U.S. patent application number 09/747213 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-27 for portable bag toss game apparatus for one or more players and method therefor.
Invention is credited to Brown, Mark A..
Application Number | 20020079645 09/747213 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25004127 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020079645 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown, Mark A. |
June 27, 2002 |
Portable bag toss game apparatus for one or more players and method
therefor
Abstract
A portable bag toss game apparatus for one or more players and
method therefor is disclosed wherein a bag is tossed towards a
target board which has four substantially triangular-shaped corner
portions having a same color and same point value, and a
substantially hexagonal shaped interior portion having a same color
and a same point value, and a substantially circular-shaped center
portion having a same color and a same point value.
Inventors: |
Brown, Mark A.; (Palmdale,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WEISS & MOY PC
4204 NORTH BROWN AVENUE
SCOTTSDALE
AZ
85251
US
|
Family ID: |
25004127 |
Appl. No.: |
09/747213 |
Filed: |
December 26, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/348 ;
273/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2208/12 20130101;
A63B 63/08 20130101; A63B 67/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/348 ;
273/400 |
International
Class: |
A63B 063/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A portable bag toss game apparatus for one or more players
comprising, in combination: a substantially square target board
having a top surface comprising four substantially
triangular-shaped corner portions having a first color and a first
point value, a substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion
having a second color and a second point value, said substantially
hexagonal-shaped interior portion defines a substantially
circular-shaped center portion having a third color and a third
point value; and at least one bag to be projected by said one or
more players towards said target board for scoring points when said
bag comes to rest on one of said substantially triangular-shaped
corner portions and substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion
and substantially circular-shaped center portion.
2. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bag weighs
approximately 3 ounces.
3. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bag is comprised of
pea gravel.
4. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bag is projected by
said one or more players towards said target board from a throw
line at least approximately six feet from a front portion of said
target.
5. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bag is projected by
said one or more players towards said target board from a throw
line at least approximately eight feet from a front portion of said
target.
6. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bag is projected by
said one or more players towards said target board from a throw
line at least approximately ten feet from a front portion of said
target.
7. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first color and said
second color and said third color comprise a water-based acrylic
paint with sealer.
8. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said substantially square
target board has a length of approximately 12 inches and a width of
approximately 12 inches and a thickness of approximately 0.75
inches.
9. A method for playing a bag toss game for one or more players
comprising, in combination, the steps of: providing a substantially
square target board having a top surface comprising four
substantially triangular-shaped corner portions having a first
color and a first point value, a substantially hexagonal-shaped
interior portion having a second color and a second point value,
said substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion defines a
substantially circular-shaped center portion having a third color
and a third point value; providing at least one bag; and projecting
said bag towards said target board for scoring points when said bag
comes to rest on one of said substantially triangular-shaped corner
portions and substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion and
substantially circular-shaped center portion.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein said bag weighs approximately 3
ounces.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein said bag is comprised of pea
gravel.
12. The method of claim 9 wherein said bag is projected by said one
or more players towards said target board from a throw line at
least approximately six feet from a front portion of said
target.
13. The method of claim 9 wherein said bag is projected by said one
or more players towards said target board from a throw line at
least approximately eight feet from a front portion of said
target.
14. The method of claim 9 wherein said bag is projected by said one
or more players towards said target board from a throw line at
least approximately ten feet from a front portion of said
target.
15. The method of claim 9 wherein said first color and said second
color and said third color comprise a water-based acrylic paint
with sealer.
16. The method of claim 9 wherein said substantially square target
board has a length of approximately 12 inches and a width of
approximately 12 inches and a thickness of approximately 0.75
inches.
17. A method for playing a bag toss game for one or more players of
varying skill levels comprising, in combination, the steps of:
providing a substantially square target board having a top surface
comprising four substantially triangular-shaped corner portions
having a first color and a first point value, a substantially
hexagonal-shaped interior portion having a second color and a
second point value, said substantially hexagonal-shaped interior
portion defines a substantially circular-shaped center portion
having a third color and a third point value; providing at least
one bag; providing a first throw line and at least one additional
throw line, said first throw line is for at least one player of
less skill and is placed at a distance of at least approximately
six feet from said target, said at least one additional throw line
is for at least one player of more skill and is placed more than
six feet away from said target; and projecting said bag from behind
one of said first throw line and said at least one additional throw
line towards said target board for scoring points when said bag
comes to rest on one of said substantially triangular-shaped corner
portions and substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion and
substantially circular-shaped center portion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to bag toss games and, more
specifically, to a portable bag toss game apparatus and method
therefor for one or more players particularly useful for stress
relief and physical therapy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many games, such as darts, various carnival games, bag toss
games and the like involve throwing objects towards a target. These
games often test a person's depth perception, strength, and muscle
coordination. These games are also a source of entertainment. To
this end, such games are valuable as a means to reduce stress.
[0003] The prior art discloses many games involving a bag or other
projectile being thrown at a target. These inventions involve
targets of various shapes, sizes and dimensions, each offering an
alternative benefit. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,877 issued to
Bour discloses a target board formed by two hinged panels and
defining an aperture. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,216 issued to
Sparacino shows a slanted target board also defining an aperture
through which a bag is tossed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,832 issued to
Huff discloses a target board defining three apertures through
which a bag is thrown. However, much of the prior art target boards
define apertures, which makes the manufacture of these boards more
complicated. Additionally, target boards which rely on an aperture
prevent a successful toss of a bag or other projectile from being
knocked out of the way by a subsequent toss. By using an
aperture-less target board, a bag toss game provides players with
an added challenge. A single player must not only toss with the
skill necessary to hit the target, but must also make subsequent
tosses which, although aiming for the target, are careful not to
knock off the target previous successful tosses. Additionally, when
multiple players are playing, one player may try purposefully to
use his or her bag to knock his or her opponent's bag off of the
target. This added element of the game, which provides additional
strategy, enjoyment, and skill cannot be effectively utilized with
bag toss games having target boards which define apertures.
[0004] Many of the prior art target boards, both those which do
define an aperture and those that do not, provide target areas on
the target board which cannot be accurately discerned when the
player begins to move beyond several yards from the target. This
prevents more advanced players from testing their skill through
continuing to increase the distance from where they toss the bag
towards the target. Additionally, many of the prior art target
boards are either complicated in design or construction, bulky to
carry or set-up, not easily portable, or complex in the game's
execution.
[0005] A need therefore existed for a portable bag toss game for
one or more players having the qualities of easily identifiable
target areas, ease of design, construction and use, as well as
added, challenging play.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a portable
bag toss game for one or more players capable of providing a
substantially flat, aperture-less target surface.
[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
portable bag toss game for one or more players capable of providing
target areas easily identifiable from distances of up to ten feet
and beyond.
[0008] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide a method for playing a bag toss game for one or more
players.
[0009] It is yet a still further object of the present invention to
provide a method for playing a bag toss game for one or more
players of varying skill levels through the use of at least two
throw lines.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a portable bag toss game apparatus for one or more players is
disclosed, comprising, in combination, a substantially square
target board having a top surface comprising four substantially
triangular-shaped corner portions having a first color and a first
point value, a substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion
having a second color and a second point value, the substantially
hexagonal-shaped interior portion defines a substantially
circular-shaped center portion having a third color and a third
point value, and at least one bag to be projected by the one or
more players towards the target board for scoring points when the
bag comes to rest on one of the substantially triangular-shaped
corner portions and substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion
and substantially circular-shaped center portion.
[0011] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a method for playing a bag toss game for one or more
players is disclosed, comprising, in combination, the steps of
providing a substantially square target board having a top surface
comprising four substantially triangular-shaped corner portions
having a first color and a first point value, a substantially
hexagonal-shaped interior portion having a second color and a
second point value, the substantially hexagonal-shaped interior
portion defines a substantially circular-shaped center portion
having a third color and a third point value, providing at least
one bag, and projecting the bag towards the target board for
scoring points when the bag comes to rest on one of the
substantially triangular-shaped corner portions and substantially
hexagonal-shaped interior portion and substantially circular-shaped
center portion.
[0012] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a method for playing a bag toss game for one or more
players of varying skill levels is disclosed, comprising, in
combination, the steps of providing a substantially square target
board having a top surface comprising four substantially
triangular-shaped corner portions having a first color and a first
point value, a substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion
having a second color and a second point value, the substantially
hexagonal-shaped interior portion defines a substantially
circular-shaped center portion having a third color and a third
point value, providing at least one bag, providing a first throw
line and at least one additional throw line, the first throw line
is for at least one player of less skill and is placed at a
distance of approximately six feet from the target, the at least
one additional throw line is for at least one player of more skill
and is placed more than six feet away from the target, and
projecting the bag from behind one of the first throw line and the
at least one additional throw line towards the target board for
scoring points when the bag comes to rest on one of the
substantially triangular-shaped corner portions and substantially
hexagonal-shaped interior portion and substantially circular-shaped
center portion.
[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the
portable bag toss game apparatus for one or more players of the
present invention, showing a player projecting a bag towards the
target.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top view of the target board of the portable bag
toss game apparatus for one or more players of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a top view of the bag of the portable bag toss
game apparatus for one or more players of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1 reference number 10 refers generally to
the preferred embodiment of the portable bag toss game apparatus
for one or more players of the present invention. The portable bag
toss game apparatus 10 comprises a substantially square target
board 12 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 2, the target board 12 has a top
surface 14 which comprises four substantially triangular-shaped
corner portions 16 having a first color and a first point value.
Preferably, the four corner portions 16 are red and have a point
value of 1 point. The target board 12 also comprises a
substantially hexagonal-shaped interior portion 18 having a second
color and a second point value. Preferably, the interior portion 18
is white and has a point value of 3 points. The substantially
hexagonal-shaped interior portion 18 defines a substantially
circular-shaped center portion 20 having a third color and a third
point value. Preferably, the center portion 20 is blue and has a
point value of 5 points. While, in the preferred embodiment, the
corner portions 16 are red and have a point value of 1 point, and
the interior portion 18 is white and has a point value of 3 points,
and the center portion 20 is blue and has a point value of 5
points, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit
could be derived from an alternative color scheme and point value
system, so long as the four corner portions 16 have a same color
and a same point value, and the interior portion 18 has a same
color and a same point value and the center portion 20 has a same
color and a same point value. For example, an interesting variation
of the game might be to place the highest point value on the corner
portions 16 and lower point values on the interior portion 18 and
the center portion 20.
[0019] In the preferred embodiment, the target board 12 has a
length of approximately 12 inches, a width of approximately 12
inches and a thickness of approximately 0.75 inches, although it
should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be
derived from an alternative configuration of the target board 12,
so long as it comprises the four substantially triangular-shaped
corner portions 16, the substantially hexagonal-shaped interior
portion 18 and the substantially-circular shaped center portion
20.
[0020] In the preferred embodiment, the first color, the second
color and the third color, whichever colors they may be, are
comprised of a water-based acrylic paint with sealer to keep the
elements of the weather from distorting the ability of the three
colors from distinguishing from the four corner portions 16, the
interior portion 18 and the center portion 20. It should be clearly
understood, however, that substantial benefit could be derived from
an alternative means of applying colors to the target board 12,
such as through the use of an oil-based paint, so long as the
-visual separation of the three portions of the target board 12 is
maintained.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, the portable bag toss game
apparatus for one or more players 10 further comprises at least one
bag 22. The bag 22 is to be projected by one or more players 24
(shown in FIG. 1) towards the target board 12 for scoring points
when the bag 22 comes to rest on one of the substantially
triangular-shaped corner portions 16, the substantially
hexagonal-shaped interior portion 18, and the substantially
circular-shaped center portion 20. Preferably, the bag 22 weighs
approximately 3 ounces and is comprised of pea gravel, although it
should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could also be
provided from a bag 22 comprised of another material or wherein the
weight of the bag 22 deviates, even substantially, from the
preferred weight in either direction so long as the bag 22 can be
thrown by a player 24 toward the target board 12 with some degree
of accuracy.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, the portable bag toss game
apparatus 10 preferably comprises a throw line 26, behind which the
at least one player 24 projects the bag 22 toward the target board
12. The throw line 26 is preferably placed at least six feet from a
front portion of the target board 12, although more advanced
players may prefer to place the throw line 26 eight feet, ten feet
or even further away from a front portion of the target board 12.
One variation of the bag toss game allows for more than one throw
line 26 to be placed at different distances form the target board
12 when players of varying skill levels wish to compete against one
another in the same game. Additionally, using more than one throw
line 26 could be advantageous when the portable bag toss game
apparatus 10 is used as a way for a player 24 to rehabilitate an
injury. For example, a person who may have injured his or her arm
previously and is now in the process of re-building strength in
that arm may want to use more than one throw line 26 as a way to
gradually increase the distance to the target board 12 and thereby
gradually increase the muscle strength needed in the arm to get the
bag 22 to the target board 12. Although, in the preferred
embodiment, the portable bag toss game apparatus 10 comprises a
throw line 26, it should be clearly understood that substantial
benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the
portable bag toss game apparatus 10 which lacks a throw line 26, so
long as at least one player 24 could still project the bag 22
towards the target board 12. For example, it may be that when
introducing small children to the game, the throw line 26 is not
necessary since children may need to be standing right next to the
target board 12 in order to land a bag 22 on the target board 12
with any accuracy.
Rules of Play
[0023] As mentioned, the portable bag toss game 10 is played by one
or more players 24. When two or more players 24 are playing, then
each player 24 throws a bag 22 on to the target board 12 to
determine which player 24 will go first. The player 24 with the
highest point value will go first while lower scoring players will
go after the high scorer in order from highest score to lowest
score, with the lowest scoring player going last. The bag 22 may be
bounced, tossed, thrown, or rolled on to the target board 12. A
player 24 must land his or her bag 22 on the target board 12 for a
point value at least once out of three turns or else be
disqualified from the game. As mentioned, one or more throw lines
26 may be used to distance a player 24 from the target board 12.
Preferably, a game for beginners involving a throw line 26 close to
the target board 12 will be completed when one player 24 reaches a
total point value of 30 points. Preferably, a game for more
advanced players 24 involving a throw line 26 relatively far from
the target board 12 will be completed when one player 24 reaches a
total point value of 50 points. It should be clearly understood,
however, that an alternative winning point value for either
beginners or advanced players 24 can be agreed upon by the players
24. An advanced version of the game can be played where points are
only awarded to a player 24 if the bag 22 lands on the center
portion 20. Likewise, variations discussed previously, such as
re-assigning point values to the corner portions 16, the interior
portion 18 and the center portion 20 are also allowed. If the bag
22 is resting only partially on one of the corner portions 16, the
interior portion 18 or the center portion 20 then a point value
will be awarded for whichever portion a majority of the bag 22
rests upon.
[0024] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and
other changes in form and details may be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *