A broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be to provide a football board game, and a method of playing such a football board game, whereby the football board game includes a gameboard having a simulated football field on which a position marker is movable. Further, the football board game includes an offense-defense play matrix comprising: (i) an offense-defense play matrix row of first cells, each of which contains an offensive play indicium; (ii) an offense-defense play matrix column of second cells, each of which contains a defensive play indicium; and (iii) a plurality of third cells, wherein each third cell is located at an intersection dictated by selection of one of the first cells and one of the second cells, and wherein each third cell contains an offense-defense play outcome indicium which provides an offense-defense play outcome, whereby the offense-defense play outcome dictates movement of the position marker on the simulated football field.
Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be to provide a football board game which is integrated with a container, for example a pizza delivery box.
Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.
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As to particular embodiments, the simulated football field (3) can, but need not necessarily, further include additional markings, such as numbers, letters, or images, depending upon the embodiment.
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Firstly, the offense-defense play matrix (5) includes an offense-defense play matrix row (6) of first cells (7), whereby as to particular embodiments, the offense-defense play matrix row (6) can be horizontally located on the gameboard (2) and the plurality of first cells (7) which provide the offense-defense play matrix row (6) can dispose in horizontal, generally linear adjacent relation.
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Secondly, the offense-defense play matrix (5) additionally includes an offense-defense play matrix column (9) of second cells (10), whereby as to particular embodiments, the offense-defense play matrix column (9) can be vertically located on the gameboard (2) and the plurality of second cells (10) which provide the offense-defense play matrix column (9) can dispose in vertical, generally linear adjacent relation.
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Thirdly, the offense-defense play matrix (5) additionally includes a plurality of third cells (12), whereby each of the third cells (12) is located at an intersection dictated by selection of one of the first cells (7) and one of the second cells (10). Further, each of the third cells (12) contains an offense-defense play outcome indicium (13) which provides an offense-defense play outcome dictated by selection of one of the first cells (7) and one of the second cells (10), whereby the offense-defense play outcome dictates movement of the position marker (4) on the simulated football field (3) by an offensive player with a goal of advancing on the simulated football field (3) toward the goal zone (15) defended by a defensive player.
As to particular embodiments, the offense-defense play outcome indicium (13) can be a number which indicates units gained or lost as an outcome of the offense-defense play, whereby a positive number indicates units gained, for example a “3” indicates three units gained, and a negative number indicates units lost, for example a “−3” indicated three units lost.
As to particular embodiments, the offense-defense play outcome indicium (13) can be one or more letters which indicate a named outcome of the offense-defense play, such as “TD” which indicates a touchdown, “F” which indicates a fumble, “INT” which indicates an interception, “XX” which indicates an incomplete pass, and “SK” which indicates a sack and a loss of units, whereby the units lost can be indicated by a number (N) following the SK as SK-“N”. For example, SK-8 includes a sack and a loss of eight units.
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Firstly, the special teams play matrix (20) includes a special teams play matrix row (21) of fourth cells (22), whereby as to particular embodiments, the special teams play matrix row (21) can be horizontally located on the gameboard (2) and the plurality of fourth cells (22) which provide the special teams play matrix row (21) can dispose in horizontal, generally linear adjacent relation.
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Secondly, the special teams play matrix (20) additionally includes a special teams play matrix column (24) of fifth cells (25), whereby as to particular embodiments, the special teams play matrix column (24) can be vertically located on the gameboard (2) and the plurality of fifth cells (25) which provide the special teams play matrix column (24) can dispose in vertical, generally linear adjacent relation.
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As to particular embodiments, the game of chance can be a random number generation game which upon playing, generates one random number. As but one illustrative example, the game of chance which generates one random number can include summing two randomly selected numbers, whereby the sum provides the one random number. As to particular embodiments, the randomly selected numbers can be provided by a die or dice, whereby the die can be a conventional six-sided die having one non-repeated number on each of its six sides. As to other particular embodiments, the randomly selected numbers can be provided by two players, whereby each player secretly selects one of the two numbers which are to be summed to provide the one random number.
As a non-limiting example of the latter, the random number generation game can have eleven chance game outcomes (26), such as eleven non-repeating random numbers, whereby eleven fifths cells (25) contain the corresponding eleven non-repeating random numbers, such as numbers between two and twelve. Two players can each secretly select one number between one and six. Following, upon summing the two secretly selected numbers, one random number between two and twelve is provided as the chance game outcome (26). Of note, the instant invention is not limited to eleven chance game outcomes (26) and can have a lesser or greater number, depending upon the embodiment.
Thirdly, the special teams play matrix (20) additionally includes a plurality of sixth cells (27), whereby each of the sixth cells (27) is located at an intersection dictated by selection of one of the fourth cells (22) and one of the fifth cells (25). Further, each of the sixth cells (27) contains a special teams play outcome indicium (28) which provides a special teams play outcome dictated by selection of one of the fourth cells (22) and one of the fifth cells (25). The special teams play outcome dictates either (i) movement of the position marker (4) on the simulated football field (3), (ii) success or failure of an extra point attempt, or (iii) success or failure of a field goal attempt.
Regarding special teams play outcomes which dictate movement of the position marker (4) on the simulated football field (3), as to particular embodiments, the special teams play outcome indicium (28) can be a number which indicates units gained or lost as an outcome of the special teams play, whereby a positive number indicates units gained, for example a “3” indicates three units gained, and a negative number indicates units lost, for example a “−3” indicated three units lost.
Further regarding special teams play outcomes which dictate movement of the position marker (4) on the simulated football field (3), as to particular embodiments, the special teams play outcome indicium (28) can be one or more letters which indicate a named play outcome, such as “TD” which indicates a touchdown, and “BLKD” which indicates a blocked punt.
Regarding special teams play outcomes which dictate success or failure of an extra point or field goal attempt, as to particular embodiments, the special teams play outcome indicium (28) can be one or more letters which indicate a named special teams play outcome, such as “GOOD” which indicates a successful extra point or field goal attempt, “MISS” which indicates a failed extra point or field goal attempt, and “BLKD” which indicates a blocked extra point or field goal attempt.
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Firstly, the play recording matrix (29) includes a play recording matrix column (30) of seventh cells (31), whereby as to particular embodiments, the play recording matrix column (30) can be vertically located on the gameboard (2) and the plurality of seventh cells (31) which provide the play recording matrix column (30) can dispose in vertical, generally linear adjacent relation.
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Secondly, the play recording matrix (29) additionally includes a play recording matrix row (33) of eighth cells (34), whereby as to particular embodiments, the play recording matrix row (33) can be horizontally located on the gameboard (2) and the plurality of eighth cells (34) which provide the play recording matrix column (33) can dispose in horizontal, generally linear adjacent relation.
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Thirdly, the play recording matrix (29) additionally includes a plurality of fillable ninth cells (36), whereby each of the ninth cells (36) is located at an intersection dictated by selection of one of the seventh cells (31) and one of the eighth cells (34). Further, each of the ninth cells (36) is fillable with one of an offensive play indicium (8), a defensive play indicium (11), or one randomly selected number.
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The position marker (4) can have any of a numerous and wide variety of configurations which are capable of movable engagement with the surface of the simulated football field (3), depending upon the embodiment. As to particular embodiments, the position marker (4) can be configured to simulate an American football (39), whereby the American football (39) can be simulated as a generally planar American football (39) or as a 3-dimensional American football (39), for example in the shape of a prolate spheroid.
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The down marker (40) can have any of a numerous and wide variety of configurations which are capable of movable engagement with the surface of the simulated football field (3), depending upon the embodiment. As to particular embodiments, the down marker (40) can include a first mark (41) and a second mark (42) disposed a ten-unit interval (18) apart, whereby the ten-unit interval (18) is equivalent to a ten-unit interval (18) on the simulated football field (3). During play of the football board game (1), the down marker (40) can be moved on the simulated football field (3) to align the first mark (41) with the position marker (4) and to locate the second mark (42) to indicate a position on the simulated football field (3) to which the player must advance within four plays or downs to maintain possession of the position marker (4).
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As to particular embodiments, one or more of the offense-defense play matrix (5), the special teams play matrix (20), the play recording matrix (29), the score recording matrix (37), the position marker (4), the down marker (40), or the tossable token (43) can be integrally formed with the gameboard (2) so as to be provided as a single complete piece or unit.
As to particular embodiments, one or more of the offense-defense play matrix (5), the special teams play matrix (20), the play recording matrix (29), the score recording matrix (37), the position marker (4), the down marker (40), or the tossable token (43) can be provided as a detachable portion of the gameboard (2) which can be selectively detached from the gameboard (2).
As to other particular embodiments, one or more of the offense-defense play matrix (5), the special teams play matrix (20), the play recording matrix (29), the score recording matrix (37), the position marker (4), the down marker (40), or the tossable token (43) can be provided as a discrete component which is separate from the gameboard (2).
Although each matrix (5)(20)(29) has been described above with a first set of specific indicia (8)(23)(35) or outcomes provided in a row (6)(21)(33) and a second set of specific indicia (11)(32) or outcomes (26) provided in a column (9)(24)(30), this has been done only for the sake of simplicity and it is herein noted that within each matrix (5)(20)(29), the first set of specific indicia (8)(23)(35) or outcomes can be provided in a column and the second set of specific indicia (11)(32) or outcomes (26) can be provided in a row without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Football Board Game Integrated with a Container
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As to particular embodiments, at least one of the position marker (4), the down marker (40), and the tossable token (43) can be selectively detachable from the delivery box (46).
As to particular embodiments, the delivery box (46) can be a pizza delivery box (51) in which pizza can be delivered.
As to particular embodiments, the football board game (1) can be integrated with a container (45) as part of a sales promotion to induce consumers to purchase a product. For example, the football board game (1) can be integrated with a pizza delivery box (51) to induce consumers to purchase pizza.
As to particular embodiments, one or more of the offense-defense play matrix (5), the special teams play matrix (20), the play recording matrix (29), the score recording matrix (37), the position marker (4), the down marker (40), or the tossable token (43) can be part of a computer-implemented football board game (1) displayed on a display surface associated with a computer device, such as limited-capability computer designed specifically for navigation on the World Wide Web of the Internet; set-top boxes; intelligent televisions connected to receive data through an entertainment medium such as a cable television network or a digital satellite broadcast; hand-held devices such as smart phones, slate or pad computers, personal digital assistants or camera/cell phones; or multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, or the like.
The computer device can include a processor in communication with a memory element containing a computer code executable by the processor to display the simulated football field (3), the offense-defense play matrix (5), the special teams play matrix (20), the play recording matrix (29), the score recording matrix (37), the position marker (4), the down marker (40), or the tossable token (43) as graphical elements and to provide one or more interactive interfaces allowing players to play the football board game (1).
A method of playing the football board game (1) includes obtaining the football board game (1) configured as described above; obtaining the position marker (4) which is movable on the simulated football field (3); providing the position marker (4) to an offensive player of the football board game (1); determining the offense-defense play outcome by using the offense-defense play matrix (5) to provide a determined offense-defense play outcome; and moving the position marker (4) on the simulated football field (3) to a position dictated by the determined offense-defense play outcome.
The method of playing the football board game (1) can, but need not necessarily, further include using the offense-defense play matrix (5) by having the offensive player select one offensive play indicium (8) and having a defensive player select one defensive play indicium (11) to provide the determined offense-defense play outcome.
The method of playing the football board game (1) can, but need not necessarily, further include obtaining a down marker (40) having first and second marks (41)(42) disposed a ten-unit interval (18) apart, the down marker (40) movable on the simulated football field (3); and moving the down marker (40) on the simulated football field (3) to align the first mark (41) with the position marker (4) and to locate the second mark (42) a ten-unit interval (18) from the first mark (41) toward a goal zone (15) of the defensive player; whereby the second mark (42) indicates a position on the simulated football field (3) to which the offensive player must advance within four plays to maintain possession of the position marker (4).
The method of playing the football board game (1) can, but need not necessarily, further include obtaining the special teams play matrix (20) described above, and determining the special teams play outcome by using the special teams play matrix (20) to provide a determined special teams play outcome.
The method of playing the football board game (1) can, but need not necessarily, further include playing a game of chance to provide a chance game outcome (26) which determines the special teams play outcome. As to particular embodiments, the game of chance comprises generating one random number. As to particular embodiments, the one random number can be generated by summing two randomly selected numbers.
The method of playing the football board game (1) can, but need not necessarily, further include obtaining the play recording matrix (29) described above, and recording at least one of the offensive play indicium (8), the defensive play indicium (11), and the randomly selected number in the play recording matrix (29).
The method of playing the football board game (1) can, but need not necessarily, further include obtaining the score recording matrix (37) described above, whereby the score recording matrix (37) comprises fillable score recording matrix cells (38), and filling at least one of the score recording matrix cells (38) with a score associated with play of the football board game (1).
Thus, broadly construed, the method of playing the football board game (1) includes moving the position marker (4) on the simulated football field (3), whereby movement of the position marker (4) on the simulated football field (3) can be dictated by a play outcome. Overall, a player's goal can be to obtain a greater score than their opponent to win the football board game (1).
As to particular embodiments, the method of playing the football board game (1) can further include particular plays, as detailed below.
As to particular embodiments, the method of playing the football board game (1) can, but need not necessarily, include starting the football board game (1) with a “coin flip”, which includes obtaining a tossable token (43) having a first side depiction (44) which is distinguishable from a second side depiction (not shown), assigning one of the first side depiction (44) or the second side depiction (not shown) to a player and consequently, assigning the other of the first side depiction (44) or the second side depiction (not shown) to the player's opponent; and tossing the tossable token (43), whereby upon landing, the tossable token (43) randomly presents one of the first side depiction (44) or the second side depiction (not shown), thereby providing a randomly presented depiction. Following, the player assigned to the randomly presented depiction can choose to start the 1st quarter of the football board game (1) either (i) on offense, thereby starting the 3rd quarter of the football board game (1) on defense; or (ii) on defense, thereby starting the 3rd quarter of the football board game (1) on offense.
As to particular embodiments, the method of playing the football board game (1) can, but need not necessarily, include a “kickoff” whereby the number of units which the position marker (4) moves (or “is returned”) on the simulated football field (3) is determined by a special teams play outcome provided by the special teams play matrix (20) when the special teams play indicium (23) is a “kickoff return”.
For a kickoff return, which can be the first play in the first play period in this example, the position marker (4) begins at an offensive player's goal zone (15). To determine the number of units that the offensive player advances toward the defensive player's goal zone (15) as a special teams kickoff return play outcome, both the offensive player and the defensive player record a randomly selected number between one and six in their respective play recording matrices (29) and specifically, in the fillable ninth cell (36) at the intersection of the seventh cell (31) containing the “P′ quarter” play period indicium (32) and the eighth cell (34) containing the play “1” play indicium (35).
Upon reveal, the randomly selected numbers are summed to provide the chance game outcome (26) which, for the sake of this example, can be “10”. Following, reference is made to the sixth cell (27) located at the intersection of the fourth cell (22) containing the special teams play indicium (23) of “kickoff returns” and the fifth cell (25) containing the chance game outcome (26) of “10”, whereby in this example which includes the special teams play matrix (20) shown in
As to particular embodiments, the method of playing the football board game (1) can, but need not necessarily, include a “punt” and a “punt return”. Regarding the punt, the number of units which the position marker (4) moves (or “is punted”) on the simulated football field (3) is determined by a special teams play outcome provided by the special teams play matrix (20) when the special teams play indicium (23) is a “punt”. Regarding the punt return, the number of units which the position marker (4) moves (or “is returned”) on the simulated football field (3) is determined by a special teams play outcome provided by the special teams play matrix (20) when the special teams play indicium (23) is a “punt return”.
For a punt, which can be the second play in the first play period in this example, the position marker (4) begins at the line of scrimmage. To determine the number of units that the position marker (4) advances toward the punt returning player's goal zone (15) as a special teams punt play outcome, both the punting player and the punt returning player record a randomly selected number between one and six in their respective play recording matrices (29) and specifically, in the fillable ninth cell (36) at the intersection of the seventh cell (31) containing the “1st′ quarter” play period indicium (32) and the eighth cell (34) containing the play “2” play indicium (35).
Upon reveal, the randomly selected numbers are summed to provide the chance game outcome (26) which, for the sake of this example, can be “4”. Following, reference is made to the sixth cell (27) located at the intersection of the fourth cell (22) containing the special teams play indicium (23) of “punt” and the fifth cell (25) containing the chance game outcome (26) of “4”, whereby in this example which includes the special teams play matrix (20) shown in
Following, the down marker (40) may also be moved accordingly.
For a punt return, which can be the third play in the first play period in this example, the position marker (4) begins at the unit line dictated by the above-described punt. To determine the number of units that the punt returning player advances toward the punting player's goal zone (15) as a special teams punt return play outcome, both the punting player and the punt returning player record a randomly selected number between one and six in their respective play recording matrices (29) and specifically, in the fillable ninth cell (36) at the intersection of the seventh cell (31) containing the “1st quarter” play period indicium (32) and the eighth cell (34) containing the play “3” play indicium (35).
Upon reveal, the randomly selected numbers are summed to provide the chance game outcome (26) which, for the sake of this example, can be “9”. Following, reference is made to the sixth cell (27) located at the intersection of the fourth cell (22) containing the special teams play indicium (23) of “punt returns” and the fifth cell (25) containing the chance game outcome (26) of “9”, whereby in this example which includes the special teams play matrix (20) shown in
As to particular embodiments, the method of playing the football board game (1) can, but need not necessarily, include an “extra point” whereby success or failure of the extra point attempt is determined by a special teams play outcome provided by the special teams play matrix (20) when the special teams play indicium (23) is “extra points”.
For an extra point, which can be the fourth play in the first play period in this example, the position marker (4) begins at the offensive player's fifteen unit line. To determine the success or failure of the extra point as a special teams extra point play outcome, both the offensive player and the defensive player record a randomly selected number between one and six in their respective play recording matrices (29) and specifically, in the fillable ninth cell (36) at the intersection of the seventh cell (31) containing the “1st quarter” play period indicium (32) and the eighth cell (34) containing the play “4” play indicium (35).
Upon reveal, the randomly selected numbers are summed to provide the chance game outcome (26) which, for the sake of this example, can be “9”. Following, reference is made to the sixth cell (27) located at the intersection of the fourth cell (22) containing the special teams play indicium (23) of “extra points” and the fifth cell (25) containing the chance game outcome (26) of “9”, whereby in this example which includes the special teams play matrix (20) shown in
As to particular embodiments, the method of playing the football board game (1) can, but need not necessarily, include a “field goal” whereby success or failure of the field goal attempt is determined by a special teams play outcome provided by the special teams play matrix (20) when the special teams play indicium (23) is “field goals”.
For a field goal, which can be the fifth play in the first play period in this example, the position marker (4) begins at the line of scrimmage. To determine the success or failure of the field goal as a special teams field goal play outcome, both the offensive player and the defensive player record a randomly selected number between one and six in their respective play recording matrices (29) and specifically, in the fillable ninth cell (36) at the intersection of the seventh cell (31) containing the “1st quarter” play period indicium (32) and the eighth cell (34) containing the play “5” play indicium (35).
Upon reveal, the randomly selected numbers are summed to provide the chance game outcome (26) which, for the sake of this example, can be “9”. Following, reference is made to the sixth cell (27) located at the intersection of the fourth cell (22) containing the special teams play indicium (23) of “field goals” and the fifth cell (25) containing the chance game outcome (26) of “9”, whereby in this example which includes the special teams play matrix (20) shown in
As to particular embodiments, the method of playing the football board game (1) can, but need not necessarily, include determining a number of units which the position marker (4) moves on the simulated football field (3) as a result of an offense-defense play outcome provided by the offense-defense play matrix (5).
For an offense-defense play, which can be the sixth play in the first play period in this example, the number of units that the offensive player advances toward the defensive player's goal zone (15) can be determined by an offense-defense play outcome, whereby the offensive player records an offensive play indicium (8) (which can be “O-5” for the sake of this example) and the defensive player records a defensive play indicium (11) (which can be “D-7” for the sake of this example) in their respective play recording matrices (29) and specifically, in the fillable ninth cell (36) at the intersection of the seventh cell (31) containing the “1st quarter” play period indicium (32) and the eighth cell (34) containing the play “6” play indicium (35).
Upon reveal of the offensive play indicium (8) and the defensive play indicium (11), reference is made to the third cell (12) located at the intersection of the first cell (7) containing the offensive play indicium (8) of “O-5” and the second cell (10) containing the defensive play indicium (11) of “D-7”, whereby in this example which includes the offense-defense play matrix (5) shown in
If one or more offense-defense play outcomes dictate that the position marker (4) move beyond the second mark (42) of the down marker (40) within four plays, the offensive player maintains possession of the position marker (4) for at least one more offense-defense play.
Conversely, if four offense-defense play outcomes do not dictate that the position marker (4) move beyond the second mark (42), the defensive player gains possession of the position marker (4).
As to particular embodiments, the method of playing the football board game (1) can, but need not necessarily, include a “two-point conversion” whereby success or failure of the two-point conversion attempt is determined by an offense-defense play outcome provided by the offense-defense play matrix (5).
For a two-point conversion, which can be the seventh play in the first play period in this example, the position marker (4) begins at the defensive player's two unit line. To determine the success or failure of the two-point conversion as an offense-defense play outcome, the offensive player records an offensive play indicium (8) (which can be “O-8” for the sake of this example) and the defensive player records a defensive play indicium (11) (which can be “D-4” for the sake of this example) in their respective play recording matrices (29) and specifically, in the fillable ninth cell (36) at the intersection of the seventh cell (31) containing the “1 quarter” play period indicium (32) and the eighth cell (34) containing the play “7” play indicium (35).
Upon reveal of the offensive play indicium (8) and the defensive play indicium (11), reference is made to the third cell (12) located at the intersection of the first cell (7) containing the offensive play indicium (8) of “O-8” and the second cell (10) containing the defensive play indicium (11) of “D-4”, whereby in this example which includes the offense-defense play matrix (5) shown in
As to particular embodiments, the method of playing the football board game (1) can, but need not necessarily, include a “fumble”, an “interception”, a “blocked punt”, or a “blocked field goal”, whereby the number of units which the position marker (4) moves on the simulated football field (3) as a result of the corresponding fumble, interception, blocked punt, or blocked field goal is determined by a special teams play outcome provided by the special teams play matrix (20) under the special teams play indicium (23) of “return yards for fumbles, interceptions, blocked punts, and blocked field goals”.
Regarding return yards for fumbles, interceptions, blocked punts, and blocked field goals, which can be the eighth play in the first play period in this example, to determine the number of units that the recovering player (who either recovered the fumble, intercepted the football, blocked the punt, or blocked the field goal) advances toward the opponent's goal zone (15) as a result of the corresponding fumble, interception, blocked punt, or blocked field goal, both players record a randomly selected number between one and six in their respective play recording matrices (29) and specifically, in the fillable ninth cell (36) at the intersection of the seventh cell (31) containing the “1st quarter” play period indicium (32) and the eighth cell (34) containing the play “8” play indicium (35).
Upon reveal, the randomly selected numbers are summed to provide the chance game outcome (26) which, for the sake of this example, can be “2”. Following, reference is made to the sixth cell (27) located at the intersection of the fourth cell (22) containing the special teams play indicium (23) of “return yards for fumbles, interceptions, blocked punts, and blocked field goals” and the fifth cell (25) containing the chance game outcome (26) of “2”, whereby in this example which includes the special teams play matrix (20) shown in
As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a football board game and methods for making and using such a football board game, including the best mode.
As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.
It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term in or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “marker” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “marking”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “marking”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “marker” and even a “means for marking”. Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.
In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to be included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.
All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” one particular value to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. A numerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited numeric value or having the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly, the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have a range of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider as having the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment.
Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwise limited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.
Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) each of the football board games herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed.
The background section of this patent application, if any, provides a statement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United States patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of the claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patent application, publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art with respect to the invention.
The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.
Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, are further intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims based upon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.
This United States Non-Provisional patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/131,813, filed on Mar. 11, 2015, hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62131813 | Mar 2015 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 15067849 | Mar 2016 | US |
Child | 15851520 | US |