GAME APPARATUS

• US 20020034982A1
• Filed: 08/15/2000
• Published: 03/21/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/14/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gerardo Mejia
• Original Assignee: Gerardo Mejia
• Inventors: Mejia, Gerardo
• Granted Patent: US 6,386,538 B1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/69
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 7/3622 Specially shaped rolling boards for the balls, e.g. ball tracks

Abstract

A game apparatus for providing a game of chance that can be utilized at various events. The inventive device includes a platform, a plurality of support poles attached to the platform extending upwardly, and a length of track supported upon the support poles in a gradual decline for receiving a plurality of balls. The tracks is comprised of a plurality of corners and obstacles for providing a random selection of balls at the end of the length of track. The balls released from a start gate near the upper portion of the track. The balls randomly pass through the track until they are collected in a single line at the lower portion of the track in a random order. Players can select the first ball, the last ball, specific orders of balls and various other combinations to win a payout similar to horse betting. Each of the balls are distinctly identified from one another.

Claims

1. A game apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of support members; and

a length of track having a first end and a second end supported about said plurality of support members, wherein said length of track descends from said first end to said second end.

2. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second end is comprised of a narrow portion for receiving a plurality of balls in a received order.

3. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first end includes a starting apparatus for allowing the release of a plurality of balls onto said track.

4. The game apparatus of claim 3, wherein said starting apparatus comprises a start gate pivotally attached to said first end of said track.

5. The game apparatus of claim 4, wherein said starting apparatus further includes a lever for allowing manual manipulation of said start gate.

6. The game apparatus of claim 4, wherein said starting apparatus further includes a ramp attached to said first end of said length of track.

7. The game apparatus of claim 4, wherein said start gate includes a plurality of partition members.

8. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein said length of track includes a plurality of obstructions.

9. The game apparatus of claim 8, wherein said plurality of obstructions includes at least one divider member.

10. The game apparatus of claim 8, wherein said plurality of obstructions includes at least one pair of looped portions.

11. A game apparatus, comprising:

a platform;

a plurality of support members attached to and extending from said platform;

a plurality of balls having separate visual identifiers; and

a length of track having a first end and a second end supported about said plurality of support members, wherein said length of track descends from said first end to said second end.

12. The game apparatus of claim 11, wherein said second end is comprised of a narrow portion for receiving a plurality of balls in a received order.

13. The game apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first end includes a starting apparatus for allowing the release of a plurality of balls onto said track.

14. The game apparatus of claim 13, wherein said starting apparatus comprises a start gate pivotally attached to said first end of said track.

15. The game apparatus of claim 14, wherein said starting apparatus further includes a lever for allowing manual manipulation of said start gate.

16. The game apparatus of claim 14, wherein said starting apparatus further includes a ramp attached to said first end of said length of track.

17. The game apparatus of claim 14, wherein said start gate includes a plurality of partition members.

18. The game apparatus of claim 11, wherein said length of track includes a plurality of obstructions.

19. The game apparatus of claim 18, wherein said plurality of obstructions includes at least one divider member.

20. The game apparatus of claim 18, wherein said plurality of obstructions includes at least one pair of looped portions.