Game apparatus

• US 6,386,538 B1
• Filed: 08/15/2000
• Issued: 05/14/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/14/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gerardo Mejia
• Original Assignee: Gerardo Mejia
• Inventors: Mejia, Gerardo
• Primary Examiner(s): Chiu, Raleigh W.
• Application Number:
  US09/639,256
• Publication Number:
  US 20020034982A1
• Time in Patent Office: 637 Days
• Field of Search: 463/58, 463/69, 446/168, 446/170, 273/118.R, 273/138.1, 273/138.3, 273/138.4, 273/139
• US Class Current: 273/118.00R
• 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;

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;

said track includes a floor with opposing side walls for supporting and retaining a plurality of balls within said length of track;

said length of track comprising a first corner, a second corner connected to said first corner, a third corner connected to said second corner, a fourth corner connected to said third corner, a fifth corner connected to said fourth corner, a sixth corner connected to said fifth corner, a seventh corner connected to said sixth corner, an eighth corner connected to said seventh corner, and a ninth corner connected to said eighth corner;

a plurality of obstacles positioned upon said length of track, said plurality of obstacles comprised of a plurality of curved members for curving the side walls of said length of track, a plurality of angled members, a plurality of corner members, a plurality of center members, a plurality of dividers positioned centrally within said length of track, and a plurality of narrowing members for narrowing the width of said length of track; and

a starting apparatus within said first end for allowing the release of a plurality of balls onto said track, wherein said starting apparatus comprises;

a ramp attached to said first end of said length of track;

a start gate pivotally attached to said first end of said track and surrounding said ramp;

a lever arm attached to said start gate for allowing manipulation of said start gate; and

a plurality of partition members within said start gate for separating a plurality of balls.

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 length of track includes a plurality of obstructions.

4. The game apparatus of claim 3, wherein said plurality of obstructions includes at least one divider member.

5. The game apparatus of claim 3, wherein said plurality of obstructions includes at least one pair of looped portions.

6. 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;

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;

said track includes a floor with opposing side walls for supporting and retaining a plurality of balls within said length of track;

said length of track comprising a first corner, a second corner connected to said first corner, a third corner connected to said second corner, a fourth corner connected to said third corner, a fifth corner connected to said fourth corner, a sixth corner connected to said fifth corner, a seventh corner connected to said sixth corner, an eighth corner connected to said seventh corner, and a ninth corner connected to said eighth corner;

a plurality of obstacles positioned upon said length of track, said plurality of obstacles comprised of a plurality of curved members for curving the side walls of said length of track, a plurality of angled members, a plurality of corner members, a plurality of center members, a plurality of dividers positioned centrally within said length of track, and a plurality of narrowing members for narrowing the width of said length of track; and

a starting apparatus within said first end for allowing the release of a plurality of balls onto said track, wherein said starting apparatus comprises;

a ramp attached to said first end of said length of track;

a start gate pivotally attached to said first end of said track and surrounding said ramp;

a lever arm attached to said start gate for allowing manipulation of said start gate; and

a plurality of partition members within said start gate for separating a plurality of balls.

7. The game apparatus of claim 6, wherein said second end is comprised of a narrow portion for receiving a plurality of balls in a received order.

8. The game apparatus of claim 6, 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.