Patent Application
20160151701
The present invention relates to recreation. More particularly, the invention relates to a recreational amusement comprising a specially formed game board on and in connection with which a plurality of specially formed game pieces are utilized in the play of an action-type game of skill.
Recreational diversion has long been an important part of healthy lifestyle. In modern times, such diversions have included action-type games of skill, which test a player's coordination and dexterity as well as strategic prowess. Additionally, such diversions have included board games, which are often desired for their portability and suitability for indoor play. Unfortunately, there is s dearth of such diversions that combine the desirable aspects of both.
It is therefore an overriding object of the present invention to set forth a novel recreational amusement that exhibits the challenge of action-type games of skill and also provides the advantages of board games.
In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention—a recreational amusement for the play of an action-type game of skill—generally comprises a game board, on and in connection with which is played the action-type game of skill utilizing a plurality of game pieces including a plurality of specially formed slugs. The game board, as implemented in accordance with the present invention, comprises a substantially planar top surface formed on a substantially rigid base. In order to play the action-type game of skill, the top surface of the game board comprises a plurality of indicia marking various zones of play.
In at least the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, the game board is constructed, at least at the top surface thereof, of a smooth acrylic or like plastics material, which is formed to exhibit a low coefficient of friction. In any case, the indicia is arranged about the game board of the present invention in order to form four quadrants on the top surface of the game board, which in turn define a first player end and an opposing, mirrored second player end of the game board and, additionally, define an offense side and a defense side of the game board. In a critical aspect of the present invention, this arrangement of the zones of play establishes a diagonally oriented direction of attack as the primary mode of play.
Each player end of the game board is provided with a firing box located about the outside corner of the quadrant defining that player's portion of the offense side of the game board. Although the firing box is preferably generally rectangular in shape, the firing boxes may take other shapes within the broader teachings of the present invention.
In the area adjacent to each end of the game board, and between the firing boxes and the defense side of the game board, an upwardly projecting bumper is affixed to, formed unitary with, or otherwise provided at each end of the game board. Adjacent to each bumper and generally occupying the space between a firing box and the defense side of the game board, a blocker target field is provided. Each blocker target field preferably comprises an array of three rows and three columns of preferably circular targets, of which the middle row is visually distinguished. Finally, each player end is also provided with an inner pot target contained within an outer pot target, each set of targets being provided to generally occupy the space between a respective blocker target field and provided shared indicia of offense.
As noted, the offense side of the game board also comprises shared indicia. In particular, a pull-down target and a bonus target are each provided generally along the division between the first player end and the second player end and on the offense side of the game board. The bonus target is preferably formed in the shape of a circle while the pull-down target is preferably formed in the shape of a rectangle made up of a plurality of smaller rectangular shaped zones. The various provisions of the offense side of the game board, and in particular, the blocker target field, the pull-down target, the bonus target, and the inner and outer pot targets, respectively, are each provided as means, in accordance with the rules of play for the action-type game of skill, for a player to accumulate additional playing pieces or other advantages over the opposing player.
On the defense side of the playing board each player's portion is provided with an end zone located along the end of the game board and generally occupying the space from the side of the game board to the division between the offense side of the game board and the defense side of the game board. Each provided end zone is preferably rectangular in shape and contains a plurality of end zone slug placement areas. Occupying the space between a player's end zone and the division between the first player end and the second player end, each player is also provided with a defensive field. The defensive fields each preferably comprise an array of barrier slug placement areas having an array of blocker slug placement areas interleaved therein.
The end zones and the defensive fields represent the object and means of protection, respectively, in play of the action-type game of skill. Additionally, however, a bonus firing box is provided along the division between the first player end and the second player end between the players' respective defensive fields. Although located within the defense side of the game board, the bonus firing box is in fact an offensive tool to be used as a means of invasion.
The plurality of specially formed slugs of the recreational amusement include at least one projectile slug, a plurality of barrier slugs, at least one striker slug and a plurality blocker slugs and identically formed end zone slugs. While the recreational amusement of the present invention may be implemented on any scale, it is critical to the present invention that the slugs be implemented in the particular relative or proportional size and mass (assuming a similar material of construction for each) as described further herein.
Finally, many other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts, especially in light of the foregoing discussions and the following drawings, exemplary detailed description and appended claims.
Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment follows together with illustrative figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components, and wherein:
Although those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize many alternative embodiments, especially in light of the illustrations provided herein, this detailed description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scope of which is limited only by the claims appended hereto.
Referring now to the figures, the recreational amusement 10 of the present invention is shown to generally comprise a game board 11, as particularly depicted in
In any case, as particularly represented in
Referring now to
In the area adjacent to an end of the game board 11, and between the firing box 17 and the defense side 27 of the game board 11, an upwardly projecting bumper 18 is affixed to, formed unitary with, or otherwise provided at each end of the game board 11. Adjacent to each bumper 18 and generally occupying the space between the firing box 17 and the defense side 27 of the game board 11, a blocker target field 19 is provided. As particularly shown in
As noted, the offense side 16 of the game board 11 also comprises shared indicia. In particular, as shown in
Turning then to the defense side 27 of the playing board 11, as particularly detailed in
As will be better understood further herein, the end zones 28 and the defensive fields 30 represent the object and means of protection, respectively, in play of the action-type game of skill. Additionally, however, a bonus firing box 33 is provided along the division between the first player end 14 and the second player end 15 between the players' respective defensive fields 33. Although located within the defense side 27 of the game board 11, the bonus firing box 33 is in fact an offensive tool to be used as a means of invasion.
Returning then to the playing pieces of the recreational amusement 10 of the present invention, attention is again drawn to
With implementation of the slugs 34 as described, then, it is also noted that the remaining drawings of the present application may be considered as being drawn to scale with game board 11 having an outside dimension of approximately 28 inches by 36 inches. Additionally, it is noted that the action-type game of the present invention also makes use of a conventional six sided die and bonus tokens, which may generally take any form, the implementation of each of which is well within the ordinary skill in the art and neither of which is therefore shown in the figures.
To start the action-type game of skill, in the most preferred manner of play, an end zone slug 39 is placed in each end zone placement area 29 and six blocker slugs 38 are distributed at the discretion of each player among that player's blocker placement areas 32. Similarly, a barrier slug 36 is placed in each barrier slug placement area 32. As will be better understood further herein, the final object of the action-type game of skill is to displace from an opposing player's end zone placement areas 29 all of that player's end zone slugs 39. As a result, each player will employ an initial protective strategy in placement within that player's blocker placement areas 32 of their limited blocker slugs 38.
In any case, with the slugs 34 in place to set up the game board 11, any conventional means, such as, for example, the flipping of a coin or roll of a die, is utilized to determine which player will initially take the role of offense player and, consequently, which will initially take the role of defense player. Additionally, because a novel aspect of the present invention comprises the provision of a game board 11 on which the opposing player ends 14, 15 are mirrored, such conventional means is also utilized to determine choice of side, thereby giving an initial mental, if not actual, advantage to one player versus the other depending on whether the respective players are more or less comfortable with “left to right” or “right to left” shooting.
In ordinary offensive play, the offense player places a projectile slug 35 within that player's firing box 17. A striker slug 37 is then placed behind the projectile slug 35, whereafter the player slides the striker slug 37 to strike the projectile slug 35 and propel it on an aimed course into the opponent's defensive field 30. The initial objective is to destroy the opponent's defensive field 30 and, ultimately, the objective is to break through the field 30 and displace the end zone slugs 39 located within the opponent's end zone 28, thereby winning the game.
It is also an offensive strategy, however, to force the opponent to actively play defensively. As noted, a primary purpose of an offensive play, especially early in a game, is to create openings in the opponent's defensive field 30 for gaining deeper access for a projectile slug 35, which increases access to the opponent's end zone 28. The better a player is at creating such vulnerability for the opposing player, the more focused the opposing player will be on active defensive play, thereby increasing the chances that the opposing player will lose the offense role without inflicting grave damage.
Additionally, however, it is also noted that an alternate attack may be made under special circumstances from the strategic bonus firing box 33, wherefrom there is most often a clear shot at the end zone slugs 39 located within the opponent's end zone 28. As will be better understood further herein, the privilege to fire from the bonus firing box 33 is acquired by first landing the projectile slug 35 within the bonus target 24. Whether accidental or not, landing the projectile slug 35 within the bonus target 24 allows the shooting player to accumulate a bonus token for later use in accordance with the rules of play.
During an opponent's attack in the offensive role, the defense player may only sit back and watch as damage is done. On loss by the opponent of the offensive role, however, and prior to engaging in offensive play as the new offense player, a defense player is afforded the opportunity to actively engage in defensive play. In particular, as will be better understood further herein, the otherwise offense player can, through active defensive play, earn additional barrier slugs 36, blocker slugs 38 or end zone slugs 39 by successfully completing various challenges of skill. These additional slugs 34 can then be used to “rebuild” the acquiring player's side of the game board 11 as permitted under the rules of play. As previously noted, however, it is also possible that the player could fail such a challenge and lose the offensive role.
In general, as a player achieves greater skill that player will more often than not take advantage of the opportunity to fortify prior to engaging in offensive play. In any case, however, it is noted that, at least in the most preferred manner of play, a player having lost the offensive role may, prior to the new offense player making a first shot, call for a pause in play during which the defending player may reposition any or all of that player's barrier slugs 36, blocker slugs 38 or end zone slugs 39 in order that each is better “centered” within its respective barrier placement area 31, blocker placement area 32 or end zone placement area 29.
Although those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many variations within the critical aspects of the recreational amusement 10 of the present invention, the following exemplary rules of play set forth the most preferred manner of play of the action-type game of skill such that the particularly described and claimed novel features of the game board 11, slugs 34 and other playing pieces of the recreational amusement 10 are employed for maximum enjoyment of the players in an intense and challenging action-type game of skill.
Firing Box. In the typical offensive play, the offense player will position the projectile slug 35 within that player's firing box 17 and then, with the striker slug 37, slidingly and forcefully engage the projectile slug 35 in order to crosswise “fire” the projectile slug 35 in the direction of the opposing player's defensive field 30 and end zone 29. In order for the shot to be legal, the projectile slug 35 must have been fired from within firing box 17; the striker slug 37 must have inflicted no damage to any player's barrier slugs 36, blocker slugs 38 or end zone slugs 39; and the projectile slug 35 must not have impacted any of the offense player's barrier slugs 36, blocker slugs 38 or end zone slugs 39 prior to impact with a barrier slug 36, blocker slug 38 or end zone slug 39 of the defense player.
Assessment of Damage. A barrier slug 36, blocker slug 38 or end zone slug 39 is “damaged” when moved on impact. Except as otherwise provided, a damaged slug 34 is “displaced” as follows: (a) with respect to a barrier slug 36, the slug 36 is displaced if the damage inflicted thereon results in more than half of its body lying outside of the perimeter about its barrier placement area 31; (b) with respect to a blocker slug 38, the slug 38 is displaced if the damage inflicted thereon results in either any amount of its outside edge invading the perimeter about any other placement area 29, 31, 32 or translation of the slug 38 entirely outside of the perimeter about its blocker placement area 32; and (c) with respect to an end zone slug 39, the slug 39 is displaced if the damage inflicted thereon results in any amount of its outside edge crossing outside of the perimeter about its end zone placement area 29. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, a damaged slug 34 is not considered to be displaced if the slug 34 is translated completely within another a like placement area 29, 31, 32 that is not also holding a separate slug 34. In the event of a legal shot, any damaged slug 34 that is displaced is removed from the game board 11. In the event of an illegal shot, the shot is forfeited and only damage to the opposing player's barrier slugs 36 is assessed while any damage to any slug 34 of the offending offense player is assessed.
Retention of Turn. In order for an offense player that has made a shot to retain the offensive position, i.e. to be entitled to make another shot, the offense player must either have previously earned an additional shot through active defensive play or must in the previous shot have earned an additional shot by displacing at least seven (7) barrier slugs 36, without regard to owner, or by striking a stack, as defined further herein, of the opponent prior to striking any other slug 34. Additionally, if a “misfired” projectile slug 35 does not break any portion of the perimeter about the firing box 17 or, as will be better understood further herein, the bonus firing box 33, the shooting player is entitled to try the shot again.
Bonus Firing Box. As previously mentioned, an alternate attack may be made under special circumstances from the strategic bonus firing box 33, wherefrom there is most often a clear shot at the end zone slugs 39 located within the opponent's end zone 28. A player earns a bonus token worth one shot from the strategic bonus firing box 33 by intentionally or unintentionally landing the projectile slug 35 within the bonus target 24. Upon earning a bonus token, however, the bonus token must be placed behind the player's upwardly projecting bumper 18 and the player forfeits the turn at offensive play. In other words, the bonus token must be reserved for later use and comes only at a price, which, of course, injects a further element of strategy into the action-type game of skill. Additionally, although there is no limit to the number of bonus tokens that may be accumulated by a player a bonus token may only be “traded in” at a time that the opposing player has no remaining blocker slug 38. In any case, upon utilization of a bonus token play of the action-type game of skill continues as in ordinary play with the exceptions that the shot is taken from within the bonus firing box 33 as opposed to the player's ordinary firing box 17 and only the two barrier slugs 36 bordering the bonus firing box 33 and between which the shot is taken may be damaged. If any other barrier slug 36 is damaged, the shot is ruled illegal and treated as any other illegal shot.
Upwardly Projecting Bumper. As previously mentioned, a novel aspect of the recreational amusement 10 of the present invention comprises the provision at each end 14, 15 of the game board of an upwardly projecting bumper 18. In play of the action-type game of skill, this bumper allows a shot to be ricocheted into a compound path, thereby broadening the skill set that may be brought to bear by a player. It is noted, however, that any damage done by an offense player through a ricocheted shot is assessed under the foregoing rules, including damage to the offense player's own slugs 34. This damage could include inflicting a fatal blow to the offense player's last remaining end zone slug 39, thereby resulting in victory for the opponent as discussed further herein.
As previously introduced, active defensive play generally comprises successfully completing various challenges of skill to earn additional barrier slugs 36, blocker slugs 38 or end zone slugs 39, which be used to rebuild the acquiring player's side of the game board 11. To this end, the game board 11 is most preferably provided, as previously described, with a blocker target field 19; a pull-down target 22; an outer pot target 25; and an inner pot target 26.
Blocker Target Field. Landing the projectile slug 35 on any target 20 of the blocker target field 19 entitles the shooting player to one blocker slug 38, which may be placed in any open blocker placement area 32, and also entitles the player to make an additional shot. If, however, the projectile slug 35 is landed on any target 20 of the middle row 21 of the blocker target field 19, the shooting player receives one blocker slug 38, which may be placed in any open blocker placement area 32 or in any end zone placement area 29, and, additionally, by roll the die is awarded a corresponding number of additional blocker slugs 38, which may either all be separately distributed across open blocker placement areas 32 or all “stacked” on any one open blocker placement area 32. As an exception to the foregoing rule, the additional blocker slugs 38 may be divided if, and only if, a first portion of the additional blocker slugs 38 fills every open blocker placement area 32 after which the remaining additional blocker slugs 38 may be stacked atop any one other blocker slug 38.
Pull-Down Target. Landing the projectile slug 35 on any zone 23 of the pull-down target 22 entitles the shooting player to move one or more barrier slugs 36 one each to any open barrier placement area 31 and, additionally, entitles the shooting player to one or more further shots at the pull-down target 22. The number of barrier slugs 36 that may be moved, and additional shots that may be taken, is determined by the “number” of the zone 23 on which the projectile slug 35 lands. If the shooting player chooses not to take an additional “free” shot at the pull-down target 22, the player must call “pass,” after which the player is entitled to continue with an ordinary shot as previously described.
Outer Pot Target. Landing the projectile slug 35 on the outer pot target 25 entitles the shooting player to retrieve a number, determined by roll of the die, of previously removed barrier slugs 36 for placement one each on any open barrier placement area 31. Additionally, if the roll of the die is a 1, 2 or 6, the shooting player is entitled to a further shot as the offense play. On the other hand, if the roll of the die is a 3, 4 or 5, the player receives the additional barrier slugs 36 but loses the offensive role.
Inner Pot Target. Landing the projectile slug 35 on the inner pot target 26 entitles the shooting player to retrieve a number, determined by roll of the die, of previously removed barrier slugs 36 for placement one each on any open barrier placement area 31 as in the case of landing the projectile slug 35 on the outer pot target 25. Unlike the case of the outer pot target 25, however, a player landing the projectile slug 35 on the inner pot target 26 is automatically entitle to a further turn in offensive role regardless of the roll of the die.
Special Stack Rules. Once per offensive turn, a player may remove one blocker slug 38 from the top of a stack and place the removed blocker slug 38 in any open blocker placement area 32. When assessing damage against a stack, the position of the bottom blocker slug 38 is evaluated, but all blocker slugs 38 in the stack are affected.
Immediately upon forfeiting the offensive role, and prior to the new offense player taking any shot, a player is entitled rearrange any or all of that player's barrier slugs 36 within each respective slug's barrier placement area 31.
In a special case, a player defending against a shot from the bonus firing box 33 is entitled, before the offense player takes the bonus shot, to rearrange any or all of that player's barrier slugs 36 within each respective slug's barrier placement area 31. This courtesy, however, may only be exercised once per turn.
Victory is awarded to the player remaining after the opposing player's last end zone slug 38 is removed from the game board 11. As previously noted, however, the damage resulting in the loss of this slug 38 may come at the hands of either player.
While the foregoing description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize the many variations, alterations, modifications, substitutions and the like as are readily possible, especially in light of this description, the accompanying drawings and claims drawn thereto. In any case, because the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, the foregoing detailed description should not be construed as a limitation of the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims appended hereto.
