U.S. patent application number 11/338435 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-21 for container with flyer disc lid.
Invention is credited to Elizabeth M. McClung, Guy L. III McClung, Guy L. IV McClung, John M. McClung, Karen T. McClung, Sarah T. McClung.
Application Number | 20060208047 11/338435 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27128190 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060208047 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McClung; Elizabeth M. ; et
al. |
September 21, 2006 |
Container with flyer disc lid
Abstract
A container having a bottom member, a top member releasably
connected to the bottom member, the bottom member and the top
member defining an interior space therebetween, at least one of the
top member and the bottom member comprising a flyer disc; in one
aspect, wherein the item is a pizza.
Inventors: |
McClung; Elizabeth M.;
(Spring, TX) ; McClung; Karen T.; (Spring, TX)
; McClung; Sarah T.; (Spring, TX) ; McClung; John
M.; (Spring, TX) ; McClung; Guy L. IV;
(Spring, TX) ; McClung; Guy L. III; (Spring,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Guy McClung;PMB 347
16690 Champion Forest Drive
Spring
TX
77379-7023
US
|
Family ID: |
27128190 |
Appl. No.: |
11/338435 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10784543 |
Feb 23, 2004 |
6991508 |
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11338435 |
Jan 24, 2006 |
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09953094 |
Sep 14, 2001 |
6755711 |
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11338435 |
Jan 24, 2006 |
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09871170 |
May 31, 2001 |
6585551 |
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11338435 |
Jan 24, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
229/116.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/18 20130101;
A63B 67/00 20130101; B65D 81/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/116.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/34 20060101
B65D025/34 |
Claims
1. A container comprising a bottom member, a top member releasably
connected to the bottom member, the bottom member and the top
member defining an interior space therebetween, at least one of the
top member and the bottom member comprising a flyer disc.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein the top member is a flyer
disc.
3. The container of claim 1 wherein the bottom member is a flyer
disc.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein the top member is a flyer disc
and the bottom member is a flyer disc.
5. The container of claim 1 wherein the container is suitable for
containing a pizza.
6. The container of claim 1 wherein the top member is hingedly
connected to the bottom member with a hinge.
7. The container of claim 1 wherein the top member and the bottom
member are made of plastic.
8. The container of claim 6 wherein the top member, the bottom
member, and the hinge are made of plastic.
9. The container of claim 6 wherein the hinge is easily separable
to separate the top member from the bottom member.
10. The container of claim 1 further comprising the bottom member
having a bottom member periphery, the top member having a top
member periphery, the bottom member periphery different in diameter
than the top member periphery so that the top member and the bottom
member are releasably connectible together with a friction fit
between the top member and the bottom member.
11. The container of claim 10 wherein the top member has a
flattened first portion, the bottom member has a flattened second
portion, and the flattened first portion abutting the flattened
second portion in a friction fit.
12. The container of claim 1 further comprising an interior lip on
an inner surface of the top member, part of the bottom member held
within the top member by the interior lip.
13. The container of claim 12 wherein the top member is flexible
for releasing the bottom member from the top member.
14. The container of claim 12 wherein the bottom member is flexible
for releasing the top bottom member from the bottom member.
15. The container of claim 1 further comprising an item within the
container on the bottom member.
16. The container of claim 15 wherein the item is a pizza.
17. The container of claim 1 further comprising an insulating layer
on the bottom member.
18. The container of claim 1 further comprising game apparatus
printed on the bottom member, the game apparatus severable from the
bottom member for playing a game therewith.
19. The container of claim 18 wherein the game apparatus is from
the group consisting of game pieces, game boards, dominoes,
checkerboards, and chess boards.
20. A container comprising a bottom member, a top member releasably
connected to the bottom member, the bottom member and the top
member defining an interior space therebetween, at least one of the
top member and the bottom member comprising a flyer disc, wherein
the top member is a flyer disc, and game apparatus printed on the
bottom member, the game apparatus severable from the bottom member
for playing a game therewith.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/784,543
filed Feb. 23, 2004 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,991,508 on Jan. 31,
2006; and a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/953,094 filed
14 Sep. 2001 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,755,711 on 29 Jun. 2004; and
a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/871,170
filed May 31, 2001 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,551 on Jul. 17,
2003--from all of which the present invention claims priority under
the patent laws and all of which are incorporated fully herein for
all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of The Invention
[0003] This invention is directed to games and play activities with
respect to which game pieces and activity items are made from a
box, in certain specific aspects from a single box such as, but not
limited to a cereal box or a pizza box; and in certain aspects to
flying discs, and to items with them.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] The prior art discloses a wide variety of games and play
activities that employ game pieces, game equipment, activity items,
and other things used in playing the game or in engaging in the
activity. Often such games and activities involve the use of a
target and items thrown to, into, or at the target.
[0006] The prior art discloses a wide variety of boxes, e.g. those
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,702,054; 5,586,716; 6,016,951;
5,833,130; 4,891,482; 5,713,509; and in the prior art cited in
these patents--all of which patents and cited art are incorporated
fully herein for all purposes.
[0007] The prior art discloses a wide variety of flying discs,
flying objects, and toys, e.g. those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos
5,553,570; 5,531,624; and 6,073,588 and in the prior art cited in
these patents--all of which patents and cited art are incorporated
fully herein for all purposes.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0008] The present invention discloses, in at least certain
embodiments, a play activity set with target apparatus or
devices(s) at which at least one object may be directed, at least
one object for throwing at the target means, and the target
apparatus or device(s) and the at least one object made by
separating box material from at least one box. In one aspect, a
single box is used for target(s) and throwing object(s); and, in
one particular aspect, the box (or boxes) is a pizza box.
[0009] The present invention, in certain aspects, discloses boxes
for games and activities. The boxes are used as the source material
for game pieces, game equipment, activity items, targets, and
things used in such games and activities. In certain aspects
everything needed for a game or for an activity is made from a box
or boxes. In certain aspects, everything needed for such a game or
activity is made from a single box. In certain specific aspects the
box (or boxes) is a pizza box or a breakfast cereal box.
[0010] In one embodiment a first part of a box is separated or
removed from the box (severed, cut, punched out, and/or pushed out
from perforated, indented or weakened areas) and then folded back
and passed through an opening in the box so that the first part
projects out from the box. The box is then placed flat with the
first part projecting upward or the box is placed on a side with
the first part projecting outward. One or more pieces of the box
are then cut out from the remainder of the box and an opening is
provided through the piece(s) so that it can be thrown in an effort
to have the opening receive the first part; i.e., so that the piece
ends up on, around, or over the first part encompassing it. In one
particular aspect several throwing pieces are cut from the box. In
another aspect additional parts like the first part are cut from
the box and folded and positioned to provide several projecting
parts at which the throwing pieces may be directed. The throwing
pieces may have any suitable shape as viewed from above (e.g., but
not limited to, square, rectangular, round, oval, triangular,
pentagonal, hexagonal, irregular, etc.) and the openings through
the throwing pieces may also be any suitable shape--either a shape
corresponding to the shape of the throwing piece or not. In other
aspects, the throwing pieces are made from a single thickness of a
box; and in some aspects throwing pieces are made from two or more
thicknesses of a box.
[0011] In another embodiment, a portion of the box is separated
from the box to provide a target opening for items thrown at the
box. An object or objects for throwing at the box may be made from
the box itself, from another box, or other object(s) may be used.
In one aspect a flyer disc as disclosed herein is made from a box
and then thrown at the target opening of a box. In another aspect,
a plurality of flat discs or objects of non-round shape are made
from the box from which the target opening was taken and these
discs or objects are then thrown at the target opening. In one
aspect, one or more parts of the box are totally or partially
separated from the box, folded, and then an end thereof is inserted
into one or more openings, slots, slits, or cuts in the box to
stabilize the remainder of the box with the target opening. One,
two, or more target openings may be provided in a single box--with
multiple openings on one side of a box or with openings on two,
three or more sides of a box. In one particular aspect
corresponding openings are provided on two sides of a box, e.g.,
but not limited to, on two sides of a pizza box so that an object
can be thrown so that it goes through both openings. In other
aspects a box with a target opening is positioned or is laid flat
so that thrown objects that pass through the target opening enter
the box and remain there.
[0012] In other aspects, one or more knock-down items, in one
embodiment in the general outline shape of bowling pins, are made
from a box or boxes and, optionally, an object to throw or roll at
them to knock them down is also made from the same box or boxes or
from another box. By using multiple discs separated from a box or
boxes and then meshed together using slots in each disc, a
generally spherical object is made that will roll when thrown along
a floor or other surface. In another aspect a cubical throwing item
(or items) is made from a box or boxes.
[0013] In one particular aspect a set of dominoes or checkers is
printed on the box or a paper with a set of dominoes or checkers
printed thereon is glued or attached to the box. The dominoes or
checkers are then separated from the box to provide a set of
dominoes for playing domino games or checkers for playing a
checkers game. In one aspect, a checkerboard may be printed on a
box or on a sheet of paper glued to the box. Checkers may be played
on such a checkerboard that remains on the box or the checkerboard
may be separated from the box. A checkerboard may be made on one
box and the checkers separated from another box or both may be made
from a single box. In a particular aspect of the present invention,
game pieces such as dominoes, chess pieces, or checkers are printed
on one surface of a part of a box and, optionally, a logo,
trademark, tradename, symbol, word(s), motto, or other indicia are
printed on a reverse surface so that when the game pieces are
separated from the box each has the logo, etc. on one side and the
game indicia on the other. For game pieces such as checkers, the
logo, etc. may be provided on both sides or on only one side.
[0014] The present invention, in certain embodiments discloses a
flying disc made from cardboard, plastic or similar material which
is sufficiently rigid so that a disc body of the material will be
flat or substantially flat in flight. In certain aspects the disc
is generally square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal,
quadragonal, hexagonal, septagonal, octagonal, oval, or circular as
viewed from above, but it may have any shape which serves as the
body for the flying disc. In certain aspects, a portion or portions
around the disc periphery are bent down. In one aspect these
portions extend continuously completely around the discs perimeter.
These portions may be bent down and not be in contact with, not be
interconnected or interlocked with adjacent portions; or,
alternatively, these portions may contact each other, be taped
together, be interconnected, and/or be interlocked with each
other.
[0015] In one aspect such a disc is made by cutting out or punching
out a disc piece of plastic, fiberboard, kraft paper, cardboard,
etc. with the desired shape from a larger piece thereof. Slits,
weakened areas, grooves, indentations, and/or cuts are then made
around the discs perimeter (or this may be done before the disc
piece is cut or punched out from the larger piece of material). A
portion or portions of the disc (one, two, three, four, five, six,
seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or more) between pairs of
slits, etc. are then folded down. Alternatively, weakened or slit
lines on top of the disc around its circumference provide a line
down from which a part of the disc body can be bent or folded to
provide the portion or portions projecting down from the disc body
to facilitate its flight. In one particular aspect this produces an
intermittent lip around the disc perimeter that facilitates the
flight of the disc (as compared to a flat piece of material with no
such lip or portions).
[0016] In one embodiment two (or more) discs are connected
together. In one such multi-disc assembly, two such discs are
completely removed from a box or boxes and are then connected
face-to-face so that the slits or cuts in the downward projecting
edge of one disc are offset from those of the other disc. In
another aspect a first disc with the intermittent lip of
folded-down portions is connected to and on top of a disc (or
discs) with no such portions. In another aspect two discs or other
items of similar shape when viewed from above are almost totally
separated from a single box and a small part of the box is left
between the two items. One item is then folded over the other using
the small part as a connector and as a hinge portion. In one aspect
of such a folded-over compound disc (or other shaped item), one of
the discs is smaller than the other and a tab in the smaller disc
is insertable into an opening in the larger disc to join them
together.
[0017] In another embodiment a secondary piece of material, is
connected face-to-face, on top of or beneath, a disc as described
above. Such a secondary piece adds weight to the disc and
facilitates its flight with the lip of the disc on the lower side
of the disc in flight. Alternatively any weight or weights may be
connected to a disc to facilitate its flight.
[0018] In one particular embodiment the cardboard (or paper,
paperboard, etc.) used to produce a disc according to the present
invention is cut out of or separated from a box, as may be the
secondary piece, or multiple discs of a multi-disc disc.
[0019] The disc and/or secondary piece may be cut from any suitable
cardboard, foam board, thick paper, plastic, rigid material, or box
or container made from these materials. In a particular aspect the
disc and/or secondary piece are cut out or punched out from a pizza
box. The outline of the disc body and/or of the secondary piece
(and/or of multiple discs) may be printed on the box. Lines may be
included to indicate where the material is to be torn or cut to
form the portions of the lip that are folded down. Depending on the
size of the box, and the desired disc size, multiple discs and
secondary pieces may be cut from a single box. Alternatively, a box
may be perforated or otherwise cut or weakened along the outlines
of the disc(s) and/or secondary pieces to ease separation of them
from the box. In certain aspects one or more portions of a
secondary piece or of a second disc are formed, sized and
configured to engage, interlock with, or fit into corresponding
slits, openings, engagement recesses, or locking cutouts on a
primary disc body. Such engagement etc. apparatus may be used with
or without other ways to fasten a secondary piece or additional
disc to a primary disc [including, but not limited to, with glue,
adhesive, staple(s), brad(s), screw(s), releasably cooperating
hook/loop fastener material [e.g. but not limited to Velcro(.TM.)
material; tape; and/or string or thread]. Similarly a weight or
weights may be connected to a primary disc according to the present
invention with or without a secondary piece.
[0020] For use in the dark any disc, weight, or secondary piece may
have one or more pieces of "glow in the dark" material or
reflective material on it and/or one or more light sticks and/or
battery or solar powered lights (such items and materials referred
to collectively herein as "light material").
[0021] In one aspect a box from which a disc or secondary piece is
taken may be used as a target container at which a disc or discs
are thrown. In one particular embodiment, a box or part of a box
from which a disc is taken is used as a target. In one aspect, the
newly-created opening (from which the disc was removed) is used as
a target. In one aspect one or more additional discs is cut out or
punched out from a first disc so that a smaller disc (or discs) is
created that can more easily fly through the box opening
corresponding to the first disc.
[0022] In one particular aspect of the present invention a dual
disc includes a first disc with a disc body with a peripheral lip
and a groove or recess in the lip. This groove or recess is
configured and sized for releasable receipt therein of the lip of a
second disc. In one aspect such a dual disc combination is used as
a container for an object or objects in a space between the two
discs.
[0023] In another embodiment a primary disc has within it a
secondary disc that can be cut out, punched out, or otherwise
separated from the primary disc. The secondary disc has one, two,
three, four or more tertiary discs separable from the secondary
disc. In a particular aspect the primary disc's opening from which
the secondary disc was removed is used as a target at which the
tertiary discs are thrown. In another particular aspect the
secondary disc is used as a base for the primary disc to present a
stand-up target for the secondary disc (or vice versa, primary disc
as base, secondary disc as target). Either a disc opening may be
used as a target or a disc may be a "knock-down" target with the
object to knock over a disc that is standing up. Any suitable
connection of the two discs (primary and secondary) may be used,
including, but not limited to, the ways described above for
connecting or attaching a secondary piece to a primary disc. In one
aspect a secondary disc has a slit and a portion of a primary disc
is inserted into the slit (or vice versa) so that the secondary
disc serves as a base for the primary disc to hold the primary disc
upright. Alternatively the primary disc and secondary disc (or
three, four or more discs) are upright and lean against each other
to present a target, target opening, and/or knock-down target.
[0024] What follows are some of, but not all, the objects of this
invention. In addition to the specific objects stated below for at
least certain preferred embodiments of the invention, other objects
and purposes will be readily apparent to one of skill in this art
who has the benefit of this invention's teachings and disclosures.
It is, therefore, an object of at least certain preferred
embodiments of the present invention to provide:
[0025] New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious games and play
activities in which game pieces, activity objects, and/or targets
and/or knock-down items etc. are made from a single box or several
boxes;
[0026] Such a game or activity in which an extending part of a box
is made from the box so that it projects therefrom to provide a
target at which objects are thrown that have an opening that can
encompass the extending part, and such objects that are also made
from the box or boxes;
[0027] Such a game or activity in which one or more target openings
are made in a box and then objects are thrown in an effort to have
them pass through a target opening, and such games or activities in
which the thrown objects are themselves made from the box or
boxes;
[0028] Such a game or activity in which one or more gameboards
and/or one or more game pieces are made from a box or boxes;
[0029] Such games or activities in which the box or boxes used are
pizza boxes, and, in one aspect, a single pizza box is used to
produce a target and one or more throwing objects.
[0030] New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious flying discs;
[0031] Such flying discs which include a primary disc and/or a
secondary piece;
[0032] Such flying discs with two flat parts connected together or
such flying discs in which one or more portions thereof are folded
or bent down from a main disc body; and, in one particular aspect,
such flying discs in which every other portion is folded down;
[0033] Such discs taken from a larger piece of material;
[0034] Two or more such discs taken from a larger piece of
material;
[0035] One such disc serving as a support or base for another;
and/or
[0036] One such disc serving as a target.
[0037] Certain embodiments of this invention are not limited to any
particular individual feature disclosed here, but include
combinations of them distinguished from the prior art in their
structures and functions. Features of the invention have been
broadly described so that the detailed descriptions that follow may
be better understood, and in order that the contributions of this
invention to the arts may be better appreciated. There are, of
course, additional aspects of the invention described below and
which may be included in the subject matter of the claims to this
invention. Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this
invention, its teachings, and suggestions will appreciate that the
conceptions of this disclosure may be used as a creative basis for
designing other structures, methods and systems for carrying out
and practicing the present invention. The claims of this invention
are to be read to include any legally equivalent devices or methods
which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0038] The present invention recognizes and addresses the
previously-mentioned problems and long-felt needs and provides a
solution to those problems and a satisfactory meeting of those
needs in its various possible embodiments and equivalents thereof.
To one skilled in this art who has the benefits of this invention's
realizations, teachings, disclosures, and suggestions, other
purposes and advantages will be appreciated from the following
description of preferred embodiments, given for the purpose of
disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. The detail in these descriptions is not intended to
thwart this patent's object to claim this invention no matter how
others may later disguise it by variations in form or additions of
further improvements.
[0039] The Abstract that is part hereof is to enable the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
scientists, engineers, researchers, and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent terms or legal terms of
phraseology to determine quickly from a cursory inspection or
review the nature and general area of the disclosure of this
invention. The Abstract is neither intended to define the
invention, which is done by the claims, nor is it intended to be
limiting of the scope of the invention in any way.
[0040] It will be understood that the various embodiments of the
present invention may include one, some, or all of the disclosed,
described, and/or enumerated improvements and/or technical
advantages and/or elements in claims to this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] A more particular description of embodiments of the
invention briefly summarized above may be had by references to the
embodiments which are shown in the drawings which form a part of
this specification. These drawings illustrate certain preferred
embodiments and are not to be used to improperly limit the scope of
the invention which may have other equally effective or legally
equivalent embodiments.
[0042] FIG. 1A is a top plan view of a flying disc according to the
present invention. FIG. 1B is a side view of the disc of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1C is a side view of the disc of FIG. 1A with portions folded
down.
[0043] FIG. 2A is a top plan view of a flying disc according to the
present invention. FIG. 2B is a side view of the disc of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 2C is a side view of the disc of FIG. 2A with portions folded
down.
[0044] FIG. 3A is a top play view of a flying disc according to the
present invention. FIG. 3B is a top plan view of a secondary piece
for a multi-part disc according to the present invention. FIG. 3C
is a side view of a multi-part disc according to the present
invention with the flying disc of FIG. 3A and secondary piece of
FIG. 3B.
[0045] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a flying disc according to
the present invention showing the top of the box. FIG. 4B is a side
view of the disc of FIG. 4A.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a flying disc according to the
present invention.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a flying disc according to the
present invention.
[0048] FIGS. 7A-7E are a top plan views of a flying discs according
to the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a flying disc according to the
present invention.
[0050] FIG. 9A is a side view of a flying disc container system
according to the present invention. FIG. 9B is a side view of a
flying disc of the system of FIG. 9A.
[0051] FIG. 10A is a top view of a flying disc according to the
present invention. FIGS. 10B and 10C are side views of the flying
disc of FIG. 1A.
[0052] FIGS. 11A-11D are side views in cross-section of flying disc
systems according to the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a box according to the
present invention showing the top of the box. FIG. 12B is a
perspective view of a box of FIG. 12A open with parts removed. FIG.
12C is a plan view of the box of FIG. 12A unfolded and flat. FIG.
12D is a top view of a disc and a secondary piece removed from the
box of FIG. 12A.
[0054] FIG. 13 is a side view in cross-section of a flying disc
container according to the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 14 is a side view in cross-section of a flying disc
container according to the present invention.
[0056] FIGS. 15A and 15B are side views of flying discs according
to the present invention.
[0057] FIGS. 16A, 16B, 17A, and 17B are top views of flying discs
or flyers according to the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a target according to the
present invention. FIG. 18B is a side view of the target of FIG.
18A.
[0059] FIG. 19A is a top view of a box for making a target
according to the present invention. FIG. 19B is a perspective view
of a target according to the present invention made from the box of
FIG. 19A.
[0060] FIG. 20A is a top view of a box for making a target
according to the present invention. FIG. 20B is a side view of the
target of FIG. 20A.
[0061] FIG. 21A is a top view of a box for making a target
according to the present invention. FIG. 21B is a side view of the
target of FIG. 21A.
[0062] FIG. 22A is a top view of a box for making a target
according to the present invention. FIG. 22B is a perspective view
of a target made from the box of FIG. 22A.
[0063] FIG. 23A is a partial view of a box for making a target
according to the present invention. FIG. 23B is a perspective view
of a target made from the box of FIG. 22A.
[0064] FIG. 24A is a top view of a line pattern for making throwing
objects according to the present invention. FIG. 24B is a top view
of throwing objects made according to the pattern of FIG. 24A.
[0065] FIG. 25A is a top view of a line pattern for making throwing
objects according to the present invention. FIG. 25B is a top view
of throwing objects made according to the pattern of FIG. 25A.
[0066] FIG. 26A is a top view of a line pattern for making throwing
objects according to the present invention. FIG. 26B is a top view
of throwing objects made according to the pattern of FIG. 26A.
[0067] FIG. 27A is a top view of a pattern for a box part for
making throwing objects according to the present invention. FIG.
27B is a top view of a plurality of throwing objects made with the
pattern of FIG. 27A.
[0068] FIG. 28A is a top view of a box for making a target
according to the present invention. FIG. 28B-28D are perspective
views of a target made with the box of FIG. 28A.
[0069] FIG. 29A-29D are top views of boxes for making targets
and/or throwing objects according to the present invention.
[0070] FIGS. 30A, 30B, and 30C are top views of parts of a
knock-down item according to the present invention. FIG. 30D shows
a knock-down item according to the present invention.
[0071] FIGS. 31A and 31B are top views of parts of a knock-down
item according to the present invention. FIG. 31C shows a
knock-down item according to the present invention.
[0072] FIG. 32A is a top view of a box for making a target
according to the present invention. FIG. 32B is a perspective view
of a target according to the present invention made from the box of
FIG. 32A. FIG. 32C is a top view of a throwing object cut from the
box of FIG. 32A.
[0073] FIG. 33A is a top view of a box for making a target
according to the present invention. FIG. 33B shows a set of
knock-down pins and a throwing object made from the box of FIG.
33A. FIG. 33C is a top view of the throwing object shown in FIG.
33B. FIG. 33D is a perspective view of a throwing object made from
part of the box of FIG. 33A. FIG. 33E is a side view showing two
parts made from the box of FIG. 33A prior to meshing of the two
parts.
[0074] FIG. 34A is a top view of a box part according to the
present invention with game pieces (dominoes) printed thereon. FIG.
34B is a top view of a reverse side of the box part shown in FIG.
34A. FIG. 34C shows dominoes made from the box part of FIG. 34A.
FIG. 34D shows both sides of a domino according to the present
invention.
[0075] FIG. 35A is a top view of an opened box according to the
present invention. FIG. 35B is a top view of the box of FIG. 35A
closed.
[0076] FIG. 36A is a top view of an open box according to the
present invention. FIG. 36B is a side view of part of the box of
FIG. 36A. FIG. 36C is a top view of parts of the box of FIG. 36A.
FIG. 36D is a top view of the box of FIG. 36A closed.
[0077] FIG. 37A is a top view of an open box according to the
present invention. FIG. 37B is a top view of an open box according
to the present invention. FIG. 37C is a top view showing the box of
FIG. 37B closed. FIG. 37D is a side view of a target according to
the present invention made from a box.
[0078] FIG. 38 is a top view of an open box according to the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS PREFERRED AT THE TIME OF FILING FOR THIS
PATENT
[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1C, a flying disc 10 has a disc
body 12 which is generally circular as viewed from above as in FIG.
1A. The disc body 12 has a plurality of spaced-apart slits 14 which
go all the way through the disc body 12 (but which, according to
the present invention, may be made so that they do not cut
completely through the disc body 12). As shown in FIG. 1C, portions
16 of the disc body 12 between pairs of slits 14 have been bent
down forming a downwardly projecting lip 18 around the perimeter of
the disc body 12. Although the portions 16 are shown folded down in
a scalloped arrangement (one side of a portion overlapping the
adjacent portion), they may be folded down with two sides of one
portion both overlapping adjacent portions. Also, as with any disc
herein, if the slits 14 do not extend completely through the body
12, the portions 16 may be folded either way with respect to the
slits 14; i.e., e.g. in FIG. 1B the portions 16 may be folded up or
down. It is also within the scope of this invention to fold one or
more portions 16 up and one or more down or to alternate up-down
portions around a disc's perimeter.
[0080] The disc body 12 (and any disc body herein) may be made of
any suitable material. For a circular disc (as viewed from above)
any disc body disclosed herein and any circular secondary piece or
disc may be any desired diameter. In certain aspects the disc body
(and any disc body herein) is made of typical cardboard about one
fourth of a centimeter or about one half of a centimeter thick
which has an internal support structure, e.g. as the common
cardboard used in typical cardboard boxes.
[0081] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a flying disc 20 according to the
present invention which has a disc body 22 and spaced-apart slits
24. As shown in FIG. 2C portions 26 between pairs of slits 24 have
been folded down to form a peripheral lip 28.
[0082] FIG. 3C shows a flying disc 30 according to the present
invention which has a primary disc 31 with a disc body 32 and a
plurality of bent down portions 33 between spaced-apart slits 34.
Attached to or held within an underside of the disc body 32 is a
secondary piece 35 (shown as circular in shape as viewed from above
as in FIG. 3B, but which may be any desired shape). Staples 36 are
shown connecting the secondary piece 35 to the disc body 32; but it
is within the scope of this invention to use any suitable
adhesives, glues, tapes, brads, nails, releasably cooperating
hook-and-loop material, and/or mechanical connectors to connect the
secondary piece to the disc body; and/or to fold the portions 33 so
that the secondary piece is held within them; and/or to tape
together, connect together, and/or interlock the portions 33
together to hold the secondary piece in place; and/or to attach,
adhere, or connect the secondary piece to one, two, or more, or all
of the portions 33. The secondary piece may be for facilitating
flight of the disc 30/piece 35 and/or may have indicia and/or
advertising thereon. In one particular embodiment in which a
primary disc is cut from a cardboard box of cardboard about a
quarter inch thick, the disc body is about ten and three-quarters
inches in diameter and the secondary disc is about nine inches in
diameter with the folded portions (eleven of them) between
three-and-a-half and two inches long and about an inch wide; and
two staples hold the two discs together.
[0083] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B the secondary piece 35 (and any
disc or secondary piece herein) may have one, two (as shown) three,
four or more tabs 37 which fit into corresponding slits or openings
38 on a primary disc 31 to hold the secondary piece to the primary
disc. Such tab/slit apparatus may be used with or without staples
36 or other adhesives, connectors, etc.
[0084] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a flying disc 40 according to the
present invention with a disc body 43 and a plurality of
spaced-apart folded-down portions 46 around the disc perimeter.
Portions of the disc body 42 are torn, cut or otherwise removed to
permit the folding of the portions 44.
[0085] FIG. 5 shows a flying disc 50 with markings or slits 54
around a perimeter of a disc body 52. Portions 56 can be folded
down (or up) from the disc body 52 to form a peripheral lip.
[0086] FIG. 6 shows a flying disc 60 with markings or slits 64
around a perimeter of a disc body 62. Portions 66 can be folded
down (or up) from the disc body 62 to form a peripheral lip.
[0087] FIGS. 7A-7E show a variety of flyers with various shapes
71-75, respectively, as viewed from above for flyers according to
the present invention and any flying disc herein may have any of
these shapes as well as the shape of any desired polygon.
[0088] FIG. 8 shows a flying disc 80 according to the present
invention which may be any flying disc or flyer disclosed herein.
The flying disc 80 has a disc body 82 to which are attached one,
two (as shown), three, four or more weight members 83. It has been
found that some disc bodies fly better with added weight and/or
with an added secondary piece (e.g. as in FIG. 3C). Any weight
member may be connected to or attached to a disc body with any
attachment, or connection disclosed herein or with any suitable
known securement apparatus, device, or method.
[0089] FIG. 9A shows a flyer container 90 according to the present
invention which has a lower box part 91 for containing an item 99
and an upper flying disc part 92 hingedly connected to the lower
box part 91 with a hinge 93. The hinge 93 may be an easily
severable or tearable hinge made, e.g., of paper, cardboard, or
plastic so that the disc part 92 is separable from the lower box
part 91. Alternatively, the lower box part 91 is also a flying
disc. The disc part 92 and the lower box part 91 may be any desired
size and have any desired dimensions. The item 91 may be any item
that fits within the flyer container 90, including, but not limited
to, pastries or pizza. In one aspect the entire container 90 is
made of plastic in a single mold with either an easily separable
etc. hinge as described above or with a sturdier hinge that is not
so easily separable.
[0090] FIG. 10A shows a flying disc 100 with a disc body 102 and
markings or slits 104. As shown in FIG. 10B the disc body 102 has
been torn or cut and portions 106 have been folded down forming a
peripheral lip 108. As shown in FIG. 10C, a flying disc 100a has a
disc body 102a (like the disc body 102, FIG. 10A) that has not been
cut or torn and portions 107 have been folded down to form a
peripheral lip 109. As may be done with any disc or flyer disclosed
herein, FIG. 10C shows that the markings or slits may be
eliminated.
[0091] FIGS. 11A-11D show multi-disc combinations which each
include two flying discs (which may be generally like any flying
disc or flyer disclosed herein or in the prior art cited herein,
but with the particular disclosed structure for releasably mating
together two discs or flyers).
[0092] As shown in FIG. 11A a periphery of a flying disc 110 is
releasably held by friction fit within a periphery of a slightly
larger flying disc 111. As shown in FIG. 11B a lower flying disc
112 has a flattened outer portion 112a that abuts a corresponding
flattened inner portion 113a of a flying disc 113 so that the
flying disc 112 is releasably held by a friction fit within the
flying disc 113.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 11C a flying disc 114 has a flattened
tapered outer portion 114a that abuts a corresponding flattened
tapered inner portion 115a of a flying disc 115 so that the flying
disc 114 is releasably held by a friction fit within the flying
disc 115.
[0094] FIG. 11D shows a flying disc 116 with a portion 116a
releasably held by a friction fit between a portion 117a and a
portion 117b of a flying disc 117. The portion 117b may extend
around the entire circumference of the disc 117 or two or more
spaced-apart parts 117b may be used to hold the discs together.
[0095] FIGS. 12A-12C show a box 120 according to the present
invention which has a box body 122, which may according to the
present invention be a unitary structure as shown in FIG. 12C that
is fordable into a box or the box 120 may be made of separate
pieces of material, e.g. but not limited to, cardboard. As shown in
FIGS. 12A and 12C the box is marked with markings 120a and 120b to
indicate the boundaries of a flying disc 124 removable from a top
120c of the box and a secondary piece (or additional flying disc)
126 removable from a bottom 120d of the box 120. One of the flying
disc 124 and the secondary piece (or disc) 126 may be smaller than
the other so that, as shown in FIG. 12B, the box top 120c may be in
an upright position to serve as a target at which (and/or through
which) a flying disc, e.g. but not limited to, a secondary piece
126 used as a disc may be thrown. Also, the box itself may be a
target into which a disc is thrown. Any disc removed from the box
may be reduced in diameter to easily pass through a box opening
and/or any opening may be enlarged for this purpose.
[0096] In one aspect the secondary piece 126 serves as a secondary
piece 35 (in FIGS. 3B, 3C). The box 120 may be any known box from
which it is possible to form or remove the disc 124 and/or the
secondary piece or disc 126. In one particular aspect, the box 120
is sized and configured to be a box for pizza. The box may be (but
is not limited to) any box disclosed in any of U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,206,277; 5,595,339; 6,065,669; D 420,583; and all the prior art
cited in all these patents--all of which is incorporated fully
herein for all purposes. Any desired number and size flying discs
and/or secondary pieces or discs may be made of or removed from a
single box.
[0097] FIG. 13 shows a flyer container 130 which may be any shape
disclosed herein as viewed from above and which has a part 131
-with an outer portion 133 and an inner portion 134 between which
is releasably held by a friction fit an outer part 136 of a flying
disc 132.
[0098] FIG. 14 shows a flyer container 140 which may be any shape
disclosed herein as viewed from above and which has a part 141 of a
flying disc 142 with a lip 143. Releasably held within the flying
disc 142 is a support 144 whose bottom rests on the lip 143. By
flexing the flying disc 142 and/or the support 144, the support is
releasably from within the flying disc 142. An item 145, e.g. but
not limited to, pastry, or pizza rests on the support 144. The lip
143 may, according to the present invention, be eliminated, and the
support 144 held in place by a friction fit between it and the
interior of the disc 142.
[0099] Any layer or layers of insulating material 146 as shown in
FIG. 14 may be used with any flying disc or flyer or container
disclosed herein. Any layer or layers 146 in FIG. 14 (or all of
them) may be deleted. A middle layer like the middle layer 146 in
FIG. 14 may surround the item 145.
[0100] Any two flying discs and/or flyers according to the present
invention which are appropriately sized and configured may,
according to the present invention, be nested one inside the other
either for shipment of for use and, in one particular aspect, two
such discs and/or flyers are connected together for use, e.g. but
not limited to, with staples, tape, or any other connector or
connecting method disclosed herein.
[0101] FIGS. 15A and 15B present other versions of the disc 10 of
FIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 15A staples 150 pass through overlapping
parts of adjacent portions 16 of the disc 10. These staples hold
the portions 16 together (and are used for some or all adjacent
portions to connect some or all of them together) and prevent the
portions 16 from moving, flopping around or bending back toward or
to their original position. Any such portions of any disc or flyer
according to the present invention may be thus connected with
staples (or alternatively brads, clips, paper clips or other
similar connectors).
[0102] As shown in FIG. 15B, the disc 10 has tape 152 that is taped
around the disc's circumference to tape together the portions 16.
Any such portions of any disc or flyer herein may be thus taped
together.
[0103] FIG. 16A shows a flying disc 160 according to the present
invention with a disc body 162 and a plurality of spaced-apart
portions 161 that are to be folded down (e.g. like any folded down
or bent down portions of any disc or flyer herein). FIG. 16B shows
a flyer 163 according to the present invention with a plurality of
spaced-apart portions 164 that are to be folded down like the
portions 161, FIG. 16A. Any flyer or disc herein may have any
desired number of portions like those of FIG. 16A (portions 161) or
FIG. 16B (portions 164). Although these portions are shown as
generally "scalloped" shape or semicircular, they may be any
desired general shape, including but not limited to, triangular,
square, or rectangular.
[0104] FIG. 17A shows a flying disc 170 with portions 171 (like the
portions 161, FIG. 16A) whose folding or bending is facilitated by
indentations or incomplete (not all the way through a disc body
172) cuts or grooves 173. Alternatively the indentations, etc. are
replaced by lines or markings indicating where the portion is
folded or bent. FIG. 17B shows a flying disc 174 with a disc body
175 and spaced-apart portions 176 (like portions 171, FIG. 17A).
Indentations or cuts 177 separate the portions 176 and markings 178
(or cuts or indentations) indicate where the portions 176 are to be
folded or bent. Any disc or flyer herein may employ similar
suitable indentations 177 and/or markings (or cuts) 178.
[0105] The present invention, therefore, provides in certain, but
not necessarily all embodiments, a flying disc with a disc body
having an outer perimeter and, optionally, a plurality of cuts
spaced-apart around the outer perimeter, at least one portion of
the disc body between at least one pair of the cuts, the at least
one portion folded at an angle to, up from or down from the disc
body, or without such cuts but with one or more folded down
portions; and/or a disc body having an outer perimeter and a
plurality of portions of the disc body folded down from the disc
body around the outer perimeter. Such a flying disc may also
include one, some (in any possible combination) or all of the
following: a secondary piece (or pieces) or disc (or discs)
connected to an underside or top side of the disc body; wherein the
secondary piece is connected to the disc body with at least one
staple, with adhesive, or tape; wherein the secondary piece is for
facilitating flight of the disc body and has indicia or advertising
thereon; wherein the secondary piece is shaped similar to the disc
body; wherein the secondary piece has at least one tab and the disc
body has at least one slit or opening corresponding to the at least
one tab, the at least one tab insertable into the at least one slit
to connect the secondary piece to the disc body, or with tab(s) on
the disc body and corresponding slit(s) or openings(s) on the
secondary piece; wherein the at least one tab is at least two
spaced-apart tabs and the at least one slit is at least two
spaced-apart slits, one slit corresponding to each tab; wherein the
at least one portion is a plurality of adjacent portions, the at
least one pair of cuts is a plurality of pairs of cuts, each
portion of the plurality of adjacent portions folded between a pair
of the cuts (cuts completely through the disc body or only
extending partially thereinto); a secondary piece connected to an
underside of the disc body, the secondary piece for facilitating
flight of the disc body and/or for bearing indicia and/or ads
material, and the secondary piece positioned within the adjacent
portions that are folded down; wherein the disc body has a shape as
viewed from above from the group consisting of triangular,
rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, septagonal, octagonal,
nonagonal, decagonal and polygonal; at least one light or piece of
light material on the disc body; a piece of material larger than
the disc body from which the disc body is separatable, e.g., but
not limited to part of a box, e.g. but not limited to a cardboard
box; wherein the cardboard box is for holding a pizza; wherein the
piece of material is suitable as a target at which and/or into
which the flying disc or any disc is thrown; wherein the flying
disc is made of rigid material from the group consisting of paper,
cardboard, plastic, metal, foil and foamboard; a secondary flying
disc removed from the disc body; wherein the secondary flying disc
has a disc body having an outer perimeter and a plurality of cuts
spaced-apart around the outer perimeter, and portions of the disc
body between pairs of the cuts, the portions folded down from the
disc body; at least one tertiary disc removed from the secondary
flying disc; wherein the at least one tertiary disc has a disc body
having an outer perimeter and a plurality of cuts spaced-apart
around the outer perimeter, and portions of the disc body between
pairs of the cuts, the portions folded down from the disc body;
wherein the at least one tertiary disc is a plurality of tertiary
discs; wherein the secondary piece has an opening therein suitable
for receiving and holding a portion of the disc body to form a disc
body-secondary piece combination so that one of the disc body and
secondary piece is held upright; and/or wherein the secondary
flying disc has an opening therein suitable for receiving and
holding a portion of the disc body to form a disc body-secondary
flying disc combination so that one of the disc body and flying
disc piece is held upright.
[0106] FIGS. 18A and 18B show an upstanding target 180 made from a
box with (at least) two opposed sides 181, 182 connected together
with a box part 187. A target opening 183 is removed or cut from
the side 181. A strip 184 is cut from the side 182 and an end 185
of the strip 184 is inserted through an opening, slot or slit 186.
The end 185 may be turned down or twisted to maintain the strip 184
in place. The sides 181, 182 and box part 187 may be of any
suitable box material, including, but not limited to cardboard,
paperboard, fiberboard, foamboard, craft paper, and manila
paper--as may be any box or box part disclosed herein.
Alternatively (as may be the case with any box or target disclosed
herein), openings may be made in opposed box sides and a piece (or
pieces) of box material may be used that passes through each
opening. Such a piece of box material is completely separated from
a box and is then passed through openings in each of the opposed
box sides.
[0107] The strip 184 is shown generally centrally located, but it
is within the scope of this invention to locate it at any suitable
place on the side 182 and/or to use two, three or more such strips.
It is also within the scope of this invention to cut one or more
such strips from the side 181 and have its (or their) end inserted
through a slit, etc. in the side 182. The strip(s) 184 may be any
desired length and the target opening 183 may be any desired shape
and size (as may be the case with any opening and target disclosed
herein). It is within the scope of this invention to provide a box
side with two, three, four or more target openings and to provide
segmented openings (e.g. see FIG. 21A) (as may be the case with any
opening and target disclosed herein).
[0108] FIGS. 19A and 19B show a target 190 made from a single box
which has (at least) two sides 191, 192. A target opening 193 is
cut or removed from the box side 191 (indicated by a line 193a in
FIG. 19A) and two strips 194a, 194b are cut or removed from the box
side 192 (indicated by lines 194c, 194d, respectively in FIG. 19A)
with an end thereof remaining as an integral part of the box side
192 (as is the case with the strip 184, FIG. 18A). Ends 195a, 195b
are inserted through openings 196a, 196b respectively, and the
target 190 can assume an upright position (like the target in FIG.
18B).
[0109] FIGS. 20A and 20B show a target 200 according to the present
invention made from box 209 which has three strips 204a, 204b, 204c
cut or removed therefrom (with one end remaining integral with the
box 209). As shown in FIG. 20B the target 200 is upright with an
end portion of each of the strips 204a, 204b, 204c projecting
through corresponding openings 206a, 206b, 206c. These projecting
end portions provide a projecting target about which a thrown
object with a hole therethrough can land, with the hole
sufficiently large that the thrown object (which may be any shape
disclosed herein as viewed from above with a hole of any shape
disclosed herein as viewed from above) can, upon coming to a stop,
encompass the projecting end portion of one of the strips 204a,
204b, 204c. It is within the scope of this invention to delete any
one or two of the strips 204a, 204b, 204c or to add one, two, three
or more such additional strips. Optionally strips may be designated
with scoring indicia, e.g. as the strips are designated with "10"
"20" and "30" points in FIG. 20A. Sides 209a, 209b of the box 209
are folded together so the target 200 can stand upright as shown in
FIG. 20B.
[0110] FIGS. 21A and 21B show a target 210 according to the present
invention made from a box 210 with (at least) sides 211, 212.
Openings 213d (FIG. 21B) and 213c are made in the side 212 by
removing box material within lines 213b and 213a, respectively,
making two target openings. An opening 214 (FIG. 21B) is made in
the box side 211 by severing or cutting the box side 211 along a
line 214a. The resulting box piece 215 still has a part 215a
integral with the box side 211. As shown in FIG. 21B, the box part
215 has been folded down and its end 216 has been inserted through
an opening 217 made along line 217a (FIG. 21A). It is within the
scope of this invention to provide a target opening with two
segments (e.g. like the openings 213d, 213c) or with three, four or
more such opening segments--of which may be any desired shape or
size. Alternatively, a single opening may be used instead of the
openings 213d, 213c. In one game or activity an object, disc, etc.
is thrown through the opening 214 and one of the openings 213d,
213c.
[0111] FIGS. 22A and 22B show a target 220 according to the present
invention made from a box 229 with (at least) two sides 221, 222. A
strip 224 is cut or removed along line 224a (FIG. 22A) and is then
inserted through an opening 226 (made along line 226a, FIG. 22A).
With the sides 221, 222 folded together as shown in FIG. 22B the
strip 224 projects out from the opening 226. If the sides 221, 222
are laid flat the strip 224 projects up therefrom providing a
target about which thrown objects with holes sufficiently large
therethrough may land with the object encompassing the strip 224.
Points may be awarded (e.g. as in horseshoe games) for objects near
the strip 224 and/or for objects encompassing it (as may be the
case with any game or activity involving any projecting target and
thrown objects disclosed herein).
[0112] FIGS. 23A and 23B show a target 230 according to the present
invention like the target 220 (FIG. 22A); but with a strip 234
(initially like the strip 224, FIG. 22B) having a folded part 235
with an end inserted into an opening 237 which is at an angle (any
angle may be used) to an opening 238 through which the strip 234
projects. A box 239 (like the box 229, FIG. 22A) with (at least)
sides 231, 232 is used to make the target 230. The sides are folded
e.g. as the sides 221, 222 in FIG. 22B.
[0113] FIGS. 24A, 25A, and 26A show the patterns that may,
according to the present invention, be applied to any box described
or disclosed herein to facilitate the making of throwing objects
from such a box.
[0114] As shown in FIG. 24B, throwing objects 241, 242, and 243
have been made from a box (not shown) by cutting along or severing
along lines 241a, 242a, and 243a of a pattern 240 (FIG. 24A).
Cutting along (or severing along) a line 244a provides a hole 244
through the throwing object 243.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 25B, throwing objects 251, 252, and 253
have been made from a box (not shown) by cutting along or severing
along lines 251a, 252a, and 253a of a pattern 250 (FIG. 24A).
Cutting along (or severing along) a line 254a provides a hole 254
through the throwing object 253.
[0116] As shown in FIG. 26B, throwing objects 261, 262, 263, and
264 have been made from a box (not shown) by cutting along or
severing along lines 261a, 262a, 263a, and 264a of a pattern 260
(FIG. 24A). Cutting along (or severing along) a line 265a provides
a hole 265 through the throwing object 264.
[0117] FIGS. 24A-26B also illustrate that, according to the present
invention, any suitable or desirable shape (including, but not
limited to any shape referred to herein) may be used for any
throwing object according to the present invention and for any hole
in any such object. Any of the objects in FIGS. 24B, 25B and/or 26B
may, according to the present invention, be used to throw at any
target disclosed herein.
[0118] FIG. 27A shows a line pattern and scoring indicia indicators
(different value domino symbols) for making a plurality of throwing
objects (in one embodiment as shown round objects) from part of a
box. As shown in FIG. 27B, by severing or cutting a box along lines
271a and 271b (FIG. 27A) throwing objects 272 and 273 are made. Any
suitable scoring indicia may be used, including, but not limited
to, words, numerals, symbols, or a combination thereof; and the
objects may be any desired shape (including any shape referred to
herein). Also, the objects may have a thickness of one part of a
box or multiple thicknesses may be used (e.g. attached together
with glue, tape, stapes, and/or interfitting parts).
[0119] FIGS. 28B-28D show a target 280 which may be made from any
suitable box disclosed herein and which, as shown, uses a box 289
as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,054 which is fully incorporated herein
for all purposes. The target 280 has a hole 282 (cut along line
282a of FIG. 28A) made in a lid 283 of the box 289. The hole 282
provides an opening at which thrown objects may be directed. The
lid 283 may be positioned in an upright position as in FIG. 28B to
provide an upright target or the lid may be closed as in FIG. 28C
to provide a flat target. Alternatively, the target 280 as shown in
FIG. 28C may be stood upright on one of the thin box edges.
[0120] FIGS. 29A-29D show alternative cut-out line patterns for
targets 291-294, respectively, that are made by cutting (or
severing) openings along the lines within the box outlines in FIGS.
29A-29D. Also, the cut-out parts from the boxes in FIGS. 29A-29D
may, according to the present invention, be used as throwing
objects to throw at any target disclosed herein.
[0121] FIG. 30D shows a knock-down item 300 according to the
present invention made from a folded box part 301 whose ends are
inserted through slots 302 in end parts 303. The end parts 303
(also made from a box and which in one aspect are made from the
same box as the folded box part) are optional.
[0122] FIG. 31C shows a knock-down item 310 according to the
present invention made from a folded box part 311 whose ends are
inserted in slots 312 in end parts 313. The end parts 313 (also
made from a box and which in one aspect are made from the same box
as the folded box part) are optional.
[0123] Any throwing object according to the present invention may
be used in an activity to knock down one or more knock down items
like the item 300, FIG. 30D, and/or one or more of the items 310,
FIG. 31D.
[0124] FIG. 32B shows a target 320 according to the present
invention made from a box 329. An opening 323 is made by cutting or
severing along line 323a, FIG. 32A, which also produces a throwing
object 323b (FIG. 32C). A secondary target 324 is made by cutting
or severing along line 324a, FIG. 32A. The secondary target 324 is
hung from the remaining box part 329a by inserting an end of the
secondary target through an opening 326 made by cutting through or
severing a line 326a, FIG. 32A. Folding the part of the box 329
seen in FIG. 32A (which has been separated from the box as shown in
FIG. 32B) makes it possible for the target 320 to stand upright
with the secondary target 324 hanging in the opening 323. Any
throwing object or disc disclosed herein may be used to hit the
secondary target 324 and/or to pass through the opening 323. It is
also within the scope of this invention to make the secondary
target any shape disclosed herein; to use two, three or more
secondary targets; and to use any box disclosed herein as the box
329.
[0125] Alternatively the secondary target 324 may be cut-out or
separated from the box 329 so that it has a part still connected to
the box and so that it hangs down in an opening made like that
shown in FIG. 32B. A secondary target or targets of any desired
shape may thus be made.
[0126] FIG. 33B shows a game set 330 with game pieces 331 and a
throwing object 332 made from part of a box 339 (FIG.33A).
Knock-down game pieces 331 are made by cutting or severing box part
339 along lines 331a and the throwing object 332 is assembled from
parts 332b made by cutting or severing along lines 332a, FIG.
33A.
[0127] Each throwing object part 332b has a slot 337 made by
cutting along lines 335a (FIG. 33A). Thus when the parts 332b are
divided in two sets of three each with their slots aligned, the two
sets are combined by moving adjacent set parts into adjacent slots.
Then the parts 332b are separated, as shown in FIGS. 33B and 33C,
creating a throwing object 332 that will roll on a surface.
[0128] As shown in FIG. 33B, part of the lower portion of the game
pieces 331 has been folded so that the game pieces 331 can stand
upright until knocked over by a thrown or rolled throwing object
332. It is within the scope of this invention to use any throwing
object disclosed herein to knock down the game pieces 331 and any
number of such pieces (one, two, three-nine, or more) may be
used.
[0129] FIG. 33D shows how two (or more) of the parts 332b are
fitted together with their slots 337 aligned and then the two parts
are pushed together with each slot receiving a portion of the
opposing part. With slots of sufficient size stacks of multiple
parts may thus be meshed together (e.g. as in FIG. 33C).
[0130] The box 339 of FIG. 33A optionally includes a line 338a
which indicates a shape that may be separated from the box 339 to
construct a throwing object 338 as shown assembled in FIG. 33D.
Optional tabs 338b are insertable in corresponding openings
338c.
[0131] FIG. 34A shows a box part 349 with a first surface 349a
printed with a set of dominoes 340a. By cutting along the outlines
of the dominoes a set of dominoes 340 (FIG. 34C) is produced. As
shown in FIG. 34B, a reverse surface 349b on the other side of the
surface 349a of FIG. 34A is printed with a trademark, tradename or
other identifier, in this case "GINA LOVE," which is in
registration with the dominoes of the surface 349a. Thus when the
dominoes are separated from the box, each domino will bear the
mark, name, or identifier. An example of this is shown in FIG. 34C
in which a domino 347 according to the present invention which has
been separated from a box has a side 347a with typical domino dots
and a reverse side 347b with the words "DYNAMO PIZZA." Any game
piece, throwing object, or part cut from a box disclosed herein may
have printing in registration on both sides (opposite box surfaces
of the same part of a box) like the dominoes 340 or 347.
[0132] Instead of dominoes as printed on the box part of FIG. 34A,
any game pieces may be printed thereon, e.g., but not limited to,
checkers or chess pieces; and any game board (checkerboard,
parchisi, etc.) may be printed thereon or on a part of a box
spaced-apart from an area on which game pieces are printed.
Alternatively, the alphabet, times tables, maps, artworks, puzzles,
flashcards, word games, word game pieces or letters, crossword
puzzles, TV schedules, coupons, movie tickets, tickets for sporting
events, trivia tests, book summaries, and/or course outlines may be
printed on part of a box.
[0133] FIGS. 35A and 35B shows a box 350 according to the present
invention which has a bottom 351 and a top 352 joined hingedly
together by a tearable, cuttable, or severable part 353. Upon
tearing, etc., the part 353, two throwable discs are created.
Alternatively, the two parts may be connected or adhered together
to form a single throwing disc. Optionally parts of one disc's
edges or an entire disc's edge may be turned down to create any of
the flyer discs disclosed herein and described above. As shown in
FIG. 35B the box 350 may be closed to contain a food item 357
(e.g., but not limited to, a cake, pie, or pizza 355). Optionally
the cake, etc. may rest on a separate round support 356 which
itself may be used as a throwing disc or as part of any flyer disc
disclosed herein. It is within the scope of this invention for the
bottom 351 and/or top 352 to have a side 351a, 352a, respectively
around its perimeter of sufficient height so that a cake, etc. is
enclosable within the box 350. Such a side or sides may be provided
for any box described or disclosed herein.
[0134] FIG. 36A shows a box 360 according to the present invention
which has a bottom 361 and a top 362 releasably connected to the
bottom 361 with a part 363 which may be torn, cut, or severed
producing two generally circular box parts which may be used a
throwing discs in any game or activity disclosed herein (as may the
bottom and top of FIG. 35A). The top 362 has an optional tab 364.
The part 363 and the tab 364 are sized and positioned so that they
are receivable, respectively in openings 365, 366 made by cutting
or severing along lines 365a, 366a, FIG. 36A. Parts 361, 362 are
produced as shown in FIG. 36C. They may be combined to produce a
multi-part throwing disc 369, FIG. 36D, by inserting part 363 of
the top 362 into opening 365 of the bottom 361 and part 364 of the
top 362 into opening 366 of the bottom 361. As with the box of FIG.
35A, the parts 361, 362 may have sidewalls 361b, 362b respectively,
therearound of a desired height.
[0135] FIG. 37A shows a box 370 according to the present invention
with a bottom 371 and a top 372 each of which has a circular shape
when viewed from above or below. The top 372 and bottom 371 are
connected together along a box portion 373 and the top 372 can be
folded at this portion 373 over and into contact with the bottom
371. The top 372 and/or the bottom 371 may have, respectively an
upstanding perimeter sidewall 372a, 371a of any desired height (as
may any box according to the present invention shown in top view
herein). The top 372 may be connected to the bottom 371 when the
top 372 is folded over on the bottom 371 in any manner disclosed
herein, including, but not limited to, by fastener(s), glue, and/or
interfitting part(s) or structure(s). It is within the scope of
this invention for the top 372 and bottom 371 to be of any
identical shape, e.g. but not limited to, triangular, square,
rectangular, pentagonal, etc. optionally an opening 372b may be
made in the top 372 and/or any opening 371b may be made in the
bottom 371 and such opening(s) may be of any desired size or shape
and any piece thus separated therefrom may be used for any throwing
object(s), disc(s), and/or knock down item(s) disclosed herein
[0136] FIG. 37B illustrates a box 375 according to the present
invention with a bottom 375a, with an opening 375d and a top 375b
with a tab 375c sized and configured so that upon folding of the
top 375b on the bottom 375a the tab 375c is insertable into the
opening 375d to hold the top 375b and the bottom 375b together. A
hinge part 375e integral with the box 375 permits folding of the
top 375b with respect to the bottom 375a. Such structure (tab,
opening, and/or hinge part) to hold two parts together may be used
for any box disclosed herein.
[0137] FIG. 37C shows a closed version of the box 375 with the top
375b folded over on the bottom 375a and the tab 375c in the opening
375d. As with any such tab or part end disclosed herein, the tab
375c may be turned or twisted to prevent it from coming out of the
opening 375d.
[0138] FIG. 37D shows a target 376 according to the present
invention which has projecting parts 376a (like those of FIGS. 23B)
extending through slots 376b (like those of FIG. 23A and 23B). The
projecting parts 376a are coming out of the drawing sheet as viewed
in FIG. 37D. Each part may be used as a target toward which a
throwing object with an opening is thrown in an effort to have it
land over and encompass the part 376a. In one aspect the target 376
may be used to play a "TIC-TAC-TOE" type of game with each player
having multiple throwing objects to throw at the various parts 376a
in an effort to have three thrown objects in a row on three aligned
parts 376a.
[0139] FIG. 38 discloses a box 380 on which is printed or provided
a checkerboard (or chessboard) 382 which may be used for board
games that use such a checkerboard. The checkerboard 382 may remain
on the box 380 or it may be separated from it. Game pieces 384 may
be printed or otherwise provided on the box 380 and separated
therefrom. The game pieces may be checkers (as shown) or chess
pieces or any other game pieces used in a board game. Either the
board 382 or the game pieces 384 may be deleted from the box
380.
[0140] The teachings of the present invention can be applied to
various prior art boxes, including, but not limited to, the boxes
referred to in the Description Of Related Art section above.
[0141] The present invention, therefore, provides in certain, but
not necessarily all embodiments, a play activity set with target
apparatus(es) and/or device(s) at which at least one object may be
directed, at least one object for throwing at the target
apparatus(es) and/or device(s), the target apparatus(es) and/or
device(s) and the at least one object made by separating box
material from at least one box. Such a set may also include one or
some (in any possible combination) of the following: the target
apparatus(es) and/or device(s) (henceforth referred to collectively
as "target") and the at least one object are separated from a
single box; wherein the single box is a pizza box; wherein the
target has at least one target opening in a box; wherein the target
and the at least one object are made from a single box, and the at
least one target opening is made in said single box; wherein the at
least one object is a plurality of objects; wherein the target
means has at least one portion of a box formed of the box and
projecting therefrom; wherein the box has an opening therethrough,
and the at least one portion of a box formed of the box and
projecting therefrom extends through the opening; the box having
two box parts, one part foldable over on the other part, the at
least one target opening in one of the box parts, at least one
stabilizer portion partially separated from one of the box parts
opposite a box part with the at least one target opening, the box
having a stabilizer opening corresponding to each of the at least
one stabilizer portion, a part of the at least one stabilizer
portion extending through the stabilizer opening; wherein the
target has at least one target opening made by separating a target
part of the box from the box, and the at least one object is made
from the target part; wherein the at least one target opening is
made by separating a target part of the box from the box, and the
at least one object is made from the target part; wherein the at
least one object is a plurality of objects; wherein the at least
one object is a plurality of objects; wherein the at least one
object has indicia thereon; wherein the indicia is scoring indicia;
wherein the at least one object has two opposed surfaces each with
indicia thereon; wherein the two opposed surfaces are a first
surface and a second surface, and indicia on the first surface
includes scoring indicia; wherein the at least one object is a
plurality of objects, and each object has indicia thereon; wherein
the indicia includes scoring indicia; wherein the target has at
least one knock-down item made from a box; wherein the at least one
knock-down item and the at least one object are separated from a
single box; wherein the at least one knock-down item comprises a
plurality of knock-down items; wherein the object is at least one
piece of flat box material separated from a box; wherein the at
least one piece of flat box material is a flying disc with a disc
body having an outer perimeter and a plurality of portions of the
disc body folded from the disc body around the outer perimeter;
wherein the at least one piece of flat box material is a flying
disc a disc body having an outer perimeter and a plurality of cuts
spaced-apart around the outer perimeter, at least one portion of
the disc body between at least one pair of the cuts, the at least
one portion folded at an angle to the disc body; a plurality of
secondary objects separated form the at least one object; the
plurality of secondary objects comprising a plurality of throwing
discs; and/or wherein the target, the at least one object, and the
plurality of secondary objects are made from a single box.
[0142] In conclusion, therefore, it is seen that the present
invention and the embodiments disclosed herein and those covered by
the appended claims are well adapted to carry out the objectives
and obtain the ends set forth. Certain changes can be made in the
subject matter without departing from the spirit and the scope of
this invention. It is realized that changes are possible within the
scope of this invention and it is further intended that each
element or step recited in any of the following claims is to be
understood as referring to all equivalent elements or steps. The
following claims are intended to cover the invention as broadly as
legally possible in whatever form it may be utilized. The invention
claimed herein is new and novel in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
102 and satisfies the conditions for patentability in .sctn. 102.
The invention claimed herein is not obvious in accordance with 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 103 and satisfies the conditions for patentability in
.sctn. 103. This specification and the claims that follow are in
accordance with all of the requirements of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112.
The inventors may rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine
and assess the scope of their invention and of the claims that
follow as they may pertain to apparatus not materially departing
from, but outside of, the literal scope of the invention as set
forth in the following claims.
* * * * *