GB2387786A

GB2387786A - Football game

Info

Publication number: GB2387786A
Application number: GB0308905A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mel David O'connor
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-04-18
Filing date: 2003-04-17
Publication date: 2003-10-29
Also published as: GB0308905D0; GB0208839D0

Abstract

A football game apparatus comprises a pitch, a ball, a plurality of players, apparel for one or more of said plurality of players, and a set of rules for playing the game, wherein the pitch includes two opposing spaced apart goal mouths, and a plurality of pitch markings 3,45. The pitch further comprises above each goal mouth at least one free-shot hoop 8. One or more of the plurality of pitch markings includes illuminable elements (pitch illuminable elements), and the apparel includes illuminable elements (apparel illuminable elements). The apparatus further comprising a controller for selectively illuminating the pitch illuminable elements 3,4,5 and wherein during the course of playing a game the controller periodically causes the pitch illuminable elements to illuminate.

Description

d387786 A Football Game Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a football game, and in particular to a football game in which physical elements of the game are subject to illumination.

Background to the Invention

The game of football is usually played in light, be that outdoors in natural light, outdoors under floodlights, or indoors under natural or artificial light.

There are a number of variations of the game of football. In the normal game, each side has eleven players. However, in other forms of the game each team might have Eve or seven players.

The game of football played by teams consisting of five players on the pitch at any one time is known as five-a-side football.

Five-a-side football is often used as a training aid to improve the skill levels of players who play the eleven-a-side game. However, a number of factors contribute to five-a-side football not performing to its optimum in terms of its function as a training aid. For instance, the fact that five-a-side football is played in normal light conditions, i.e. natural day light or artificial light at a level similar to natural daylight, means that visual distractions can lead to poor concentration levels of players playing fee-a-side football. Also, the similarity between five-aside football and eleven-a-side football can lead to a lack of excitement in players playing the five-a-side game.

Furthermore, in five-a-side football, it has been found that once one team has taken an advantage of more that a few goals, it is exceedingly difficult for the opposing team to make up the difference. This leads to the losing team giving up, and hence an uncompetitive game. Also, in fivea-side football, players tend to play in the same positions, i.e. centre half, midfield, centre

forward etc. By taking up such positions, players tend not to learn those skills required by other positions. For example a defender who always plays in defence will not develop his creative instincts, because they are not required in the same way as they are by a player playing in an attacking position.

Certain rules of the normal five-a-side game further diminish the competitive nature of the game.

For example, when a team is awarded a free kick, a player from the opposing team is permitted to stand one yard in front of the player taking the free kick, thereby diminishing any advantage.

Some of the problems associated with five-a-side football can also be identified in the eleven-a-

side and seven-a-side games.

It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved football game including features to negate the disadvantages of the known game.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a football game apparatus as specified in Claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention: Figure 1 is a plan view of the pitch; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a corner of the pitch in detail; Figure 3 is a side view of spring-loaded board used in the goal back and free shot hoops; Figure 4 is a plan view of light emitting diode pitch markings, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting diode shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 illustrates part of an electric circuit for causing the light emitting diodes to switch on and off in a predetermined sequence; Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a player's strip; Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a piece of protective headgear,

Figure 9 is a schematic representation of an alternative player's strip; Figure 10 is a schematic representation of light emitting diodes suitable for fastening to a player's strip; Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a sock; Figure 12 illustrates a player's bib provided with light emitting diodes used to indicate a players chance to receive a free shot if that player scores a goal.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown a football pitch designated generally by the numeral 1, the pitch having a goal mouth la at each end of the pitch, and markings consisting of a pitch outline, a centre line 4, a centre circle 5 a centre spot 5a, two free shot lines 3 and two penalty spots 6. The playing surface is preferably made of wood.

Further features of the pitch are illustrated in Figure 2. An area 10a of wall 10 surrounding the pitch 1 is covered with a shock absorbing material to protect players from injuring themselves in the event of a collision with a wall 10. The area of the pitch floor in front of the goal, known as the goal area 2 is also covered with a shock absorbing material. Preferably, the shock absorbing material covering the goal area 2 is set into the playing surface so that the upper surface of the shock absorbing material dies flush with the rest of the playing surface.

Above each goal mouth la there are located three hoops 8. The upper edges of the hoops 8 are located 2.44 metres above the floor, and the distance between the outside edges of the outermost hoops is 7.32 metres, the height and width of a goal mouth used in eleven a side football. Both the goal mouth la and each of the hoops 8 are provided with sensing means for sensing whether more than half of a football has passed over the goal line lb or through the hoop 8 respectively.

Figure 3 illustrates a spring-loaded back board 9. A series of springs 12 hold the back board 9 away from a switch 13. When more than half of a football passes through a hoop 8 or into a goal mouth la equipped with such a back board, the backboard 9 is forced towards the switch 13,

depressing the springs 12 and closing the switch 13. The switch 13 forms part of an electric circuit including an electronic scoring system of known design. Each time a goal is scored the scores are tallied for each team and an updated score is displayed.

All the pitch markings as well as a line around the walls 10 of the pitch at height coinciding with the upper edge of the padded area 10a are provided with illumination means in the form of light emitting diodes.

Figures 4 to 6 illustrate the light emitting diodes provided on the pitch markings. Figure 4 illustrates a pitch marking, for example a part of the centre dine 4. As can be seen from the Figure, the pitch marking is provided with a series of spaced apart adjacent light emitting diodes 14. Figure 5 illustrates one of the light emitting diodes shown in Figure 4 in cross-section. The light emitting diode 14 is set into the pitch surface 30 and is covered by a transparent member, which in the example is a dear resin tile 15, the uppermost surface of which sits &ski with the pitch surface 30.

Figure 6 illustrates the electrical connections of the light emitting diodes shown in Figure 4. One negative electrical supply 31 is provided, and each of the light emitting diodes 14 is connected to this negative electrical supply 31. Conversely, in the example, four positive electrical supplies 32 to 35 are provided. Respective fourth light emitting diodes, e.g. light emitting diodes 14a, are connected to the same positive electrical supply, e.g. 32. The four positive and one negative electrical supplies are connected to a controller 40, comprising a sequencer, which when activated supplies electricity to a first one of the positive supplies for a selected period of time, thereby illuminating those light emitting diodes 14a connected to the first positive supply 32 for the selected period. The controller 40 then switches on a supply of electricity to a second of the four positive supplies for a selected period, thereby illuminating the light emitting diodes 14b connected to the second positive supply 33 for the selected period. The controller 40 then switches on a supply of electricity to a third of the four positive supplies for a selected period,

thereby illuminating the light emitting diodes 14c connected to the third positive supply 34 for the selected period. The controller 40 then switches on a supply of electricity to a fourth of the four positive supplies for a selected period, thereby illuminating the light emitting diodes 14d connected to the fourth positive supply 35 for the selected period. By sequentially illuminating light emitting diodes 14a to 14d in an array a visual phenomena of a lights rotating around the pitch can be created. In addition, during periods of normal play, all the light emitting diodes 14d may be illuminated.

The controller 40 includes an electric power supply input 41, an electric power supply output 42, an on/off switch 43, a keyboard input means 44 and a display 45.

Figures 7 to 12 illustrate different elements of a player's strip. In Figure 7, a top 50 and a pair of trousers 51 are each provided with strips 17 of luminous material. The trousers 51 are provided with horizontal strips 17 of the luminous material in the waist region 52 of the trousers 51, and substantially vertical strips 17 of luminous material on the front and back of each leg 53 of the trousers 51. The top 50 is provided with strips 17 of luminous material extending substantially horizontally outwards from the centre of the top, and strips 17 of luminous material extending from the shoulder to cuff of the sleeves 54 of the top 50.

Figure illustrates a sleeveless top 60 provided with diagonally extending strips 17 of luminous material, and an item of headwear 61 which is also provided with strips 17 of the luminous material. The headwear may be padded to diminish the effects of any impacts to the player's head during a game.

In Figure 9, a top 70 and a pan' of trousers 71 are each provided with strips 20 comprising arrays of light emitting diodes 1 8. The trousers 71 are provided with horizontal strips 20 in the waist region 72 of the trousers 71, and substantially vertical strips 20 on the inside and outside of each leg 73 of the trousers 71. The top 70 is provided with strips 20 extending substantially horizontally outwards from the centte of the top, and strips 20 extending f om the shoulder to

cuff of the sleeves 74 of the top 70. The light emitting diodes are powered by a battery powered controller 19.

Figure 12 illustrates a sleeveless top 80 provided with diagonally extending strips 20 each strip 20 comprising an array of light emitting diodes 18, and an item of headwear 81 which is also provided with strips 20. The headwear may be padded to diminish the effects of any impacts to the player's head during a game.

Figure 10 illustrates an array of light emitting diodes 18 attached to a tape 23, the free ends of the tape 23 each being provided with fastening means, which in the example are co-operating patches of hook and claw material 22. The tape 23 passes through loops on for example a player's top.

The light emitting diodes 18 are illuminable by means of a battery powered controller 19 mounted on a player or his strip, and which may be pre-programmed or remotely activated.

Referring now to Figure 11, there is shown a sock 90 designed to be pulled over footwear worn by a player, for example a training shoe. The sock 90 has luminous strips of material 91 attached thereto. The football game in play will now be described. The purpose of providing light emitting diodes on and around the pitch, and light emitting diodes or luminous strips of material on the players' strips is to increase the excitement of the game for the players, and to increase their levels and periods of concentration.

The game has certain rules in addition to the normal rules of football. These rules utilise the additional elements of the pitch and the players' strips not normally found in a football game.

In the football game of the invention, when a player is fouled, he is awarded a free-shot, in which he must attempt to shoot the football into one of the free-shot hoops. The fouled player has a limited period of time in which to take his free-shot, and during that period, the light emitting diodes on and around the pitch are illuminated. For example they may flash on and off, or rotate as previously described. The free-shot is taken from a position in an offensive half of the pitch,

forward of the centre-line in the direction of the goal being attacked, but backward of the ftee shot line 3.

At intervals throughout the game, the light emitting diodes on and around the pitch are illuminated. For example they may flash on and off, or rotate as previously described. During these periods of illumination, if either side scores a goal, that side will have an opportunity to take a free-shot, i.e. an attempt to shoot the football through a free-shot hoop. This speeds the game up and increases its competitiveness, as for a limited period, by scoring a goal, a team has an opportunity to gain additional points. Similarly, during the very last part of the game, or each half of a game, for a period of two minutes for example, the light emitting diodes on and around the pitch are illuminated. Again during this period if a team scores it has a chance to take a free-

shot. In other periods of the game, the lights may be illuminated in a manner different to the pattern of illumination indicating the opportunity to take a free-shot if a goal is scored, or that a player has been fouled. For example, during normal play, all the light emitting diodes may be illuminated, and in other periods they may flash or rotate.

Another aspect of the game is to designate a player for a limited period during a game so that if that player scores a goal during the period of designation, either he, or a member of his team can take a free-shot at one of the free-shot hoops. The player designated, the time period of designation, and the interval between designations, may be random or preprogrammed.

Designation preferably takes the form of one or more light emitting element on a player's strip being illuminated, for example a light emitting diode may flash on and off. The designation of players, the time period of designation, and interval between designations may all be controlled from the electronic controller 40 and/or the battery powered controller located on a players top.

Alternatively, where the players are not provided with strips including light emitting diodes, the designations may be made by a person, for example the referee. Advantageously, the light emitting diodes on and around the pitch are illuminated during any period of player designation.

The ability to designate a player is useful as a tool to increase the creativity of players. For example, if the player designated is a defender, he must try to attack, i.e. score a goal. Likewise,

whilst the defender is trying to score a goal, one of the attacking players on his team must move to a defensive position. Therefore the attacking skills of defenders, and the defensive skills of attackers are enhanced.

The football used in the game is luminous, or has luminous elements.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the game is played in the dark. This increases concentration. In one embodiment of the invention, the pitch illuminable markings comprise strips painted on the pitch, the paint being known as "invisible blue". The paint is substantially invisible except under ultra violet light, when it is luminescent. Four flood lights are arranged above the pitch, one at each end and two in a central region of said pitch. The flood lights emit ultra-violet light.

In this embocliment, the apparel illuminable elements may also be luminescent under ultra-violet light. In another embodiment, the game is played in light.

The pitch may also be provided with a sound production system including loud speakers, whereby sounds typical of a live football game can be played during the game. Such sounds may include cheering when a goal or free-shot is scored, or chanting when a player during those periods of play when an opportunity to take a free-shot at a free-shot hoop may be won by scoring a goal. The pitch may also be provided with image generation means, whereby the players on the pitch can see images of cheering/chanting fans. Images may be projected directly onto walls of a building housing the pitch, or onto screens, such as large video screens.

The invention provides a football game which increases the speed of the game, its excitement for the players, and trains players in the skills different positions which players may take.

Claims

Claims 1. A football game apparatus comprising a pitch, a ball, a

plurality of players, apparel for one or more of said plurality of players, and a set of rules for playing the game, wherein the pitch includes two opposing spaced apart goal mouths, and a plurality of pitch markings, the pitch further comprising above each goal mouth at least one free-shot hoop, and wherein one or more of the plurality of pitch markings includes illuminable elements (pitch illuminable elements), and wherein the apparel includes illuminable elements (apparel illuminable elements), the apparatus further comprising a controller for selectively illuminating the pitch illuminable elements, and wherein during the course of playing a game the controller periodically causes the pitch illuminable elements to illuminate.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the pitch markings comprise a centre line extending between opposing sides of the pitch and substantially parallel to said goal mouths, the centre line dividing the pitch into halves.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the pitch markings indude in each half of the pitch a free shot line extending between opposing sides of the pitch and substantially parallel to said goal mouths and the centre line.
4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each freeshop comprises an edge, and the uppermost part of the edge is located at a height above the pitch surface is in approximately 2.44 metros.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each freeshot hoop is substantially circular.
6. Apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the pitch comprises three free-shot hoops above each goal mouth.

1O
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pitch illuminable elements comprise electrically operable light emitting elements.
8. Apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein the electrically operable light emitting elements are light emitting diodes, fibre optic elements, or light bulbs.
9. Apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the pitch illuminable elements comprise reflective or luminescent elements.
10. Apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein the reflective or luminescent elements are painted dines, spaced apart painted spots, or spaced apart plates provided with a reflective or luminescent element on the upward facing surface thereof.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparel illuminable elements comprise light emimug diodes, fibre optic elements, or patches of luminous or reflective material.
12. Apparatus according to Claim 11, wherein the apparel mounts a power source and switching means for selectively switching on and off illumination of said apparel illuminable elements.
13. Apparatus according to Claim 9, 10 or 12, wherein the said reflective or luminescent material of the pitch illuminable elements and/or the apparel illuminable elements luminesce under light having a wavelength substantially outwith the visible spectrum.
14. Apparatus according to Claim 13, wherein said light is in the ultra violet range.
15. Apparatus according to Claim 13 or 14, further comprising a plurality of lights for emitting said light, wherein the lights are mounted above the pitch.
16. Apparatus according to Claim 15, wherein individual lights or groups of individual lights of said plurality of lights are illuminable independently of other individual or groups of individual lights.
it\ Apparatus according to Claim 15 or 16, wherein individual lights or groups of individual lights of said plurality of lights are illuminable independently of other individual or groups of individual lights.
18. Apparatus according to any of Claims 15 to 17, wherein the controller commands illumination of and/or direction of individual or groups of individual lights of said plurality of lights.
19. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pitch illuminable elements are arranged in an array of light emitting elements, and the apparatus includes a plurality of power lines, the array of illuminable elements being divided into a number of groups, the number of groups corresponding to the number of power lines, and wherein the controller commands selective delivery of power to individual power lines.
20. Apparatus according to Claim 19, wherein the controller is programmable and commands selective delivery of power to individual power lines according to a pre programmed sequence.
21. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein during the periodic illumination of the pitch illuminable elements, the rules provide that if a goal is scored, the scoring team may take a free shot at a free-shot hoop associated with the goal mouth through which the said goal was scored.
22. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the rules provide that if a player is fouled, a member of the team of the fouled player may take a free-shot at a free-shot hoop associated with the goal mouth defended by the opposing team.
23. Apparatus according to Claim 22, wherein during a time period for the taking of the said free-shot, the pitch illuminable elements are illuminated.
24. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein during the course of playing a game the rules provide that a player may be designated for a designated period such that

if the designated player scores a goal during the designated period, the player or another player from his team may take a free shot at a freeshot hoop associated with the goal mouth through which the said goal was scored.
25. Apparatus according to Claim 24, wherein the said designated player is designated by illumination of the apparel illuminable elements.
26. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each goal mouth and/or each free shot hoop is provided with means to detect whether a sufficient part of the ball has passed through the goal mouth or freeshot hoop respectively to constitute a goal.
27. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a score board.
28. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one image display means.
29. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising sound generation and sound emission means.
30. A football game apparatus substantially as shown in, and as described with reference to, the drawings.