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[0001] Game tables for providing a hockey-like game are provided with a slick playing surface, an array of air holes through the surface, and an air pressure source for pumping air under pressure through the holes. The air flowing out of the holes can provide support to a game piece in the shape of a puck, allowing the puck to travel at a high speed and with little velocity loss from friction with the surface. The hockey-like game typically is played by a pair of players, each protecting with a paddle a goal at an end of the playing surface. The players use the paddle to block, trap, and strike the puck to prevent the puck from going into the player's own goal and to knock the puck into the opposing player's goal. The playing surface typically is surrounded by a sidewall that when struck by the puck, rebounds the pack and prevents the puck from leaving the playing surface.
[0002] A game apparatus for playing a hockey-like game may be provided with game components, i.e., a playing surface, goals, paddles, and a puck, wherein one or more of the components provide for light emission during game play. The components may be impregnated with a light-emitting material or coated with a light-emitting material. The coating of light-emitting material may be in the form of indicia such as circles or stripes. Such indicia on the playing surface may define game-play zones, such as starting points for the puck or lines not permitted to be crossed by a player's paddle. The playing surface, other than the light-emitting indicia, may be substantially black in color to highlight the contrast and visibility of the indicia.
[0003]
[0004]
[0005] A game apparatus constructed according to the present invention is shown in
[0006] Playing field
[0007] The playing field includes a first goal
[0008] A projectile, preferably a substantially flat puck
[0009] Each goal typically includes a goal housing
[0010] Each player holds one of a pair of paddles
[0011] Playing surface
[0012] Each goal housing
[0013] Playing surface
[0014] In use, the light-emitting sources are first prepared to emit light during the game. In the case of the use of phosphorescent materials, the sources are charged by placing under a light source, e.g., an incandescent light bulb for a time period, typically about ten minutes. Then the light source is removed and the game is played, preferably in a darkened room. Typically the phosphorescent light materials will emit light for about the same length of time as they were charged. Other methods may be used for light emission, including, without limitation, providing an electrical source, or a chemical source for light within the light-emitting sources.
[0015] In one mode of game play, more than one puck may be used simultaneously. For example, a total of four pucks may be used, in which case the players may begin the game with each of the pucks in one of the goal-adjacent circles, and then striking the pucks toward the opposing player's goal while blocking or trapping the pucks struck by the opposing player. Typically for such play, two of the pucks are a first color and two of the pucks are a second color that is visibly distinct from the first color and each player starts with the pucks of a particular color adjacent that player's goal. Also for such play, typically one of the paddles is the first color and the other one of the paddles is the second color.
[0016] Typically the game apparatus is less than about four feet in length and less than about two feet in width and is substantially configured to be disposed on a table top.
[0017] It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof, as disclosed and illustrated herein, are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions include all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Where claims recite “a” or “a first” element or equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring, nor excluding two or more such elements.
[0018] It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain combinations and sub-combinations that are directed to one of the disclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.