WO1997002877A1 - Accessory for a marble game - Google Patents

Abstract

An accessory for a game involving marbles or other rolling objects is disclosed. The accessory is mechanically separate from the playing surface (3) over which the marbles are rolled, and consists of a main plate-like portion (2) and an auxiliary lever portion (4). The auxiliary portion (4) is joined to the main portion (2) along one edge thereof and its shape and size are such that when a marble is propelled across the playing surface (3) so that it rolls over the main portion (2) and strikes the auxiliary portion (4), the resulting impact is likely to tip the accessory (1) over and turn it completely upside-down. Said accessory may be used in games involving marbles or other rolling objects.

Description

 Element for ball

The present invention relates to accessories constituting elements for ball games, or other rolling objects such as balls, balls, balls or rollers in particular.

Known devices of this kind, as described, for example, by patents CH-A-333,216 or DE-A-2,513,095 describe static elements constituting circuits for the balls.

The appeal of ball games incorporating such elements is specifically limited, and these elements induce a relatively high cost to purchase.

Also known, for example from documents US-A-2 427 434 and US-A-1 619 580, ball game devices using a target. This includes a base intended to be placed on the playing surface, comprising a set of juxtaposed elements exposed to the impact of the ball. According to document US-A-2 427 434, these elements have a triangular shape, while according to document US-A-1 619 580, they have the shape of an L. Each element is mounted on the base with the possibility tilting under the impact of the ball. The possible tilting angle is 120 ° for triangular elements, and 90 ° for L-shaped elements.

These known devices offer a certain playful attraction. However, they have the disadvantage of being relatively massive and bulky, ill-suited to be transported and handled by children, especially in schoolyards. In addition, the impact elements being permanently mounted on the base, they cannot be exchanged, and do not lend themselves to a collection.

Document US-A-3 033 571 relates to a ball game element consisting of a discoid base, intended to be placed on the playing surface, and of a target part, articulated on said base. It is a sheet folded along a dihedral, with an angle value of 130 °, the opening of which is turned upwards, the axis of articulation coinciding with the fold line (edge of the dihedron). The sheet is pierced with a central hole, the aim of the game being to pass the ball through it. Otherwise, if the ball strikes the edge of the hole, the articulated part tips 50 ° (additional value of the dihedral angle). Such an element has a very limited interest in terms of play. It also lends itself poorly to a collection, its structure

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) not being suitable for printing images, nor for stacking storage of several elements.

The device, object of the present invention, relates to elements for ball games - or other rolling objects - obtained at a reduced cost price, these elements operating dynamically, and being capable of being easily transported and used, in particular by children.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a game element on which it is easy to print various images and / or messages, and which is easily stackable with similar elements so that it can be stored (in the manner of a deck of cards), the element being able therefore to constitute an object of exchange and collection, in particular for children.

Moreover, the rule of the game of marbles implemented with said element may provide that it is the subject of a transfer of property, from one player to another, depending on the progress of the game. The device forming game element which is the subject of the invention - like the device of document US-A-3,033,571 - is mechanically independent of the playing surface on which the balls are rolled, and is composed of a main part in the form of a plate capable of resting on one of its faces - called the underside - on the playing surface and of an auxiliary part constituting a lever.

This device is remarkable in that the auxiliary part is attached to the main part in a border area of the latter, that this connection is rigid or semi-rigid, and that the auxiliary part is thus shaped and dimensioned only by propelling a ball (or other rolling object) on the playing surface to make it roll on the main part and make it strike the auxiliary part, the impact is likely to tilt the device so as to turn it over completely, said lower face finding turned upwards after the operation (element upside down).

It is understood that, to achieve this reversal, the player must reach the auxiliary part, and therefore "aim right" by throwing his ball. In addition, as the applicant was able to observe during tests, the chance of a complete reversal depends on the kinetic energy of the ball at the time of impact and, consequently, on its speed (for a ball given).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) For the success of his stroke, the player must therefore take into account not only the "direction" of the jet, but also the "rolling speed" parameter at the time of impact.

If the speed is too low, the element does not turn completely. If it is excessive, it may also not turn over, or then make a full turn instead of a half-turn, so that it finds itself again in the place after the shock.

Taking into account the "speed" factor considerably increases the playfulness of the device. Furthermore, according to possible, but not limiting, additional characteristics of the invention:

- Said main and auxiliary parts are obtained by a part comprising a semi-rigid folding line separating these two parts, the user of the device having the possibility of adjusting by folding the two parts relative to one another according to a appropriate angle to operate the device optimally;

- Said auxiliary part is constituted by a tongue;

- This tongue is inclined relative to the plane of the main plate-shaped part; - this tongue is flat;

- Said main and auxiliary parts are made from a single blank of cardboard, metal, or thin plastic, the auxiliary part in the form of a tongue being obtained by folding the blank;

- The edge of the element, intended to come into first contact with the ball rolling on the playing surface, includes an area making a gradual transition between the playing surface and the thickness of the blank;

- When the blank is obtained by cutting material, this area is rounded and is produced under the effect of the pressure exerted on the blank by the cookie cutter during the cutting operation; - the starting blank is discoid, the fold line of the tongue corresponding to an arc string of the disc;

- The starting blank is rectangular, the fold line of the tongue being parallel to one of the sides of the blank;

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) - The angle formed by the tongue relative to the plane of the main part is between 45 ° and 160 °, and preferably between 100 ° and 120 °;

- if we designate by "D" the diameter of the balls used and by "H" the height according to which the tongue protrudes above the playing surface, we have the relation:

0.15 D ^ H ^ 2.2 D and, preferably: 0.2 D <H <1.5 D

- at least one face of the plate of each game element includes a specific image belonging to a series of images developed according to a collection theme, the image integrated into a game element being different from the image integrated into another game element.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the appended drawings which represent possible embodiments thereof and illustrate the operation thereof.

In these drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of several playing elements arranged on the playing surface.

Figures 2 to 6 are side views of a game element, these different views illustrating the operating mode of this game element when it is actuated by a ball.

Figure 7 is a sectional view, on a scale 1, 5, by a vertical longitudinal plane, of an element according to the invention, as well as an associated ball (diametral cutting plane). FIG. 8 is a detail view of FIG. 7, enlarged to scale 10.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a variant of the game element of Figure 1, with a rectangular contour (and not circular).

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the game element shown in Figure 9, before the user of the device has adjusted by folding the two main and auxiliary parts.

FIG. 11 represents another variant, on a scale 1, 5, cut by a vertical longitudinal plane.

According to Figures 1 to 6, the device forming a play element 1 comprises

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) a discoid plate 2 bearing against the playing surface 3. This plate 2 is mechanically free relative to the playing surface 3, that is to say that no mechanical member connects the plate 2 to the playing surface 3 This plate 2 is also mechanically integral with a part 4 constituting lever 4, this part 4 being arranged projecting relative to the face 5 of the plate 2 opposite to the face 6 by which it rests on the playing surface 3 before the game element 1 is actuated by a ball 10.

Part 4 constituting the lever is obtained by a zone 4 forming a tongue raised by folding this plate 2 around a fold line 50 which constitutes an arc string of the disc.

More particularly according to FIG. 1, one face 5 of the plate 2 of each playing element 1 comprises a specific image 7 or 8 or 9 belonging to a series of images developed according to a collection theme, image 7 or 8 or 9 integrated into a game element 1 being different from image 7 or 8 or 9 integrated into another game element 1. The game elements 1 comprising the different images 7 or 8 or 9 can thus be sold in the same packaging in order to offer a varied product to the buyer.

More particularly according to Figures 2 to 6, the ball 10 is propelled by a player in the direction S (Figure 2). When the player correctly targets the playing element 1 (in the case of FIGS. 2 to 6), the ball 10 rolls on the plate 2 (FIG. 3), comes into contact against the tongue 4 to tilt the playing element 1 ( FIG. 4), the complete tilting of the play element 1 being carried out after passage of the ball 10 over the play element 1 (FIGS. 5 and 6).

As mentioned above, the speed factor also plays a role in the success of the move.

Thus, the object of the game is to switch the various game elements 1 using a ball 10. According to a possible game rule, when a player succeeds in rocking a game element 1, he wins the one -this, this being made possible by the fact that the playing element 1 is mechanically free relative to the playing surface 3. The contribution of images 7 or 8 or 9 to the playing elements 1 is therefore particularly encouraging game, the player targeting image 7 or 8 or 9 that he wishes to appropriate in order to complete his collection. Extensive collections of images can be offered for sale in order to increase the interest of the device.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26} Note that the element 1 is obtained by simple folding, from a circular blank cut from a thin sheet, for example of cardboard or rigid or semi-rigid plastic.

The images 7, 8 or 9 can be printed directly on the plate 2, or printed on labels stuck on the latter.

They can be affixed on both sides of the plate 2.

In Figure 7 are shown in section a rolling element forming a projectile 10, and an element 1 according to the invention.

The element 10 is for example a spherical glass ball, of diameter "D".

In this figure, the thickness of the element 1 has been designated by the reference "e", by the reference "L", the length of the plate 2 in the longitudinal direction (along the rolling direction, perpendicular to the folding edge 50), by the reference "H" the height at which the tongue 4 projects above the playing surface 3, and by the reference "V" the angle made by the plane of the tongue 4 with respect to on the plane of the plate 2.

The thickness e must be small compared to the diameter of the ball 10 to allow the free passage of the latter from the plane 3 on the plate 2 when it rolls on the latter. As an indication, "e" is between 0.5 and 1 mm, if the rolling object is a ball of usual diameter (between 10 and 50 mm).

According to FIG. 7, the element 1 is obtained in a blank with a thickness of 0.7 mm. On the other hand the plate 2 has a longitudinal dimension "L" of 65 mm and the angle "V" a value of 115 °. The ball has for example a diameter of 30 mm. According to the tests made by the applicant, for the complete reversal of the element 1 to be obtained, it is necessary on the one hand that 45 ° ^ V ^ 160 ° and that the relation 0.15 D ^ H ^ 1 , 5 D be verified.

Optimally, this relationship is 0.2 D ^ H ^ 1.5D.

According to Figures 7 and 8, the edge 18 of the element 1, intended to come into first contact with the ball 10 rolling on the playing surface 3, has a zone

19 making a gradual transition between the playing surface 3 and the thickness e of the blank 1. The blank 1 being obtained by cutting material, this area 19 is rounded and is produced under the effect of the pressure exerted on the blank by

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 2® the cookie cutter during the cutting operation.

According to the tests carried out, it indeed appears that (in particular for the usual thicknesses of materials) when the edge of the element 1, intended to come into first contact with the ball 10 rolling on the playing surface 3, presents a configuration not achieving a gradual transition between the playing surface 3 and the thickness e of the blank 1, the ball 10 jumps over the auxiliary part 4, for the usual ball speeds, the element 1 being unable to tilt from this fact.

Also, so that the game is not too difficult for users, it is recommended that the edge 18 intended to come into first contact with the ball 10 rolling on the playing surface 3, includes an area 19 achieving a gradual transition between the playing surface 3 and the thickness e of the blank 1. Otherwise, the game is of course passable, an increased dexterity on the part of the users being however required in order to measure the speed of the ball 10.

The variant illustrated in FIG. 9 is similar to the embodiment which has just been described, with the difference that it has a generally rectangular shape (with rounded corners) and not circular. The elements of this variant have the same references as above, but assigned the index "prime".

As an indication, the element 1 'is obtained in a rectangular blank of thickness having a transverse dimension "T" of 85 mm, a longitudinal dimension "L" of 65 mm, the length "I" of the tongue being 14 mm.

Because the tongue 4 ', against which the impact of the ball is made, extends over the entire length of the plate 2', the reversal of the element 1 'is easier than that of a circular element .

According to Figure 10, the main 2 'and auxiliary 4' parts are obtained by a part forming the element 1 'and comprising the semi-rigid folding line 50' separating the two parts 2 'and 4' arranged in the same plane , the user of the device having the possibility, as shown in FIG. 9, of adjusting by folding these two parts 2 'and 4' relative to each other at an appropriate angle in order to operate the device so optimal (the position in which the device is used is also shown in fine dotted lines in FIG. 10). It may be interesting to offer for sale the elements 1 'unfolded, as shown in Figure 10, in order to facilitate the manufacture of these elements 1', and to reduce the size of the packaging. In the variant of FIG. 11, the references of which have been assigned the index "second", the tongue 4 "is not an integral part of the plate 2".

It is an attached part which is fixed in the rear border area 20 "of the latter, for example by gluing, stapling or hot pressing (if it is plastic).

It will be noted, in the illustrated embodiment, that the base 40 "of the tongue 4" is folded back to cover the area 20 ". The assembly therefore forms an overhang of value" d ", which exceeds at l 'rear of the plate 2 ", below the tongue 4". However, the presence of this overhang is not really annoying, and does not prevent the reversal of the element 1 ", provided that the value "d" is small. In practice, "d" should be less than the length "I" of the tongue.

Although particularly suitable for the game of balls, it goes without saying that the device of the invention can be used with rolling projectiles other than balls.

The shape and dimensions of the retoumable element will be adapted to the nature, shape and mass of the projectiles used.

Claims

1 - Device forming an element for a game of balls or other rolling objects, which is mechanically independent of the playing surface (3) on which the balls are rolled, and is composed of a main part (2) in the form of a suitable plate to rest by one (6) of its faces - called the underside - on the playing surface (3) and an auxiliary part (4) constituting a lever, characterized in that the auxiliary part (4) is attached to the main part (2) in a border area of the latter, that this connection is rigid or semi-rigid, and that the auxiliary part (4) is thus shaped and dimensioned only by propelling a ball (10) on the playing surface (3) to roll it over the main part (2) and make it strike the auxiliary part (4), the impact is likely to tip the device (1) so as to turn it over completely, said face lower (6) being turned upwards after the operation. 2 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said main (2 ') and auxiliary (4') parts are obtained by a part (1 ') comprising a semi-rigid fold line (50') separating these two parts (2 'and 4'), the user of the device having the possibility of adjusting by folding the two parts (2 'and 4') relative to each other at an appropriate angle in order to operate the device optimally. 3 - Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that said auxiliary part is constituted by a tongue (4). 4 - Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the tongue (4) is inclined at an angle (V) relative to the plane of the main part (2) in the form of plate. 5 - Device according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that said tongue (4) is planar. 6 - Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said main (2) and auxiliary (4) parts are made from a single blank made of cardboard, metal, or thin plastic material , the tongue-shaped auxiliary part (4) being obtained by folding the blank. 7 - Device according to claim 6, characterized in that it is obtained from a discoid blank (1), the fold line (50) of the tongue (4) corresponding to an arc string of the disc. 8 - Device according to claim 6, characterized in that it is obtained from a rectangular blank (1 '), the fold line (50') of the tongue (4 ') being parallel to one sides of the blank. 9 - Device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the edge (18) of the element (1), intended to come into first contact with the ball (10) rolling on the playing surface ( 3), comprises a zone (19) carrying out a gradual transition between the playing surface (3) and the thickness (e) of the blank. 10 - Device according to claim 9, characterized in that, when the blank is obtained by cutting material, this area (19) is rounded and is produced under the effect of the pressure exerted on the blank by the cookie cutter part during the cutting operation. 11 - Device according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the angle (V) that forms the tongue (4) relative to the plane of the main part (2) is between 45 ° and 160 ° , and preferably between 100 ° and 120 °. 12 - Device according to claim 1 1, characterized in that, D designating the diameter of the balls (10) used and H designating the height at which the tongue (4) projects above the playing surface (3), we have: 0.15 D ^ H ^ 2.2 D and. preferably: 0.2 D ^ H ^ 1.5 D 13 - Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one face (5) of the plate (2) of each game element (1) has a specific image (7 or 8 or 9) belonging to a series of images developed according to a collection theme, the image (7 or 8 or 9) integrated into a game element (1) being different from the image (7 or 8 or 9) integrated into another element of play (1).