Connect 4 is a well known vertical "checkers" (it is more akin to Tic Tac Toe or Go Moku).
The board is placed in stands to hold it vertically and the players drop checkers into 7 slots until one player succeeds in getting 4 in a row--horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
The game is actually non-proprietary and nice versions can be found under the name "The Captain's Mistress".
