US3806120A

US3806120A - Football gameboard with play indicators

Info

Publication number: US3806120A
Application number: US00371807A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Hess
Original assignee: CUTCHER G DPM
Current assignee: CUTCHER G DPM
Priority date: 1971-05-13
Filing date: 1973-06-20
Publication date: 1974-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 1991-04-23

Abstract

Game apparatus including a simulated football field with an array of indicators on the playing surface, each having active and inactive conditions. The first group of the indicators is controlled by a first plurality of slide members having opaque and translucent areas movable into selective alignment with the indicators to condition any selected number of the indicators of the first group to be actuated from the inactive to active condition; and second group of the indicators is controlled by a second plurality of similarly constructed slide members. In one embodiment a master slide overlies all of the slide members and is slid aside to reveal which portion of each of the slide members is in alignment with its associated indicator. In a second embodiment switch actuates a light to shine into the indicators which reveals whether the associated slides have their Translucent or opaque portions in alignment with such indicators. The players compare the indicators of the first group with the indicators of the second group to determine the outcome of a particular play or segment of the game.

Description

United States Patent 1191- Hess 1451 Apr. 23, 1974 FOOTBALL GAMEBOARD WITH PLAY INDICATORS [75] Inventor: John J. Hess, Rochester, Mich.

[22] Filed: June 20, 1973 [2]] App]. No.: 371,807

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser.-N0, 143,052, May 13, 1971,

abandoned.

521 U.s.c 1 ..273/94R 51 Int. Cl. A63f 7/06 [58] Field of Search 273/88, 94, 136 R, 130 R, 273/130 A, 130 M, 85 R 3,046,015 7/1962 Schuh et al. 273 94 R 3,413,002 11/1968 Welch 273/94 R x 3,556,525 1/1971 Pegg 273/94 R 3,606,329 9/1971 Wilson 273/88 Primary Examiner-Anton O. Oechsle Assistant Examiner-Paul E. Shapiro Attorney, Agent, orFirm-Reising, Ethington & Perry [57] ABSTRACT Game apparatus including a simulated football field with an array of indicators on the playing surface, each having active and inactive conditions. The first group of the indicators is controlled by a first plurality of slide members having opaque and translucent areas movable into selective alignment with the indicators to condition any selected number of the indicators of the first group to be actuated from the inactive to active condition; and second group of the indicators is controlled by a second plurality of similarly constructed slide members. In one embodiment a master slide [56] Ref rences Cit d overlies all of the slide members and is slid aside to re- UNITED STATES PATENTS veal which portion of each of the slide members is in alignment with its associated indicator. In a second embodiment switch actuates a light to shine into the 1,946,685 W934 Mayorga i i 273/88 1nd1ca tors which reveals whether the associated sl1des 2,029,834 2/1936 Prentice 273/94 R have their Translucent of p q Portions in align- 2,039,33 5 193 111 273/94 R ment with such indicators. The players compare the 2,258,272 10/1941 Alexander..., 273/88 indicators of the first group with the indicators of the 2,260,467 10/1941 Le May.... 273/9 R second group to determine the outcome of a particu- 2,483,878 Charest.... R lar or egment of the game 2,665,910 l/l954 Hotchins 273/88 2,883,193 4/l959 Iannone et al. 273/88 22 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures 31- 7 //0{( [03 105a 105a K7 PATENTEHAPR 23 1974 POWER SOURCE SHEET 2 0F 4 M M M M VISIITOR FIELD GOAL BOMB QUARTER ATTO RN EYS INVENTOR.

J/zzz J I /ess BY FOOTBALL GAMEBOARD WITH PLAY INDICATORS This application is a divisional of Application Ser. No. 143,052, filed May 13, 1971, and now abandoned. This invention relates generally to game apparatus, and is particularly concerned with game apparatus suitable for adaption to simulate the playing of games such as football.

Numerous prior art game devices have been devised for the simulated playing of football, baseball, ice hockey, war games, and the like, which vary in complexity from extremely sophisticated apparatus and rules requiring a high degree of skill and a large amount of time to play the game, to simple games of chance.

In one prior art football game of this type, several decks of cards are utilized in combination with rows of indicator lights. The cards have a plurality of rows and columns of numbers indicating a gamer loss, and the lights are arranged such that the defensive player can select a column, and the offensive player selects a row, and the outcome of the play is determined by the intersection of the row and column selected by the offensive and defensive player.

In another prior art game device of this general class, both players manipulate a mechanical device having an indicator hidden from view until a light is actuated. One player is able to move the indicator along one axis, and the other player is able to move the indicator along another axis at right angles and the outcome of the play is determined by the position of the indicator after both players have made their moves. The indicators are moved by each of the players in accordance with play cards which are disposed in slots on the apparatus, the play cards being selected in accordance with the appropriate segment of the game such as kick-offs, running plays, or punts.

Several other prior art game devices utilize electric light indicators controlled by the offensive and defensive players in combination with cards or charts with the electric lights indicating to the players the portion of the chart to be read for determining the outcome of the play.

Examples of prior art devices of this general class are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,596,175; 2,029,834; 2,212,838; 2,743,105; 2,873,971; 3,046,015; 3,103,361; and 3,231,276.

An object of this invention is to provide game apparatus suitable for the simulated playing of football and similar games wherein the outcome of plays selected independently by the players each without the knowledge of the other, can be determined instantaneously by activating two groups of indicators and comparing the activated indicators of the two groups.

A further object of this invention is to provide a game apparatus having two identical groups of indicators, each of which groups may represent a football team or the like, wherein any selected number of each group can be conditioned by a player to be subsequently activated to an active condition, with means for simultaneously actuating the conditioned indicators of both groups to their active condition so that the activated indicators of the two groups can be compared instantaneously to determine the outcome of the particular segment or play of the game in accordance with predetermined rules, or to indicate the allowable movement of a movable marker over a playing surface.

In achievement of the foregoing, and other objects, a game apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a board or other means defining a playing surface which can be marked off to simulate a football field, and a plurality of indicators each operable to display an active and inactive signal.

The indicators are divided into two groups, an identical number of indicators preferably being contained in each group. The first group of indicators is under the control of first conditioning means which is accessible and visible only to one player, and the second group of indicators is under the control of second conditioning means which is accessible and visible only to the other player. The first and second conditioning means are respectively operable to condition any selected number of the indicators of the two groups to display the active condition or signal. When both players have completed their selection of the indicators of the respective groups to be conditioned, and have operated the respective conditioning means in accordance with their selections, master actuating means is operated to simultaneously cause the conditioned indicators of both groups to display the active condition. The position of a marker on the playing surface can then be determined in accordance with the indicators activated by the master actuating means.

In one embodiment of the invention, each of the indicators comprises an electric light, and the first and second conditioning means each comprises a plurality of switch means, each of the switch means being connected in series with one light of the respective first and second groups, and in parallel with the other lights and switches of the respective first and second groups. The first and second groups of lights and switches are in parallel with each other across a power source. The master actuating means comprises a master electric switch connected between the first and second groups and the power source for selectively actuating the conditioned lights of both groups to the active condition.

The playing surface is marked with a pair of side lines, goal lines, and a plurality of equally spaced yard lines between the goal lines to simulate a football field. The indicators are arrayed on the playing surface in two identical groups located on opposite sides of the simulated 50 yard line. The conditioning means are located on control panels at opposite ends of the simulated football field and are shielded from view from the player at the opposite end so that the plays can be selected by the individual players without the knowledge of the other.

A movable marker may be provided to simulate a football, and the marker is moved in accordance with the respective positions of the activated indicators after the master actuating means is actuated. Each group of the indicators may include a number sufficient for each of the indicators to represent a position on a football team. The position of the movable marker is determined in accordance with the positions of the activated indicators of one group relative to the activated indicators of the other group.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the indicators each displays an active visual signal only when in the active condition, and displays an inactive visual signal except when in the active condition, as in the first embodiment described above. The first and second conditioning means each comprises a plurality of shiftable members, each of the shiftable members controlling at least one of the indicators, and each of the shiftable members having a first position to permit any indicator controlled thereby to display the active visual signal upon the subsequent operation of master actuating means, and a second position to prevent any indicator controlled thereby from displaying the active visual signal upon subsequent operation of the master actuating means.

In the second embodiment, the playing surface is opaque, and each of the indicators comprises a translucent or transparent area in the otherwise opaque playing surface. The shiftable members each comprises a slide member having opaque and translucent or transparent portions which can be selectively positioned between any indicator controlled thereby and the source of the active visual signal. The active visual signal is provided by a light source, the light source being controlled by the master actuating means. The light source may be in the form of a single electric light located in a chamber beneath the playing surface, the master ac tuating means comprising switch means controlling the electric light.

In a third embodiment of the invention, the active visual signal is provided by a color pattern on a plate located beneath the playing surface. As in the second embodiment, the indicators are in the form of translucent areas or openings in the opaque playing surface. Slide members similar to the slide members of the second embodiment are movable between first and second positions to permit any indicator control thereby to display the active visual signal. The master actuating means is in the form of a slotted plate having a first position in which all of the indicators are blocked visually from the active visual signal, and a second position in which only the conditioned indicators can display the active visual signal, the other indicators displaying the inactive visual signal.

Other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of game apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1a is an elevational view of a movable marker;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view taken on lines 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic wiring diagram of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a spinner and indicating board which may be used in connection with the invention;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view similar to FIG. 1 of a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on lines 66 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on lines 77 of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 of a third embodiment of the invention; and

FIG, 9 illustrates in plan view the various layers of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first embodiment of the invention includes a frame or housing indicated generally by reference numeral 2 with a playing surface 4 defined thereon. A plurality of indicators is provided on the playing surface 4, the indicators being divided into two groups indicated collectively by reference numerals 3 and 5. The group of indicators 3 is under the control of a group of switches 6, and the group of indicators 5 is under the control of a group of switches 7. Switches 6 are located on a control panel 8 formed at one end of the playing surface, and the switches 7 are located on a control panel 10 located at the opposite end of the playing surface 4. There are fifteen indicators in each group in FIG. 1.

The playing surface 4 is marked off to simulate a football field having side lines 12 and 14,

goal lines

16 and 18, and end zones 20 and 22. Extending transversely between the side lines 12 and 14 are yard line markers which are simulated to be spaced to be five yards apart as in an actual football field. The 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 yard lines are indicated from each goal line as is the case with an actual football field. Additionally, the playing surface is marked off by laterally spaced longitudinal markings indicated on the goal lines as C, B, A, O, A, B, C, and on the 10 yard line adjacent goal line 18 by

reference numerals

28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40, for designating the transverse position of a marker 42 (FIG. la) which may be in the form ofa simulated football.

Located on control panels 8 and 10 are main actuating switches, or hike" switches 44 and 46, respectively. As will be set forth in greater detail below, actuation of either one of the hike switches 44 or 46 will result in actuation of any of the indicators in the first and second groups 3 and 5 that has been previously conditioned by movement or activation of a respective one of the conditioning switches 6 and 7 to an active position. a

The control panels 8 and 10 are separated from the playing surface 4-by shields 24 and 26 so that the conditioning switches 6 and the hike switch 44 controlled by one player will be hidden from view of the other player operating the conditioning switches 7 and the hike switch 46.

Extending between the shields 24 and 26 on opposite sides of the playing surface 4 are

rods

48 and 50. Slidably mounted on rod 48 is a down marker52, andslidably mounted on rod 50 is a ball position marker 54.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the indicators 3 and 5 each comprises an electric light, and each indicator light is under the control of one of the conditioning switches 6 and 7. Thus, the indicator lights 5a-5q are respectively under the control of conditioning switches 7a-7q. Similarly, the indicator lights 3a-3q are respectively under the control of conditioning switches 6a-6q. The conditioning switches 6a-6q are each connected in series with the respective indicator lights 3a-3q (FIG. 3), and the conditioning switches 7a-7q are each connected in series with the respective indicators 5a-5q. As shown in FIG. 3, the first group of lights 3 and switches 6 are in parallel with the second group of lights 5 and conditioning switches 7 across a power source. The hike switches 44 and 46 are connected respectively between the first and second groups and the power source. Accordingly, when either of the

switches

44 and 46 is actuated from the open position shown in FIG. 3 to the closed position, current will flow to any of the lights 3 or 5 having their respective conditioning switches 6 and 7 closed. For example, if conditioning switches Ga, 6d, 7d, 7g, 7m and 7p are actuated from the open positions shown in FIG. 3 to the closed position, subsequent actuation of either of the

switches

44 or 46 to the closed position will energize lights 311, 3d, 5d, 3g, 5m and 6p and the remaining lights will remain off, or in the inactive condition.

As shown in FIG. 1, groups 3 and 5 of the indicators are identical in number and distribution and are located on opposite sides of the 50-yard line or the transverse center line of the playing surface 4. Each of the groups 3 and 5 includes at least a number of indicators sufficient to correspond to the number of players on a football team. Thus, the

indicators

3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 31', 3k, 3m and 3n respresent the eleven players of a football team arrayed in a T-formation. The row of seven indicators 3a-3g on the 45-yard line adjacent to the goal line 16 represents the line players of a team, the indicator 3i located on the 35-yard line adjacent the goal line 16 represents the quarterback, the indicators 3k and 3n on the 25-yard line adjacent to goal line 16 represents the right halfback and left halfback, respectively, while the indicator 3m located between indicators 3k and 3n represents the fullback position.

Similarly, the second group 5 of indicators includes seven indicators 5a-5g located on the 45-yard line adjacent to goal line 18 representing the line position from left end to right end, the indicator 5i represents the quarterback,

indicator

5k and 5n represent the left halfback and right halfback positions, respectively, and indicator 5m represents the fullback position. In addition to the eleven positions of the football team, each group includes two short pass indicators and two long pass indicators. The indicators 3p and 3q located on the l5-yard line adjacent to goal line 16 are the long pass indicators of the first group 3, and indicators 3h and 3j located on the 35-yard line adjacent to goal line 16 are the short pass indicators for the first group 3. Similarly, indicators 5p and Sq located on the -yard line adjacent the goal line 16 are the long pass indicators of the second group 5, and indicators 5h and 5j located on the 35-yard line adjacent to goal line 18 are the short pass indicators for the second group 5.

It is apparent from FIGS. 1 and 3 that actuation of conditioning switch 6a to its closed position will result in activation of indicator 30 upon subsequent closing of either of

switches

44 or 46. Similarly, the closing of any of switches 6b through 6q conditions the respective indicators 3b through 3q to be activated, or energized, upon subsequent closing of either of

switches

44 or 46. The same is true of the second group of indicators 5 and the associated conditioning switches 7. Actuation of any of the conditioning switches 7a-7q will condition the respective indicators 5a-5q to be activated or energized upon subsequent closing of either of the

switches

44 or 46 to cause current to flow to the respective conditioned indicators.

FIG. 4 illustrates a scoreboard and spinner assembly which may be used in connection with the game. Reference numeral 56 designates a supporting board having a spinner 58 for determining the length of a field goal or bomb, a spinner 60 indicating the length ofa kickoff or punt, a spinner 64 indicating a K or R to determine which team kicks or receives at the beginning of a game, and score

indicators

66, 68, 70 and 72. Each of the score indicators 66 and 68 is marked with indicia which can be displayed in

openings

74 and 76, respectively, of the board 56 to indicate the score of one team, which is designated on the scoreboard as the home team.

Indicators

70 and 72 are similarly marked with indicia which may be displayed in openings 78 and 80 to indicate the score of the other team which is designated as the visitor.

The indicator lights may each be covered by a transparent or translucent disc 75 as shown in the broken portion of FIG. 2. The disc 75 is mounted in an opening in the playing surface 4 and the lights are located in a socket member beneath the disc 75. The disc 75 for the group 3 indicators may be of one color, and the discs 75 of the group 5 indicators may be of another color. For example, indicators 3a-3g, 3i, 3k, 3m, and 3n may be blue, while the corresponding indicators of group 5 may be white or some other color. The

short pass indicators

3h, 3j, 5h, 5j, and long pass indicators 3p, 3q, 5p, and 5q may all be red or some color different from the other indicators. The playing surface 4, except in the area of the indicators, is opaque and may be colored green to simulate the grass of a football field with the yard lines indicated in white.

The game may be played by two players. One player controls team 3 and the other player controls team 5. To start the game, a spin of the K and R spinner 64 determines if team 3, for example, will be the kicking or receiving team. Assuming that team 3 is designated as the kicking team by spinner 64, the ball marker 42 is placed on the 40yard line of team 3 as indicated at 42a in FIG. 1. Team 3 will then kick off from the 40-yard line of team 3 by spinning the kickoff spinner 60. The length of the kickoff is determined by the position of spinner 60 in relation to the indicia on the kick off or punt chart associated with spinner 60. Assuming that the kickoff spinner 60 indicates a kickoff length of thirty yards, the marker 42 is then moved to the position indicated at 42b in FIG. 1 on the 30-yard line of team 5. Team 5 then becomes the offensive team with the ball in the position indicated at 4212, and team 3 becomes the defensive team. The ball is in the center longitudinal marker 34, or the O longitudinal position of the field.

The offensive team, team 5 in the instant case, has four plays in which to advance the ball 10 yards as in conventional football. An offensive play is determined by actuation of the correct combination of two of the switches 7 for running plays, short passes, or long passes. For the bomb," three of the switches 7 are turned as will be set forth below.

A fullback running play, if successful, will result in a gain of 2 /2 yards. The fullback can run over center, or over either the right or left guard positions. To indicate a fullback running play, the player in control of team 5 will actuate the conditioning switch 7m and either of switches 7d or 7e depending on whether the running play is to be over left guard, center, or right guard positions, respectively.

I-Ialfback running plays, if successful, will result in a gain of 5 yards. The right halfback running plays are possible over the right tackle or right end positions. Similarly, the left halfback running plays are over the left tackle or left end positions. Thus, to select the right half over right tackle running play, the offensive switches 7n and 7f are actuated by the player in control of team 5 to cause indicators 5n and 5f to be actuated upon subsequent actuation of the hike switch 46 by the offensive player. Similarly, to select the running play using the left halfback over the left end position, the player in control of team 5 actuates switches 7k and 7a to indicate a running play by the left halfback over the left end position.

A short pass, if successful, results in a gain of yards, and is indicated by actuating switch 7i and either of switches 7h and 7j.

A long pass is indicated by actuating switch 71' and either of switches 7p or 7q. If successful, a long pass results in a gain by the offensive team of 10 yards.

A bomb is indicated by actuating switch 7i in combination with switches 7p and 7a, or in combination with switches 7q and 7g. If successful, spinner 58 determines the gain.

A kickoff, field goal or punt is indicated by actuating the quarterback switch 7i in combination with the fullback switch 7m. The length of a kickoff, field goal or punt is determined by spinners 58 and 60.

The position of the ball in relation to the side lines 12 and 14 is determined by the direction of the preceding play. For example, if the first play from the position indicated at 42b in FIG. 1 is to the left, the next play will begin from the left A longitudinal line, which is indicated by reference numeral 32 on the 10-yard line of team 5. If the subsequent play is also to the left, the ball will be in play from the longitudinal line 30, or the left B longitudinal line. The ball cannot move to the outside of either of the longitudinal lines C, indicated by

reference numerals

28 and 40 on the 10-yard line of team 5.

The defensive player selects the desired defense by actuating up to five switches controlling the indicators of the defensive team. For example, assuming team 3 to be the defensive team, the defensive player may actuate

switches

6a, 60, 62, 6g and 6j. If either of the offensive indicators 5a, 5c, 5e, 5g, or 5j are activated upon actuation of the hike switch 46, there will be no gain by the offensive team. In other words, if the Opposite offensive and defensive indicators are active, there will be no gain. However, the ball position will be moved laterally along one of the longitudinal markers in accordance with the direction of the preceding play relative to the side lines.

Preferably, the plays must be sealed within a time limit as determined by a conventional timer. Both the offensive and defensive plays must be determined, for example, within a thirty-second time limit. Thus, the player controlling the offensive team 5 will select a play by actuating two of the switches 7 within the thirtysecond time limit. At the same time, the defensive player in control of team 3 will select a defensive play by actuating any number up to five of the defensive switches 6. At the end of the thirty-second time limit, the offensive player will actuate the master actuator or hike switch 46 to cause the conditioned indicators to be activated.

When the conditioned indicators are activated by the hike switch 46, the gain, no gain or loss on the play by the offensive player may be determined as follows:

1. If the opposite offensive and defensive lights are ON" (example 3a and 50, 3e and 5e, etc.) there will be no gain.

2. If offensive light is ON and the opposite defensive light is OFF move ball on field in direction of play to the letter field position plus the number of yards indicated by offensive play. Example: if 5b is ON" and 3b is OFF," there will be a gain by the offensive team 5, the ball 42 will be moved to the left and will be advanced toward goal line 16.

3. If RED DOG defensive play is set (Defensive QB light 3i ON"), and the offensive QB light Si is ON, and an offensive pass condition light 5h, Sj, 5p or 5q is ON, there will be a 10 yard loss. If RED DOG or BLITZ defensive play is set (Defensive QB light 3i ON"), and offensive QB light 51' is off, the offensive running yardage is doubled.

4. If RED DOG defensive play is set (defensive QB light 31' ON and any two of the defensive pass condition lights 3h, 3j, 3p and Br; are ON only), and if offensive QB light 5i together with an opposite or equal pass light 5h,j, p or q is ON PASS INTERCEPTION.

EXAMPLE a. OFFENSE QB light 5i+ SHORT PASS light Sj DEFENSE QB light 31' LONG PASS light s SHORT PASS light 3 j RESULT PASS INTERCEPTION b. OFFENSE QB light 5i SHORT PASS light 5h DEFENSE QB light 3i SHORT PASS light 3h LONG PASS light 3q LONG PASS light 3p RESULT 10 YARD LOSS c. OFFENSE LHB light 5/1 LE light 5a DEFENSE QB light 3i+ SHORT PASS light 3h 0 light 5d LONG PASS light 3q LE light 8 RESULT OFFENSIVE YARDAGE IS DOUBLED (l0 YARDS) 5. If the BOMB is set (Offensive QB light 5i ON" Long Pass lights 5p or Sq ON End lights 5a or Sq ON), and the equal defense Long Pass light 3p or 3q is OFF, spin BOMB spinner for total yards gained.

If the BOMB" is set and the equal defense Long Pass light is On NO GAIN.

If the BOMB is set and the defense QB light is ON (THE BLITZ) the defense spins the BOMB spinner to determine the total yardage lost by offense. (Maximum 20 yards.)

NOTE

The distance from the goal line to the outside of the end zone is 10 yards when determining if the BOMB is complete for a Touchdown.

6. If a kick play is set (offense QB FB lights ON) the kick can be blocked if ALL (5) center defensive lights are ON (T,G,C,G,T, or 5b, 0, d, e and f).

A touchdown results in a score of six points. Points after a touchdown may be made by a kick or pass. A point after touchdown kick is set by offensive player activating the QB light 51' and the FB light 5m. If successful, a point after touchdown kick results in a one point score. A point after touchdown kick is blocked if the defensive LT, LG, C, RG, and RT lights 3f, e, d, c and b are activated. The scoring team receives two points for a pass play. The pass play can be blocked by activation of the defensive QB light 31'.

Three points are scored for a field goal and two points for a safety or touch back as in actual football.

Penalties may be determined as follows: Offense: If more than, or less than, (2) switches are ON after HIKE, yard penalty (off sides).

Defense: If more than (5) switches are ON after I-IIKE" 5 yard penalty (off sides).

Offensive: If the wrong combination of switches is ON 5 yard penalty (illegal procedure). Example: QB OFF (R) T Defense: If the RH, RB or LH lights are ON 5 yard penalty (personal foul).

Offense: A maximum of seconds and a maximum of 30 seconds is allowed between plays (downs) 2- /2 yard penalty (delaying game).

The apparatus is, of course, not limited for use according to a specific set of rules, and may of course even be adapted for use with games other than simulated football. While the invention may be embodied in different forms, in the FIG. 1 embodiment, the invention is embodied in game apparatus comprising means defining a playing surface 4; an array of indicators 3, 5 on said playing surface each having active and inactive conditions. First conditioning means 6 controls a first group 3 of the indicators, the first conditioning means being selectively operable to condition any selected number of the indicators 3a-3q of the first group 3 to be actuated from the inactive to active condition. Second conditioning means 7 controls a second group 5 of the indicators and is selectively operable to condition any selected number of the indicators 5a-5q of the second group 5 to be actuated from the inactive to active condition. Master actuating means 44, 46 is operable to simultaneously actuate all of the conditioned indicators to the active condition for comparing the active indicators of the first group 3 with the active indicators of the second group 5.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the indicators each comprises a light, and the first and second conditioning means 6 and 7 each comprises a plurality of switch means 6a-6q and 7a-7q, respectively, located remotely from the playing surface 4. Each of the switch means 6a6q and 7a-7q are connected in series with one light 3a-3q, 5a-5q of the respective first and second groups 3 and 5, and in parallel with the other lights and switches of the respective first and second groups. The first and second groups 6 and 7 (FIG. 3) are in parallel with each other across the power source and the master actuating means comprises a master switch means 44 or 46 connected between the first and second groups 6 and 7, respectively, and the power source for selectively actuating the conditioned lights of both groups to the active condition simultaneously.

As will be set forth in the following description of the other embodiments of the invention, the indicators of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3 each displays an active visual signal only when in the active condition, and displays an inactive visual signal except when in the active condition. Thus, when the indicator 5a is conditioned to be actuated. from the inactive to active condition by closing switch 7a, subsequent actuation of either of the master switches 44 or 46 will result in indicator 50 being activated to the active condition. The first and second conditioning means 6 and 7, respectively, each comprises a plurality of shiftable members 6a6q and 7a-7q, respectively, each of the shiftable members controlling at least one of the indicators 3a-3q and 5a-5q. Each of the shiftable members 6a-6q and 7a-7q has a first, or closed position to permit any indicator controlled thereby to display the active visual signal upon subsequent operation of the master actuating means 44 or 46, and a second, or open, position shown in FIG. 3,.to prevent any indicator control thereby from displaying the active visual signal upon subsequent operation of the master actuating means 44 or 46.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention wherein the source of the active visual signal for the indicators comprises a light source in a chamber beneath the playing surface which may consist of a single light bulb instead of a light bulb for each indicator as in the first embodiment. The apparatus 102 comprises a housing or frame having a playing surface 104 defined thereon. The playing surface 014 is marked off to simulate a football field as in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

Two groups of

indicators

103 and 105 are provided on the playing surface and are equal in number and identical in distribution to the indicators 3 and 5 of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. The playing surface 104 is defined on an opaque top plate member 109 resting on the upper edges of side members 110 of the housing. Located beneath the top plate 109 are

plates

111, 112, 113 and 114, (FIG. 7) the bottom plate 111 being supported. on a shoulder 115 formed on the side wall 110. The bottom wall 116 of the housing cooperates with the plate 111 to define a chamber 118, the plate 111 forming the top, opaque wall of the chamber.

A plurality of openings 119 is formed in plate 111, each of the openings 119 being in axial alignment with one of the

indicators

103 or 105. Each of the

indicators

103 and 105 comprises a translucent or transparent area within the opaque playing surface 104, and is in the form of an opening extending through plate 109 with a lens of translucent or transparent material preferably provided to prevent the entry of dirt and other foreign matter into the indicators. The lens of the indicators may be colored in the same pattern as discussed hereinabove in connection with the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

Received within the chamber 118 is an electric light bulb 120 controlled by a switch 126 connected with the wire 122 between the light bulb and the source of power. The wire 122 in FIG. 6 extends between the light bulb 120 and switch 126 through an opening in a partition 124 extending between the plate 111 and bottom wall 116. The electric light bulb 120 provides a light source controlled by the switch 126, the light source providing the active visual signal for each of the indicators. When the path between the

indicators

103 or 105 and the respective openings 119 is uninterrupted, the indicators display an active signal provided by the light source 120. When. the light path between chamber 1 l8 and any of the

indicators

103 or 105 is interrupted by an opaque member, the indicator displays an inactive visual signal even when the switch 126 is actuated to the on position.

Each of the

plates

112, 113 and 114 is formed with a plurality of slots, and each of the slots slidably receives a slide member having opaque and translucent (or transparent) portions. Each of the slide members controls one of the indicators in such a manner that in one position of the slide member, a translucent or transparent portion of the slide member is located in axial alignment with the indicator controlled thereby to permit the indicator to display the active signal, and a second position in which an opaque portion of the slide member is located in axial alignment with the indicator controlled thereby to interrupt the light path between the associated opening 119 and the indicator to prevent the indicator from displaying the active visual signal.

The slide members for controlling the group 103 of indicators are indicated collectively by reference numeral 106. Each of the slide members 106 includes an elongated opaque body of plastic or other suitable material with an operating handle projecting upwardly from one end of the body and accessible at control panel 108 for shifting the slide member longitudinally. The slide members 106a-106q, respectively, control the indicators 103a-103q. As shown in FIG. 6, the slide member 106d is slidably received in a slot 132 in plate 114, slide member 1061' is slidably received in a slot 130 formed in plate 113, and slide member 106m is slidably received in a slot 128 formed in plate 112. The top plate 109 extends beyond the end Zone of the playing surface 104 such that the end portion of the plate member 109 defines the control panel 108. Slots 140 are formed in the control panel, each of which receives the operating handle of one of the slide members 106.

With reference to FIG. 6, the slide member 106d includes openings or transparent or

translucent portions

134, 136, and 138 spaced along the length of the opaque body of the slide member. Slide member 106d controls the indicator 103d. In the position shown in FIG. 6, an opaque portion of slide member 106d is located beneath'the indicator 103d to block the passage oflight from the chamber 118 to the indicator 103d. By shifting slide member 106d to the left as viewed in FIG. 6 to the left end of its respective slot 140, the transparent portion 134 will be located in axial alignment with indicator 103d to permit indicator 103d to display the active condition when the master switch 126 is turned to the ON position. In both positions of slide member 106d, the transparent or translucent area 138 is located beneath indicator 103m since the length of the transparent portion 138 is at least as great as that of the slot 140. The quarterback indicator 103i is never active simultaneously with the center indicator 103d, consequently, when the slide member 106d is in the left hand positionto activate indicator 103d, indicator 103i is blocked.

The slide member 106i has openings or translucent or

transparent portions

142, 144, and 146 .in the opaque body thereof. In the inactive position of slide member 106i shown in FIG. 6, that is, with the operating handle located at the right end of the respective slot 140i, an opaque portion is located between indicator 103i and the opening 119 in plate 111 to block the passage of light from chamber 1 18.to indicator 103i. When slide member 106i is shifted to the left in FIG. 6 until the operating handle thereof is located at the left end of the slot 140 through which it projects, the transparent portion 144 will be located in axial alignment with indicator 1031' to permit the passage of light through opening 119 to indicator 103i. The lengths of the

transparent portions

142 and 146 are such that in both positions of slide member 106i, the

transparent portions

142 and 146 are located in axial alignment with indicators103d and 103m, respectively.

Similarly, slide member 106m in FIG. 6 is formed with openings or translucent or

transparent areas

150, 152, and 154 in the opaque body thereof. In the position shown in FIG. 6, an opaque portion of slide member 106m is located beneath the indicator 103m controlled thereby. Consequently, the indicator 103m cannot display the active condition. Movement of slide member 106m to the left positions the opening 154 in axial alignment with indicator 103m to permit indicator 103m to display the active condition. The

openings

150 and 152 are in axial alignment with indicators 103d and 103i, respectively, in both positions of slide member 106m.

The game may be played with the second embodiment of FIGS. 5 through 7 in the same manner as in connection with the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3 by manipulating the slide members 106 to condition any selected number of the indicators 103 to display the active condition upon subsequent actuation of the hike switch 126.

Thus, as in the first embodiment, the second embodiment of FIGS. 5 through 7 includes game apparatus comprising means defining a playing surface 104, an array of

indicators

103, 105 on the playing surface 104 each having active and inactive conditions. First conditioning means 106 controls the first group 103 of the indicators, the first conditioning means 106 being selectively operable to condition any selected number of the indicators l03a-l03q of the first group 103 to be actuated from the inactive to active conditions. As in the previously described embodiment, second conditioning means identical to the first conditioning means 106 is provided for the second group of indicators 105. Switch 126 constitutes master actuating means operable to simultaneously actuate all of the conditioned indicators to the active condition by comparing the ac tive indicators of the first group 103 with the active indicators of the second group 105.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 through 7 the conditioning means comprises a plurality of shiftable members each of which controls one of the

indicators

103 or 105. Each of the shiftable members 106 has a first position to permit the indicator control thereby to display an active visual signal upon subsequent operation of the master actuating means 126, and a second position to prevent any indicator control thereby from displaying theactive visual signal from subsequent operation of a master actuating means 126.

The shiftable members each comprises a slide mem ber 106 having opaque and translucent portions which can be selectively positioned between any indicator control thereby and the source of the active visual signal. Thesource of the active visual signal comprises a light source controlled by the master actuating means 126. The light source is located in a chamber 118 having an opaque wall 111 in spaced relationship with the playing surface 104, and a plurality of translucent areas or openings 119 in the opaque wall 111 each of which is disposed in alignment with one of the indicators 103. The slide members 106 each overly the opaque wall 1 11 and the translucent areas 1 19 therein.

The third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 and constitutes an all-mechanical embodiment of the invention, i.e., an embodiment in which no electrical light sources are utilized. Instead, the active and inactive conditions or signals for the respective indicators are provided by a color pattern located beneath the playing surface. A specific indicator can display the active visual signal provided by the color pattern only when both the conditioning member controlling the indicator is in the active position and a master actuating means is in the active position.

The third embodiment of the invention includes the frame or housing indicated generally by reference numeral 202 with a playing surface 204 defined thereon. A group of indicators corresponding to group 3 of the indicator of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 as illustrated collectively by reference number 203, the group of indicators including indicators 203a-q corresponding to indicators 3aq of the first embodiment and indicators l03a-q of the second embodiment. The playing surface 204 is defined by a top plate 209 having an extension at one end defining a control panel 208. Each of the indicators 203 comprises a cylinder opening through the top plate 209, and a clear transparent disc 205 may be provided in each of the indicators 203 to prevent the entry of dirt or other foreign matter beneath the plate 209.

Located beneath plate 209 is a plate 210 having a color pattern on its upper surface and having a specific orientation with respect to the indicators 203. Located between the plate 209 and the plate 210 are

plates

220, 222, 224, and 226 each of which is shown in plan view in FIGS. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the plate 210 has a color pattern including a red area 212, a blue area 214, a white area 216, and a red area 218. Obviously, the colors and specific configuration of the patterns are arbitrarily determined. The color pattern is indicated in phantom lines in the plan view of plate 209 in FIG. 9 to illustrate the relationship of the color pattern to the indicators 203a-q. The red area 212 is located beneath the indicators 203h, 203j, 203p and 203L]. The blue area 214 is disposed beneath indicators 203a-q. 203i, 203k, 203m, and 203n. Therefore, as will be set forth in greater detail below, in the active condition, indicators 203h, 203j, 203p, and 203q will be red and the remaining indicators, 203a-g, i, k, m and n will be blue. The indicators corresponding to group 5 of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 are not shown in FIGS. 6

and 7. However, it is apparent that the indicators 205a-g, i, k, m and n of the second group would be white in their active position while the corresponding indicators 205h, j, p and q will be red in their active condition.

As in the second embodiment of FIGS. 5 through 7, the indicators 203 are under the control of conditioning means 206 comprising a plurality of slide member 206a-q each of which respectively controls one of the indicators 203a-q. The slide members 206 are each similar in construction to the slide members 106 of the second embodiment including an elongated opaque body with an operating handle projecting upwardly from one end and accessible at the control panel 208 for shifting the slide members longitudinally.

With reference to FIG. 9, plate 220 is formed with longitudinal slots 228p, k, m, n and q slidably receiving slide members 206p, k, m, n, and q, respectively. Plate member 220 is also formed with openings 238a, b,f, and g which are disposed in axial alignment with indicators 203a, 12, f, and g, respecitvely. Slide member 206p is formed with a circular opening 241p which is located in axial alignment with the indicator 203p only when slide member 206p has been actuated to the left end of its slot 240p in plate 208 as viewed in FIG. 8 to condition indicator 203p to be actuated to the active condition. Slide member 206p is also formed with an elongated opening or transparent portion 24lh which is located beneath indicator 203h in either position of slide member 206p so that slide member 206p does not obstruct indicator 203h in either position of the slide member 206p.

Slide member 206k is formed with an elongated opening or transparent portion 241c which is located beneath indicator 203C in either position of slide member 206k. Slide member 206k is also formed with a circular opening or transparent portion 241k which is located in axial alignment with indicator 203k only when slide member 206k is actuated to the left end of its slot 240k in plate 208, as viewed in FIG. 8.

Slide member 206m is formed with elongated openings or transparent portions 241d and 241i located respectively beneath indicators 203d and 203i in either position of slide member 206m. Slide member 206m is formed with a circular opening or transparent portion 241m which is located in axial alignment with indicator 203m only when slide member 206m is actuated to the left end of its slot 240m in plate 208.

Similarly, slide member 206n is formed with an elongated opening or transparent portion 241e which is located beneath indicator 203e in either position 05 slide member 206n. Slide member 206n is also formed with a circular opening or transparent portion 24ln which is located beneath indicator 203n only when slide member 206n is actuated to the left end of its slot 240n in plate 208.

Similarly, slide member 206q is formed with a circular opening or transparent portion 241q located beneath indicator 203q only when slide member 206q is actuated to the left end of its slot 240: in plate 208. An elongated opening or transparent portion 241j is also formed in slide member 206q which is located beneath indicator 203j in either position of slide member 206q.

Plate member 222 is formed with slots 229a, b, i, f,

and g for slidably receiving slide members 206a, b, i, f,

and g, respectively. Slot 229i is extended rearwardly from the end of slide member 206i to form a slot 244m as viewed in FIG. 9 to receive the operating handle of 206m. Plate member 222 is also provided with slots 244p and 244q for respectively receiving the operating portions of slide members 206p and 206q from plate 220.

Plate member 222 is also formed with openings 242e, e, h, j, k, n, p and q in axial alignment with the respective indicators 2036, e, h,j, k, n, p and q. Slide members 206a, 12, f, and g are each, respectively, formed with a circular opening or transparent portion 243a, h, f and g which is disposed in axial alignment with the respective indicators 203a, b, f and g when the slide members are moved to the left end of the respective slots 240a, h, f, and g, as viewed in FIG. 9. When the slide members are moved to the right end of the respective slots 240a, b, f, and g, the opaque portions of the slide members are disposed between the respective indicators 203a, b, f and g and the color pattern on plate 210.

Slide member 206i is formed with elongated openings or transparent portions 243d and m which are disposed beneath indicators 203d and m, respectively, in

each position of slide member 2061' in slot 240i. A circular opening or transparent portion 243i is formed in slide member 2061' which is disposed beneath indicator 203i only when slide member 206i is in the left, or active position, with respect to its slot 2401'.

Plate member 224 is formed with slots 23111, c, d, e, andj slidably receiving slide members 206h, c, d, e, and j, respectively. Slot 206h also has a portion 245p which receives the operating portion of slide member 206p. Similarly, slot 2310 has a portion 245 k which receives the operating portion of slide member 206k. Slot 231d has a portion 245i-m which receives the operating portions of slide members 2061' and 206m. Slot 231e has a portion 245n which receives the operating portion of slide member 206n. Slot 231] has a portion 245q which receives the operating portion of slide member 206q. Plate 224 is also formed with slots 245a, b, f, and g for respectively receiving the operating portions of slides 206a, b,fand g. Plate member 224 is also formed with openings 246a, b, f, and g disposed in axial alignment with indicators 20312, b, f, and g, respectively.

Slide member 206h in FIG. 9 is formed with a circular opening or transparent portion 248k which is disposed in axial alignment with indicator 203h only when the operating portion of slide member 206h is located at the left end of the respective slot 240k in plate 208. Slide member 206h is also formed with an elongated opening or transparent portion 248p which is disposed in alignment with indicator 203p in either position of slide member 206h in its slot 240h.

Slide member 206C is formed with a circular opening or transparent portion 248c which is in axial alignment with indicator 203C only in the active position of slide member 206e, that is, with the operating portion of slide member 206C at the left end of its slot 2400 in plate 208. An elongated opening or transparent portion 248k is also formed in slide member 2060 which is located beneath indicator 203k in either position of slide member 2066.

Slide member 20611 is formed with a circular opening or transparent portion 248d and 248i and elongated opening or transparent portion 248m. Similarly, slide member 206e is formed with a circular opening or transparent portion 248a and an elongated opening or transparent portion 248:1. Slide member 206j is formed with a circular opening or transparent portion 248j and an elongated opening or transparent portion 248:

Plate member 226 is formed with slots or

openings

250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, and 258 for slidably receiving the operating members of the slide members 206. Opening 250 receives the operating member of slide members 206a, 206b, and 20611; slot 251 receives the slide member 206p; slot 252 receives the slide member 206c; slot 253 receives the slide member 206k; slot 254 receives the

slide members

206d, 206i, and 206m; slot 255 receives the slide member 206e; slot 256 receives the slide member 206n; slot 257 receives the slide members 206 206g, and 206j; and slot 258 receives the slide member 206q. Plate 226 is also formed with an operating handle 259 which projects through the slot 260 in plate 209.

Plate 226 is also formed with slots of

transparent portions

262, 264, 266, and 268.

Opaque portions

270, 272, and 274 are located between

slots

262, 264, 266, and 268. As indicated in FIG. 9, portion 270 may be colored red, portion 272 may be provided with a blue area, portion 274 may be provided with blue and red areas, and a blue area 276 may be provided on the left side of slot 268. When the operating handle 259 is located at the right end of slot 260 in plate 209, portion 270 will be located beneath indicators 203p and 203q; portion 272 will be located beneath indicators 203k, 203m, and 203n; portion 274 will be located beneath indicators 201%, 203i, and 203j; and portion 276 will be located beneath indicators 203a, 203b, 203e, 203d, 203e, 203], and 2033. The color pattern provided by plate 226 in this position will be the same as the color pattern on plate 210.

When the operating handle or stem 259 is shifted to the left end of slot 260 of plate 209, slot 262 will be located beneath indicators 203p and 203q; slot 264 will be located beneath indicators 203k, 203m and 203n; slot 266 will be located beneath indicators 20311, 2031', and 203j; and slot 268 will be located beneath indicators 203a, 203b, 203C, 203d, 203e, 203], and 203g.

If all of the operating members of the slide members are located at the right end of the respective slots 240, the indicators will all display the inactive signal when stem 259 is shifted to the left end of slot 260. However, if any of the slide members 206 is shifted to the left end of its respective slot 240, or to an active condition, subsequent movement of stem 259 to the left end of slot 260 will result in the indicator controlled by the active slide member displaying the active signal which is the color pattern from plate 210. For example, if slide members 206a and 206k are shifted to the left end of their slots 240, subsequent actuation of plate 226 to the left with stem 259 located at the left end of slot 260 will cause indicators 203a and 203k to display the blue color from area 214 of plate 210, all of the rest of the indicators displaying the inactive condition due to the fact that the particular slides 206 controlling the respective indicators will have their opaque portions disposed beneath the respective indicators.

It is apparent that the apparatus of the third embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 can be operated in the same manner as the previously described embodiments.

Thus, as in the first and second embodiments, the third embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 includes game apparatus comprising means defining a playing surface 204; an array of indicators 203 on the playing surface 104 each having active and inactive conditions. First conditioning means 206 controls the first group 203 of the indicators, the first conditioning means 206 being selectively operable to condition any selected number of the indicators 203a-g of the first group 203 to be actuated from the inactive to active conditions. The second group of indicators and conditioning means is not shown in FIG. 8 and 9, however, it is understood that only one-half of the apparatus is illustrated in the drawings. Thus, as in the previously described embodiment, second conditioning means identical to the first conditioning means 206 is provided for the second group of indicators. Plate 226 constitutes master actuating means operable to simultaneously actuate all of the conditioned indicators to the active condition for comparing the active indicators of the first group 203 with the active indicators of the second group. In the third embodiment, the conditioning means comprises a plurality of siftable members, as in the second embodiment, each of the shiftable members controlling one of the indicators 203. Each of the shiftable members 206 has a first position to permit the indicator controlled thereby to display an active visual signal upon subsequent operation of the master actuating means 226, and a second position to prevent any indicator control thereby from displaying the active visual signal upon subsequent operation of the master actuating means 226.

The shiftable members each comprises a slide member 206 having opaque and transparent portions which can be selectively positioned between any indicator control thereby and the source of the active visual sigml The source of the active visual signal comprises the color pattern 212-218.

While several specific forms of the invention have been described in the foregoing specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact construction shown. Various alternatives in the construction and arrangement of parts, all falling within the scope and spirit of the invention, will be apparent to those skilled in the'art.

I claim:

1. Game apparatus comprising: means defining a playing surface; an array of indicators on said playing surface each having active and inactive conditions; first conditioning means controlling a first group of said indicators, said first conditioning means being selectively operable to condition any selected number of the indicators of said first group to be actuated from the inactive to active condition; second conditioning means controlling a second group of said indicators and being selectively operable to condition any selected number of the indicators of said second group to be actuated from the inactive to active condition; and master actuating means operable to simultaneously actuate all of the conditioned indicators to the active condition for comparing the active indicators of said first group with the active indicators of said second group, said master actuating means comprising a source of an active visual signal; said indicators each displaying an active visual signal only when in the active condition and displaying an inactive visual signal except when in the active condition; said first and second conditioning means each comprising a plurality of shiftable members, each of. said shiftable, members controlling at least one of said indicators; each of said shiftable members having a first position to permit any indicator controlled thereby to display the active visual signal upon subsequent operation of said master actuating means, and a second position to prevent any indicator controlled thereby from displaying the active visual signal upon subsequent operation of said master actuating means; said playing surface being opaque and said indicators each comprising a translucent area in said playing surface; said shiftable members each comprising a slide member having opaque and translucent portions which can be selectively positioned between any indicator controlled thereby and the source of the active visual signal.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said source for providing the active visual signal is a light source, said light source being controlled by said master actuating means.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 including a chamber having an opaque wall in spaced relationship with said playing surface, and a plurality of translucent areas in said opaque wall each of which is disposed in alignment with one of said indicators; said slide members overlying said opaque wall and the translucent areas therein.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said light source comprises electric light means located in said chamber, and said master actuating means comprises switch means controlling said electric light means.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said means defining said playing surface comprises a flat, rectangular top plate member having a length greater than the length of said playing surface such that the end portions of said plate member extend beyond each end of said playing surface and define control panels; and further including a plurality of slots formed in each of said end portions.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein each of said slide members is formed at one end with an operating handle, and each'of said operating handles projects through one of the slots in one of said end portions and being movable along the length of said one slot to shift the respective slide member between its first and second positions.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 including a plurality of intermediate plates disposed between said top plate member and the opaque wall of said chamber, each of said intermediate plate members being formed with a plurality of slots, each of said slots receiving one of said slide members.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said switch means controlling said electric light means comprises a switch located on each of said control panels.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including a plate member having a color pattern thereon located beneath said playing surface for providing the active visual signal.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said master actuating means comprises a plate member having an opaque and transparent portions, said plate being selectively movable between an inactive position in which the opaque portions thereof are located between said indicators and said color pattern and an inactive position in which the transparent portions thereof are located between said indicators and said color pattern.

11. Game apparatus comprising: means defining a playing surface; an array of indicators on said playing surface each having active and inactive conditions; first conditioning means controlling a first group of said indicators, said first conditioning means being selectively operable to condition any selected number of the indicators of said first group to be actuated from the inactive to active condition; second conditioning means controlling a second group of said indicators and being selectively operable to condition any selected number of the indicators of said second group to be actuated from the inactive to active condition; and master actuating means operable to simultaneously actuate all of the conditioned indicators to the active condition for comparing the active indicators of said first group with the active indicators of said second group; said indicators each comprising a transparent area in said playing surface; said first and second conditioning means each comprising a plurality of slide members, each of said slide members having opaque and translucent portions and controlling one of said indicators; and each of said slide members being movable between an inactive position in which an opaque portion thereof is located in axial alignment with the indicator controlled thereby, and an active condition in which a translucent portion thereof is located in axial alignment with the indicator controlled thereby.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 including means providing a visual signal source for activating said indicators, said slide members being disposed between said indicators and said source.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein said last named means comprises a surface having a color pattern therein.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein said master actuating means comprises a plate member having an opaque and transparent portions, said plate being selectively movable between an inactive position in which the opaque portions thereof are located between said indicators and said color pattern and an inactive position in which the transparent portions thereof are located between said indicators and said color pattern.

15. Game apparatus comprising: means defining a playing surface, said playing surface being marked with a pair of spaced goal lines and a plurality of equally spaced yard lines between said goal lines to simulate a football field; a plurality of indicators arrayed on said surface in two identical groups located on opposite sides of the center yard line, each of said indicators having visible active and inactive conditions; first and second conditioning means located remotely from said surface and from each other and controlling said first and second groups, respectively; said conditioning means being selectively operable to condition any selected number of the indicators of the respective group to be actuated from the inactive to active condition; master actuating means operable to simultaneously actuate all of the conditioned indicators to the active condition for comparing the pattern of the active indicators of said first group with the pattern of the active indicators of said second group; each of said groups including at least a number of indicators sufficient to correspond to the number of players on a football team; each group including a row of seven line player indicators spaced from each other and extending transversely of the field in parallel relationship with the goal lines and located between the center yard line and one of the goal lines to simulate the line players of a football team; each group including four backfield player indicators located between said line player indicators and the adjacent goal line; said backfield player indicators being disposed in a T-formation including: a quarterback indicator in longitudinal alignment with the quarterback indicator and spaced therefrom toward the adjacent goal line; and two halfback indicators spaced laterally on opposite sides of the fullback indicator; each group further including two short pass indicators spaced laterally from each other on opposite sides of the quarterback indicator; each group further including two long pass indicators spaced laterally from each other such that each is in longitudinal alignment with one of the short pass indicators; the long pass indicators being spaced longitudinally from the fullback and halfback indicators toward the nearest goal line; said indicators each comprising a transparent area in said playing surface; said first and second conditioning means each comprising a plurality of slide members, each of said slide members having opaque and translucent portions and controlling one of said indicators; and each of said slide members being movable between an inactive position in which an opaque portion thereof is located in axial alignment with the indicator controlled thereby, and an active condition in which a translucent portion thereof is located in axial alignment with the indicator controlled thereby.

16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 including means providing a visual signal source for activating said indicators, said slide members being disposed between said indicators and said source.

17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein said last named means comprises a surface having a color pattern therein.

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein said master actuating means comprises a plate member having an opaque and transparent portions, said plate being selectively movable between an inactive position in which the opaque portions thereof are located between said indicators and said color pattern and an inactive position in which the transparent portions thereof are located between said indicators and said color pattern.

19. Game apparatus comprising: means defining a playing surface, said playing surface being marked with a pair of spaced goal lines and a plurality of equally spaced yard lines between said goal lines to simulate a football field; a plurality of indicators arrayed on said surface in two identical groups located on' opposite sides of the center yard line, each of said indicators having visible active and inactive conditions; first and second conditioning means located remotely from said surface and from each other and controlling said first and second groups, respectively; said conditioning means being selectively operable to condition any selected number of the indicators of the respective group to be actuated from the inactive to active condition; master actuating means operable to simultaneously actuate all of the conditioned indicators to the active condition for comparing the pattern of the active indicators of said first group with the pattern of the active indicators of said second group, said master conditioning means comprising a source of an active visual signal; each of said groups including at least a number of indicators sufficient to correspond to the number of players on a football team; each group including a row of seven line player indicators spaced from each other and extending transversely of the field in parallel relationship with the goal lines and located between the center yard line and one of the goal lines to simulate the line players of a football team; each group including four backfield player indicators located between said line player indicators and the adjacent goal line; said backfield player indicators being disposed in a Tformation including: a quarterback indicator in longitudinal alignment with the quarterback indicator and spaced therefrom toward the adjacent goal line; and two halfback indicators spaced laterally on opposite sides of the fullback indicator; each group further including two short pass indicators spaced laterally from each other on opposite sides of the quarterback indicator; each group further including two long pass indicators spaced laterally from each other such that each is in longitudinal alignment with one of the short pass indicators; the long pass indicators are spaced longitudinally from the fullback and halfback indicators toward the nearest goal line; said indicators each displaying an active visual signal only when in the active condition and displaying an inactive visual signal except when in the active condition; said first and second conditioning means each comprising a plurality of shiftable members, each of said shiftable members controlling at least one of said indicators; each of said shiftable members having a first position to permit any indicator controlled thereby to display the active visual signal upon subsequent operation of said master actuating means, and a second position to prevent any indicator controlled thereby from displaying the active visual signal upon subsequent operation of said master actuating means; said playing surface being opaque and said indicator each comprising a translucent area in said playing surface; said shiftable members each comprising a slide member having opaque and translucent portions which can be selectively positioned between any indicator controlled thereby and the source of the active visual signal.

20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein said source for providing the active visual signal is a light source, said light source being controlled by said master actuating means.

21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 20 including a chamber having an opaque wall in spaced relationship with said playing surface, and a plurality of translucent areas in said opaque wall each of which is disposed in alignment with one of said indicators; said slide members overlying said opaque wall and the translucent areas therein.

22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein said light source comprises electric light means located in said chamber, and said master actuating means comprises switch means controlling said electric light means.

Claims

1. Game apparatus comprising: means defining a playing surface; an array of indicators on said playing surface each having active and inactive conditions; first conditioning means controlling a first group of said indicators, said first conditioning means being selectively operable to condition any selected number of the indicators of said first group to be actuated from the inactive to active condition; second conditioning means controlling a second group of said indicators and being selectively operable to condition any selected number of the indicators of said second group to be actuated from the inactive to active condition; and master actuating means operable to simultaneously actuate all of the conditioned indicators to the active condition for comparing the active indicators of said first group with the active indicators of said second group, said master actuating means comprising a source of an active visual signal; said indicators each displaying an active visual signal only when in the active condition and displaying an inactive visual signal except when in the active condition; said first and second conditioning means each comprising a plurality of shiftable members, each of said shiftable members controlling at least one of said indicators; each of said shiftable members having a first position to permit any indicator controlled thereby to display the active visual signal upon subsequent operation of said master actuating means, and a second position to prevent any indicator controlled thereby from displaying the active visual signal upon subsequent operation of said master actuating means; said playing surface being opaque and said indicators each comprising a translucent area in said playing surface; said shiftable members each comprising a slide member having opaque and translucent portions which can be selectively positioned between any indicator controlled thereby and the source of the active visual signal.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein each of said slide members is formed at one end with an operating handle, and each of said operating handles projects through one of the slots in one of said end portions and being movable along the length of said one slot to shift the respective slide member between its first and second positions.

19. Game apparatus comprising: means defining a playing surface, said playing surface being marked with a pair of spaced goal lines and a plurality of equally spaced yard lines between said goal lines to simulate a football field; a plurality of indicators arrayed on said surface in two identical groups located on opposite sides of the center yard line, each of said indicators having visible active and inactive conditions; first and second conditioning means located remotely from said surface and from each other and Controlling said first and second groups, respectively; said conditioning means being selectively operable to condition any selected number of the indicators of the respective group to be actuated from the inactive to active condition; master actuating means operable to simultaneously actuate all of the conditioned indicators to the active condition for comparing the pattern of the active indicators of said first group with the pattern of the active indicators of said second group, said master conditioning means comprising a source of an active visual signal; each of said groups including at least a number of indicators sufficient to correspond to the number of players on a football team; each group including a row of seven line player indicators spaced from each other and extending transversely of the field in parallel relationship with the goal lines and located between the center yard line and one of the goal lines to simulate the line players of a football team; each group including four backfield player indicators located between said line player indicators and the adjacent goal line; said backfield player indicators being disposed in a T-formation including: a quarterback indicator in longitudinal alignment with the quarterback indicator and spaced therefrom toward the adjacent goal line; and two halfback indicators spaced laterally on opposite sides of the fullback indicator; each group further including two short pass indicators spaced laterally from each other on opposite sides of the quarterback indicator; each group further including two long pass indicators spaced laterally from each other such that each is in longitudinal alignment with one of the short pass indicators; the long pass indicators are spaced longitudinally from the fullback and halfback indicators toward the nearest goal line; said indicators each displaying an active visual signal only when in the active condition and displaying an inactive visual signal except when in the active condition; said first and second conditioning means each comprising a plurality of shiftable members, each of said shiftable members controlling at least one of said indicators; each of said shiftable members having a first position to permit any indicator controlled thereby to display the active visual signal upon subsequent operation of said master actuating means, and a second position to prevent any indicator controlled thereby from displaying the active visual signal upon subsequent operation of said master actuating means; said playing surface being opaque and said indicator each comprising a translucent area in said playing surface; said shiftable members each comprising a slide member having opaque and translucent portions which can be selectively positioned between any indicator controlled thereby and the source of the active visual signal.