U.S. patent application number 11/203478 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-30 for washer game with an upright tube.
Invention is credited to Richard J. Menendez.
Application Number | 20060066054 11/203478 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46322423 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060066054 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Menendez; Richard J. |
March 30, 2006 |
Washer game with an upright tube
Abstract
A washer game with an upright tube has two targets spaced apart
to test people's skill at throwing washers. The targets are round
with concentric rings upon a flat base within a perimeter wall.
Score value increases as ring diameter decreases. The centermost
ring has a diameter to receive an upright tube. In addition to the
targets and tubes, the game has a plurality of washers or bean
bags. Players of the game can add or remove a tube to vary the
difficulty of the game. Also, a backboard collects washers for
novice players or friendly competitions. The backboard rests
upright upon the wall of a target and has a similar shape to the
target.
Inventors: |
Menendez; Richard J.; (St.
Louis, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHARLES C. MCCLOSKEY
763 S. NEW BALLAS ROAD STE. 170
ST. LOUIS
MO
63141
US
|
Family ID: |
46322423 |
Appl. No.: |
11/203478 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10953042 |
Sep 29, 2004 |
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11203478 |
Aug 12, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/348 ;
273/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 67/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/348 ;
273/400 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/02 20060101
A63F009/02; A63B 63/00 20060101 A63B063/00 |
Claims
1. A game to test skill at throwing for indoor and outdoor use has
one or more targets with a base that has a top surface, a wall
perpendicular to the base and proximate to the perimeter of the
base, and one or more concentric rings centered upon the target,
the rings and the wall join to the top surface, and a plurality of
throwing pieces, wherein the improvement comprises: a backboard
adapted to cooperate with said wall and to extend upwards from said
target opposite said base and having at least one connector.
2. The game of claim 1 wherein said backboard has a height
exceeding the height of said wall.
3. The game of claim 1 further comprising: said backboard having a
top and an opposite bottom; and, said connector comprising a clip
joining to said backboard proximate to said bottom.
4. The game of claim 3 wherein said clip is adapted to grasp said
wall and is one of a strap, clamp, bracket, or clevis.
5. The game of claim 4 further comprising: said clip having
generally planar strap-like L shape with a top and an opposite
bottom that flares outward from said wall.
6. The game of claim 4 wherein said backboard is curved, said clips
are spaced along said backboard, and said target is adapted to be
round.
7. The game of claim 5 wherein said backboard has four clips.
8. An accessory for a washer game with targets that receive thrown
washers, said targets have a wall upon their perimeter, comprising:
a backboard having a top and an opposite bottom and adapted to fit
upon said wall and to extend above said wall; and, at least one
clip upon said backboard that snugly fits upon the wall.
9. The accessory of claim 8 further comprising: said clip joining
to said backboard proximate to said bottom.
10. The accessory of claim 9 wherein said clip device is a
strap.
11. The accessory of claim 10 wherein said clip has a planar narrow
shape with a top and an opposite bottom, said top joining to said
bottom at a fold, and said fold is adapted to bias said clip upon
said wall.
12. The accessory of claim 8 wherein said accessory has four clips.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This continuation-in-part application claims the benefit of
application Ser. No. 10/953,042, filed Sep. 29, 2004 and commonly
owned by the same inventor. The above noted application is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The washer game with an upright tube relates generally to
games and more specifically to throwing games involving a target at
a distance.
[0003] People play games for entertainment and to develop
coordination. Games have rules and usually scoring to measure
skill. As coordination develops, skills and scores generally
improve. At machine shops, auto shops, and hardware stores, washers
accumulated often. Workers and customers would toss spare washers
occasionally. In the last thirty years, a game developed in
throwing washers at a distant target for score akin to horseshoes
thrown at picnics.
[0004] Traditionally, washer games have two spaced apart scoring
boxes that receive tossed washers. The prior art boxes are
typically manufactured from wood, metal, plastic and other
materials in a square form with an open top. The square boxes
received washers from all directions and permitted scoring of
washers along a diagonal of the box similar to along the
longitudinal and lateral axes of the box. The structure of the box
allowed scoring at greater distances but perhaps at lesser skill.
Further limitations of the prior art included scoring for only
washers within the box, not precisely at the center and few
features to reduce rebounding of the washers as they contacted the
scoring box. This prior art limitation sometimes allowed well
tossed washers to bounce out of the scoring box, thereby
heightening the skill required at the game beyond mere throwing
accuracy. Players would have to account for the spin and angle of
impact of the washer with the box. The prior art had little
recognition for a perfect center ringer toss.
[0005] Presently, people throw washers outdoors and indoors upon
surfaces resistant to chipping, like concrete. The outdoor surfaces
absorb impact of washers as in earth or people tolerate damage as
in wooden surfaces or concrete. With washers thrown between
targets, or boxes, the area proximate to the target sustains the
impact from the washers. When used indoors, surfaces limit the play
of the washer game to those surfaces deemed chip resistant. A
target of sufficient area would protect an indoor surface while
still allowing competitive scoring of games.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0006] The prior art has many version of boxes and targets. Some
boxes stack and some nest. Other boxes have scoring systems painted
upon the box and rules for the players. Some boxes award higher
points for washers thrown and landed in the center of the box.
However, few washer boxes mention an upright target.
[0007] The patent to Blume, U.S. Pat. No. 4,392,653, shows a target
apparatus for a washer game. Like the present invention, the
apparatus has an upright tube and a box with a perimeter wall.
However, this patent has a hole in the bottom for inserting the
tube, four sides, and lacks throwing pieces and concentric rings
within the perimeter wall.
[0008] The patent to Teafatiller, U.S. Pat. No. 4,982,966, shows a
ring toss game apparatus with separable but locking cases. Similar
to the present invention, this patent has a tube attached to the
center of a case. Different from the present invention, this patent
has a tube with fins on the end that secure into slots in the
cases, a handle on the case, scoring pegs, and no internal
concentric rings.
[0009] The patent to Weymuth, U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,801, shows a two
cup washer game. Akin to the present invention, this patent has
cups serving as adjacent rings. Unlike the present invention, this
patent has adjacent cups as point targets in contrast to the area
target of the present invention, spikes through the cups securing
them to the earth, nodes or bumps on the bottom of the cups to aid
in retrieval of washers, and plastic washers.
[0010] The patent to Baumgartner, U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,139, shows a
disk tossing game with a box target. Like the present invention,
the patent has a central ring as the final washer target. Unlike
the present invention, the patent has an outer box shape, cross
bars within the box and beneath the central ring, and no tube above
the ring.
[0011] Then, the patent to Dougherty, No. D329,666, illustrates the
design for a round game target. As the present invention does, this
patent has a round target with a central cylinder or ring. However,
this patent like Baumgartner's '139 patent has an open bottom,
cross bars beneath the ring, and a lip upon the top of the sidewall
but no upright tube.
[0012] The patent to Konotopsky, U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,862, shows a
two piece tossing game. Similar to the present invention, this
patent has concentric scoring rings in a bull's eye arrangement. In
contrast to the present invention, this patent has a flat board
propped at an angle on a support and flat scoring rings but lacks a
sidewall to contain washers and an upright tube.
[0013] The patent to Shost, Jr. et al., No. D415,533, illustrates
an octagonal washer target. Like the present invention, this patent
has a central cup higher than the sidewalls. In contrast to the
present invention, this patent has a square cup and octagon
shape.
[0014] The patent to Billodeau et al., No. D428,061, illustrates
another washer toss game with a central ring or cup. Like the
present invention, this patent has a central cup but the cup rests
upon cross bars and extends above the box. Further, the patent has
a square box where the present invention has a round target.
[0015] The patent to Gomez, U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,833, shows a recent
patent for another washer toss game. This patent has concentric
rings for scoring. Unlike the present invention, this patent has a
raised mat with a cup in the center and the cup beneath the
mat.
[0016] Then, the patent to Kessler, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,749,201 shows a stackable washer game target with a central ring.
Differing from the present invention, this patent has a tapered
sidewall and a removable center pin with a base plug. The patent
also has surface treatments for the washers and the bottom of the
target.
[0017] The patent to Kessler, Jr. et al., No. D479,279, illustrates
a stackable washer target. As in the present invention, this design
patent has a raised center portion to receive thrown washers.
However, this patent has a central pin, four tapered sides arranged
in a rectangle, and nodes upon the bottom which the present
invention lacks.
[0018] The patent to Knetsch et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,200, has a
washer game with a box. As in the present invention, this patent
has a central upright tube. However, this patent has an adjustable
height tube inserted through a hole in the bottom of a box, and an
adjustable false bottom in a square box.
[0019] And, the patent to Geror, U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,010, has a
game with rings upon a target. As in the present invention, this
patent has a central cup to receive thrown washers. However, this
patent lacks an upright tube above the sidewall, has the tray not
in contact with the ground, and has the cup as an integral molded
part of the tray.
[0020] The present invention overcomes the difficulties of cross
arms and tapered central rings and allows installation of an
upright tube for a new dimension to the washer tossing game and a
backboard to assist novices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Generally, the present invention provides a game and method
of play with washers similar to the game of horseshoes played at
picnics and in parks across the nation. Presently, people throw
washers outdoors and indoors upon surfaces resistant to chipping,
like concrete. Some washer games have square bins as the distant
target from a player.
[0022] The present invention has at least one round target, upright
tube, and backboard suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The target
has a round cylindrical shape closed on the bottom and open on the
top to receive thrown washers. Within the target, one or more rings
have concentric locations with various radii. The rings are spaced
along the diameter of the target. Each ring represents a different
point value for a game. Two or more people play the game,
individually or on teams. Typically, each player throws four
pieces, or washers, in a round. The center ring has the highest
points for its small diameter in contrast to the outer ring with
the lowest points for its large diameter. The center ring has a
fixed diameter to receive an upright tube. The upright tube can
have one or more openings that receive thrown washers. As an
accessory to the game, the players choose whether to play with the
upright tube. Preferably, the center ring is four and one half
inches outside diameter to accept a PVC pipe fitting. In using two
targets, the targets are spaced at least twenty feet apart at the
players' discretion. Additionally, the targets may have scoring for
washers landing within each ring, increasing towards the center and
for landing within the upright tube. The players throw washers
until a player or team reaches twenty one points.
[0023] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood and that
the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter
and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.
[0024] The washer game may also include at least one backboard and
at least one connector attached to each backboard. The backboard
provides for training in throwing for the washer game and a more
forgiving game if desired by the players. Persons throw washers
towards a target and the backboard collects washers upon it and
deposits them into the outer ring of the target. The connectors
join the backboard to the wall of a target on at least one
location. The connectors and the backboard resist the impacts of
multiple washers over many uses of the washer game.
[0025] Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of the
presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiment of
the present invention when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. Before explaining the current embodiment of
the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention
is not limited in its application to the details of construction
and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the
following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention
is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried
out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology employed
herein are for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting.
[0026] One object of the present invention is to provide a new and
improved washer game with an upright tube.
[0027] Another object is to provide such a washer game that has
multiple concentric rings for scoring.
[0028] Another object is to provide such a washer game that is
portable and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
[0029] Another object is to provide such a washer game that has an
upright opening for additional scoring opportunities.
[0030] Another object is to provide such a washer game that has a
backboard to collect washers into a target.
[0031] These together with other objects of the invention, along
with the various features of novelty that characterize the
invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to
the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is
illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment of the
washer game with an upright tube and without a tube arranged for
play and constructed in accordance with the principles of the
present invention;
[0033] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the preferred embodiment of a
target of the present invention with pieces suitable for
tossing;
[0034] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view through the preferred
embodiment of the target;
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an upright tube
emplaced upon the preferred embodiment of the target;
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view through the upright tube
upon the preferred embodiment of the target;
[0037] FIG. 6 describes a top view of an alternate embodiment of a
target of the present invention; and,
[0038] FIG. 7 describes a sectional view through the alternate
embodiment of the target.
[0039] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the washer game with an upright
tube and a backboard arranged for play;
[0040] FIG. 9 shows a sectional view through a target and the
backboard of the preferred embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 10a shows an isometric view of the backboard and
connectors;
[0042] FIG. 10b shows a top view of the backboard; and,
[0043] FIG. 10c shows a sectional view through the backboard and
showing a typical connector.
[0044] The same reference numerals refer to the same parts
throughout the various figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0045] The present art overcomes the prior art limitations by
providing a target with one or more concentric rings and an upright
tube accessory to receive pieces, or washers, thrown at a distance
for score. Beginning on FIG. 1, a washer game of the present
invention 1 has one or more targets 2 at a distance, D. Here shown
are two targets 2 with one upon a solid surface, or concrete, and
the other upon the ground. The concrete represents indoor use of
the present invention 1 while the ground represents outdoor use. In
the washer game, targets 2 have a twenty foot distance between them
and the rings 4, 4a within a target 2 have higher score as the ring
4 diameter decreases. A suggested scoring system is one point for a
washer in the outer ring 4, three points for a washer in the inner
ring 4, and five points for a washer landed in the center ring 4
where a total score of twenty one points wins the game. Preferably,
one or more targets 2 have an upright tube 3 for variety and to
increase the challenge of the game.
[0046] Then in FIG. 2, the preferred embodiment of a target 2 has a
generally round shape with a central ring 4 and one or more inner
rings 4a within a wall 7. The rings 4, 4a are concentric and
centered upon the target 2. As ring 4 diameter decreases score
value in the washer game increases. The central ring 4 has a
diameter no more than one third the diameter of the target 2.
Preferably, the central ring 4 has a diameter to fit an upright
tube 3, approximately four and one half inches. The central ring 4
has the highest score awarded for a washer that lands within it. In
addition to the target 2, the present invention 1 includes a
plurality of throwing pieces, beanbags, or washers 5 either round
or square in shape and less than four inches in diameter and width
respectively.
[0047] Rotating a target 2, FIG. 3 shows a target 2 having a flat
base 6 generally round in plan view as in FIG. 2, a wall 7 upon the
perimeter, and multiple rings 4, 4a upon the base 6. The wall 7 is
a hollow cylinder centered upon the base 6 and joined to the top
surface 8 of the base 6. Within the wall 7, the preferred
embodiment has multiple rings 4, 4a arranged concentrically. Though
many rings 4 are possible, two rings 4, 4a are shown here for
clarity. Each ring 4, 4a is a hollow cylinder upon the top surface
8 of the base 6. The central ring 4 has a diameter suitable for a
snug fit with an upright tube 3, here approximately four and one
half inches. The multiple rings 4a have the same height, or less,
as the wall 7. Along with the target 2, the present invention 1 has
throwing pieces, or washers 5, that have a rectangular cross
section with a hole in the center.
[0048] FIG. 4 has the preferred embodiment of the target 2 with a
generally round shape and an upright tube 3. As described in FIG.
1, the washer game allows use of an upright tube 3 with a vertical
sleeve 9 that fits over the central ring 4 in a target 2. The
vertical sleeve 9 is approximately four and one half inches in
diameter. From the sleeve 9, the upright tube 3 has one or more
arms 10 that branch upward and outward. Each arm 10 ends in an
opening 11 to receive washers 5.
[0049] Taking a section through FIG. 4, the present invention 1 has
an upright tube 3 fitted snugly upon the central ring 4 of a target
2 in FIG. 5. The sleeve 9 extends upward where the arms 10 extend
laterally from the sleeve 9. The arms 10 extend further upward, and
laterally upon a radius from the center of the target 2 and then
upward. The openings 11 at the ends of each arm 10 collect washers
5 thrown by the players. Within the tube 3, the washers 5 slide
under gravity to the central ring 4.
[0050] Moving to FIG. 6, the alternate embodiment of a target 2 has
a base 6, generally round in shape with a wall 7 upon the
perimeter. The wall 7 is a hollow cylinder centered upon the base 6
and joined to the top surface 8 of the base 6. Within the wall 7,
the alternate embodiment has a central ring 4 formed from a hollow
cylinder upon the top surface 8 of the base 6. The central ring 4
has a diameter no more than one third the diameter of the target 2.
The central ring 4 has a diameter suitable for a snug fit with an
upright tube 3 and a height similar or less than that of the wall
7. In playing the game with the alternate embodiment of the target
2, the central ring 4 has the highest score awarded for a washer
that lands within it
[0051] Viewing, in FIG. 7, the alternate embodiment in section, the
target 2 has a flat base 6, a wall 7, and a ring 4 upon the base 6.
The wall 7 is a hollow cylinder joined to the top surface 8 of the
target 2 upon the perimeter of the target 2. Within the wall 7, the
target 2 has a ring 4 centered upon the base 6. The central ring 4
is a hollow cylinder of the same height or less as the wall 7 and
also joined to the top surface 8 of the target 2. The central ring
4 has a diameter to fit snugly with an upright tube 3. Along with
the target 2, the present invention 1 has bean bags or washers 5
that typically have a rectangular cross section with a hole in the
center.
[0052] And turning to FIG. 8, the washer game with upright tube has
an additional embodiment to ease practicing for the game or playing
the game itself. Here shown on the plain target, a backboard 20
extends upwards from the target. The backboard conforms to the
shape of the wall 7 of the target 2 as the backboard joins to the
wall and collects washers 5 thrown upon it. The backboard extends
partially along the perimeter of the target. The backboard has a
top 21 away from the target and an opposite bottom 22 that connects
with the wall. In the preferred embodiment, at least one connector
23 joins to the backboard proximate to the bottom and is spaced
across the width of the backboard.
[0053] FIG. 9 illustrates the connection of the backboard to a
target with the upright tube removed. As previously described in
FIG. 3, a target 2 has a flat base 6 generally round in shape, a
wall 7 upon the perimeter, and multiple rings 4, 4a upon the base
6. The wall 7 is a hollow cylinder centered upon the base 6 and
joined to the top surface 8 of the base 6. Within the wall 7, the
preferred embodiment has multiple rings 4, 4a arranged
concentrically, though two rings 4, 4a are shown here for clarity.
The multiple rings 4a have the same height, or less, as the wall 7.
Now the additional embodiment has a planar backboard 20 extending
upwards from the wall. The backboard adjoins the inner surface of
the wall and approaches the top surface of the base. A connector
23, here shown as a clip, joins to the backboard generally at the
height of the wall. The clip extends over the top of the wall and
then descends upon the outer surface of the wall. The clip extends
outward for merely the thickness of the wall and descends near to
the bottom of the target sufficiently to grasp the outer surface of
the wall so the backboard resists overturning. When a washer
impacts upon the backboard, the clip deflects slightly and prevents
the backboard from overturning and falling out of the target.
[0054] In the additional embodiment, the clips are spaced across
the width of the backboard as shown in FIG. 10a. The backboard 20
and the clips 23 follow the shape of the wall and here have a
curved shape of similar radius to the wall as also shown in FIG.
10b. A clip 23 has a generally strap like planar inverted L shape
of similar thickness to that of the wall as also shown in FIG. 10c.
The clip has a top and an opposite bottom with the bottom having a
greater length than the top. The clips 23 join near the top upon
the backboard 20 in the additional embodiment so the backboard can
resist washers thrown upon it from a variety of directions. In the
additional embodiment, the clip joins to the backboard by a weld.
Alternatively, an adhesive joins the clips to the backboard.
Alternatively, the connector can be a strap, clamp, bracket, or
clevis.
[0055] In use, the bracket allows a player to slip the backboard
just inside the wall and then rest the bracket upon the top of the
wall. The players then play normally throwing washers. Upon impact,
the backboard bends away from the wall and the resilience of the
clips return the backboard to an upright position. Some of the
washers that would have missed the target are collected by the
backboard and deposited into the outer ring. The players make an
agreed upon score applicable for washers that hit the backboard.
Then upon completion of a game, a player lifts the backboard,
detaching the clips from the top of the wall, and the target and
backboard are then ready for storage or transport.
[0056] From the aforementioned description, a washer game with an
upright tube has been described. The washer game with an upright
tube is uniquely capable of providing scoring at multiple rings
with upright scoring through a tube, all upon a flat base for
indoor and outdoor use. This embodiment provides a backboard to
collect washers thrown by novices and friendly players. The washer
game with an upright tube and its various components may be
manufactured from many materials, including but not limited to,
polyvinyl chloride pipe and fittings such as elbows and wyes,
plywood, polymers, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon,
ferrous and non-ferrous metals, their alloys, and composites.
[0057] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. Therefore, the claims include such equivalent
constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and the
scope of the present invention.
* * * * *