| |
| United States Patent
|
5,971,396 |
| Wieland |
October 26, 1999 |
Tabletop horseshoes game system
Abstract
A tabletop miniature horseshoes game for use in private
residences which includes a substantially horizontal playing surface
and a pair of miniature posts to be used as the target for tossed
miniature horseshoes. An embodiment for use in commercial
establishments provides a token means to activate the game, a means
to change and display each players score, a means to keep track of
and display game time, and a means to lower the posts when the game
is over. The commercial establishment game may also incorporate a
vending machine to dispense the 1/10th scale horseshoes to be used
with the game.
| Inventors: |
Wieland; Terry L.
(Phoenix, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
09/015,581 |
| Filed: |
January 29, 1998 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
273/317.1
; 273/338; 473/591 |
| Current
International Class: |
A63F
9/02 (20060101); A63B 67/06 (20060101); A63B 067/06 () |
| Field of
Search: |
273/317.1,336,337,338,108,108.1,126R,126A 473/591 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Grieb; William H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A horseshoes game system comprising:
a. playing board means for providing a substantially horizontal
playing surface adapted to be impinged by tossed miniature
horseshoes;
b. attached to said playing board means, miniature post means for
providing a vertical impingeable target for tossed miniature
horseshoes; and
c. wherein said playing board means comprises a padding means for
providing a compressible surface for effecting impingement of said
tossed miniature horseshoes.
2. A horseshoes game system according to claim 1 wherein:
a. said playing surface is longitudinal and has a pair of transverse
ends; and
b. a said miniature post means is attached near each said transverse
end, with a distance between said miniature post means of about four
feet.
3. A horseshoes game system according to claim 2 further comprising:
a. a plurality of miniature horseshoes constructed and arranged for
tossing onto said playing surface toward a said miniature post
means.
4. A horseshoes game system according to claim 3 wherein said
miniature horseshoes are about 1/10th scale compared to real
pitching horseshoes.
5. A horseshoes game system according to claim 1, further
comprising:
a. rail means for assisting containment of tossed miniature
horseshoes on said playing surface.
6. A horseshoes game system according to claim 1 wherein said
playing board means further comprises:
a. base board means for stiffening said playing board means; and
b. a cover for covering said padding means.
7. A horseshoes game system according to claim 6 wherein said
playing board means further comprises:
a. catching means for assisting capturing of tossed miniature
horseshoes on said playing surface.
8. A horseshoes game system according to claim 7 wherein said
catching means comprises pockets near said transverse ends of said
playing surface.
9. A horseshoes game system comprising:
a. playing board means for providing a substantially horizontal
playing surface adapted to be impinged by tossed miniature
horseshoes;
b. attached to said playing board means, miniature post means for
providing a vertical impingeable target for tossed miniature
horseshoes; and
c. post activation means for:
i. raising said miniature post means sufficiently above said playing
surface to a target position to act as an impingeable target for
tossed miniature horseshoes; and
ii. lowering said miniature post means to a non-target position.
10. A horseshoes game system, comprising:
a. a playing board comprising a substantially horizontal playing
surface adapted to be impinged by tossed miniature horseshoes,
wherein said playing board is substantially longitudinal and has a
pair of transverse ends;
b. a pair of vertical miniature posts constructed and arranged to
provide an impingeable target for tossed miniature horseshoes, each
said miniature post being located near a said transverse end;
c. a support means for elevating said playing surface to a tabletop
level; and
d. a padding structure substantially covering a top surface of said
playing board; and
e. wherein said padding structure comprises a substantially foam
material.
11. A horseshoes game, comprising:
a. a playing board comprising a substantially horizontal playing
surface adapted to be impinged by tossed miniature horseshoes,
wherein said playing board is substantially longitudinal and has a
pair of transverse ends;
b. a pair of vertical miniature posts constructed and arranged to
provide an impingeable target for tossed miniature horseshoes, each
said miniature post being located near a said transverse end;
c. a support means for elevating said playing surface to a tabletop
level; and
d. post activation means for:
i. raising said pair of vertical miniature posts sufficiently above
said playing surface to a target position to act as an impingeable
target for tossed miniature horseshoes; and
ii. lowering said pair of vertical miniature posts to a non-target
position.
12. A horseshoes game system according to claim 11, further
comprising:
a. game activation means for controlling said post activation means.
13. A horseshoes game system according to claim 12 wherein said game
activation means is token-initiated.
14. A horseshoes game system according to claim 13, further
comprising:
a. rails structured and arranged for assisting containment of tossed
miniature horseshoes on said playing surface; and
b. pockets structured and arranged for assisting capturing of tossed
miniature horseshoes on said playing surface.
15. A horseshoes game system according to claim 12, further
comprising:
a. scorekeeping means for entering players' performances;
b. display means for displaying player's scores; and
c. scoreboard housing means for housing said display means and said
scorekeeping means.
16. A horseshoes game system according to claim 15, further
comprising:
a. a timing means for automatically limiting the game playing time;
b. wherein said display means also displays game time remaining; and
c. an electronics means for coordinating the functioning of said
post activation means, said scorekeeping means, said timing means,
said display means, and said game activation means.
17. A horseshoes game system according to claim 12 wherein said
playing board further comprises a pair of playing board holes, with
one of each said playing board hole being located at each of said
pair of transverse ends, and said horseshoes game system further
comprising:
a. a base board structured and arranged for stiffening said playing
board and for mechanical attachment to a bottom surface of said
playing board;
b. wherein said base board further comprises
i. a pair of base board holes structured and arranged for concentric
alignment, respectively, with said pair of playing board holes, and
ii. a pair of holder means for holding food containers; and
c. wherein said game activation means is structured and arranged for
mechanical attachment to a bottom surface of said base board.
18. A horseshoes game system according to claim 12 further
comprising:
a. a pair of longitudinal rails located essentially above said
playing board;
b. a padding structure substantially covering a top surface of said
playing board and both of said pair of longitudinal rails; and
c. a cover covering said padding structure.
19. A horseshoes game system according to claim 12 further
comprising:
a. a vending machine attached to said support means, said vending
machine being structured and arranged for dispensing miniature
horseshoes having about 1/10th scale compared to real pitching
horseshoes.
20. A method of playing a tabletop horseshoes game, comprising the
steps of:
a. users inserting a token in a game activation structure to raise
miniature horseshoes posts to a playing position on a flat tabletop,
to reset a scoring structure, to reset a game timing structure, and
to activate a scoring and timing display;
b. users tossing miniature horseshoes at said miniature horseshoes
posts;
c. users entering scores in said scoring structure at the end of
each turn; and
d. users finishing said game when said display indicates that a
winner has achieved a selected score or when said game timing
structure registers no time left, whichever first occurs, thereby
lowering said miniature horseshoes posts.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to providing a "horseshoes" tabletop game
system. More particularly, this invention concerns a novel system
for a tabletop "horseshoes" game that may be played either in a
private residence or in a commercial establishment.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typically, in the prior art, to play the well-known game of
"horseshoes" requires a playing field of sufficient size to
incorporate the conventional distance between the required stakes of
approximately 40 feet. Due to the size of the playing field and the
need to have a soft substance, such as sand, surrounding the stakes,
horseshoes is typically played outdoors and is a game well known
throughout the world, although the agreed rules for any particular
game are subject to local variation. Briefly, the game is played by
players taking turns throwing/pitching a full-size metal horseshoe
(often specially made as a large "pitching horseshoe") at a
usually-metal vertical stake firmly set in the ground. Each player
throws/pitches from about one stake to the other and can score
specified points depending upon whether the player makes a "ringer"
(if the horseshoe is curled around the stake), a "leaner" (if the it
is leaning on the stake), or touching or close within a specified
distance, etc., etc.; and a player may move a previously pitched
horseshoe to a scoring or non-scoring position as a result of a
later pitch. In addition to playing field size limitations, the
ability to play conventional horseshoes is subject to other
variables such as the weather. In view of the popularity of the
sport, and in view of the above-mentioned limitations, there exists
a need to provide for this type of entertainment not subject to
these limitations.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to fulfill the
above-mentioned needs by providing a tabletop horseshoes game
system. A further primary object of the present invention is to
provide such a game system which is inexpensive and easy to use. In
addition, it is a primary object of this invention to provide such a
game system which may be used in commercial establishments as well
as in private homes. Other objects of this invention will become
apparent with reference to the following invention descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this
invention provides a horseshoes game system comprising: playing
board means for providing a substantially horizontal playing surface
adapted to be impinged by tossed miniature horseshoes; and, attached
to such playing board means, miniature post means for providing a
vertical impingeable target for tossed miniature horseshoes.
Further, this invention provides such a system wherein such playing
surface is longitudinal and has a pair of transverse ends; and a
such miniature post means is attached near each such transverse end,
with a distance between such miniature post means of about four
feet. And it provides such a system further comprising a plurality
of miniature horseshoes constructed and arranged for tossing onto
such playing surface toward a such miniature post means; and,
further, wherein such miniature horseshoes are about 1/10th scale
compared to real pitching horseshoes.
In addition, this invention provides such a system further
comprising rail means for assisting containment of tossed miniature
horseshoes on such playing surface. And it provides such a system
wherein such playing board means further comprises: base board means
for stiffening such playing board; and padding means for covering
and protecting such playing board means; and a cover for covering
such padding means. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein
such playing board means further comprises catching means for
assisting capturing of tossed miniature horseshoes on such playing
surface; and still further, wherein such catching means comprises
pockets near such transverse ends of such playing surface. Even
additionally, this invention provides such a system further
comprising post activation means for raising such miniature post
means sufficiently above such playing surface to a target position
to act as an impingeable target for tossed miniature horseshoes, and
for lowering such miniature post means to a non-target position.
Even further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, the
present invention provides a horseshoes game system, comprising: a
playing board comprising a substantially horizontal playing surface
adapted to be impinged by tossed miniature horseshoes, wherein such
playing board is substantially longitudinal and has a pair of
transverse ends; a pair of vertical miniature posts constructed and
arranged to provide an impingeable target for tossed miniature
horseshoes, each such miniature post being located near a such
transverse end; and a support means for elevating such playing
surface to a tabletop level.
Even additionally, this invention provides such a system further
comprising post activation means for raising such pair of vertical
miniature posts sufficiently above such playing surface to a target
position to act as an impingeable target for tossed miniature
horseshoes, and for lowering such pair of vertical miniature posts
to a non-target position. And it provides such a system further
comprising a game activation means for controlling such post
activation means; and further, wherein such game activation means is
token-initiated.
Yet still additionally, this invention provides such a system
further comprising: rails structured and arranged for assisting
containment of tossed miniature horseshoes on such playing surface;
and pockets structured and arranged for assisting capturing of
tossed miniature horseshoes on such playing surface. And it even
further provides such a system further comprising: scorekeeping
means for entering players' performances; display means for
displaying player's scores; and scoreboard housing means for housing
such display means and such scorekeeping means. And it provides such
a system further comprising: a timing means for automatically
limiting the game playing time; wherein such display means also
displays game time remaining; and an electronics means for
coordinating the functioning of such post activation means, such
scorekeeping means, such timing means, such display means, and such
game activation means.
In addition, it provides such a system wherein such playing board
further comprises a pair of playing board holes, with one of each
such playing board hole being located at each of such pair of
transverse ends. And it provides such a system further comprising: a
base board structured and arranged for stiffening such playing board
and for mechanical attachment to a bottom surface of such playing
board; wherein such base board further comprises a pair of base
board holes structured and arranged for concentric alignment,
respectively, with such pair of playing board holes, and a pair of
holder means for holding food containers; and wherein such game
activation means is structured and arranged for mechanical
attachment to a bottom surface of such base board.
Yet even additionally, this invention provides such a system further
comprising: a pair of longitudinal rails located essentially above
such playing board; a padding structure substantially covering a top
surface of such playing board and both of such pair of longitudinal
rails; and a cover covering such padding structure. And it provides
such a system further comprising: a vending machine attached to such
support means, such vending machine being structured and arranged
for dispensing miniature horseshoes having about 1/10th scale
compared to real pitching horseshoes.
Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment of this invention, it
provides a method of playing a tabletop horseshoes game, comprising
the steps of: users inserting a token in a game activation structure
to raise miniature horseshoes posts to a playing position on a flat
tabletop, to reset a scoring structure, to reset a game timing
structure, and to activate a scoring and timing display; users
tossing miniature horseshoes at such miniature horseshoes posts;
users entering scores in such scoring structure at the end of each
turn; and users finishing such game when such display indicates that
a winner has achieved a selected score or when such game timing
structure registers no time left, whichever first occurs, thereby
lowering such miniature horseshoes posts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, specifically illustrating a playing surface and
the posts connected to the playing surface.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a miniature horseshoe (about 1/10th
scale) that is used to play the game, shown in a hand in a sample
position for tossing.
FIG. 3 is a side view, in section but for the post, taken through
the section lines 3--3 of FIG. 1 specifically illustrating the
arrangement of the playing board, padding, and cover.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, specifically illustrating a commercial-type
tabletop horseshoe game with a support, a game activation means, a
playing surface, side rails, scoreboard assembly, etc.
FIG. 5 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a back elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 4,
specifically illustrating the scoreboard assembly as well as the
location of the scorekeeping and timing means.
FIG. 8 is an elevation view, partly in section, of the solenoid of
the present invention and further illustrating the alternate
positions of a post.
FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration showing a preferred electrical
configuration for the central electronics for use in the embodiment
of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OF
PRACTICE
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a tabletop
horseshoes game system 25 designed primarily for use in private
homes. The game system 25 provides for a playing board 26 (shown in
FIG. 3), having a top surface 33 (shown in FIG. 3) and a bottom
surface 34 (shown in FIG. 3), preferably constructed from a sheet of
substantially rigid yet lightweight material, such as plywood, and
preferably having dimensions of approximately 77 inches by 36
inches. Mechanically attached (preferably by pressing a tightly
fitting post 27 into hole in playing board 26) to the top surface 33
of the playing board 26 are a pair of posts 27, one post 27 being
situate near each transverse end 30 of the playing board 26. The
posts 27 are preferably located at a distance of approximately 48
inches from each other. This arrangement embodies in this invention
playing board means for providing a substantially horizontal playing
surface adapted to be impinged by tossed miniature horseshoes, and
attached to such playing board means, miniature post means for
providing a vertical impingeable target for tossed miniature
horseshoes. A pair of longitudinal rails 31, each preferably made of
2" diameter PVC, are provided for containing the 1/10th scale
horseshoes 35 (when tossed) within the area defined by the top
surface 33 of the playing board 26. Each rail 31 is mechanically
attached (preferably by the use of screws 29) to each side 32 of the
playing board 26, as shown in the FIG. 3. Rails 31 embody herein a
rail means for assisting containment of tossed miniature horseshoes
on such playing surface.
FIG. 3 most clearly illustrates that the playing board 26 and the
rails 31 are covered by a padding 36, which, in the preferred
embodiment, is a 1/2"-thick foam material, embodying herein a
padding means for covering and protecting such playing board means.
Also, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the playing board 26, rails 31, and
padding 36 are covered by a decorative and protective covering 37,
preferably vinyl. The area defined by the horizontal top surface of
the covering 37 after attachment to the padding 36 and playing board
26 combination, and between the longitudinal rails 31, defines the
playing surface 28. Imprinted on the covering 37 and encircling each
respective post 27 is a scoring circle 39 that is used as a visual
scoring aid (as shown in FIG. 1). To prevent the horseshoes from
sliding off the playing surface 28, and to provide a convenient
place to store the horseshoes 35 when not in play, end pockets 40
are provided at each transverse end 30 of the playing surface 28 in
a preferred shallow disc shape as shown in the drawings. In the
preferred embodiments, pockets 40, embodying herein a catching means
for assisting capturing of tossed miniature horseshoes on such
playing surface, are formed by cutting the desired pocket shape from
the playing board 26, thereby creating through-holes in the playing
board 26. The padding 36 is attached to the playing board 26,
preferably by stapling; and the cover 37 is then placed over the
padding 36 and pockets 40.
To cover the free ends of the covering 37 and to provide further
support for the playing board 26, a base board 41, having a top
surface 38 and a bottom surface 45, is mechanically attached,
preferably by gluing at its top surface 38 to the bottom surface 34
of the playing board 26. The base board 41, embodying herein a base
board means for stiffening such playing board, is constructed from a
substantially rigid yet lightweight material, preferably plywood,
and has approximately the same dimensions as those of the playing
board 26. Thus, FIGS. 1 and 3 show the details of construction of
the entire playing assembly 64.
Shown in FIG. 2 is a representative miniature horseshoe 35 that is
used in the game system 25 to play the tabletop horseshoes game of
the present invention. Preferably, the horseshoes 35 are made from
1/8" stainless steel and are formed by a water chip blasting
process. Another preferred method for manufacturing the horseshoes
35 includes laser cutting.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment
illustrating a tabletop horseshoe game system 25 designed for use
primarily in a commercial establishment. The embodiment of the game
system 25 of FIG. 4, similarly to that of FIG. 1, also provides for
a playing board 26 (as shown in FIG. 3), having a top surface 33 and
a bottom surface 34, constructed from a sheet of substantially rigid
yet lightweight material, preferably plywood, and preferably having
dimensions of approximately 77 inches by 36 inches. Near each
transverse end 30 of the playing board 26 is a playing board post
hole 42 (as shown in FIG. 8) of sufficient diameter so as to allow
unobstructed vertical movement of each post 27 through each playing
board post hole 42. The playing board post holes 42 are preferably
located so as to maintain a centerline distance between the posts 27
of approximately 48 inches.
As with the embodiment of FIG. 1, rail 31 is mechanically attached
to each side 32 of the playing board 26 for containing the
horseshoes 35 within the playing surface 28. Also, this embodiment
preferably provides for a padding 36 and covering 37 overlying the
top surface 33 of the playing board 26 and rails 31 just as is fully
illustrated in FIG. 3. The area defined by the horizontal top
surface of the covering 37 after attachment to the padding 36 and
playing board 26 combination, and between the longitudinal rails 31,
defines a playing surface 28. To cover the free ends of the cover 37
and to provide further support for the playing board 26, a base
board 41, having a bottom surface 45 and a longitudinal sides 32, is
mechanically attached to the bottom surface 34 of the playing board
26.
Base board post holes 43 (as shown in FIG. 8) are provided near the
transverse ends of the base board 41 and are arranged for concentric
alignment with the playing board post holes 42. As is more clearly
shown in FIG. 8, aligning the playing board post holes 42 with the
base board post holes 43 allows each post 27 unobstructed vertical
movement. To minimize weight, the base board 41 is constructed from
a substantially rigid yet lightweight material, preferably plywood,
and has approximately the same dimensions as that of the playing
board 26. Playing assembly 64 in this commercial embodiment is very
similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 1, except that in the
commercial embodiment provision is made for vertically-movable
posts. The game system 25 also provides a pair of table-like holders
44, integral to and located along the front longitudinal side 32a of
said base board 41, for holding beverages or other food containers
while the game system 25 is being played, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
Also shown in FIG. 4 is a scoreboard 46 constructed of a
substantially rigid yet lightweight material, preferably plywood. On
the scoreboard 46 are mounted a score readout 47, timer readout 48,
and a scorekeeping button 49, all items of a kind well known in the
art of arcade games and purchasable over-the-counter. The scoreboard
46 is supported in an elevated position by the use of vertical
support members 50. This commercial embodiment includes the use of a
logo 51 mechanically attached to the front surface of the scoreboard
46. To support the weight of the scoreboard 46 and logo 51, the
vertical support members 50 are preferably constructed from a
substantially rigid material such as square metal tubing, as shown.
Rigidly attached to the lower end of each vertical support member 50
is a vertical support member base 52. Mechanically attached to the
bottom surfaces of both of the support member bases 52 is a planar
support member 53, all supported in a manner best shown and
described with reference to FIG. 6. In this commercial embodiment,
the planar support member 53 is constructed out of a lightweight
material, preferably plywood.
Mechanically attached to the bottom surface of the base board 41 is
a support 54 to be used to support the game and maintain an
elevation between the floor and the playing surface 28 of
approximately 36 inches. Although this commercial embodiment
preferably uses a well-known box frame configuration for the support
54 (embodying herein a support means for elevating such playing
surface to a tabletop level), other suitable cross-sectional shapes
may be used. To provide a convenient and comfortable place for
players to place their feet, this embodiment of the game system 25
provides for a pair of foot stands 55 as an integral part of the
support 54. Also included is a game activation means 56, of the kind
well known in the art of token/coin-operated machines such as those
found in arcades, which is mechanically attached in the face of the
support 54, as shown, and embodies herein a game activation means
for controlling such post activation means wherein such game
activation means is token-initiated.
Further illustrated in FIG. 4 is a horseshoe vending machine 57,
mechanically attached to the front surface of the support 54 and of
the kind well known in the art of mechanical dispensers, for
dispensing the 1/10th scale horseshoes 35. The horseshoe vending
machine 57 may be coin or token activated, and upon inserting the
appropriate amount of coins or tokens in horseshoe vending machine
57, a predetermined number of miniature horseshoes 35 with which to
play the game using game system 25 are dispensed.
FIG. 5 is a left side elevation view of the tabletop horseshoe game
system 25 shown in FIG. 4. Further illustrated is scoreboard 46 with
a logo 51 attached to the front surface of the scoreboard 46.
Preferably, scoreboard 46 is attached to a pair of vertical support
members 50 by the use of a substantially longitudinal scoreboard
support 59 constructed of a rigid material, preferably angle-iron.
The scoreboard 46 is mechanically attached to the vertical surface
of the scoreboard support 59 by the use of mechanical fasteners,
preferably wood screws passing through pre-drilled holes in the
scoreboard support 59 and engaging the back surface of the
scoreboard 46. The horizontal surface of the scoreboard support 59
is rigidly attached to the top ends of the vertical support members
50, preferably by welding.
A vertical support member base 52, having an approximately square
shape, is rigidly attached to the bottom ends of the vertical
support members 50, again preferably by welding. The vertical
support member base 52 is then attached to a planar support member
53 by the use of mechanical fasteners 60 (as shown in FIG. 6)
passing through pre-drilled holes in the four corners of the
vertical support member base 52 and engaging the upper surface of
the planar support member 53. The planar support member 53 is
constructed of a lightweight material, preferably plywood. The
combination of scoreboard 46, logo 51, scoreboard support 59,
vertical support members 50, planar support member 53, and vertical
support member bases 52, define a scoreboard housing 58 which is
then attached as shown to the bottom surface 45 of the base board 41
by a pair of connecting members 62 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). In order to
support the weight of the scoreboard housing 58, the connecting
member 62 should be constructed out of a rigid material, preferably
angle-iron, and should be of sufficient length to substantially span
the length of the base board 41, as shown. To facilitate the
attachment of the connecting member 62 to the base board 41 and
planar support member 53, holes 63 may be pre-drilled along the
horizontal and vertical surfaces of the connecting member 62 to
accommodate a plurality of metal fasteners 61 (shown in FIG. 6). The
connecting member 62 is then mechanically attached to the outer
surface of the top portion of the support 54, the bottom surface of
the base board 41, and the bottom surface of the planar support
member 53.
Also shown in FIG. 5 is a 24-volt electrically powered solenoid 66,
for raising and lowering each post 27, of the type commonly used in
arcade games such as pinball, and constructed in a manner well known
in the art. In this commercial embodiment, there are two solenoids
66, one each for raising and lowering each post 27. This arrangement
embodies in this invention a post activation means for raising such
miniature post means sufficiently above such playing surface to a
target position to act as an impingeable target for tossed miniature
horseshoes, and lowering such miniature post means to a non-target
position. Each of the solenoids 66 are arranged for attachment, in
well known ways, to the bottom surface 45 of the base board 41.
Further illustrated in FIG. 5 is the game activation means 56
mounted on the front surface of the support 54. Also shown is the
approximate location of the central electronics 67 used to
coordinate the interaction of the electronic components of the game
system 25, all hereinafter more fully explained with respect to FIG.
9 and embodying herein an electronics means for coordinating the
functioning of such post activation means, such scorekeeping means,
such timing means, such display means, and such game activation
means. The location of the central electronics 67 is within and
attached to the box-frame structure comprising the support 54,
though other suitable places of attachment may be used.
FIG. 6 is an exploded view, in perspective, of the illustrated
commercial embodiment, specifically showing the details of the
interrelationship of the main components comprising the game system
25. It is noted again that the scoreboard housing 58 is connected
with game system 25 by the use of connecting members 62. It is also
noted that the central electronics 67 for coordinating the
interaction of the electronic components of the game system 25 is
hereinafter more fully explained with respect to FIG. 9. The
location of the central electronics 67 is within and attached to the
box-frame structure comprising the support 54, as shown, though
other places of attachment may be used. It is also noted that, in
order to emphasized other details in FIG. 6, the various parts of
the playing assembly 64 (detailed already, for example, in FIG. 3,
but for the movable posts) are not shown in this figure.
FIG. 7 is a partial back elevation view of the illustrated
commercial embodiment (of the tabletop horseshoe game system 25
shown in FIG. 4). Specifically illustrated is the scoreboard
assembly comprising a scoreboard 46 mechanically attached to a
longitudinal scoreboard support 59 which, in turn, is rigidly
attached to the top ends of a pair of vertical support members 50.
The bottom ends of the vertical support members 50 are attached to a
planar support member 53 by the use of a pair of substantially
square vertical support member bases 52 which are rigidly attached
to the bottom ends of the vertical support members 50. The square
vertical support member bases 52 may be provided with through-holes
to facilitate attachment to the top surface of the planar support
member 53 by mechanical fasteners 60 (FIGS. 6 and 7). Further
illustrated are a score readout 47, timer readout 48, and
scorekeeping button 49 (all of a kind well known in the art of
arcade games) which are housed within apertures cut into the
scoreboard 46 and located near each transverse end of the scoreboard
46. The score readout 47, timer readout 48, and scorekeeping button
49 are connected to the central electronics 67 (not shown in FIG. 7)
by score readout leads 68, timer readout leads 69, and scorekeeping
button leads 70.
The post activation means preferred for use in the illustrated
commercial embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. Specifically illustrated
is base board 41 having a base board post hole 43 therein, playing
board 26 having a playing board post hole 42 therein and structured
and arranged for concentric alignment with the base board post hole
43. Also shown is padding 36 overlying the top surface 33 of the
playing board 26 and covering 37 overlying padding 36. The post
activation means preferred is a 24-volt electrically powered
solenoid 66 of the type commonly used in arcade games such as
pinball, and constructed in a manner well known in the art. The post
27 is integral to the solenoid 66 and preferably of a sufficient
length so as to allow a height of about 13/4 above the playing
surface 28 when the solenoid 66 is activated. When the game system
25 is in the "off" mode, either because the winning score has been
achieved, or the pre-determined time to play the game has elapsed,
current ceases to flow through the solenoid coils 90 (shown in FIG.
9) located within each solenoid 66, with the result that the
internal electromagnetic field inside each solenoid 66 is turned
off. When this occurs, each post 27 is retracted so that the top end
of each post 27 is at or below the playing surface 28. Conversely,
when the game is activated by placing an appropriate token in the
game activation means 56, an electrical signal is sent from the
central electronics 67 to the solenoids 66, energizing the solenoid
coils 90 (shown in FIG. 9) thereby raising each post 27 to the
appropriate playing height.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the central electronics 67 preferably
used in the illustrated commercial embodiment of the tabletop
horseshoes game system 25. The operation of the central electronics
67 is described as follows, but should be within the art of those
skilled in the art of arcade electronics. The game system 25 is
activated by having a player deposit the appropriate amount of
tokens in the game activation means 56. When the appropriate amount
of coins or tokens are deposited, electronic switches 78 in the coin
counter circuit 79 are closed, thereby allowing current to pass, and
to simultaneously activate the game system 25 visual lights by means
of the visual-lights circuit 80, the set and reset circuit 81, the
points and reset circuit 83, and the solenoid post circuit 84. Upon
energizing the set and reset circuit 80, the timer 85, as well as
the internal electronic calculation of the number of points scored,
is reset to "0" as displayed on the timer readout 48 and score
readout 47, both illustrated generally by the display board
designation 88 which comprises part of the display counter circuit
89. Preferably, an Intel 4076B microprocessor is used for the
display counter means, and an Intel 4520B microprocessor is used for
the coin counter circuit. Simultaneous with the score and time being
reset to "0", an electromagnetic field is created within the
solenoid coils 90 which causes each post 27 (not shown in FIG. 9),
which are integral to the solenoids 66, to raise to a preferred
playing height above the playing surface 28. As points are scored,
the scorekeeping button 49 (not shown in FIG. 9) is pressed, thereby
changing the count displayed on the score readout 47. When the
requisite number of points have been earned by a player, or if the
pre-determined time to play a game has elapsed as evidenced by the
timer readout 48, the game system 25 is deactivated thereby shutting
off the current to the solenoids 66 resulting in the retraction of
each post 27 below the playing surface 28, and thereby ending the
game. Though applicant has described the preferred embodiment of the
central electronics 67, the addition of other types of circuits,
well known in the art of arcade games such as tilt sensors to stop
rough play, may be added without deviating from the spirit of the
present invention.
The private residence version of the game is preferably played by
having each player, being situated at the transverse ends 30 of the
playing board 26, toss a 1/10th scale horseshoe 35 at the opponent's
post 27 located at the opposite transverse end. In order to maintain
a degree of difficulty and to ensure fair play, when tossing a
horseshoe a player's hand may not cross the transverse plane
situated at the location of that player's post. Each player's turn
consists of pitching two horseshoes 35 and a player scores 3 points
if the horseshoe 35 "rings" (encircles) the post 27, 2 points for a
"leaner" in which the horseshoe comes to a rest by leaning against
the post 27, 1 point if the horseshoe touches the post 27 but does
not lean against it, and 1 point if the horseshoe touches or breaks
the line comprising the scoring circle 39. The first player to
obtain a score of 21 points wins the game though other winning
scores may be used by the players without deviating from the spirit
of the game.
To play the commercial version of the game system 25 requires that
the players insert the appropriate amount of coins or tokens in the
game activation means 56. Once the game system 25 is activated, the
players have a pre-determined period of time in which to play.
Preferably, the playing time is set between 15 and 30 minutes,
though other playing times may also be chosen. The players may
obtain the horseshoes 35 to be used in order to play the game system
25 in a number of ways including renting them from the commercial
establishment, purchasing their own either from a vending machine in
the commercial establishment or from the vending machine 57
incorporated in the game system 25 (as shown in FIG. 4), or by using
previously bought horseshoes 35. The game system 25 is then played
according to the same rules and scoring scheme as the private
residence version except that if either player does not obtain a
score of 21 points prior to the expiration of the pre-determined
time limit, the game will automatically end. This system embodies
herein a method of playing a tabletop horseshoes game, comprising
the steps of: users inserting a token in a game activation structure
to raise miniature horseshoes posts to a playing position on a flat
tabletop, to reset a scoring structure, to reset a game timing
structure, and to activate a scoring and timing display; users
tossing miniature horseshoes at such miniature horseshoes posts;
users entering scores in such scoring structure at the end of each
turn; and users finishing such game when such display indicates that
a winner has achieved a selected score or when such game timing
structure registers no time left, whichever first occurs, thereby
lowering such miniature horseshoes posts.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiment of
this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes, sizes,
and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as
read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
* * * * *
|
|