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[0001] After researching through the Patent and Trademark Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library and other references on games, sports, home games, hobby games and recreational activities; the following references were found:
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS No. 709,144 No. 4,560,163 No. 1,593,421 No. 4,765,622 No. 1,634,016 No. 4,775,152 No. 2,981,542 No. 5,074,556 No. 4,261,568 No. 5,417,421
[0002] Mechanix Illustrated December, 1984 “Great Gifts”
[0003] The New York Times Dec., 11, 1966 “Hockey Game of Fun”
[0004] N/A
[0005] N/A
[0006] Throughout the centuries there have been numerous games created for field, floor, table top and other which require the use of sticks, balls, discs and other equipment. During the last 30 years the trend of games has primarily focused on the invention of video games and computer games as a result of the revolution in computer technology.
[0007] Within recent years there has been an increased popularity in professional hockey as well as roller hockey and street hockey due to the invention of the inline roller skate
[0008] The present invention relates to a hockey styled game that can be played by two or more players. The playing structure resembles a rectangular box with no top, having multiple partitions connected across the shorter width of the box dividing it up into smaller rectangular sections. Each partition has a minimum of one opening for a ball, puck, or other object to be hit through it. The outer partitions at each end of the box each have one opening at the bottom center which serves as the goal hole. Players stand on the outside of the game box on the elongated side across from each other and use the blade end of a stick to hit a ball, puck or other object and propel it along the detachable bottom surface, throughout the playing sections and through the various openings of the partitions until it is hit through the goal hole of the end partition where it is retained by a net device/cavity on the exterior of the goal hole.
[0009] One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide a lightweight, portable, indoor/outdoor, virtually indestructible game apparatus which can be played by young, old and physically challenged people. Another principal object of the game is that the dynamics of the game and apparatus provide many training, conditioning, and health enhancing benefits as well as aid in the development of hockey specific skills. Thirdly, the game apparatus was designed to serve as a medium for commercial advertising.
[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide a structure which allows players, by using the blade end of a stick, to move a ball, puck, or other object, on and along the playing surface within the walls of the structure, through the various openings of the partitions and into the net device/cavity of either end of the structure which would constitute a goal being scored.
[0011] First, many games and equipment, such as hockey sticks are manufactured from wood and other inexpensive material which might be associated to either older methods of fabrication or a decision to use cheap materials to keep the cost of production as low as possible.
[0012] The uniqueness of this game design is multifold. The structure consists of individual components as described which requires the players to assemble prior to playing. Each component (side walls and partitions) are essentially the same in length and each has a slot at each end. The center partitions have the end slots on the bottom and the side wall pieces have their end slots at the top. One side wall is made up of at least 2 components which when its end slots are aligned, they are then held together by inserting the slot at one end of the center partition over the aligned slots of the side wall. The slot at the other end of the center partition is then inserted over the aligned slots of the other side wall, thereby forming and H structure. The end partitions are then connected in the same fashion with their end slots sliding down over the side wall end slots, thereby forming the rectangular structure of the game. The nets are then attached to each goal and the playing surface is attached to the bottom of the playing structrure. Other center partitions can be added.
[0013] The design allows for the game to be assembled using no hardware such as bolts, screws, nuts, etc. nor the necessity for tools. The design of the components of BOX HOCKEY is such that the structure and components are virtually indestructible.
[0014] The sticks are manufactured from aluminum and the other major components are a high impact plastic so the apparatus will not splinter or rust like other games and equipment as mentioned above.
[0015] Another unique benefit is the utility of this design with its detachable bottom and slotted connections that make it lightweight and easily disassembled to be portable. The design also allows for the apparatus to be reduced in size from 9 cubic feet to 2 cubic feet; an almost 80% reduction in space and size which allows it to be very compact to be stored in very little space. No other similar game shows this type of versatility. Folding apparatus still maintains the same volume and cubic dimensions.
[0016] Another enhancement is that the design is such that additional components can be added to enlarge the playing structure allowing a multitude of players.
[0017] Additional components are easily attached such as lights, buzzers, and effects of that nature as well as smaller components that can be attached to the interior of the game to affect skill level.
[0018] Additionally, the sticks are uniquely designed as well, lending it to be adjusted to various lengths allowing a wider range of players from a small child to a large adult to play and the stick's unique blade design allows a greater range of play than that of a normal hockey stick blade.
[0019] The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description thereof when read in conjunction with the attached drawings, and wherein:
[0020]
[0021]
[0022]
[0023]
[0024]
[0025] Item 1 —Side wall
[0026] Item 2 —End partition
[0027] Item 3 —Center partition
[0028] Item 4 —Interior partition
[0029] Item 5 —Net device/Cavity
[0030] Item 6 —Flooring
[0031]
[0032] Item 1 —Side wall
[0033] Item 2 —End partition
[0034] Item 3 —Center partition
[0035] Item 4 —Interior partition
[0036] Item 5 —Net device/Cavity
[0037] Item 6 —Flooring
[0038]
[0039] Item 7 —Adjustable Hockey stick
[0040]
[0041] Item 1 —Side wall
[0042] Item 2 —End partition
[0043] Item 3 —Center partition
[0044] Item 4 —Interior partition
[0045] The game structure includes two side walls (
[0046] The game structure is made up of two parallel side walls, a partition connected at each end of the parallel side walls forming the rectangular boundary of the playing field, and at least one center partition connected perpendicularly to the side walls dividing the two end partitions and finally the playing surface which is connected to the bottom of the side walls and partitions. The end partitions each have an opening with a receptacle device attached (net) which serves as the goal for each end. The center partitions, interior to the end partitions and side walls, have no fewer than one opening.
[0047] The game structure forms the field of play and for which the side walls and end partitions form a boundary wall for containment of the object of play within the field of play. Each player standing on the outside of the game structure on the elongated sides and across from the other uses the blade end of their hockey stick to move the object of play with the intent to place the object of play into their opponent's goal, thereby scoring a point. The center partitions have the openings to allow the object of play to be moved from one end of the field of play to the other end, and as well, the partitions serve as barriers requiring the players to have greater skill to navigate the object of play into the opponent's goal.
[0048] The uniqueness of this game design is multifold as compared to other game apparatus. The structure consists of individual components as described which requires the players to assemble prior to playing. Each component (side walls and partitions) are essentially the same in length and each has a slot at each end. The center partitions have the end slots on the bottom and the side wall pieces have their end slots at the top. One side wall is made up of at least 2 components which when its end slots are aligned, they are then held together by inserting the slot at one end of the center partition over the aligned slots of the side wall. The slot at the other end of the center partition is then inserted over the aligned slots of the other side wall, thereby forming and H structure. The end partitions are then connected in the same fashion with their end slots sliding down over the side wall end slots, thereby forming the rectangular structure of the game. The nets are then attached to each goal and the playing surface is attached to the bottom of the playing structrure. Other center partitions can be added.
[0049] The design allows for the game to be assembled using no hardware such as bolts, screws, nuts, etc. nor the necessity for tools. The design of the components of BOX HOCKEY is such that the structure and components are virtually indestructible.
[0050] The sticks are manufactured from aluminum and the other major components are a high impact plastic so the apparatus will not splinter or rust like other games and equipment as mentioned above.
[0051] Another unique benefit is the utility of this design with its detachable bottom and slotted connections that make it lightweight and easily disassembled to be portable. The design also allows for the apparatus to be reduced in size from 9 cubic feet to 2 cubic feet; an almost 80% reduction in space and size which allows it to be very compact to be stored in very little space. No other similar game shows this type of versatility. Folding apparatus still maintains the same volume and cubic dimensions.
[0052] Another enhancement is that the design is such that additional components can be added to enlarge the playing structure allowing a multitude of players.
[0053] Additional components are easily attached such as lights, buzzers, and effects of that nature as well as smaller components that can be attached to the interior of the game to affect skill level.
[0054] Additionally, the sticks are uniquely designed as well, lending it to be adjusted to various lengths allowing a wider range of players from a small child to a large adult to play and the stick's unique blade design allows a greater range of play than that of a normal hockey stick blade.
[0055] The design has been created in a way in which commercial advertisement can be displayed on the inside and outside surface of the side walls enhancing even further the utility of this invention.
[0056] Unlike other games which may require a high degree of skill and may also be a very passive experience; BOX HOCKEY requires no skill, but develops skills such as hand/eye coordination and creates an extremely dynamic and interactive experience for those that play. It's health benefits include cardiovascular and overall conditioning, strengthening forearms, wrists and the upperbody.