US Patent 7419157 Virtual goal for a game table

A game table for playing a game with a game piece including a playing surface, a first endwall extending generally perpendicularly from the playing surface and a second endwall extending generally perpendicularly from the playing surface at an opposite side of the playing surface from the first endwall. The game piece is movable along the playing surface through the application of gaming forces. The first endwall having a first wall length and a first goal is located along the first endwall. The first goal is comprised of a proximity sensor and has a first goal length. A continuous play goal mechanism is mounted proximate the first goal that urges the game piece away from the first goal when the game piece enters the first goal.