U.S. patent application number 10/309998 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-10 for tossing game and method of play.
Invention is credited to Bartel, Bryan Lee.
Application Number | 20040108658 10/309998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32467959 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040108658 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bartel, Bryan Lee |
June 10, 2004 |
Tossing game and method of play
Abstract
A ring tossing game wherein two or more players compete by
tossing rings toward a target structure whereby points are
accumulated. Each target structure is elongate and has a first
upper surface portion upon which a player may stand while tossing
rings toward an opposing structure, and a second upper surface
portion defining a plurality of longitudinally aligned
ring-receiving bores. A plurality of lightweight rings, sized for
mating reception within the ring-receiving bores, is provided for
tossing. A point system is disclosed wherein points are awarded to
a player upon successfully tossing his or her ring(s) into the
target structure bores, and points are deducted when a player
exceeds a predetermined score and/or when certain tosses result in
point reduction. Scoreboards are provided for all players to
facilitate score keeping.
Inventors: |
Bartel, Bryan Lee; (Davie,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark D. Bowen
Stearns Weaver Miller, et al.
Suite 1900
200 East Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale
FL
33301
US
|
Family ID: |
32467959 |
Appl. No.: |
10/309998 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/398 ;
273/407 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 67/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/398 ;
273/407 |
International
Class: |
A63B 063/00; F41J
001/00 |
Claims
What I claim is:
1. A method of playing a game, comprising the steps of: providing
first and second target structures, each target structure having a
generally planar elongate top surface, said top surface having a
longitudinal axis, said top surface having a first portion thereof
upon which a person may stand while playing and a second portion
thereof defining first, second, and third vertically oriented bores
positioned in longitudinal alignment, said bores each having a
substantially similar diameter; providing a plurality of rings,
each of said rings having a diameter less than the diameter of said
bores; providing first and second score boards for keeping score,
said score boards including means for indicating points accumulated
during play; placing said first and second target structures
approximately ten feet apart and in longitudinal alignment; having
a first player stand on said first portion of said first target
structure and toss N rings toward the bores in the second target
structure, and having a second player stand on said first portion
of said first target structure and toss N rings toward the bores in
the second target structure, wherein the tossing of N rings by each
of said first and second players constitutes a series; tallying
points accumulated by each of said first and second players at the
conclusion of each series, whereby a low number of points are
awarded for each ring successfully tossed by a player into said
first bore of said second target structure, a medium number of
points are awarded for each ring successfully tossed by a player
into said second bore of said second target structure, and a high
number of points are awarded for each ring tossed by a player into
said third bore of said second target structure; canceling points
accumulated by each player when each player successfully tosses a
ring into the same bore; adding the net sum of points accumulated
during for each player at the conclusion of each series to each
player's previous point total; subtracting the net sum of points
accumulated for a player at the conclusion of a series if adding
the net sum of points accumulated for that player during the series
to that player's previous point total exceeds a predetermined
maximum score; winning the game by accumulating points that exactly
total said predetermined maximum score.
2. A method of playing a game according to claim 1, wherein each of
said target structures is watertight and defines an internal
chamber.
3. A method of playing a game according to claim 2, wherein each of
said target structures includes a fill port communicating with said
internal chamber.
4. A method of playing a game according to claim 1 wherein said
target structure top surfaces are covered by carpet material.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] N/A
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] N/A
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyrights.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to games of skill and
strategy, and more particularly to a tossing game and method of
play wherein points are accumulated by tossing rings toward one or
more target structures.
[0006] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0007] Games for recreational entertainment that involve tossing an
object toward a target are well known in the art. One of the best
known games of this kind is "horseshoes". Horseshoes is played
using real or simulated horseshoes that are tossed at an upstanding
stake that is partially driven into the ground. Horseshoes, while
popular, suffers from a number of significant disadvantages,
including the heaviness of the horseshoes, the need to pound the
stakes into the ground that can be a difficult task, and the
potential harm present should a tossed horseshoe miss its mark and
instead contact a person or fragile article.
[0008] Accordingly, the prior art reveals games that provide
alternate solutions to the problems inherent with the game of
horseshoes. While a common thread exists among the prior art games,
the tossing of one or more rings, instead of heavy horseshoes,
toward a target for the purposes of achieving the highest score
based upon accuracy of the toss, there still remains a need in the
art to provide a ring toss game in which the game may be played
indoors or outdoors, on land or water (such as a pool), with
apparatus that is easily convertible for either environment of
use.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides an improved ring tossing game
wherein two or more players compete by tossing rings toward a
target structure whereby points are accumulated. Each target
structure is an elongate structure having a first upper surface
portion upon which a player may stand while tossing rings toward an
opposing structure, and a second upper surface portion defining a
plurality of longitudinally aligned ring-receiving bores. A
plurality of lightweight rings, sized for mating reception within
the ring-receiving bores, are provided for tossing. A point system
is disclosed wherein points are awarded to a player upon
successfully tossing his or her ring(s) into the target structure
bores, and points are deducted when a player exceeds a
predetermined score and/or when certain tosses result in point
reduction. Scoreboards are provided for all players to facilitate
score keeping.
[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an improved tossing game.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide and
improved ring-tossing game capable of being played on land or on
water.
[0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
an improved method of play and scoring for a ring tossing game.
[0013] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent
from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a preferred
embodiment target structure according to the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top rear perspective view thereof;
[0016] FIGS. 3 and 4 are bottom perspective view thereof;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a composite exploded top perspective view showing
a target structure and rings;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a composite exploded bottom perspective view
thereof with a portion of the rings depicted in exploded view;
[0019] FIG. 7 is an alternate view thereof depicting all of the
rings in exploded view;
[0020] FIG. 8 depicts a front top perspective view of an alternate
embodiment target structure according to the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 depicts a rear top perspective view thereof;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view thereof;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a top exploded perspective view thereof;
[0024] FIG. 12 depicts a top perspective view of another alternate
embodiment target structure;
[0025] FIG. 13 depicts a bottom perspective view thereof;
[0026] FIGS. 14 and 15 depict a top perspective view of yet another
alternate embodiment target structure;
[0027] FIG. 16 illustrates a pair of target structures and score
boards positioned for play;
[0028] FIGS. 17 and 18 are detailed views of a ring used in
accordance with the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 19 depicts a first scoreboard and scoreboard base
according to the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 20 depicts and exploded view thereof;
[0031] FIG. 21 depicts a second scoreboard according to the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 22 is a partial detailed view thereof; and
[0033] FIGS. 23 and 24 depict a base for the scoreboards.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] The present invention provides an improved ring tossing game
wherein two or more players compete by tossing rings toward target
structures, each of which defines a plurality of ring receiving
bores. In addition to game playing apparatus, methods of play,
strategy, and scoring are disclosed.
[0035] 1. Game Apparatus
[0036] FIGS. 1-7 depict a preferred embodiment of target
structures, generally referenced as 10, in accordance with the
present invention. Target structures 10 are preferably elongate
structures having a top surface including a first portion 12 upon
which a player may stand while tossing rings toward an opposing
structure, and a second portion 14 defining a plurality of
vertically oriented and longitudinally aligned ring receiving bores
16A, 16B and 16C. There are preferably three (3) ring receiving
bores longitudinally spaced and aligned on portion 14 of target
structure 10. The top surface of target structure 10, and
particularly first portion 12 thereof is preferably textured and/or
includes a covering (such as indoor/outdoor carpet) to provide
traction and insure adequate footing. Target structures 10 may be
fabricated from thermoformed plastic, injection molded plastic,
blow molded plastic, extruded plastic, wood, fiberglass, fiber or
wood composites, or any other suitable material. The embodiment
depicted in FIGS. 1-7 is a blow-molded embodiment that is
preferably watertight and defines a substantially hollow interior.
Target structure 10 further includes a water inlet and removable
cap, generally referenced as 18, to permit the introduction of
water into target structure 10 for weighing the structure down for
use on land. Conversely, when the hollow interior is not filled,
target structure 10 is buoyant such that it will float on the
surface of a body of water, such as a pool or pond, for water play.
Cap 18 may be connected to the water inlet via threaded connection,
snap connection, or any other suitable fastening means.
[0037] FIGS. 8-11 depict an alternate embodiment target structure,
referenced as 30. Target structure 30 is preferably an elongate
structure having a top surface including a first portion 32 upon
which a player may stand while tossing rings toward an opposing
structure, and a second portion 34 defining a plurality of
vertically oriented and longitudinally aligned ring receiving bores
36. There are preferably three (3) ring receiving bores 36
longitudinally spaced and aligned on the top portion 34 of target
structure 30. Target structure 30 may further define a slotted
recess 38 for receiving rings for temporary storage before, during,
or after play as best depicted in FIG. 8. The top surface of target
structure 30, and particularly first portion 32 thereof is
preferably textured and/or includes a covering (such as
indoor/outdoor carpet) to provide traction and insure adequate
footing. Target structures 30 may be fabricated from thermoformed
plastic, injection molded plastic, blow molded plastic, extruded
plastic, wood, fiberglass, fiber or wood composites, or any other
suitable material.
[0038] FIGS. 12-13 and 14-15 depict further alternate embodiments
for the target structures. More particularly, FIGS. 12-13 depict an
alternate embodiment target structure, referenced as 40. Target
structure 40 is preferably an elongate structure having a top
surface including a first portion 42 upon which a player may stand
while tossing rings toward an opposing structure, and a second
portion 44 defining a plurality of vertically oriented and
longitudinally aligned ring receiving bores 46. There are
preferably three (3) ring receiving bores 46 longitudinally spaced
and aligned on the top portion 44 of target structure 40. Target
structure 40 may further define a slotted recess 48 for receiving
rings for temporary storage before, during, or after play. The top
surface of target structure 40, and particularly first portion 42
thereof is preferably textured and/or includes a covering (such as
indoor/outdoor carpet) to provide traction and insure adequate
footing. Target structures 40 may be fabricated from thermoformed
plastic, injection molded plastic, blow molded plastic, extruded
plastic, wood, fiberglass, fiber or wood composites, or any other
suitable material.
[0039] FIGS. 14-15 depict yet another alternate embodiment target
structure, referenced as 50. Target structure 50 is preferably an
elongate structure having a top surface including a first portion
52 upon which a player may stand while tossing rings toward an
opposing structure, and a second portion 54 defining a plurality of
vertically oriented and longitudinally aligned ring receiving bores
56. There are preferably three (3) ring-receiving bores 56
longitudinally spaced and aligned on the top portion 54 of target
structure 50. Target structure 50 may further define a circular
recess 58 for receiving rings for temporary storage before, during,
or after play. The top surface of target structure 50, and
particularly first portion 52 thereof is preferably textured and/or
includes a covering (such as indoor/outdoor carpet) to provide
traction and insure adequate footing. Target structures 50 may be
fabricated from thermoformed plastic, injection molded plastic,
blow molded plastic, extruded plastic, wood, fiberglass, fiber or
wood composites, or any other suitable material.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment, each target structure is
approximately four (4) feet in length, one (1) foot wide, and two
(2) inches in height. Each ring-receiving bore is approximately
five inches (5") in diameter, spaced six inches (6") apart and four
inches (4") from the front of the target structure. While the
dimensions disclosed are preferable variations thereto are
considered within the scope of the present invention.
[0041] FIGS. 16 and 17 depict a ring, typical of the rings used in
the tossing game of the present invention. More particularly, six
rings, referenced as 20, are provided as tossing objects for use
with the game. Each ring is approximately four inches (4") in
diameter, which size allows the ring to be concentrically received
within one of the five inch (5") diameter ring-receiving bores 16
of target structure 10 in the event of a successful toss thereof
during play. In a preferred, two-player embodiment, first and
second color-coded sets or rings are provided (e.g. 3 red and 3
white rings). Each ring 20 may be fabricated from plastic, wood,
metal, rubber, fiberglass and/or composite, or any other suitable
material. The rings are preferably relatively lightweight for ease
of handling and tossing.
[0042] FIGS. 18-23 depict a scoreboard assembly, generally
referenced as 60 for use with the present invention. The scoreboard
assembly includes scoreboard 62 and base 64 for each player (e.g.
red, white, etc.). In a preferred embodiment, scoreboard 62
comprises an elongate member having a top portion 66 having indicia
thereon to facilitate score keeping, and a bottom portion 68
terminating in a pointed end for supporting scoreboard 62. Top
portion 66 preferably includes a plurality of apertures, preferably
26, and corresponding numerical indicia to enable scoring up to a
maximum of 26 points. A peg (not shown) may be removable inserted
in one of said apertures to indicate the present score. Scoreboard
62 by me inserted into base 64 in a vertically upright
configuration. Alternatively, scoreboard 62 may be inserted into
the ground like a stake without use of base 64. As depicted in
FIGS. 19, 22, and 23, base 64 includes a slotted aperture 65 for
receiving the end portion of scoreboard bottom portion 68 therein
when base 64 is used to support scoreboard 62 in a vertical
configuration. Base 64 may also be buoyant and have properly
positioned ballast such that the scoreboard assembly may float in a
body of water in situations wherein the game is played in an
aquatic environment.
[0043] 2. Method of Play
[0044] FIG. 24 illustrates the relative positions of the various
apparatus configured for play. A pair of target structures,
referenced as 10A and 10B respectively, is positioned in opposing
spaced relation. In a preferred embodiment, the target structures
are spaced approximately ten feet (10'). While standing on the
first portion 12 of target structure 10A, a first player tosses
three (3) rings at opposing target structure 10B, each time
attempting to toss the ring into one of the ring-receiving bores.
After the first player has tossed all three rings, it is the second
player's turn to toss his/her three rings. The object is to be the
first to reach a predetermined point total, which point total is
twenty-six (26) points in the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG.
24.
[0045] Points are awarded for rings that come to rest within one of
the ring-receiving bores in a concentric nested position as
depicted in FIG. 3. No points are awarded unless the ring is
axially aligned within a ring-receiving target structure bore.
Longer successful tosses are worth more than shorter tosses. For
example, with reference to FIG. 24, each ring received within the
bore nearest the player (i.e. ring-receiving bore 16A) is worth
1-point, each ring received within middle bore 16B is worth
3-points, and each ring received within the farthest bore 16C is
worth 5-points. Each player has a scoreboard for use in keeping
track of his or her individual score. Points obtained by the first
player may be cancelled if the second player successfully covers
the first player's ring. At the conclusion of each round points are
totaled and the player with the highest point total has the first
turn in the next round.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment and exact score (e.g. 26 points)
is required to win. The first player to obtain 26 points, without
going over, at the conclusion of a round wins. If, in a round, a
player obtains a number of points that brings that player's score
over 26 points, then that player scores no points for that round.
Accordingly, players are constantly required to utilize strategy
regarding the number of points to shoot for (i.e. 1, 3, or 5) for
any given toss, and skill to hit the proper target. Furthermore,
since points may be cancelled the second player may prevent the
first player from winning by canceling the first player's final
round points (i.e. points obtained by the first player to reach 26)
with a covering throw.
[0047] The instant invention has been shown and described herein in
what is considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made
therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious
structural and/or functional modifications will occur to a person
skilled in the art.
* * * * *