 350 once the moveable object has stopped moving following being moveably located during gameplay of a bocce modifying game. In this manner, players may move the moveable object 300, and then look at the display thereon to determine playable indicia 350; and then following another turn after the moveable object 350 has been moved, they can look for different indicia 350. The graphical display of a moveable object 300 might also include other display functionality allowing the display to provide game-altering directives effecting gameplay of a bocce modifying game.
Embodiments of a bocce modifying game may be played with at least two players and may contain as many players as desirous to those who decide to play. Players can each be assigned to a team and this designation may occur in any manner deemed necessary by the players participating. Embodiments of a bocce modifying game may contain two or more teams. Any number of teams may be used depending on player preference as long as each team contains at least one individual. Each player may receive at least one moveable object 300. Individuals may elect if they desire, to enable player possession of a plurality of moveable objects 300.
Embodiments of a bocce modifying game may commence in a manner similar to traditional bocce-like games, wherein one team is chosen, or elected, to disperse a target object 301. In embodiments of a bocce modifying game, the target object 301 may also contain indicia 360, such as alpha-numeric symbols, or other indicia similar to those described for moveable objects 300. Moreover, the target object 301 may also include a timer 390, such as a mechanical or digital display capable of counting time. The timer 390 may be capably of counting down time, and may operate based on settings of predetermined count-down times, or may operate based on random countdown times, or both. The timer 390 might also include other display functionality allowing the timer 390 to provide game-altering directives effecting gameplay of a bocce modifying game. The timer 390 could provide indicia such as words that are operable for use in second scoring opportunities. The timer 390 might have audible functionality for audibly broadcasting either times (counting up or down) or game-altering directives associated with indicia. The timer 390 may emit smell. The timer 390 could emit a harmless, yet noticeable electric shock that may be operable with second scoring opportunities. The timer 390 may also include transmitter functionality (such as Bluetooth® or other wireless capability) allowing the timer 390 to transmit time and/or game-altering commands associated with indicia to remote devices, such as handheld phones (like iPhones®) having apps corresponding to gameplay of a bocce modifying game and operable with the timer 390. Those in the art should appreciate that a moveable object, such as a moveable object 300, may also include a timer similar to the timer 390 of target object 301. Corresponding teams closest to the target object 301 may earn the right to use the indicia 360 as if it was their own, or in other words, in a manner similar to the indicia 350 on their own moveable objects 300. Additionally there may be numerous target objects 301, if desired, or target objects 301 may be designated to correspond to a team.
Following the dispersal of the target object 301, each player may bowl or project their moveable object 300 (such as a bocce ball) in an attempt to come as close to the target object 301 as possible. Moving a moveable object 300 may commence in any way imaginable and may include throwing, rolling, tossing, kicking, flinging, punting, or assistance of a mechanical device such as a slingshot. Certain advantages or disadvantages pertaining to how players can attempt to move one or more moveable objects can be introduced into gameplay, as will be further described herein. In addition, virtual moveable objects 300 may likewise be moved in any imaginable manner within a virtual bocce modifying game environment.
In embodiments of a bocce modifying game, a first scoring opportunity may arise in a manner similar to typical bocce-like games, wherein after all members of each of the corresponding teams have projected their moveable objects 300 onto the field of play (such as field of play 100 depicted in FIG. 1), the team who has achieved a distance closest to the target object 301 may be designated as the scoring team and will receive a number of points as agreed upon by the players, and additional points for every moveable object 300 closest to the target object 301 until an opponent team has a moveable object 300 closer than the moveable object 300 of the scoring team.
Significantly, embodiments of a bocce modifying game contain an additional second scoring opportunity, wherein in addition to the calculation of the more typical first scoring opportunity, the corresponding teams may also score points based upon the indicia 350 (or 360), such as alpha-numerical symbols displayed. Second scoring opportunities are not temporally required to be scored after the first scoring opportunity and may in fact be calculated first. Rather, the designations first and second are provided to indicate how embodiments of a bocce modifying game, as described herein, include additional scoring opportunities, as compared with bocce-like gameplay. The second scoring opportunities may be finally effectuated in each round of a bocce modifying game, or may be partially effectuated in each round of a bocce modifying game. Secondary scoring opportunities may also be fully effectuated in conclusion of an entire bocce modifying game. In other words, secondary scoring opportunities do not need to be fully completed in each round of a bocce modifying game. Second scoring opportunities may vary depending upon a predetermined set of rules, which may contain various objectives and requirement for receiving additional points. Notably, however, second scoring opportunities modify typical bocce-like gameplay and occur interactively during gameplay changing the course of the ordinary bocce-like play, while the game is played, thereby rendering a separate and new bocce modifying game that interactively allows players to not only score, but also play in ways other than traditional bocce-like gameplay. For example, as mentioned previously, gameplay may be affected by advantages (or disadvantages) pertaining to how players attempt to move one or more moveable objects. The advantages (disadvantages) may be gameplay commands or interactive directions executable during gameplay that, when applied, alter play of a bocce modifying game involving at least two participants during play of the bocce modifying game by including at least one game altering directive being either advantageous or disadvantageous to at least one player's gameplay actions.
One example of a game altering advantage (or disadvantage) directive might be a command for a player to alter the bocce modifying game playing area environment. For instance, a disadvantageous directive might comprise a command prompting a player to place a large obstacle in front of the inbound play area 105 making it more difficult to moveably locate moveable objects 300 near the target object 301. Another example of a game-altering advantage (or disadvantage) directive might be a command for a player to alter the bocce court arrangement 100. For example, an advantage might comprise a movement of the pitch-line, thereby shortening the distance for moveably locating a moveable object 300 near the target object 301. Still, another example of a game-altering advantage (or disadvantage) directive might be a command for a player to alter the conduct of a player's own playing actions during a bocce modifying game. For example, a disadvantage might comprise the requirement for a player to close his or her eyes while attempting to locate a moveable object 300 near a target object 301. Further, still another example of a game altering advantage (or disadvantage) directive might be a command for a player to alter player-to-player interaction during the bocce modifying game. This might include, for example, directions prompting disadvantageous behavior, such as the permission for an opponent to shield the eyes of a player while the player tries to moveably locate a moveable object 300 near a target object 301, or prompting advantageous behavior, such as permitting a teammate to stand anywhere on the bocce modifying court area, such as area 100, and coach a player how to optimally attempt to moveably located a moveable object 300 near a target object 301. Advantages or disadvantages that involve commands or interactive directions executable during gameplay can comprise second scoring opportunities because they alter play of a bocce modifying game involving at least two participants during play of the bocce modifying game, thereby providing supplementary scoring chances. Advantages or disadvantages may be introduced into a bocce modifying game by being drawn from a corresponding deck of cards, by being randomly picked from a list, rolling a die, spinning a spinner, reading a graphical display or other command, or by being randomly generated by some other interactive application.
With respect to embodiments of a bocce modifying game, gameplay advantages (or disadvantages) may be designated by players or received throughout the course of the modified bocce gameplay. Advantages (or disadvantage) may be interactively earned during play for any possible reason as agreed upon by players. Such examples include earning them through secondary scoring opportunities that may correspond to, winners of rounds or losers of rounds receiving an advantage (disadvantage), the round number, point differential, the displayed alpha-numeric symbols by indicia 350 or 360 on either the moveable objects 300 or the target object 301, wherein each and all may exemplarily bestow an advantage (or disadvantage). Secondary scoring opportunity advantages/disadvantages may effect later first scoring opportunities. Such advantages (or disadvantages) may include examples such as requiring an opposing player to conduct their turn in a peculiar manner such as throwing backwards between their legs, two-handed throws, shot put throws, back handed throws, throws on one leg, throws while hopping on one or two legs, throwing with one eye open, throwing with both eyes closed, throws with one hand behind their back, spinning and throwing, walking while throwing, two teammates throwing at the same time, throwing from knees, or sitting down while throwing. Additionally advantages (or disadvantages) are not only given out to other players, advantages may modify a moveable object's 300 position once thrown such as moving it three feet backwards after its thrown, moving it left to right two feet once stopped, swapping moveable object position with an opponent, moving the moveable object after it has been thrown, re-rolling a bad throw, flipping a split moveable object to change its possession, moving the target object 301, such as a jack 201, a designated amount in any direction, throwing from a closer position, throwing from further back, gaining an additional moveable object 300, or even reducing the number of moveable objects an opposing team has. Secondary scoring opportunity advantages/disadvantages may also permit players/teams to affect all secondary play. For instance, a team may “own” or otherwise control use of certain indicia 350 and/or 360 and prevent opposing players/teams from utilizing that indicia in a second scoring opportunity. For example, a player may own an “A” and can prevent other players from using the “A” in a second scoring word game.
Secondary scoring opportunities may be associated with 50/50 moveable objects. A 50/50 moveable object may be similar to a movable object 300, but may also have two different colored halves, so that 50% of the moveable object is one color and 50% of the moveable object is another color. The different colors may, of themselves be attributed to indicia and/or game-altering directives that provide second scoring opportunities in embodiments of a bocce modifying game. Those in the art should recognize that any number/percentage of colors may be used, wherein the color may itself serve as separate indicia 350. The color may be in the form of a stripe or stripes. The player/user of the moveable object may be determined by which colored face, stripe, or panel, of the moveable object is displayed most upward. For example, the moveable object may contain colors or symbols corresponding to each team, whereby when the team's symbol or color is displayed, the moveable object may be considered in that team's possession when the round is scored in the first or second scoring opportunity. It may be possible for possession of a 50/50-type moveable object to change during the round, perhaps in the event that the 50/50 moveable object is displaced from its initial resting position displaying one color or symbol, to another color or symbol corresponding to another team who may then take possession. The split 50/50 moveable object may be equally or unequally divided amongst teams. The split 50/50 moveable object may change how it allocates possession during the course of the game as decided amongst the players.
Second scoring opportunities may also take on the form of concurrently played word games wherein the objective is to create words from the indicia 350 (or 360), such as alpha-numeric symbols, on the moveable objects 300 and possibly on the target object 301, as revealed during gameplay. Second scoring gameplay associated with embodiments of a bocce modifying game may include, but are not limited to, examples of secondary gameplay modification and scoring, such as Bocce Bingo, Bocce Box, Battle Wordz Bocce, Guess a Word Bocce, Bocce Letter Poker, etc, and other like secondary gameplay modification and scoring in accordance with embodiments of a bocce modifying game.
With reference to FIG. 4, Bocce Bingo may be one example of secondary gameplay modification and scoring in accordance with embodiments of a bocce modifying game. Secondary rules may be adopted by the players to assess how during gameplay, the indicia 350 (or 360) could be used in game play and points assessed during a second scoring opportunity. Bocce letter Bingo may use pre-printed or player made bingo cards such as those in FIG. 4. At the end of each frame of play of a bocce modifying game, the operable indicia 350 (or 360), such as alpha-numeric symbols which are displayed on each of the corresponding team's moveable objects, may be recorded onto the bingo grid 400. Bingo grids may be various shapes and sizes and are not limited to those embodied in FIG. 4. Additional points or advantages may be awarded for achieving various patterns such examples may include but are not limited to horizontal 401, vertical 402, or diagonal rows 403, connecting, bridges across multiple boards 404, four corners 405, or even connecting multiple rows across multiple boards 406. Bocce Bingo may be played in a manner that is commensurate with Tic-Tac-Toe, wherein second scoring opportunities may correspond to players being the first to fill in three boxes and/or cells in a row, etc.
With reference to FIGS. 5A-5D, Bocce Box may be another example of secondary gameplay modification and scoring in accordance with embodiments of a bocce modifying game. Additional secondary rules may be adopted by the players to assess how during gameplay, the indicia 350 (or 360) could be used in game play and direct the assessment of points during a second scoring opportunity related to Bocce Box. The corresponding team closest to the target object 301 jack may choose which cell on the Bocce Box grid 500 shown in FIG. 5 will be filled in first. Then teams could alternate back and forth filling in cells in defined boxes to form words on the Bocce Box grid 500. Other variations may include Cross Off 510 (shown in FIG. 5B), wherein teams mark off letters 511 and the team to fill in the last letter of a given box may receive additional points or advantages, or Fill a Box 520 (shown in FIG. 5C), wherein letters are added to cells 521, until the last team to fill-in a defined box gains additional points or advantages. Other examples of Bocce Box include Create a box 530 (shown in FIG. 5D), wherein a grid is filled in with letters by each team as they attempt to create words by linking letters in any combination. Letters may be linked horizontal, vertical, diagonal, zig-zagged, forwards or backwards in order to gain additional points or advantages. The corresponding team closest to the target object 301 jack at the end of the round may claim the first word spotted then the next closest team may identify a word and box it in, setting the team up for further scoring opportunities. Points or Advantages may be awarded for each additional word identified, and the identification may continue until teams can no longer identify additional words with the current set of indicia 350 applicable for use on the grid.
With reference to FIG. 6, Bocce Battle Wordz may be still another example of secondary gameplay modification and scoring in accordance with embodiments of a bocce modifying game. Still further secondary rules may be adopted by the players to assess how during gameplay, the indicia 350 (or 360) could be used in game play and direct the assessment of points during a second scoring opportunity related to Bocce Battle Wordz. In Bocce Battle Wordz, each team may be assigned a grid 600 as depicted in FIG. 6. While FIG. 6 contains a 22×12 grid, the grid may vary in size depending upon the number of rounds being played or the amount of moveable objects containing alpha-numeric symbols are being used. After the corresponding first scoring opportunity attributable to typical bocce-like gameplay, a team may place alpha-numeric letters corresponding to indicia 350 displayed on their moveable objects 300 or target object(s) 301 into the grid 600. Rules may require that for each frame a designated number of indicia 350/360 to be placed in the corresponding round number 601, while the rest of the indicia 350/360, according to agreed-upon gameplay modifying rules, may be interactively placed anywhere on the grid 600. As a team creates words of four or more indicia 350/360, such as alpha-numeric symbols, the team may choose an advantage from a designated list. Letters may be connected anyway on the grid 600. Players who are closest to the target object(s) 301 jack, may be given the right to call out coordinates wherein in letters of the opponent may be removed from the grid 600. If a letter, corresponding to indicia 350/360 has been designated as part of a four or more letter word, the entire word may be removed from the grid 600, and parts or all of the word may be available for use by an opposing player or team, and may be no longer available for use by the team who lost the word.
With reference to FIG. 7, Guess a Word Bocce may be still further another example of secondary gameplay modification and scoring in accordance with embodiments of a bocce modifying game. Still even further secondary rules may be adopted by the players to assess how during gameplay, the indicia 350 (or 360) could be used in game play and direct the assessment of points during a second scoring opportunity related to Guess a Word Bocce. Each team may initially set up an answer sheet by filling in secret words and phrases. After the first traditional bocce-like gameplay scoring opportunity, the team closest to the target object 301 may get to use an alpha-numeric letter displayed as indicia 360 on the target object 301 and the alpha-numeric symbol displayed as indicia 350 on each moveable object 300 closer to the target object 301 than the opponent's closest moveable object 300. The team which scored zero points in the first scoring opportunity may only use the alphanumeric symbol displayed indicia 350 on their closest movable object 300. Any earned alpha-numeric symbol indicia corresponding to the opposing team's sheet may be filled in, allowing for the earning team to reveal where letters are placed in a word, to enable players to guess the word or phrase. Correct guesses will result in additional points or advantages. Guessing wrong may result in losing the opportunity to guess on that word or phrase again. The game will continue until an agreed-upon point total is reached, which may be variable and determined by the players. Furthermore, players may score using “Connect Seven” or “Connect Six” relationships, wherein letters located on the answer sheet above or below (either vertically or diagonally) other letters may be connected, which may then be scored.
With reference to FIGS. 8A-8C, Bocce Letter Poker may be still further another example of secondary gameplay modification and scoring in accordance with embodiments of a bocce modifying game. Still even further secondary rules may be adopted by the players to assess how during gameplay, the indicia 350 (or 360) could be used in game play and direct the assessment of points during a second scoring opportunity related to Bocce Letter Poker. In Bocce Letter Poker gameplay involved in embodiments of a bocce modifying game, each team may use the alpha-numeric symbols displayed by the indicia 350 on their moveable objects 300 after the first typical bocce-like game scoring opportunity. Various options (see FIGS. 8A and 8B) may correspond word or alphanumeric combination with various poker hands. For convenience, the indicia, such as indicia 350, may be provided in various different colors on each moveable object 300, or as indicia 360 on the target object 301. The players and teams may then refer to a master scoring sheet in 8C to determine a winner. The team with the better hand may earn additional points or advantages.
With reference to FIG. 9, another second scoring opportunity embodiment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game is described. Further secondary rules may be adopted by the players to assess how during gameplay, the indicia 350 (or 360) could be used in game play and direct the assessment of points during a second scoring opportunity related to Bocce 66. In Bocce 66 gameplay involved in embodiments of a bocce modifying game, each team may use the alpha-numeric symbols displayed by the indicia 350 (or 360) on their moveable objects 300 (or 301) after the first typical bocce-like game scoring opportunity. For instance, teams are chosen and players may roll a typical bocce round. After completing the Bocce round, each team adds and subtracts their numbers derived from indicia 350 on their moveable objects 300. The point tally may be taken in any order by the team/members to try to achieve certain exact score amounts. The goal is to score exactly all of the following numbers in any order: 11, 22, 33, 44, 55, and 66, or any agreed to numbers. When teams achieve each agreed-to number 11, 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, they also get 2 advantages (or further second scoring opportunities). The team that wins the Bocce round may get 2 Advantages, while the loser of the round may get only 1 Advantage. The teams can then use those Advantages to add additional challenge and further second scoring opportunities to the next round of Bocce-like play, thereby creating new and exciting gameplay options.
Embodiments of Bocce 66 gameplay that pertain to embodiments of a bocce modifying game may utilize the indicia 350 in various ways to facilitate second scoring opportunities. For instance, the team winning the bocce round may get the points for however many balls they had closest to the target. In addition, if a team won an extra “number” through an indicia, such as is associated with a 50/50 ball, the team that claimed it gets to use the number in a second scoring opportunity. Moreover, the winning team of the bocce round may get to use the indicia 360 of the moveable target object 301. Hence, the “Jack” ball can contribute to second scoring opportunities. Time limits may be associated with first or second scoring opportunity attempts, and time may be kept via a timer, possibly on the target object 301, or through the use of other time-keeping means. Each may team decide how they will add or subtract their numbers, derived from the indicia 350/360, within the time allowed to try to achieve the exact scores of 11, 22, 33, 44, 55, and 66 each round of the bocce modifying game. Indicia associated with numbers on moveable object 300/301 may include positive numbers 1 through 13 or “Choice” numbers. “Choice” numbers are certain combinations of indicia 350/360 that, when rolled, teams can choose from. Such “Choice” number may be all negative, all positive or a combination of both, such as: (9 or 17, 5 or 13) or (−6 or −13, -2 or −9) or (−6 or 13, −9 or 3). If at any time 3 of the same numbers are rolled on larger moveable objects 350, by the same team, it may be designated a “jackpot” second scoring opportunity and that team may immediately choose 2 Advantages to add still further second scoring opportunities to the next round of Bocce-like play, thereby creating even more new and exciting gameplay options.
With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, two other second scoring opportunity embodiments, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game are described. Still additional secondary rules may be adopted by the players to assess how during gameplay, the indicia 350 (or 360) could be used in game play and direct the assessment of points during second scoring opportunities related to Bocce Crossword gameplay. In Bocce Crossword gameplay associated with embodiments of a bocce modifying game, each team may use the alpha-numeric symbols displayed by the indicia 350 (or 360) on their moveable objects 300 (or 301) in relation to a first typical bocce-like game scoring opportunity. For instance, teams are chosen and players may roll a typical bocce round. After completing the bocce round, each team uses the letters shown to play a second game of Bocce Crossword to win additional Advantages. Teams then use those Advantages as second scoring opportunities to add additional challenge to the next round of bocce-like play. The rounds may repeat until one team gets 21 points, or any agreed-upon point total. When tallying second scoring opportunities, only the team that won the closest moveable object 300 in the bocce round uses the indicia on the target (or “Jack” ball) moveable object 301. If 50/50 balls are used, a team may win an extra letter with the 50/50 ball (wherein the 50/50 ball may be designated as depicting indicia 350); the team may then utilize that letter to effectuate further second scoring opportunities. Additionally, indicia 350 and/or 360 may be designated as “Wild”, so that the Wild indicia may count as any letter for use in a second scoring opportunity. A second scoring opportunity Advantage may be scored for each word completed in the crossword-like gameplay. An extra second scoring opportunity Advantage may be earned for each connection side to side of multiple words in crossword-like gameplay. If at any time three of the same indicia are rolled of any team's moveable object 300 (with no wilds), it may be designated a “jackpot” and in addition to playing the word game, that team may immediately choose two more Advantages to add still further second scoring opportunities to the next round of Bocce-like play, thereby creating new and additional gameplay options.
With particular reference to FIG. 10, second scoring opportunities associated with Bocce Crossword Cross-off are described. Each team may have their own score sheet, such as the sheet depicted for exemplary means in FIG. 10. The second scoring gameplay opportunity may start by team members crossing off the letters (corresponding to indicia 350) they rolled in the score sheet cells to gain an Advantage. Words must be at least three letters and they can be all forwards or all backwards. Letters can be linked either horizontal, vertical, diagonally or random zig-zag. For Zig-zag, each letter must flow in a line to be a word. All letters on the score sheet may only be used one time. For each word completed the team may earn an Advantage. If a team can connect completed words from side to side vertically or horizontally, they can win an additional Advantage for each connection, but they can only use each word one time. Boxes on the score sheet outlined in bold may be deemed “double word score” and may earn 2 points, or advantages, when completed in a word. Double word score boxes may only be used for one word.
With particular reference to FIG. 11, second scoring opportunities associated with Bocce Crossword Fill-in are described. The gameplay associated with Bocce Crossword Fill-in may be similar to that described with respect to Bocce Crossword Cross-off. However, as pertaining to second scoring opportunities associated with Bocce Crossword Fill-in, each team member (or a single team) may have their own score sheet, wherein scoring gameplay starts with a traditional bocce roll and then a determination of letters corresponding to indicia 350. Once the letters are determined, the letters can then be used to fill in the score sheet cells to try to make words to gain an Advantage. No letters may be placed in blocked off cells. Completion of words provides second scoring opportunities corresponding to embodiments of a bocce modifying game.
With reference to FIG. 12, another second scoring opportunity embodiment, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of a bocce modifying game is described. Further secondary rules may be adopted by the players to assess how during gameplay, the indicia 350 (or 360) could be used in game play and direct the assessment of points during a second scoring opportunity related to Bocce Word Search. In Bocce Word Search gameplay involved in embodiments of a bocce modifying game, each team may use the alpha-numeric symbols displayed by the indicia 350 (or 360) on their moveable objects 300 (or 301) after the first typical bocce-like game scoring opportunity. For instance, teams are chosen and players may roll a typical bocce round. After completing the bocce round, each team uses the letters shown to play a second game of Bocce Word Search to win additional Advantages. Teams then use those Advantages as second scoring opportunities to add additional challenge to the next round of bocce-like play. The rounds may repeat until one team gets 21 points, or any agreed-upon point total. When tallying second scoring opportunities, only the team that won the closest moveable object 300 in the bocce round uses the indicia on the target (or “Jack” ball) moveable object 301. If 50/50 balls are used, a team may win an extra letter with the 50/50 ball (wherein the 50/50 ball may be designated as depicting indicia 350); the team may then utilize that letter to effectuate further second scoring opportunities. Additionally, indicia 350 and/or 360 may be designated as “Wild”, so that the Wild indicia may count as any letter for use in a second scoring opportunity. A second scoring opportunity Advantage may be scored for each claimed box, such as the boxes depicted in the exemplary score sheet shown in FIG. 12. A team may score 2 extra Advantages if the team connects multiple boxes from side to side (either vertical or horizontal); for this connection, boxes can touch either flat side to flat side, or diagonal corners. If at any time three of the same indicia are rolled of any team's moveable object 300 (with no wilds), it may be designated a “jackpot” and in addition to playing the word game, that team may immediately choose two more Advantages to add still further second scoring opportunities to the next round of Bocce-like play, thereby creating new and additional gameplay options.
With respect to second scoring opportunities associated with Bocce Word Search, each team member (or a single team) may have their own score sheet, wherein scoring gameplay starts with team members reviewing their score sheets to try and located at least three letter words in the word search grid. Then a traditional bocce roll can be carried forth, during and after which a determination of letters corresponding to indicia 350 may be effected. Once the letters are determined, the letters can then be used to fill in corresponding letters on the score sheet in an attempt to mark off letters of the found words on the Word Search grid. Words must be at least three letters and they can be all forwards or all backwards. Letters can be linked either horizontal, vertical, diagonally or random zig-zag. For Zig-zag, each letter must flow in a line to be a word. Letters may only be used one time. For each word completed the team may earn an Advantage, or points. If a team can connect completed words from side to side vertically or horizontally, they can win an additional advantage for each connection, but they can only use each word one time. As Advantages are earned, still further second scoring opportunities may be carried forward to the next round of Bocce-like play, thereby creating new and additional gameplay options.
With respect to FIGS. 9-12 and in view of FIG. 6, second scoring opportunities associated with crosswords and word searches may be coupled with scoring opportunities from Bocce Battle Wordz. For instance, gameplay components may be added wherein teams can blow up the other team's words, thereby eliminating/creating further second scoring opportunities.
The rules agreed upon by players for bocce modification during gameplay may be consistent for the entire bocce modifying game, or they may vary from round to round, or from team to team during gameplay. Teams may agree upon the method of determining which rules to use during the second scoring opportunity. Such methods may, but do not necessarily, include designating certain symbols on the target object 301 with different agreed-upon rules. Furthermore, a separate die or other object may be used to randomly pick from predetermined sets of rules. Players may agree that the winning team or losing team (in each round or in general) gets to pick the rules, there may be a flip of a coin, drawing of straws, an unbiased third party, a spinning wheel, abide by a randomly generated command associated with a virtual environment, or any other conceivable way of designating and agreeing upon a pre-determined set of rules, wherein the rules can interactively effect second scoring opportunities during gameplay. Where score sheets, such as the recording implements depicted in FIGS. 4-7, 8C, and 9-12, are utilized to track second scoring opportunities, the score sheets may be assigned to individual to members or to teams as a whole, or to both teams to share. Grids of score sheets need not be square or rectangular, but can be triangular or hexagonal, etc., or may be circular in nature. Scoring may also be tracked in three-dimensional grids.
With reference to FIG. 13, embodiments of a bocce modifying game may be played in an environment such as an indicia-laden bocce-like playing area 1000. Similar to a typical bocce court 100 (see FIG. 1) an indicia-laden bocce-like playing area 1000 can include a minor image on either side of a center line 1004. A pitch line 1003 may be included as a boundary line for an inbound area of play 1005. Players can stand or otherwise be positioned at times behind a back wall (or line) 1002 in a designated player area 1001. An indicia-laden bocce-like playing area includes indicia 1050. The indicia 1050 can be similar to other indicia 350/360 described previously. The indicia 1050 can be affixed or otherwise located on or within the bocce-like playing area 1000 in any manner that permits the indicia 1050 to be operably visible during play of a bocce modifying game. The indicia 1050 can be separated by boarders or patterns 1070, such as the target-like gridlines depicted within the inbound play area 1005 shown in FIG. 13. The borders or patterns 1070 may delineate separate cells or panel areas 1080 corresponding to the placement of separate indicia 1050, or groups of indicia 1050, as the case may be. The borders or patterns 1070, along with the panel-like placement of indicia 1050 about a play area, such as the inbound play area 1005, may help players determine the operative indicia 1050 available to provide second scoring opportunities. For example, game players may agree that the a point system corresponding to operable indicia 1050 in the inbound play area 1005 pertains to greater points being awarded or more opportunities for indicia use and scoring, after player's moveable objects, such as objects 300, come to rest in more centrally located areas of the target-like grid pattern 1080 following being moveably located during gameplay. However, those in the art should appreciate that other grid patterns, indicia placement, and scoring measures may be utilizes. For instance, a checkerboard-like grid pattern, a bulls-eye-like target, or a pie-wheel, may be employed to separate indicia 1050, or the indicia 1050 may be randomly located within the inbound play area, such as play area 1005.
With further reference to FIG. 13, a Bocce Dart embodiment of a bocce modifying game is described. The moveable objects of Bocce Dart may be targeting type objects to be projected toward a target object. The moveable targeting objects may be darts, dart-like components, balls, like the moveable objects 300 exemplarily embodied and shown in FIG. 3, bean bags, pool darts (that sink or float), flying discs, other like physically moveable objects, or virtual objects moveable within a virtual environment. The moveable targeting objects of Bocce Dart may include indicia located thereon, such as alphanumeric symbols possibly printed on the fins of darts, or game-altering directives possibly printed on the dart fins. The dart fins may be interchangeable, so that players may interchange them during gameplay, either in a manner that is known to an opponent, or in a secretive manner. A target object may be a dart, a dart-like component, a ball, like the target object 301 exemplarily embodied and shown in FIG. 3, a bean bag, a pool dart, a flying disc, other like physical objects, or a virtual object moveable within a virtual environment. The target object of Bocce Dart may also include indicia. Moreover, the play area of a Bocce Dart embodiment of a bocce modifying game may be round with gridlines having appearance like a traditional target or dartboard, but the game playing area environment of Bocce Dart may any agreed-upon arrangement, and may include indicia located thereon, such as the indicia 1050 depicted in the target grid patterns 1080 of the indicia-laden bocce play area 1000 depicted in FIG. 13. With respect to Bocce Dart embodiments of a bocce modifying game, bocce-like play and first scoring may commence by moving a target object, such as a dart, into the target play area, such as the target dartboard, and then throwing other movable targeting objects, such as targeting darts, toward the target object dart. Secondary scoring of the Bocce Dart bocce modifying game may be effectuated in a similar fashion to any of the manners discussed previously herein with respect to, scoring of points, obtaining/used of advantages (or disadvantages), and interactive use of indicia during gameplay. Further distribution of points during gameplay is effected by an interactive correspondence between the positioning of the moveable targeting objects in the game playing area environment, such as environment 100, and the proximity of the indicia, such as indicia 1050, located nearby, when the moveable targeting objects are received in the game playing area environment. Hence, word games may be incorporated and/or other additional Bocce Dart gameplay may be effectuated to enhance bocce-like play and allow players to enjoy the added activity of a bocce modifying game.
With reference to FIGS. 1-14, a method of playing an embodiment of a bocce modifying game is described. An initial step may include providing a set-up of a game playing area environment, such as game playing area environments 100 and 1000 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 13 respectively. The game playing area environment may include at least one target object, such as target object 301, and at least two moveable objects, such as target objects 300, wherein the at least two moveable objects (and possibly the target object) include indicia, such as indicia 350 (and possibly indicia 360). The playing area environment itself may also include indicia, such as indicia 1050 depicted in FIG. 13.
Another methodological step pertaining to a method of playing an embodiment of a bocce modifying game may include assigning a plurality of players to at least two opposing teams, wherein at least one player on each team is assigned at least one of the moveable objects, such as objects 300, containing indicia, such as indicia 350. An additional step may include commencing play of the bocce modifying game, wherein each team attempts to project at least one of the corresponding assigned moveable objects, such as objects 300, containing indicia, such as indicia 350, closest to the at least one target object, such as target object 301.
Further methodology may include scoring gameplay, wherein there is a first scoring opportunity, wherein the moveable object, such as object 300, of the corresponding team closest to the at least one target object, such as target object 301, determines a distribution of points. Moreover, the methodology includes modifying gameplay, wherein there is a second scoring opportunity, wherein the distribution of points during gameplay may be effected according to an agreed upon set of rules, which gameplay relies upon a display of a plurality of indicia, such as indicia 350 (or possibly indicia 360 or 1050), corresponding to the at least two moveable objects, such as moveable objects 300. Second scoring opportunities may be recorded on a second scoring mechanism, such as a game card like those depicted with respect to Bocce Bingo, Bocce Box, Battle Wordz Bocce, Guess a Word Bocce, Bocce Letter Poker, Bocce 66, Bocce Crossword Cross Off, Bocce Crossword Fill In, Bocce Word Search, etc., may be scored using physical tally-objects, may be hand-written on paper, may be digitally recorded, may be verbally acknowledged and tracked or may be any such mechanism capable of interactively recording second scoring opportunities of a bocce modifying game.
The winner of an embodiment of a bocce modifying game may be determined by any means agreed upon by the opposing teams such examples may include the team who accumulates the most points after a certain number of rounds, the first team to reach a specified number of points, the team to decrease their points to zero, or the team to complete a secondary scoring opportunity first. Scoring mechanisms, such as the game cards, or word game pads depicted in FIGS. 4-7, 8C, and 9-12 may be utilized for recording a second scoring opportunity, wherein the distribution of points during gameplay is effected according to an agreed upon set of rules, which gameplay relies upon a display of a plurality of indicia, such as indicia 350, on the at least two moveable objects, such as moveable objects 300.
While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as required by the following claims. The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the invention and should not be limited to the specific examples provided herein.