GAME AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

Abstract

A game adapted to be played on a playing surface by one or more players, the game comprising one or more balls to be propelled by direct contact of a player's body part, one or more gates through which the balls may be propelled, one or more targets into which the balls may be propelled, and a set of rules for game play, the rules establishing the placement of the gates and targets and the order of game play, and optionally, scoring rules. The game may also be adapted to use implements to propel the balls, and the rules for game play may be adapted to correspond to the standard rules of croquet.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to sports equipment and, more particularly, to apparatus for games that can be played on a lawn or other similar surface.

[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0004] Lawn games are well known in the art. These include bocce, horseshoes, lawn darts, flying disk games, and the like. A popular lawn game is croquet, which involves propelling solid core balls through hooped wickets and into stakes and other balls by use of double ended mallets. Traditional croquet, though, has certain inherent disadvantages. First, it must be played on a relatively well groomed lawn. Play on a sandy beach, or on hard packed gravel, is difficult. Play on asphalt playgrounds or on a gymnasium floor is not possible, since croquet wickets and stakes must be driven into the playing surface. Second, use of mallets to drive hard, solid core balls takes a significant degree of skill. Younger player, novices, players with disabilities or lesser developed motor skills, and others may have difficulty learning and playing traditional croquet. Third, croquet balls may cause injury if they are propelled into players. Similarly, a mallet may be accidentally swung into a player, again causing injury. Fourth, the rules of croquet are fixed, leaving players with little flexibility in how the game should be played or scored.

[0005] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a game apparatus consisting of balls, gates, and targets to be used to play a game.

[0006] It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a game apparatus that can be used to play a game on multiple types of playing surfaces.

[0007] It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a game apparatus that can be used to play a game does not require the use of mallets or other devices to move the balls about the playing surface.

[0008] It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a game apparatus that is safer to use than traditional croquet equipment.

[0009] It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a game apparatus that is easier to use than traditional croquet equipment.

[0010] It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a game apparatus that can be used by people with disabilities or with lesser developed motor skills.

[0011] It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a game apparatus that can be used to play a game with flexible rules of game play and scoring.

[0012] Other objectives of the present invention will be readily apparent from the description that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The game of the present invention comprises game playing apparatus and rules for game play. The game is played on a playing surface by one or more players. The playing surface may be any substantially flat surface, such as a lawn, a field, a beach, a graveled area, a paved area, a tiled area, packed snow, ice, an indoor floor, or the like. The playing surface should be relatively free of obstacles, and should be dimensioned suitably to mark out a playing field. The playing field may have any suitable shape and dimension, such as being substantially rectangular, substantially square, ovoid, circular, or irregularly shaped. The playing field should have a suitable dimension to provide the players with enough space to move about. It is recommended that, for a substantially rectangular playing field, the minimum length and width of the playing field should be at least ten yards. However, the particular dimensions of the playing field may be whatever the players desire. Moreover, players may desire there to be obstacles on the playing field, and may desire a hilly playing field. In such cases, the game accommodates those desires.

[0014] The game playing apparatus consists of balls, gates, targets, and optionally, implements to propel the balls. The rules for game play require that that gates and targets be placed upon the playing surface, and that the players propel the balls about the playing surface, through the gates, into the targets, and (optionally) into other balls. If played by a plurality of players, the game may be scored. It may also be played by a single player, for example, to develop skills. A score need not be kept. If a score is kept, scoring may be consistent with the scoring in the traditional game of croquet. Other scoring schemes are also contemplated, for example, striking the greatest number of targets within a set number of turns, or passing a ball through the greatest number of gates within a set number of turns, or completing the course in the shortest time, etc.

[0015] The gates and targets may be placed upon the playing surface in any desirable configuration. The number of gates and targets to be used is also at the discretion of the players. For example, for novice players, perhaps only two or three gates and one target may be used. For more experienced players, there may be dozens of each used. In one embodiment the gates and targets may be arranged consistently with the arrangement of wickets and stakes in the traditional game of croquet. Other configurations may include placement of gates and targets in a manner to compel the players to propel their balls along a defined path, perhaps around obstacles. The placement of gates and targets is left to the imagination and agreement of the players.

[0016] The players may propel the balls about the playing surface using their body parts, for example, by kicking with a foot, knee, shin, or upper leg, or by pushing or striking with a hand, elbow, or upper arm, or by butting with the chest or head. Players may also throw or roll the balls. In other embodiments of the game, the players may propel the balls about the playing surface using optional implements. The implements may be bats, clubs, sticks, paddles, cues, or the like. Each player may use the same type of implement, or different players may use different implements, in order to provide a manner of "handicap" to the skill levels of the players. In yet other embodiments, the players may propel the balls about the playing surface using a combination of their body parts and implements, as desired. In yet other embodiments, certain players are restricted to propelling the balls about the playing surface using their body parts while other players are restricted to propelling the balls about the playing surface using implements.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present invention are described below.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is a depiction of the components of the game apparatus of the present invention, including optional components.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a depiction of the components of the game apparatus of the present invention arranged on a playing surface for one version of game play.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a depiction of the components of the game apparatus of the present invention arranged on a playing surface for a version of game play following the traditional rules of croquet, whereby the ball is propelled by direct contact with the player's body part.

[0021] FIG. 4A is a depiction of one embodiment of the ball, having a handle as its gripping feature.

[0022] FIG. 4B is a depiction of another embodiment of the ball, having a series of indentations formed into the surface of the ball as its gripping feature.

[0023] FIG. 4C is a depiction of yet another embodiment of the ball, having netting as its gripping feature.

[0024] FIG. 5A is a depiction of one embodiment of the anchoring means of the gate, whereby the anchor components are stakes. The gate in this embodiment has a substantially semi-circular shape.

[0025] FIG. 5B is a depiction of another embodiment of the anchoring means of the gate, whereby the anchor components are weights. The gate in this embodiment has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0026] FIG. 5C is a depiction of yet another embodiment of the anchoring means of the gate, whereby the anchor components are feet. The gate in this embodiment has an irregular, fanciful shape.

[0027] FIG. 6A is a depiction of one embodiment of the anchoring means of the target, whereby the anchor components are stakes. The target in this embodiment is shown as being a rod.

[0028] FIG. 6B is a depiction of yet another embodiment of the anchoring means of the target, whereby the anchor components are weights. The target in this embodiment is shown as having a geometric shape with a large, flat profile.

[0029] FIG. 6C is a depiction of yet another embodiment of the anchoring means of the target, whereby the anchor components are feet. The target in this embodiment is shown as being an ovoid ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The game playing apparatus consists of one or more balls 100, one or more gates 200, one or more targets 300, and optionally, one or more implements 400. See FIG. 1. Each of the one or more gates 200 is an object that creates an opening 210 through which the balls 100 may pass. Each of the one or more targets 300 is an object that the balls 100 may strike. Each of the one or more optional implements 400 is an object that may be used to propel the balls 100 through the one or more gates 200 and into the one or more targets 300, or into others of the one or more balls 100. The rules for game play describe the placement of the gates 200 and targets 300 on the playing surface and the manner of propulsion of the balls 100 by one or more human players 10, as well as game play and scoring. The gates 200 and targets 300 may be placed on the playing surface in any configuration desired, see, e.g., FIG. 2, including a configuration that is acceptable under the standard rules of croquet, see FIG. 3.

[0031] Each of the one or more balls 100 must be substantially resilient and have a hollow interior. Solid core balls are not used. The balls 100 may be inflatable. They should be relatively light weight, so that it is not difficult to propel them about the playing surface. In the preferred embodiment the balls 100 may be rubber bouncing balls 100. Harder plastic balls 100, similar to Whiffle.TM. balls, may also be used. The balls 100 may be of any appropriate size, with preferred sizes being between that of a traditional soccer ball and a traditional basketball. Smaller balls 100 may also be used, as well as larger balls 100, such as beach balls. In some embodiment of the game each of the balls 100 is the same size as each other ball 100. In other embodiments, players 10 may be assigned different sized balls 100, to establish a player handicap, or simply for variety.

[0032] Where a plurality of balls 100 is used each of the balls 100 must be uniquely identifiable and visually distinct from each other ball 100. This may be accomplished in any suitable manner. For example, each ball 100 may be colored differently from each other ball 100. Alternatively, each ball 100 may be decorated with a pattern that is different from the pattern of each other ball 100. Patterns may be stripes, checks, swirls, geometric shapes, and the like. See FIG. 1. In another configuration, each of the balls 100 may be decorated with a design that is different from the design of each other ball 100. The designs may be renderings of cartoon characters, sports team logos, animals, flowers, or any other distinguishable design. In another configuration, each of the balls 100 may be decorated with alphanumeric text that is different from the alphanumeric text of each other ball 100. For example, the balls 100 could be lettered or numbered sequentially, or identified with unique words or phrases. Where differently sized balls 100 are used, this feature may serve to distinguish between the balls 100 assigned to the players 10.

[0033] In some embodiments the balls 100 must be suitably configured to be easily propelled about the playing surface by direct contact of a player's 10 body part 12. See FIG. 3. In such embodiments the players 10 should be able to kick, throw, roll, toss, punch, butt, or poke the balls 100 to cause them to move. A ball 100 that is too heavy or too light, or too large or too small, or too rigid will not be useful for such game play.

[0034] In one embodiment where the balls 100 are propelled about the playing surface by direct contact of a player's 10 body part 12, the balls 100 comprise a gripping feature 110. The gripping feature 110 is suitably configured to be gripped by a human hand. The gripping feature 110 may be a handle attached to the ball 100. See FIG. 4A. The player 10 grips the handle and then rolls or tosses the ball 100. The handle itself may alter the path of the ball 100, thereby adding an element of difficulty to game play. Another configuration would involve a series of indentations formed into the surface of the ball 100, similar to the finger holes found on a bowling ball. See FIG. 4B. The player 10 would insert his or her fingers into the holes and then roll the ball 100. In this configuration the ball's 100 path will not be altered by the gripping feature 110. In yet another configuration the ball 100 may be encased in loose netting, with the player 10 gripping the netting in order to take hold of the ball 100. See FIG. 4C. Other configurations are also contemplated.

[0035] Each of the one or more gates 200 must be suitably adapted to be placed onto the playing surface. Each gate 200 has a first end 202 and a second end 204, and a medial portion 206 separating said first and second ends 202,204. See FIG. 1. The first end 202 is suitably configured to be placed in contact with the playing surface and the second end 204 is suitably configured to be placed in contact with the playing surface. The medial portion 206 of each gate 200 is shaped to define an opening 210 between the playing surface and at least a portion of the medial portion 206 of the gate 200. See FIG. 1. The opening 210 must be large enough so that each of the balls 100 can pass through the opening 210 under at least a portion of the medial portion 206 of the gate 200 without touching any portion of the gate 200. While the gates 200 can have any suitable shape, preferred shapes include the gate 200 being semi-circular, or having a curved arch shape. See FIG. 5A. A gate 200 could be squared off, having a substantially rectangular shape. See FIG. 5B. It could be semi-elliptical. Other regular geometric shapes are also contemplated, as well as irregular shapes, see FIG. 5C, provided that the opening 210 defined by the shape of the gate 200 is sufficient to allow each of the balls 100 to pass therethrough without touching any portion of the gate 200. In some embodiments each of the gates 200 is substantially the same shape and size as each other of the gates 200. See FIG. 2. In other embodiments some of the gates 200 may be of different sizes than other gates 200, or of different shapes than other gates 200, or both. The gates 200 may also be visually distinct from each other, by being colored differently, or by bearing different patterns or other markings. See FIG. 1.

[0036] Each gate 200 should be substantially rigid. In some embodiments the gates 200 are formed of shaped heavy gauge wire. In other embodiments the wire may be plastic coated. Gates 200 may also be formed of plastic, or of wood, or metal alloys. Gates 200 should be constructed of a material that is durable and which can withstand repeated contact by balls 100, players 10, and other objects.

[0037] Each gate 200 has an anchoring means 220. See FIG. 1. The anchoring means 220 is suitably configured to maintain the gate 200 on the playing surface in a substantially vertical orientation substantially perpendicular to the playing surface, even after the gate 200 is struck by a ball 100, a player 10, or another object. The anchoring means 220 comprises a first anchoring component 222 and a second anchoring component 224. The first anchoring component 222 is located proximate to the first end 202 of a gate 200, and the second anchoring component 224 is located proximate to the second end 204 of the gate 200.

[0038] In one embodiment, the anchoring means 220 of each of the gates 200 comprises a pair of stakes 230, with one stake 230 being the first anchoring component 222 and the other stake 230 being the second anchoring component 224. See FIG. 5A. The stakes 230 are suitably configured to being inserted into the playing surface. This embodiment of the anchoring means 220 is suitable for use on lawns, beaches, and snow, but not suitable for use on asphalt, ice, or flooring.

[0039] In another embodiment, the anchoring means 220 of each of the gates 200 comprises a pair of weights 240, with one weight 240 being the first anchoring component 222 and the other weight 240 being the second anchoring component 224. See FIG. 5B. The weights 240 are placed onto the playing surface and are sufficiently heavy to maintain the gate 200 in its proper orientation and in its desired location. The weights 240 may be made of any suitable material, though in consideration of proportional sizing the preferred embodiment uses metal weights 240, such as lead, or concrete. The weights 240 may be of any shape, though weights 240 having curved surfaces are less likely to cause unexpected ball 100 deflections. Each weight 240 may include a central aperture into which an end of the gate 200 may be inserted. This embodiment of the anchoring means 220 is suitable for use on any type of playing surface, but it is particularly useful for use on asphalt and flooring.

[0040] In another embodiment, the anchoring means 220 of each of the gates 200 comprises a pair of feet 250, with one foot 250 being the first anchoring component 222 and the other foot 250 being the second anchoring component 224. See FIG. 5C. The feet 250 are placed onto the playing surface and are sufficiently configured to maintain the gate 200 in its proper orientation and in its desired location. Each foot 250 may have multiple protections arrayed radially from the foot 250. It may be a substantially flat disk. It may have padding on its underside to protect the playing surface when the playing surface is flooring. This embodiment of the anchoring means 220 is suitable for use on any type of playing surface.

[0041] Each of the one or more targets 300 must be suitably adapted to be placed onto the playing surface. Each target has a first end 302 and a second end 304. See FIG. 1. The first end 302 is suitably configured to be placed in contact with the playing surface and the second end 304 is located above the playing surface. While the targets 300 can have any suitable shape, preferred shapes include the targets 300 being elongated rods, see FIG. 6A, or having a broad surface, see FIG. 6B, or having a curved ring shape, see FIG. 6C. A target could have a geometric shape as well as irregular shapes. In some embodiments each of the targets 300 is substantially the same shape and size as each other of the targets 300. See FIG. 2. In other embodiments some of the targets 300 may be of different sizes than other targets 300, or of different shapes than other targets 300, or both. The targets 300 may also be visually distinct from each other, by being colored differently, or by bearing different patterns or other markings. In yet other embodiments, the targets 300 may be striped in various colors, with each stripe corresponding to the color of one of the balls 100. See FIG. 1. Such striping may then be used to inform the order of game play, for example, by having the player 10 assigned the ball 100 matching the topmost colored stripe on the target play first, followed by the player 10 assigned the ball 100 matching the next colored stripe on the target, etc.

[0042] Each target should be substantially rigid. In some embodiments the targets 300 are formed of shaped heavy gauge wire. In other embodiments the wire may be plastic coated. Targets 300 may also be formed of plastic, or of wood, or metal alloys. Targets 300 should be constructed of a material that is durable and which can withstand repeated contact by balls 100, players 10, and other objects.

[0043] Each target has an anchoring means 320. See FIG. 1. The anchoring means 320 is suitably configured to maintain the target on the playing surface in a substantially vertical orientation substantially perpendicular to the playing surface, even after the target is struck by a ball 100, a player 10, or another object. The anchoring means 320 comprises an anchoring component 322. See FIG. 1. The anchoring component 322 is located proximate to the first end 302 of a target.

[0044] In one embodiment, the anchoring means 320 of each of the targets 300 comprises a stake 330, with the stake 330 being the anchoring component 322. See FIG. 6A. The stake 330 is suitably configured to being inserted into the playing surface. This embodiment of the anchoring means 320 is suitable for use on lawns, beaches, and snow, but not suitable for use on asphalt, ice, or flooring.

[0045] In another embodiment, the anchoring means 320 of each of the targets 300 comprises a weights 340, with the weight 340 being the anchoring component 322. See FIG. 6B. The weight 340 is placed onto the playing surface and is sufficiently heavy to maintain the target in its proper orientation and in its desired location. The weight 340 may be made of any suitable material, though in consideration of proportional sizing the preferred embodiment uses metal weights 340, such as lead, or concrete. The weight 340 may be of any shape, though a weight 340 having curved surfaces is less likely to cause unexpected ball 100 deflections. The weight 340 may include a central aperture into which the first end 302 of the target may be inserted. This embodiment of the anchoring means 320 is suitable for use on any type of playing surface, but it is particularly useful for use on asphalt and flooring.

[0046] In another embodiment, the anchoring means 320 of each of the targets 300 comprises a foot 350, with the foot 350 being the anchoring component 322. See FIG. 6C. The foot 350 is placed onto the playing surface and is sufficiently configured to maintain the target in its proper orientation and in its desired location. The foot 350 may have multiple protections arrayed radially from the foot 350. It may be a substantially flat disk. It may have padding on its underside to protect the playing surface when the playing surface is flooring. This embodiment of the anchoring means 320 is suitable for use on any type of playing surface.

[0047] In some embodiment, the game apparatus also comprises one or more implements 400 to be used by the players 10 to propel the balls 100 about the playing surface. See FIG. 1. The implement 400 may be any suitable object suitable for striking or pushing a ball 100, such as a bat, a club, a stick, a paddle, or a cue. In one embodiment each player 10 uses the same type of implement 400 as each other player 10. In another embodiment different players 10 may use different implements 400, to establish a player handicap, or simply for variety. When all of the same type of implements 400 is used, the implements 400 may be visually distinct from each other, by being colored differently, or by bearing different patterns or other markings. The colors, patterns, or other markings of an implement 400 may correspond to the colors, patterns, or other markings of individual balls 100. See FIG. 1. To increase safety of game play, and to make the implements 400 easier to handle, they can be made of hollow plastic, or can be padded.

[0048] The set of rules for game play is sufficiently flexible to allow the players 10 to customize play as they see fit. In the most basic format, the rules are as follows:

[0049] A. select a playing surface,

[0050] B. place the one or more gates 200 onto the playing surface,

[0051] C. place the one or more targets 300 onto the playing surface,

[0052] D. assign each of the one or more balls 100 to a corresponding number of players 10, and

[0053] E. have each of the players 10 proceed in turns, each player 10 propelling the ball 100 assigned to said player 10 selectively through the one or more gates 200, into the one or more targets 300, into one or more other balls 100, if any, and to different locations on the playing surface, as desired, whereby each of the one or more balls 100 is propelled about the playing surface by direct contact of a body part 12 of said player 10.

[0054] The rules for game play may also provide for scoring. For example, the rules for game play may comprise a Rule F, by which players 10 keep score based on the one or more players 10 passing balls 100 through the one or more gates 200 in a predetermined order and striking the one or more targets 300 with the one or more balls 100 in a predetermined order. Alternatively, the rules for game play may comprise a Rule F, by which players 10 keep score based on the rules of standard croquet. In such alternatives, Rule B of the set of rules for game play is modified to require the placement of the gates 200 onto the playing surface in a configuration acceptable under standard rules of the game of croquet for the placement of croquet wickets, and Rule C of the set of rules for game play is modified to require the placement of the targets 300 onto the playing surface in a configuration acceptable under standard rules of the game of croquet for the placement of croquet stakes. See FIG. 3.

[0055] In embodiments of the game in which the optional implements 400 are used, the rules for game play are modified with Rule E having each of the players 10 proceed in turns, each player 10 propelling the ball 100 assigned to that player 10 selectively through the one or more gates 200, into the one or more targets 300, into other balls 100, and to different locations on the playing surface, as desired, whereby each of the balls 100 is selectively propelled about the playing surface by use of the implements 400. This rule may be further modified to permit the propulsion of the balls 100 by direct contact of a body part of a player 10, in addition to using the implements 400.

[0056] In the preferred embodiment of the game, the rules for game play include the following:

[0057] A. select a playing surface,

[0058] B. place the gates 200 onto the playing surface in a configuration acceptable under standard rules of the game of croquet for the placement of croquet wickets,

[0059] C. place the targets 300 onto the playing surface in a configuration acceptable under standard rules of the game of croquet for the placement of croquet stakes,

[0060] D. assign each of the balls 100 to a corresponding number of players 10,

[0061] E. have each of the players 10 proceed in turns, the player 10 whose turn it is propelling the ball 100 assigned to that player 10 selectively through the gates 200 by direct contact of that player's 10 body part 12, in the order prescribed by the standard rules of the game of croquet, with that player's 10 turn ending once the player's 10 ball 100 ceases moving, unless i) the ball 100 successfully passes entirely through the appropriate gate 200, ii) the ball 100 strikes the appropriate target, or iii) the ball 100 strikes another player's 10 ball 100, in which case the player 10 takes another turn, or if the ball 100 comes to rest having passed only partially through a gate 200, the player 10 skips the next turn,

[0062] F. assign the status of "poison" to a player's 10 ball 100 once that player's 10 ball 100 succeeds in striking the final target in the appropriate order based on the standard rules of the game of croquet, whereby game play for that player 10 continues with the player 10 propelling the "poison" ball 100 into the balls 100 of other players 10,

[0063] G. eliminate from the game any player 10 of any ball 100 struck by a "poison" ball 100, eliminate from the game any player 10 whose ball 100 is not "poison" but whose ball 100 strikes a "poison" ball 100, and eliminate from the game a player 10 having a "poison" ball 100 which passes through a gate 200, and

[0064] H. declare a winner of the game when only one player 10 remains after the elimination of all other players 10 from the game.

[0065] Other embodiments not specifically set forth herein are also within the scope of the following claims, whereby modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention without departing from the subject or spirit of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A game adapted to be played on a playing surface by one or more human players, the game comprising: one or more balls, each said ball being substantially resilient and having a hollow interior and a diameter, with each of the one or more balls suitably configured to be propelled about the playing surface by the one or more players; one or more gates, each said gate adapted to be placed onto the playing surface, with each said gate having a first end and a second end and a medial portion separating said first and second ends, with the first end of each said gate being suitably configured to be placed in contact with the playing surface and the second end of each said gate being suitably configured to be placed in contact with the playing surface and the medial portion of each said gate being shaped to define an opening between the playing surface and at least a portion of the medial portion of said gate, whereby said opening of each said gate has a dimension greater than the diameter of each of the one or more balls such that when each said gate is placed on the playing surface each of the one or more balls is capable of passing through each said gate beneath at least a portion of the medial portion of each said gate without touching any portion of said gate, with each said gate having an anchoring means, wherein the anchoring means of each said gate comprises a first anchoring component and a second anchoring component, with the first anchoring component of the anchoring means of each said gate being located proximate to the first end of said gate and the second anchoring component of the anchoring means of each said gate being located proximate to the second end of said gate, whereby the anchoring means of each said gate is suitably configured to maintain said gate on the playing surface in a substantially vertical orientation substantially perpendicular to the playing surface; one or more targets, each said target adapted to be placed onto the playing surface, with each said target having a first end and a second end, with the first end of each said target being suitably configured to be placed in contact with the playing surface and the second end of each said target being located above the playing surface, with each said target having an anchoring means, wherein the anchoring means of each said target comprises an anchoring component, with the anchoring component of the anchoring means of each said target being located proximate to the first end of said target means, whereby the anchoring means of each said target is suitably configured to maintain said target on the playing surface in a substantially vertical orientation substantially perpendicular to the playing surface; and a set of rules for game play, said rules being the following: A. select a playing surface, B. place the one or more gates onto the playing surface, C. place the one or more targets onto the playing surface, D. assign each of the one or more balls to a corresponding number of players, and E. have each of the players proceed in turns, each player propelling the ball assigned to said player selectively through the one or more gates, into the one or more targets, into one or more other balls, if any, and to different locations on the playing surface, as desired, whereby each of the one or more balls is propelled about the playing surface by direct contact of a body part of said player.

2. The game of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more balls is inflatable.

3. The game of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more balls is relatively light weight.

4. The game of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more balls is made of synthetic rubber.

5. The game of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more balls comprises a gripping feature.

6. The game of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more balls is suitably configured to be propelled about the playing surface by use of one or more implements, wherein the one or more implements are one or more of the group of bat, club, stick, paddle, and cue; whereby rule E of the set of rules for game play is modified as follows: have each of the players proceed in turns, each player propelling the ball assigned to said player selectively through the one or more gates, into the one or more targets, into one or more other balls, if any, and to different locations on the playing surface, as desired, whereby each of the one or more balls is selectively propelled about the playing surface by direct contact of a body part of said player or by use of the one or more implements.

7. The game of claim 1 further comprising one or more implements, wherein each of the one or more implements is suitably configured to propel each of the one or more balls about the playing surface, wherein the one or more implements are one or more of the group of bat, club, stick, paddle, and cue; whereby rule E of the set of rules for game play is modified as follows: have each of the players proceed in turns, each player propelling the ball assigned to said player selectively through the one or more gates, into the one or more targets, into one or more other balls, if any, and to different locations on the playing surface, as desired, whereby each of the one or more balls is selectively propelled about the playing surface by direct contact of a body part of said player or by use of the one or more implements.

8. The game of claim 1 wherein there is a plurality of balls, wherein each of the plurality of balls is uniquely identifiable and visually distinct from each other said ball.

9. The game of claim 7 wherein at least one of the plurality of balls is of a different size than at least one other of the plurality of balls.

10. The game of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more gates is substantially rigid.

11. The game of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more gates has a substantially semi-circular shape.

12. The game of claim 1 wherein there is a plurality of gates.

13. The game of claim 12 wherein each of the plurality of gates is substantially the same size and shape as each other of the plurality of gates.

14. The game of claim 12 wherein at least one of the plurality of gates is of a different size from at least one other of the plurality of gates.

15. The game of claim 12 wherein at least one of the plurality of gates is of a different shape than at least one other of the plurality of gates.

16. The game of claim 12 wherein each of the plurality of gates is uniquely identifiable and visually distinct from each other of the plurality of gates.

17. The game of claim 1 wherein the anchoring means of each of the one or more gates comprises a pair of stakes, one said stake being the first anchoring component of said anchoring means and the other said stake being the second anchoring component of said anchoring means, with each said stake being suitably configured to being inserted into the playing surface.

18. The game of claim 1 wherein the anchoring means of each of the one or more gates comprises a pair of weights, one said weight being the first anchoring component of said anchoring means and the other said weight being the second anchoring component of said anchoring means, with each said weight being suitably configured to being placed onto the playing surface.

19. The game of claim 1 wherein the anchoring means of each of the one or more gates comprises a pair of feet, one said foot being the first anchoring component of said anchoring means and the other said foot being the second anchoring component of said anchoring means, with each said foot being suitably configured to being placed onto the playing surface.

20. The game of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more targets is substantially rigid.

21. The game of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more targets has a substantially elongate shape.

22. The game of claim 1 wherein there is a plurality of targets.

23. The game of claim 22 wherein each of the plurality of targets is substantially the same size and shape as each other of the plurality of targets.

24. The game of claim 22 wherein at least one of the plurality of targets is of a different size from at least one other of the plurality of targets.

25. The game of claim 22 wherein at least one of the plurality of targets is of a different shape than at least one other of the plurality of targets.

26. The game of claim 22 wherein each of the plurality of targets is uniquely identifiable and visually distinct from each other of the plurality of targets.

27. The game of claim 1 wherein the anchoring means of each of the one or more targets comprises a stake, said stake being the anchoring component of said anchoring means, with said stake being suitably configured to being inserted into the playing surface.

28. The game of claim 1 wherein the anchoring means of each of the one or more targets comprises a weight, said weight being the anchoring component of said anchoring means, with each said weight being suitably configured to being placed onto the playing surface.

29. The game of claim 1 wherein the anchoring means of each of the one or more targets comprises a foot, said foot being the anchoring component of said anchoring means, with each said foot being suitably configured to being placed onto the playing surface.

30. The game of claim 1 wherein said rules for game play further comprise: F. keep score based on the one or more players passing balls through the one or more gates in a predetermined order and striking the one or more targets with the one or more balls in a predetermined order.

31. The game of claim 1 wherein said rules for game play further comprise: F. keep score based on the rules of standard croquet.

32. The game of claim 1 wherein there are a plurality of balls, a plurality of gates, a plurality of targets, and a plurality of players, wherein rule B of the set of rules for game play is modified as follows: place the plurality of gates onto the playing surface in a configuration acceptable under standard rules of the game of croquet for the placement of croquet wickets; rule C of the set of rules for game play is modified as follows: place the plurality of targets onto the playing surface in a configuration acceptable under standard rules of the game of croquet for the placement of croquet stakes; and the set of rules for game play further comprises rule F as follows: keep score based on the rules of standard croquet.

33. A game adapted to be played on a playing surface by one or more human players, the game comprising: one or more balls, each said ball being substantially resilient and having a hollow interior and a diameter, with each of the one or more balls suitably configured to be propelled about the playing surface by the one or more players; one or more gates, each said gate adapted to be placed onto the playing surface, with each said gate having a first end and a second end and a medial portion separating said first and second ends, with the first end of each said gate being suitably configured to be placed in contact with the playing surface and the second end of each said gate being suitably configured to be placed in contact with the playing surface and the medial portion of each said gate being shaped to define an opening between the playing surface and at least a portion of the medial portion of said gate, whereby said opening of each said gate has a dimension greater than the diameter of each of the one or more balls such that when each said gate is placed on the playing surface each of the one or more balls is capable of passing through each said gate beneath at least a portion of the medial portion of each said gate without touching any portion of said gate, with each said gate having an anchoring means, wherein the anchoring means of each said gate comprises a first anchoring component and a second anchoring component, with the first anchoring component of the anchoring means of each said gate being located proximate to the first end of said gate and the second anchoring component of the anchoring means of each said gate being located proximate to the second end of said gate, whereby the anchoring means of each said gate is suitably configured to maintain said gate on the playing surface in a substantially vertical orientation substantially perpendicular to the playing surface; one or more targets, each said target adapted to be placed onto the playing surface, with each said target having a first end and a second end, with the first end of each said target being suitably configured to be placed in contact with the playing surface and the second end of each said target being located above the playing surface, with each said target having an anchoring means, wherein the anchoring means of each said target comprises an anchoring component, with the anchoring component of the anchoring means of each said target being located proximate to the first end of said target means, whereby the anchoring means of each said target is suitably configured to maintain said target on the playing surface in a substantially vertical orientation substantially perpendicular to the playing surface; one or more implements, wherein each of the one or more implements is suitably configured to propel each of the one or more balls about the playing surface, with the one or more implements being one or more of the group of bat, club, stick, paddle, and cue; and a set of rules for game play, said rules being the following: A. select a playing surface, B. place the plurality of gates onto the playing surface in a configuration acceptable under standard rules of the game of croquet for the placement of croquet wickets, C. place the plurality of targets onto the playing surface in a configuration acceptable under standard rules of the game of croquet for the placement of croquet stakes, D. assign each of the plurality of balls to a corresponding number of players, E. have each of the players proceed in turns, each player using one of the one or more implements to propel the ball assigned to said player selectively through the plurality of gates, into the plurality of targets, into one or more other balls, and to different locations on the playing surface, as desired, in a manner consistent with standard rules of the game of croquet, and F. keep score based on the rules of standard croquet.

34. The game of claim 33 wherein all of the one or more implements are of the same type.

35. A game adapted to be played on a playing surface by one or more human players, the game comprising: one or more balls, each said ball being substantially resilient and having a hollow interior and a diameter, with each of the one or more balls suitably configured to be propelled about the playing surface by the one or more players; one or more gates, each said gate adapted to be placed onto the playing surface, with each said gate having a first end and a second end and a medial portion separating said first and second ends, with the first end of each said gate being suitably configured to be placed in contact with the playing surface and the second end of each said gate being suitably configured to be placed in contact with the playing surface and the medial portion of each said gate being shaped to define an opening between the playing surface and at least a portion of the medial portion of said gate, whereby said opening of each said gate has a dimension greater than the diameter of each of the one or more balls such that when each said gate is placed on the playing surface each of the one or more balls is capable of passing through each said gate beneath at least a portion of the medial portion of each said gate without touching any portion of said gate, with each said gate having an anchoring means, wherein the anchoring means of each said gate comprises a first anchoring component and a second anchoring component, with the first anchoring component of the anchoring means of each said gate being located proximate to the first end of said gate and the second anchoring component of the anchoring means of each said gate being located proximate to the second end of said gate, whereby the anchoring means of each said gate is suitably configured to maintain said gate on the playing surface in a substantially vertical orientation substantially perpendicular to the playing surface; and one or more targets, each said target adapted to be placed onto the playing surface, with each said target having a first end and a second end, with the first end of each said target being suitably configured to be placed in contact with the playing surface and the second end of each said target being located above the playing surface, with each said target having an anchoring means, wherein the anchoring means of each said target comprises an anchoring component, with the anchoring component of the anchoring means of each said target being located proximate to the first end of said target means, whereby the anchoring means of each said target is suitably configured to maintain said target on the playing surface in a substantially vertical orientation substantially perpendicular to the playing surface.

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