US3679208A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Game apparatus for catching randomly moving articles
Assignee: EDU MATIC DESIGNS Ltd
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Filing: 1970-07-20
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Granted: 1972-07-25
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Expires: 1990-07-20
Abstract
Abstract A game apparatus in which counter pieces are thrown violently upward in random directions from the bottom of an enclosure so as to bounce about inside the enclosure, and in which a catching device can be manipulated within the enclosure by a player to catch one or more counter pieces. The game may include a scoring board having individual places for counter pieces marked to match markings on certain counter pieces, so that a player attempts to catch pieces to place in a pattern on the board.
Inventors
- 👤 Andrew J Carrano Jr
- 👤 Stephen N Cotsalas
- 👤 John E Jacobson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 11:46
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F9/00; A63F7/00; A63F7/22; A63F7/36; A63F7/40; A63F2007/4031
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
190 words
A game apparatus for one or more players comprising: a number of counter eLements; an enclosure within which said counter elements are contained, said enclosure having a lower portion sloping inwardly to a lowest region, so arranged that said counter elements may be urged by gravity toward said lowest region; means operable in said lowest region of said enclosure for propelling successive groups of at least one of said counter elements upwardly in generally random directions; and means for catching a counter element, comprising an elongated tube having a receiving portion at one end adapted to accept at least one of said counter elements that may fall therein, and having a controlling portion at the other end operable by a player for varying the position of said receiving portion within said enclosure, said tube having an interior passage communicating with said receiving portion and said controlling portion, sufficiently large that one of said counter elements may pass through from one portion to the other; said enclosure having an opening for insertion of said tube, so disposed that said tube may be oriented in a variety of positions within the enclosure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
190 words
A game apparatus for one or more players comprising: a number of counter eLements; an enclosure within which said counter elements are contained, said enclosure having a lower portion sloping inwardly to a lowest region, so arranged that said counter elements may be urged by gravity toward said lowest region; means operable in said lowest region of said enclosure for propelling successive groups of at least one of said counter elements upwardly in generally random directions; and means for catching a counter element, comprising an elongated tube having a receiving portion at one end adapted to accept at least one of said counter elements that may fall therein, and having a controlling portion at the other end operable by a player for varying the position of said receiving portion within said enclosure, said tube having an interior passage communicating with said receiving portion and said controlling portion, sufficiently large that one of said counter elements may pass through from one portion to the other; said enclosure having an opening for insertion of said tube, so disposed that said tube may be oriented in a variety of positions within the enclosure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
76 words
A game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: the apparatus comprises in addition a piece of springy material fastened to said enclosure so as substantially to cover said opening, said material having at least one slit formed therein defining a flap, so disposed that said flap may be bent inwardly to permit insertion of said receiving portion through said opening, and said flap will spring back upon removal of said catching means to close said opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
93 words
A game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said elongated tube comprises a substantially straight first part from the receiving portion end to the controlling portion, at least a substantial length of the controlling portion being a second part formed at an angle of at least approximately 45* from said first part, the interior of said second part communicating with said interior passage such that a counter element may pass into said second part, and stop means at said controlling portion end to prevent passage of a counter element out of the tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
100 words
A game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: said number of counter elements comprises a multiplicity of counter elements, one of said elements having a first identifying characteristic associated therewith; said elongated tube has an opening at said controlling portion end communicating with said interior passage, to permit any counter element accepted by said receiving portion to travel down said interior passage and fall outthe opening; and said game apparatus comprises in addition a scoring array board having a plurality of scoring positions thereon, one of said positions having an identifying characteristic associated therewith similar to said first identifying characteristic.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
A game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: said enclosure has an aperture located approximately at the bottom of said lowest region; and said means for propelling comprises a striking element, rotatably mounted adjacent said aperture for motion therethrough while being rotated, and means for rotating said striking element rapidly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
A game apparatus according to claim 5 wherein: said enclosure has an upper portion made of transparent material so that said counter elements which may be propelled upwardly may be both seen and heard as they strike said upper portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
101 words
A game apparatus according to claim 6 wherein: said number of counter elements comprises a multiplicity of counter elements, one of said elements having a first identifying characteristic associated therewith; said elongated tube has an opening at said controlling portion end communicating with said interior passage, to permit any counter element accepted by said receiving portion to travel down said interior passage and fall out the opening; and said game apparatus comprises in addition a scoring array board having a plurality of scoring positions theReon, one of said positions having an identifying characteristic associated therewith similar to said first identifying characteristic.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-25 | 1976-01-24 | 1976-07-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-25 | 1980-01-24 | 1980-07-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-25 | 1984-01-24 | 1984-07-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |