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US4290606A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Nonpredictable game projectile

Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1979-11-05
•
Granted: 1981-09-22
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Expires: 1999-11-05
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Abstract

Abstract A game projectile is configured as a polyhedron rather than being spherical or cylindrical in shape. The projectile is independently supported above the low friction base by which it moves across the playing surface. Provision may be made to permit the polyhedron to rotate about its independent support. A further embodiment provides that the location of the point of support of said polyhedral projectile may be varied to assure that the support axis does not pass through the mass center of the projectile. This disclosure teaches the use of impelling instruments having striking surfaces which are configured such that the contact of said striking surfaces with said polyhedron will tend to project the polyhedron across the playing surface on an imprecisely determinable path. The combined effect of polyhedral shape, mounting arrangement, and peculiarity of configuration of the striking surface of the impelling instrumentation greatly increase the element of chance as it affects the outcome of the game, while the player's inherent skill is minimized. The game thus becomes one in which players of all levels of skill and sophistication may join together to play and enjoy.

Inventors

  • 👤 Thomas J. Maxwell

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-28 23:05
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F7/00; A63F7/0023; A63B; A63B53/00; A63B53/007; A63F7/22; A63F7/36; A63F7/40; A63F2007/0047

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim 57 words
Apparatus in which a movable piece is projected across a playing surface comprising a polyhedral projectile; and low friction means for moving said polyhedral projectile across said playing surface coupled to said polyhedral projectile such that a vertical axis of symmetry of said low friction moving means is displaced from the mass center of said polyhedral projectile.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 57 words
Apparatus in which a movable piece is projected across a playing surface comprising a polyhedral projectile; and low friction means for moving said polyhedral projectile across said playing surface coupled to said polyhedral projectile such that a vertical axis of symmetry of said low friction moving means is displaced from the mass center of said polyhedral projectile.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 46 words
Apparatus for a game in which a movable piece is projected across a playing surface comprising: an independently supported polyhedron; low friction means for moving said independently supported polyhedron across a playing surface; and means for rotating said polyhedron independent of said low friction moving means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 46 words
Apparatus for a game in which a movable piece is projected across a playing surface comprising: an independently supported polyhedron; low friction means for moving said independently supported polyhedron across a playing surface; and means for rotating said polyhedron independent of said low friction moving means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 29 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said polyhedron is independently supported on a shaft and said means for rotating said polyhedron comprises bearings coupling said shaft and said polyhedron.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 46 words
Apparatus for a game in which a movable piece is projected across a playing surface comprising: an independently supported polyhedron; low friction means for moving said independently supported polyhedron across a playing surface; and means for changing the location at which said polyhedron is independently supported.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 46 words
Apparatus for a game in which a movable piece is projected across a playing surface comprising: an independently supported polyhedron; low friction means for moving said independently supported polyhedron across a playing surface; and means for changing the location at which said polyhedron is independently supported.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 24 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said independently supported polyhedron further comprises means for rotating said polyhedron independent of said low friction moving means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 29 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said polyhedron is independently supported on a shaft and said means for rotating said polyhedron comprises bearings coupling said shaft and said polyhedron.

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1984-09-21 1985-03-23 1985-09-22 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1988-09-21 1989-03-23 1989-09-22 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1992-09-21 1993-03-23 1993-09-22 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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