U.S. patent application number 11/232486 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-22 for toss game apparatus.
Invention is credited to Mark Gholson, Adam Mills.
Application Number | 20070063447 11/232486 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37883303 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070063447 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gholson; Mark ; et
al. |
March 22, 2007 |
Toss game apparatus
Abstract
A toss game apparatus is disclosed. The toss game apparatus
includes first and second target platforms, each first and second
target platform including a top portion, two end portions and two
lateral portions, and a means for joining the first and second
target platforms at variable distances one from the other.
Inventors: |
Gholson; Mark; (Sacramento,
CA) ; Mills; Adam; (Sacramento, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark Gholson
Suite D
1955 Railroad Dr.
Sacramento
CA
95815
US
|
Family ID: |
37883303 |
Appl. No.: |
11/232486 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 67/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/400 |
International
Class: |
A63B 63/00 20060101
A63B063/00 |
Claims
1. A toss game apparatus comprising: first and second target
platforms, each first and second target platform comprising a top
portion, first and second end portions and two lateral portions
depending from the top portion; and a means for joining the first
and second target platforms at variable distances one from the
other.
2. The toss game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for
joining the first and second target platforms at variable distances
one from the other comprise a locking device disposed on the first
target platform, the locking device lockingly engaging a linkage
between the first and second target platforms.
3. The toss game apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a tube in
communication with the locking device, the tube being sized and
configured to receive the linkage.
4. The toss game apparatus of claim 2, wherein the linkage
comprises a rope.
5. The toss game apparatus of claim 2, wherein the linkage
comprises a cable.
6. The toss game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end
portion has a smaller height than the second end portion.
7. The toss game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second
end portions are trapezoidal in shape.
8. The toss game apparatus of 7, wherein the first and second end
portions depend at an obtuse angle from the top portion.
9. The toss game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top portion
comprises a plurality of apertures.
10. The toss game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top portion
comprises a top surface.
10. The toss game apparatus of claim 10, wherein the top surface
comprises Astroturf.
11. A toss game apparatus having an inclined top portion
comprising: first and second target platforms, each first and
second target platform comprising a top portion having a plurality
of apertures formed therethrough, first and second end portions and
two lateral portions depending from the top portion, the first and
second end portions being of unequal heights to provide the
inclined top portion; and a means for joining the first and second
target platforms at variable distances one from the other.
12. The toss game apparatus of claim 11, wherein the means for
joining the first and second target platforms at variable distances
one from the other comprise a locking device disposed on the first
target platform, the locking device lockingly engaging a linkage
between the first and second target platforms.
13. The toss game apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a tube
in communication with the locking device, the tube being sized and
configured to receive the linkage.
14. The toss game apparatus of claim 12, wherein the linkage
comprises a rope.
15. The toss game apparatus of claim 12, wherein the linkage
comprises a cable.
16. A toss game apparatus comprising: first and second target
platforms, each first and second target platform comprising a top
portion, first and second end portions and two lateral portions
depending from the top portion, the first and second end portions
being of unequal heights to provide an inclination to the top
portion; and a locking device disposed on the first target
platform, the locking device lockingly engaging a linkage between
the first and second target platforms.
17. The toss game apparatus of claim 16, wherein the top portion
comprises a plurality of apertures.
18. The toss game apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a tube
in communication with the locking device, the tube being sized and
configured to receive the linkage.
19. The toss game apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first and
second end portions depend at an obtuse angle from the top
portion.
20. The toss game apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first and
second end portions are trapezoidal in shape.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to toss games and
more particularly to a toss game apparatus having a means for
joining a pair of apertured target platforms at variable distances
one from the other.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Toss games are well known in the art and generally comprise
a pair of rectangular target platforms having a plurality of
apertures formed therethrough. The rectangular target platforms are
placed a distance apart and players attempt to toss rings or other
objects through the apertures in order to score points.
[0003] One such toss game is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,161.
The game consists of two platforms with three circular holes in
each platform. These platforms are joined together with a chain or
other linkage at a fixed distance. A player stands on top the
platform at the end where the linkage is fastened. This player will
toss, pitch or lob a disc towards the other platform trying to hit
one of the holes. Each hole is worth a particular number of points.
Generally a player who scores the first 21 points wins the game.
The linkage is of a fixed ten foot chain or other linkage. No
provision for storing the linkage is shown or suggested.
[0004] A pitch game is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,590 and
includes two multi apertured rectangular platforms. Colored
apertured disc projectiles are supplied in sets of six, one set for
each player. A player stands on the edge of one platform and tosses
discs in an attempt to drop them through one of the apertures in
the second platform. The apertures are scored one, two, three
according to a distance away from the thrower. Separable hinges and
latches are included for attaching the two rectangular platforms
together into a storage or carrying case. The two rectangular
platforms are not nestably stackable.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,480 discloses a toss game apparatus for
alternate use as a target for thrown projectiles or as a support
for supporting an individual playing the toss game and includes a
frame and a top panel mounted on the frame and deflectable relative
to the frame. Interior support member attached to the top panel
limit the degree of deflection of the top panel. Carpeting is
positioned on the top panel having an upper layer of upwardly
projecting fabric fibers angles toward one of the frame ends. The
frames are not nestably stackable.
[0006] A tossing game and method of play is disclosed in U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0108658. Two or more
players compete by tossing rings toward a target structure whereby
points are accumulated. Each target structure is elongate and has a
first upper surface portion upon which a player may stand while
tossing rings toward an opposing structure, and a second upper
surface portion defining a plurality of longitudinally aligned
ring-receiving bores. The target structures are not nestably
stackable.
[0007] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0227284
discloses a disk tossing game including a target surface, a
plurality of tossing disks, and a scoring peg. In a preferred
method of play, each player tosses three rings onto the target
surface. The toss is scored according to the landing position of
the rings and the scoring position of the scoring peg. The target
surfaces are not nest-able stackable.
[0008] The prior art toss game apparatus suffer the disadvantage of
not providing a means for joining the apertured platforms at
variable distances one from the other. Additionally, the prior art
toss game apparatus provide for generally rectangular target
platforms having horizontal upper surfaces which limit a player's
view of the apertures when the target platforms are spaced far
apart. Prior art toss games apparatus further are not conveniently
stackable.
[0009] What is needed is a toss game apparatus that overcomes the
disadvantages of the prior art. What is further needed is a toss
game apparatus including a means for joining the apertured target
platforms at variable distances one from the other. What is also
needed is a toss game apparatus having an inclined upper surface.
What is also needed is a toss game apparatus that is nestably
stackable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the
prior art by providing a toss game apparatus including a means for
joining a pair of target platforms at variable distances one from
the other. A first target platform may include a locking device for
locking a rope at variable positions along a rope attached to a
second target platform. The target platforms may include a top
portion defining an inclined top surface. The top portion may be
supported by a pair of lateral portions and a pair of end portions.
The end portions may be of different heights to thereby provide for
the inclined top surface.
[0011] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a toss game
apparatus includes first and second target platforms, each first
and second target platform comprising a top portion, first and
second end portions and two lateral portions depending from the top
portion, and a means for joining the first and second target
platforms at variable distances one from the other.
[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a toss
game apparatus having an inclined top portion includes first and
second target platforms, each first and second target platform
comprising a top portion having a plurality of apertures formed
therethrough, first and second end portions and two lateral
portions depending from the top portion, the first and second end
portions being of unequal heights to provide the inclined top
portion, and a means for joining the first and second target
platforms at variable distances one from the other.
[0013] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a
toss game apparatus includes first and second target platforms,
each first and second target platform comprising a top portion,
first and second end portions and two lateral portions depending
from the top portion, the first and second end portions being of
unequal heights to provide an inclination to the top portion, and a
locking device disposed on the first target platform, the locking
device lockingly engaging a linkage between the first and second
target platforms.
[0014] There has been outlined, rather broadly, the more important
features of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that
the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
There are, of course, additional features of the invention that
will be described below and which will form the subject matter of
the claims appended herein.
[0015] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the
abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting.
[0016] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present disclosure may be better understood and its
numerous features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in
the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a target platform in
accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a pair of target
platforms in accordance with the invention;
[0020] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a first target platform
in accordance with the invention;
[0021] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a second target
platform in accordance with the invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the target platforms in a
stacked configuration in accordance with the invention; and
[0023] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the first target platform in
accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The toss game apparatus of the present invention by
providing a toss game apparatus including a means for joining the
apertured target platforms at variable distances one from the
other. Additionally the toss game apparatus of the present
invention includes an inclined upper surface. Furthermore the toss
game apparatus of the present invention is nestably stackable.
[0025] To achieve these purposes, a first target platform may
include a locking device for locking a rope, cable or other linkage
at variable positions along the rope, cable or other linkage. An
end of the rope, cable or other linkage may be attached to a second
target platform. The target platforms may include a top portion
defining an inclined top surface. The top portion may be supported
by a pair of lateral portions and a pair of end portions depending
therefrom. The pair of lateral portions may be of quadrilateral
configuration. The pair of end portions may be of trapezoidal
configuration. This configuration provides for an open bottom
portion of greater area than the top portion to thereby provide for
the nest-ability of the target platforms. The end portions may be
of different heights to thereby provide for the inclined top
surface.
[0026] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, a toss game apparatus generally
designated 100 may include first and second target platforms 105
and 110 respectively. First and second target platforms 105 and 110
may be identical in all respects with the exception that first
target platform 105 may include a locking device 115 whereas second
target platform 110 does not include the locking device 115.
[0027] Each of first and second target platforms 105 and 110 may
include a top portion 120 having formed therethrough a plurality of
apertures 125 (FIG. 1). Apertures 125 may be sized and configured
to receive conventional game pieces (not shown) which may be
received therethrough. Such game pieces may include washers, bean
bags and the like. Top portion 120 may include a top surface 127
which may be inclined relative to a surface upon which the first
and second target platforms 105 and 110 are disposed such as the
ground (not shown). Top surface 127 may be covered by a surface
such as a Astroturf, carpet, foam or plastic sheeting. Top surface
127 may be inclined by virtue of a first end portion 130, which may
be of trapezoidal shape, having a lesser height than a second end
portion 135, which may be of trapezoidal shape.
[0028] Lateral portions 140 may depend from the top portion 120
and, together with first and second end portions 130 and 135, form
an enclosure 150 for accommodating cups 185 formed below the
apertures 125. First and second end portions 130 and 135
respectively may depend from the top portion 120 at an angle of
between 10 to 15 degrees relative to vertical (FIG. 3B). Lateral
portions 140 depend from the top portion 120 at an angle dependent
upon the angles defining the trapezoidal shape of the first and
second end portion 130 and 135 which may include an obtuse angle of
between 10 to 15 degrees.
[0029] A means for joining the first and second target platforms
105 and 110 at variable distances one from the other may include a
linkage 160 which may extend between the first and second target
platforms 105 and 110. Preferably linkage 160 includes a rope or
cable having markings 170 disposed along a length thereof. Markings
170 may be color coded to indicate a plurality of levels of play.
Linkage 160 may be attached to the second target platform 110 in a
conventional manner such as by inserting the linkage 160 through a
hole 165 formed in the first end portion 130 of the second target
platform 110 and securing the linkage in the enclosure 150.
[0030] The locking device 115 may be disposed in a hole 167 formed
in the first end 130 of the first target platform 105. Locking
device 115 may be operable to lock the linkage 160 in place at
variable locations along the length of the linkage 160 such as at
markings 170. In this manner, the distance between the first and
second target platforms 105 and 110 may be variably set. The
locking device 115 may include a locking collar such as locking
collar CD13NA-FE available from Sealcon USA.
[0031] With particular reference to FIG. 4, the first and second
target platforms 105 and 110 may be nestably stacked for easy
transport and storage and a shortened linkage 160 may be
conveniently used as a handle. A tube 180 (FIG. 5) may be disposed
within target platform 105 in communication with locking device 115
to receive a length of the linkage 160 when the toss game apparatus
100 is stored as shown in FIG. 4.
[0032] In use, the toss game apparatus may be used to play an
exemplary washer toss game. The target platforms 105 and 110 may be
disposed at a spaced apart distance one from the other depending
upon the skill level of the game players. The locking device 115
may be used to lock the linkage 160 at the desired distance to
ensure continuity of the game. Such distance may be indicated by
markings 170. Game pieces may be tossed at the apertures 125 by the
players. Cups 185 may be disposed beneath the apertures 125 in
enclosure 150 to receive any game pieces thrown through the
apertures 125. Cups may be of conventional design including mesh
material cups. Scoring may be kept in a conventional manner.
[0033] The toss game apparatus of the present invention provides a
toss game apparatus having a means for joining the apertured target
platforms at variable distances one from the other. Additionally
the toss game apparatus of the present invention includes an
inclined upper surface providing a more visible target to the game
players. Furthermore the toss game apparatus of the present
invention is nestably stackable for easy transportation and
storage.
[0034] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing
relates to preferred embodiments of the invention and that
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *