U.S. patent application number 10/605877 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-01 for portable party system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to ABC Party Games, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ronald J. Petras.
Application Number | 20070045964 10/605877 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37803014 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070045964 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Petras; Ronald J. |
March 1, 2007 |
Portable party system and method
Abstract
A portable party system and associated method for providing
entertainment and amusement at parties, such as birthday parties
and other parties for children, teenagers, and adults, includes one
or more portable storage containers containing various different
target assemblies and projectiles for use in the play of games. A
cover of the container also functions as a supporting base adapted
for the removable attachment of a target support assembly. Various
diverse target assemblies including a basketball target, a milk
bottle target, a rectangular target, a soccer net, a goalpost
target, a knock-down target, a receptacle target, and a tiered coin
toss target, allow participants to compete in projectile tossing
and throwing games using the various different target assemblies
and diverse projectiles such as footballs, soccer balls,
basketballs, beanbags and soft throwing disks, in contests to win
coupons or tickets which may be exchanged for arcade-type prizes,
such as toys, candy, balls, pencils, erasers, figurines, stuffed
animals and the like.
Inventors: |
Petras; Ronald J.;
(Riverpoint, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICE OF ROD D. BAKER
707 STATE HIGHWAY 333
SUITE B
TIJERAS
NM
87059-7382
US
|
Assignee: |
ABC Party Games, Inc.
543 Jamaca Street
Aurora
CO
|
Family ID: |
37803014 |
Appl. No.: |
10/605877 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/317 ;
273/317.3; 273/317.6; 273/348; 273/400; 273/407 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2210/50 20130101;
A63F 7/0612 20130101; A63B 2209/08 20130101; A63F 2007/3659
20130101; A63B 71/02 20130101; A63F 2007/007 20130101; A63B 63/004
20130101; A63B 2208/12 20130101; A63F 7/0616 20130101; A63B 63/083
20130101; A63B 71/023 20130101; E04H 12/2238 20130101; A63B 63/00
20130101; A63F 2009/0012 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/317 ;
273/348; 273/317.3; 273/317.6; 273/400; 273/407 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/02 20060101
A63F009/02; A63F 7/20 20060101 A63F007/20; A63B 63/00 20060101
A63B063/00; F41J 1/10 20060101 F41J001/10 |
Claims
1. A portable party system, comprising: a container including an
open top portion; a removable cover dimensioned to selectively
close said open top portion of said container; cooperating latch
and catch members on said cover and said container for selectively
securing said cover to said container; a target attachment assembly
including a base member; at least one fastener for removably
securing said base member of said target attachment assembly to
said cover; at least one target assembly; said target attachment
assembly and said target assembly including cooperating connectors
for selectively and removably securing said target assembly to said
target attachment assembly; and said target attachment assembly and
said target assembly dimensioned and configured for storage in said
container when not in use to facilitate transportation and storage
of said portable party system.
2. The portable party system of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of different interchangeable target assemblies for
securement to said target attachment assembly.
3. The portable party system of claim 2, wherein said
interchangeable target assemblies are selected from the group
consisting of a basketball hoop target assembly, a rectangular
target assembly, a goal post target assembly, a knock down target
assembly, a receptacle target assembly, a milk bottle target
assembly, a tiered coin toss target assembly, and a rectangular net
target assembly.
4. The portable party system of claim 1, wherein said cooperating
connectors comprise threaded connectors.
5. The portable party system of claim 1, wherein said at least one
fastener comprises a cooperating threaded stud and wing nut.
6. The portable party system of claim 1, further comprising a
second target attachment assembly dimensioned and configured for
interchangeable attachment to said cover in place of said target
attachment assembly, said second target attachment assembly
dimensioned and configured for selective connection of at least one
second target assembly.
7. A portable party system, comprising: a container including an
open top portion: a removable cover dimensioned to selectively
close said open top portion of said container; cooperating latch
and catch members on said cover and said container for selectively
securing said cover to said container; a first target attachment
assembly; a second target attachment assembly; at least one
fastener for removably securing one of said first or second target
attachment assemblies to said cover; a first group of
interchangeable target assemblies including a first fastener for
selective connection with said first target attachment assembly; a
second group of interchangeable target assemblies including a
second fastener for selective connection with said second target
attachment assembly; and said target attachment assemblies and said
target assemblies dimensioned and configured for storage in said
container when not in use to facilitate transportation and storage
of said portable party system.
8. The portable party system of claim 7, wherein said first group
of interchangeable target assemblies are selected from the group
consisting of a basketball hoop target assembly, a rectangular
target assembly, a goal post target assembly, a receptacle target
assembly, a milk bottle target assembly, a tiered coin toss target
assembly, and a rectangular net target assembly.
9. The portable party system of claim 7, wherein said second group
of interchangeable target assemblies are selected from the group
consisting of a knock down target assembly and a receptacle target
assembly.
10. The portable party system of claim 7, wherein said first target
attachment assembly comprises: a base member; at least one fastener
for removably securing said base member of said first target
attachment assembly to said cover; an upstanding support member
attached to said base member and extending upwardly therefrom; a
substantially vertical tubular standard supported by said
upstanding support member, said vertical tubular standard
terminating at a distal end portion in a first threaded connector;
and a vertical extension member terminating at a lower end in a
cooperating second threaded connector dimensioned for engagement
with said first threaded connector of said vertical tubular
standard and terminating at an opposite upper end in a third
threaded connector dimensioned for engagement with said first
fastener of one of said first group of interchangeable target
assemblies.
11. The portable party system of claim 7, wherein said second
target attachment assembly comprises: a support plate; at least one
fastener for removably securing said support plate of said second
target attachment assembly to said cover; a support column
upstanding substantially centrally and vertically from said support
plate; and a platform substantially perpendicularly connected at an
upper end of said support column, said platform provided with at
least one aperture dimensioned for engagement with said second
fastener of one of said second group of interchangeable target
assemblies.
12. The portable party system of claim 7, wherein said first target
attachment assembly comprises: a base member; at least one fastener
for removably securing said base member of said first target
attachment assembly to said cover; an upstanding support member
attached to said base member and extending upwardly therefrom; a
substantially vertical tubular standard supported by said
upstanding support member, said vertical tubular standard
terminating at a distal end portion in a first threaded connector;
and a vertical extension member terminating at a lower end in a
cooperating second threaded connector dimensioned for engagement
with said first threaded connector of said vertical tubular
standard and terminating at an opposite upper end in a third
threaded connector dimensioned for engagement with said first
fastener of one of said first group of interchangeable target
assemblies; and said second target attachment assembly comprises: a
support plate; at least one fastener for removably securing said
support plate of said second target attachment assembly to said
cover; a support column upstanding substantially centrally and
vertically from said support plate; and a platform substantially
perpendicularly connected at an upper end of said support column,
said platform provided with at least one aperture dimensioned for
engagement with said second fastener of one of said second group of
interchangeable target assemblies.
13. The portable party system of claim 12, wherein said first group
of interchangeable target assemblies are selected from the group
consisting of a basketball hoop target assembly, a rectangular
target assembly, a goal post target assembly, a receptacle target
assembly, a milk bottle target assembly, a tiered coin toss target
assembly, and a rectangular net target assembly.
14. The portable party system of claim 12, wherein said second
group of interchangeable target assemblies are selected from the
group consisting of a knock down target assembly and a receptacle
target assembly.
15. The portable party system of claim 7, further comprising at
least one projectile for a participant to throw, toss, or kick at
said target assemblies.
16. The portable party system of claim 15, wherein said at least
one projectile comprises a mask adapted to be both thrown or tossed
at said target assemblies and worn by a participant.
17. The portable party system of claim 7, further comprising at
least one projectile for a participant to throw, toss, or kick at
said target assemblies, said projectile selected from the group
consisting of a throwing disk, football, baseball, softball, wiffle
ball, soccer ball, beanbag, and mask.
18. The portable party system of claim 7, further comprising a
plurality of different projectiles for a participant to throw,
toss, or kick at said target assemblies, said projectiles including
at least one of each of a throwing disk, a football, a baseball, a
softball, a wiffle ball, a soccer ball, beanbag, and mask.
19. The portable party system of claim 7, further comprising a
projectile storage box and a plurality of different types of
projectiles dimensioned for storage in said projectile storage box
and adapted to be thrown, tossed, or kicked at said target
assemblies, said projectile storage box dimensioned for reception
in said container for storage and transportation.
20. A method of providing entertainment for parties, comprising the
steps of: (a) providing a portable party system comprising: a
container including an open top portion; a removable cover
dimensioned to selectively close said open top portion of said
container; cooperating latch and catch members on said cover and
said container for selectively securing said cover to said
container; a target attachment assembly including a base member; at
least one fastener for removably securing said base member of said
target attachment assembly to said cover; at least one target
assembly; at least one projectile; said target attachment assembly
and said target assembly including cooperating connectors for
selectively and removably securing said target assembly to said
target attachment assembly; and said target attachment assembly and
said target assembly dimensioned and configured for storage in said
container when not in use to facilitate transportation and storage
of said portable party system; (b) transporting said portable party
system to an intended party site; (c) attaching said target
attachment assembly to said cover; (d) attaching said target
assembly to said target attachment assembly; (e) conducting at
least one game in which participants attending the party compete by
throwing, tossing, or kicking said projectile at said target
assembly; and (f) awarding at least one prize to at least one of
the participants attending the party based upon results of said
game.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] U.S. Pat. No. 4,533,138 issued Aug. 6, 1985 to Rodriguez,
Jr. et al discloses a multiple sport training device in which a
user may selectively attach multiple different attachment members
including batting training devices, ball rebounders, catching nets,
and batting tees. U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,592 issued Feb. 23, 1988 to
Callaham discloses an amusement device and method in which portions
of a foldable container form a play board for playing a game in
which balls are dropped onto the play board in attempting to cause
the balls to bounce and fall on rebound into a cylindrical member.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,976 issued Jan. 3, 1995 to Matherne et al.
discloses a portable basketball system with a ballast-fillable base
configured to house component parts of the basketball system for
storage and transportation. The entire disclosure of each of the
foregoing patents is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a portable party system
and associated method for providing entertainment and amusement at
parties such as birthday parties, and other parties for children,
teenagers and adults. The invention contemplates the provision of
one or more portable storage containers containing various
different target assemblies and projectiles for use in the play of
games. Advantageously, a cover of the container also functions as a
supporting base adapted for the removable attachment of a target
support assembly. The invention contemplates the provision of
various diverse target assemblies including a basketball target, a
milk bottle target, a rectangular target, a rectangular net target,
a goalpost target, a knock-down target, a receptacle target, and a
tiered coin toss target. In a method according to the present
invention, participants compete in projectile throwing, tossing,
and kicking games using the various different target assemblies and
diverse projectiles such as footballs, soccer balls, basketballs,
beanbags and soft throwing disks in contests to win coupons or
tickets which may be exchanged for arcade-type prizes, such as
toys, candy, balls, pencils, erasers, figurines, stuffed animals
and the like.
[0003] These and various other advantages and features of novelty
that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity
in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However,
for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and
the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the
drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying
descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a container for
parry toys for use in the portable party system of the present
invention.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the container of
FIG. 1, with the cover removed.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the topside of the
cover of the container of FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the underside of
the cover of the container of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an attachment
support base for use in the portable party system of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
basketball hoop target assembly for use in the portable party
system of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view illustrating a
rectangular projectile target for use in the portable party system
of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a front elevational view illustrating a
rectangular target net for use in the portable party system of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view illustrating a goal post
target for use in the portable party system of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a knock down
target for use in the portable party system of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a receptacle
target assembly for use in the portable party system of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating various
projectiles and a projectile storage box for use in the portable
party system of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a milk bottle
target for use in the portable party system of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating various fasteners
and a fastener storage box for use in the portable party system of
the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 15 is a bottom front perspective view illustrating a
tiered target for use in the portable party system of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 16 is a top front perspective view illustrating the
tiered target of FIG. 15.
[0020] FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a target support
base secured to the container cover for use in the portable party
system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views,
and referring in particular to FIG. 1, a portable party system 10
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
includes a hollow container 12, preferably constructed from a
plastic material in a manner similar to a conventional cooler, and
provided with a name or indicia plate 14 secured by screws, rivets
or the like, for the purpose of bearing indicia designating a brand
name of the party service and optionally other identifying
information such as the contents of the container 12. The portable
party system 10 includes a removable cover 16 detachably secured to
the container 12 by latches or other securement devices 18 of a
conventional form. As may be understood with reference to FIG. 2,
the latches 18 (only one of which is shown, the non-illustrated
latch being identical to that shown) cooperate with complementary
catch members 20 (only one of which is shown, the non-illustrated
catch member being identical to that shown) provided at juxtaposed
locations at opposite end portions of the cover 16.
[0022] With reference to FIG. 4, the underside 22 of the cover 16
is preferably provided with support foot members 24, 26, 28 and 30
disposed at respective corner regions of the cover 16 for the
purpose of supporting the cover 16 on the surface of a floor or a
table. Preferably, the support foot members, 24, 26, 28 and 30 are
formed from a non-slip material such as suitably configured and
textured plastic, felt, fabric, rubber or combinations of the
foregoing, in order to resist displacement of the cover 16 along
the surface of a table or floor during play of games pursuant to
the present invention. In accordance with the present invention,
the cover 16 is preferably provided with a pair of spaced apertures
17 and 19 for the purpose of detachably securing a target
attachment assembly 40, an example embodiment of which is depicted
in FIG. 5.
[0023] With reference to FIG. 5, the target attachment assembly 40
includes an elongated base member 42 provided with a pair of
spaced, threaded studs 44 and 46 dimensioned and disposed for
engagement with the apertures 17 and 19 formed through the cover
16, as shown in FIG. 4. The threaded studs 44 and 46, in
conjunction with washers 52 and 54 and wing nuts 48 and 50 allow a
user to selectively and detachably secure the target base assembly
40 to the upper surface of the cover 16, as shown in FIG. 6. The
target attachment assembly 40 also includes an upstanding support
member 56 supporting a substantially vertical tubular standard 58,
which terminates at a distal end portion in a threaded connector
60.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 6, a first, lower end portion of a vertical
extension member 62 terminates in a cooperating threaded connection
64 adapted for selective engagement with the threaded connector 60.
At an opposite, upper end portion, the extension member 62
terminates in a similar threaded connection member 66 adapted for
releasable engagement with a complementary threaded member 74
secured to a basketball target assembly 68. As one aspect of the
present invention, it is contemplated that a plurality of different
lengths of vertical extension members 62 may be provided, to allow
adaptation to dispose the various target assemblies at different
heights, for example, to adapt the party system for use with
different sizes and ages of children and other participants. To
provide a further range of flexibility of use and height
adjustment, the cover 16 maybe supported on a floor or table.
Further, the cover 16 may be used mounted on the container 12, or
detached therefrom.
[0025] The basketball target assembly 68 includes a backboard
portion 70 provided with a generally U-shaped tubular frame portion
72 for the purpose of connecting the basketball target assembly 68
to the vertical extension member 62 by cooperative engagement of
the threaded members 66 and 74, and also for the purpose of support
of a basketball rim 78 and associated basketball net 80 through
engagement of a bracket 76. The bracket 76 is preferably formed
from a flexible or resilient material to allow some flexing and
displacement of the rim 78 without damage to the associated target
assembly.
[0026] In addition to the basketball target assembly 68, the
present invention contemplates the use of various different target
assemblies to permit the play of many different party games, while
affording compact and convenient storage and transportation of the
entire portable party system according to the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a rectangular target assembly 80
preferably constructed from a plurality of tubular frame members
82, 84, 86, 88, and 90 erected in a rigid manner by a plurality of
90-degree elbow joints 96, 98, 100, and 102. A T-connector 92
connects the frame members 88 and 90 and includes a threaded
connection portion 94 adapted for threaded engagement with the
connector 66 disposed at the upper end of the vertical extension
member 62 illustrated in FIG. 6. The various tubular components
used in the construction of the portable party system of the
present invention may comprise metal or plastic, but preferably
comprise conventional PVC pipe and connectors. In use, a game
player attempts to throw a projectile through the rectangular
target 80, within the rectangular opening defined by the frame
members 82, 84, 86, 88, and 90.
[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates a rectangular target net assembly 120
that includes a rectangular frame formed by tubular frame members
122, 124, 126, 128, and 130, substantially rigidly connected by a
plurality of 90-degree elbow joint connectors 136, 138, 140, and
142. A T-connector 132 connects frame members 128 and 130 and
includes a threaded connector portion 134 adapted for threaded
engagement with the threaded connector 66 disposed at an upper end
portion of the vertical extension member 62 shown in FIG. 6. In
use, a game player attempts to throw, toss, or kick a projectile
into a net 121 supported by the target net assembly 120. In this
manner, the target net assembly may be used to allow participants
to compete in a game involving the catching of a thrown ball in the
net. Alternatively, a game simulating the game of soccer in some
respects may be played.
[0029] FIG. 9 illustrates a goal post target assembly 150 including
a pair of spaced, parallel vertical tubular frame members 152 and
154 substantially rigidly supported by horizontal frame members 156
and 158 connected by a T-shaped connector 160 and 90-degree elbow
joint connectors 166 and 168. The T-shaped connector 160 includes a
threaded connection member 162 disposed in threaded engagement with
a vertical central frame member 164 adapted for threaded engagement
with the threaded connector 66 disposed at the upper end of the
vertical extension member 62 illustrated in FIG. 6. End caps 170
and 172 are secured at respective upper end portions of the frame
members 152 and 154. In use, a game player attempts to throw, toss,
or kick a projectile through or between the frame members 152 and
154, thus scoring a goal.
[0030] FIG. 10 illustrates a knock down target assembly 180
including base members 182 and 183 supporting knock down targets
184 and 188. Preferably, the knock down targets 184 and 188 include
respective L-shaped brackets 186 and 190 operative to magnetically
retain the targets 184 and 188 in a vertical orientation. More
specifically, the brackets 186 and 190 and an upper rail surface
192 of the mounting block 182 preferably include cooperating
magnetic fasteners adapted to retain the targets 184 and 188 in an
upright orientation as shown with respect to target 184, until the
surface of the target is struck with sufficient force by a
projectile. Upon striking with a projectile, the target will fall
down, as illustrated with respect to the target 188. Toward this
end, the targets 184 and 188 may be connected to the mounting
blocks 182 and/or 183 by means of a hinge fastener 181. The hinge
fastener 181 may take the form of a conventional door or cabinet
hinge or may comprise a strip of flexible material such as plastic,
fabric, leather, or rubber. As a preferred feature of the present
invention, the target 180 may include targets of different shape,
such that a smaller target 188 would be more difficult to hit with
a thrown, tossed, or kicked projectile than a larger target 184. In
addition, a number other than two targets may be employed.
Currently, a knock down target assembly employing three knock down
targets is preferred. In use, a game player attempts to knock down
the targets 184 and 188, according to the particular game rules, by
throwing, tossing or kicking a designated projectile.
[0031] FIG. 11 illustrates a receptacle target assembly 200 that
includes a cup-shaped receptacle 204 substantially rigidly
connected to a mounting block or base 202. In use, a game player
attempts to throw, toss, or kick a designated projectile such that
it lands within the receptacle or cup 204.
[0032] FIG. 12 illustrates a projectile storage container 220
dimensioned and adapted for storage within the interior of the
container 12 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Projectile storage container
220 includes a shallow rectangular tray portion 222 selectively
closable by a lid 224 connected for movement between the open
position illustrated in FIG. 12 and a closed position by a
plurality of hinges 226. The projectile container 220 provides for
the organized storage of a variety of diverse projectiles adapted
for use in playing games according to the preferred method of use
of the portable party system according to the present invention.
Preferred projectiles include at least one, and preferably a
plurality of soft throwing disks 228, a football 230, a basketball
232, a baseball 234, soft baseball-type balls 236, 238, and 240, a
wiffle ball 242, a soccer ball 246 and a plurality of beanbags 248,
250, 252, and 254. Preferably, the projectiles according to the
present invention also include a plurality of masks 256, 258, 260,
and 262. While the masks 256, 258, and 260 illustrated take the
form of butterfly representations, a variety of different masks
configurations may be employed without departing from the intended
scope of the present invention. Optionally, the masks 256, 258,
260, and 262 may be adapted for use not only as projectiles in
playing tossing and throwing games according to the present
invention, but may also be adapted for wearing as masks by party
attendees. Preferably, all of the various projectiles are formed
from a relatively soft material and constructed so as to reduce the
likelihood of injury to game participants and damage to the party
environment.
[0033] FIG. 13 illustrates a milk bottle target 270 including a
circular disk-shaped base 272 forming a support platform for a
plurality of plastic bottle targets 274, 276, and 278 tethered to
the base 272 by respective strings or cords 280, 282, and 284. In
use, a game participant attempts to knock down the bottles 274,
276, and 278 by throwing a ball, beanbag, or other designated
projectile. It should be noted that the bottles 274, 276, and 278
may be placed singly as shown in FIG. 13, or with one stacked atop
the other two.
[0034] FIG. 14 illustrates a fastener storage box 300 including a
lid 302 secured to a base 304 by hinges 306 and 308 and selectively
latchable in a closed position by cooperating engagement of a catch
310 on the lid 302 with a cooperating latch member 312 disposed on
the box 304. The box portion 304 preferably includes a plurality of
interior storage divisions or compartments dimensioned for the
reception and storage of various fastener components for use in the
portable party system of the present invention. Specifically, the
box portion 304 stores a length or supply of cord or string 314 for
use, for example in tethering the bottles 274, 276, and 278
illustrated in FIG. 13. In addition, a spare supply 316 of various
washers and wing nuts is provided in a further compartment, as is a
supply of spare support foot members 318 adapted for use on the
underside of the cover 16 illustrated in FIG. 4. A supply of thumb
screws 320, used for securement of the target assemblies in a
manner to be described subsequently, is also provided, in addition
to a plurality of wire or cable ties 322 adapted to be used for
miscellaneous repairs, such as repairing a hole torn in a net.
FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a two-tiered coin toss target 350
including a central support shaft or spindle 352 centrally securing
coaxial cylindrical disks members 354 and 356 in vertically spaced
relation as shown. The lower end portion of the support shaft 352
terminates in a threaded connector 353 adapted for engagement with
the threaded connector 60 illustrated in FIG. 6. In use, a user
tosses coins, chips, or tokens at the two-tiered coin toss target
350 in an attempt to land the coin, chip, or token on one of the
disks 354 or 356. The surface texture or roughness of the disk 354
and 356 may be selectively varied or otherwise determined to
regulate the difficulty of the game. For example, a very smooth,
polished surface may be provided on one, or both of the disks 354
and 356 to make the game more difficult. Alternatively, a roughened
surface, for example, a non-skid paint or rubber mat, may be
employed to make the game easier. In this regard it is contemplated
that one of the disks may have a smoother surface to make the
landing of a coin, chip, or token on that particular disk more
difficult, and thus potentially scoring a greater amount of
points.
[0035] FIG. 17 illustrates the cover 16 supporting a second type of
target attachment assembly 400 according to the portable party
system of the present invention. The target attachment assembly 400
includes a support plate or block 402 preferably secured to the
cover 16 through the use of threaded studs, washers, and wing nuts,
as illustrated and described previously in connection with FIGS. 4
and 5. A central upstanding support member or column 404 stands
centrally and vertically upwardly from the base plate 402 and
terminates at an upper end in a perpendicularly connected platform
406 provided with a plurality of apertures 408, 410, 412, and 414
adapted for engagement with threaded fasteners such as studs,
bolts, or preferably thumb screws of the type illustrated at 320 in
FIG. 14. In use, the aforementioned appropriate threaded fasteners
may be utilized to selectively attach targets of the type
illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11, and 13.
[0036] The particular details of the connections of the base
member, extension members, and target assemblies as described and
illustrated are exemplary only, and other alternative constructions
and connectors may be employed, without departing from the intended
scope of the present invention.
[0037] In addition, other, non-target, game attachments may be
employed to allow participants to play other types of games. For
example, duck pond, ring toss, dart board, soccer goal, and various
other diverse types of game attachments may be employed in
connection with the portable party system of the present
invention.
[0038] As a further enhancement, the portable party system of the
present invention may include carnival type decorations and
amenities such as balloons, music, tents, banners, partitions, and
the like to assist in the provision of a party or carnival type
atmosphere and ambience.
[0039] In a preferred method of entertaining participants at a
party according to the present invention, a plurality of projectile
tossing, throwing, and/or kicking games are preferably conducted in
an organized manner by a party service provider or host. Winners of
the various games are awarded points, tickets, or coupons, which
may be exchanged for arcade-type prizes such as, toys, candy,
balls, pencils, erasers, figurines, stuffed animals, games, and the
like. A further aspect of the invention contemplates that a parent,
teacher, coach or other individual having a need to provide a party
for children, teenagers, or adults, may hire a commercial party
service provider. The party service provider may readily and easily
transport the portable party system according to the present
invention to a desired site at a home, school or other facility,
thus avoiding the inconvenience, danger, and expense associated
with transporting the participants to a central party facility.
[0040] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been
set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of
the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is
illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in
matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the
principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the
broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are
expressed.
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