U.S. patent application number 11/247447 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-12 for bag tossing game.
Invention is credited to Justin Charles Greiwe, Steven Bernard Greiwe.
Application Number | 20070080499 11/247447 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37910449 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070080499 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Greiwe; Justin Charles ; et
al. |
April 12, 2007 |
Bag tossing game
Abstract
A gaming apparatus for a bag tossing game. Particularly, a
gaming apparatus employing a board member and a base which provide
a chamber to carry tossing bags. Moreover, a bag tossing game
having at least two gaming apparatus and an engaging means to link
together the two corresponding gaming apparatuses.
Inventors: |
Greiwe; Justin Charles;
(Maineville, OH) ; Greiwe; Steven Bernard;
(Loveland, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DINSMORE & SHOHL, LLP
1900 CHEMED CENTER
255 EAST FIFTH STREET
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Family ID: |
37910449 |
Appl. No.: |
11/247447 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/398 ;
273/400; 273/402 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 67/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/398 ;
273/400; 273/402 |
International
Class: |
F41J 3/00 20060101
F41J003/00; A63B 63/00 20060101 A63B063/00 |
Claims
1. A gaming apparatus comprising: a board member having an upper
portion and a lower portion, wherein the lower portion comprises a
chamber configured to contain gaming articles; and a base pivotally
attached to the lower portion of the board member, wherein the base
is pivotal to a storage position to substantially close the
chamber.
2. The gaming apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the board
member its provided with an opening which passes from the upper
portion through to the lower portion.
3. The gaming apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the gaming
apparatus is made of a material comprising a polymer.
4. The gaming apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein the material
comprises a fluorescent additive.
5. The gaming apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the gaming
apparatus is blow molded.
6. The gaming apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the gaming
apparatus further comprises gaming articles.
7. The gaming apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the gaming
articles comprise tossing bags.
8. The gaming apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the gaming
apparatus further comprises a distance measuring device.
9. The gaming apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the base is
pivotal to a playing position.
10. The gaming apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the base
comprises at least one stopper, wherein the at least one stopper
defines the playing position of the base.
11. The gaming apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the playing
position of the base orients the board member at a predetermined
angle relative to an underlying surface.
12. A bag tossing game comprising: at least two of the gaming
apparatus of claim 1; and a plurality of tossing bags.
13. A bag tossing game comprising: a first gaming apparatus
comprising a board member having an upper portion, a lower portion,
a first side portion engaging member and a second side portion
receiving member; and a base pivotally attached to the lower
portion of the board member; and a second gaming apparatus
comprising a board member having an upper portion, a lower portion,
a first side portion engaging member and a second side portion
receiving member; and a base pivotally attached to the lower
portion of the board member; and wherein the engaging member of the
first gaming apparatus operably engages the receiving member of the
second gaming apparatus and the engaging member of the second
gaming apparatus operably engages the receiving member of the first
gaming apparatus when the lower portions are substantially
aligned.
14. The bag tossing game as recited in claim 13, wherein at least
one board member comprises a handle.
15. The bag tossing game as recited in claim 13, wherein the lower
portions comprise alignment members.
16. The bag tossing game as recited in claim 15, wherein the
alignment members comprise tabs and recesses.
17. A gaming apparatus comprising: a board member having an upper
portion, a lower portion, a first side portion engaging member and
a second side portion receiving member, wherein the lower portion
comprises a chamber configured to contain gaming articles; and a
base pivotally attached to the lower portion of the board member,
wherein the base is pivotal to a storage position to substantially
close the chamber.
18. A gaming apparatus consisting essentially of: a board member
having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the lower
portion comprises a chamber configured to contain gaming articles;
and a base pivotally attached to the lower portion of the board
member, wherein the base is pivotal to a storage position to
substantially close the chamber.
19. The gaming apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein the base
comprises integral pivotal extensions which attach to the lower
portion of the board member.
20. The gaming apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein the gaming
apparatus is blow molded.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a gaming
apparatus for a bag tossing game. In one embodiment, the gaming
apparatus employs a board member and a base which provide a chamber
to carry the bags. In another embodiment, the gaming apparatus
includes an engaging means to link together two corresponding
gaming apparatuses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Bag tossing games have been used for years. They provide
entertainment to people of all ages. Traditional bag tossing games
include two targets and a number of bags filled with dried sand,
beans or corn for players to throw at the targets. Scoring for the
games differs depending on players' experience and locale. Today,
bag tossing games, such as cornhole, have become widely popular.
People play at home, on vacation, and many areas have seen an
explosion of tournaments for such games. Many of the traditional
bag tossing games have targets that are hand-made or carved from
wood. While such sets are fun to play, they have inherent problems,
mainly, weight, durability and consistency issues. For example,
many of the wooden games are very heavy and are difficult to carry,
particularly for children. These wooden sets also have durability
issues, particularly when exposed to inclement weather conditions,
such as rain. Moreover, because many of these traditional sets are
hand-carved, inconsistent play occurs from one set to the next.
Because of these issues and due to the increased interest in such
games (i.e., tournaments), there exists a need for bag tossing
games that are durable as well as lightweight and compact.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a gaming apparatus for a bag tossing game. It is a further
object to provide a bag tossing game having at least two gaming
apparatus which can be linked together.
[0004] In one exemplary embodiment, the invention is directed to a
gaming apparatus comprising a board member and a base. The board
member has an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion
includes a chamber configured to contain gaming articles. The base
is pivotally attached to the lower portion of the board member. The
base is pivotal to a storage position to substantially close the
chamber.
[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, the invention is directed
to a bag tossing game comprising a first gaming apparatus and a
second gaming apparatus. The first gaming apparatus has a board
member and a base. The board member includes an upper portion, a
lower portion, a first side portion engaging member, and a second
side portion receiving member. The base is pivotally attached to
the lower portion of the board member. The second gaming apparatus
has a board member and a base. The board member includes an upper
portion, a lower portion, a first side portion engaging member, and
a second side portion receiving member. The base is pivotally
attached to the lower portion of the board member. The engaging
member of the first gaming apparatus operably engages the receiving
member of the second gaming apparatus and the engaging member of
the second gaming apparatus operably engages the receiving member
of the first gaming apparatus when the two lower portions are
substantially aligned.
[0006] In a further exemplary embodiment, the invention is directed
to a gaming apparatus comprising a board member and a base. The
board member has an upper portion, a lower portion, a first side
portion engaging member and a second side portion receiving member.
The lower portion includes a chamber configured to contain gaming
articles. The base is pivotally attached to the lower portion of
the board member. The base is pivotal to a storage position to
substantially close the chamber.
[0007] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the invention is
directed to a gaming apparatus consisting essentially of a board
member and a base. The board member has an upper portion and a
lower portion. The lower portion includes a chamber configured to
contain gaming articles. The base is pivotally attached to the
lower portion of the board member. The base is pivotal to a storage
position to substantially close the chamber.
[0008] The present bag tossing game and gaming apparatus provide a
lightweight, durable and consistent structure that solves many of
the issues concerning traditional bag tossing games. Particularly,
the present gaming apparatus utilizes a chamber to contain the
gaming articles (e.g., tossing bags) while the gaming is being
stored or transported. Moreover, the bag tossing game includes two
gaming apparatus which are configured to be linked together for
purposes of storage or transport, maintaining a compact structure,
thus saving space in the process. Finally, the gaming apparatus can
be formed of a plastic material which provides more durability,
particularly with regard to breakage or exposure to weather, and
provides better consistent game play for the players. These and
additional advantages of the present invention will be more readily
apparent in view of the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is
believed that the same will be better understood from the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0010] FIG. 1A depicts a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment
of a gaming apparatus in a playing position;
[0011] FIG. 1B depicts a side plan view of an exemplary embodiment
of a gaming apparatus in a playing position;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an orthogonal view of an exemplary
embodiment of a lower portion of a gaming apparatus having a base
in a playing position, with tossing bags therein;
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts an orthogonal view of an exemplary embodiment
of a lower portion of a gaming apparatus having a base in a storage
position;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a bag tossing
game with two gaming apparatuses aligned prior to being linked
together at opposing ends; and
[0015] FIG. 5 depicts an orthogonal view of an exemplary embodiment
of a bag tossing game with two corresponding apparatuses linked
together at opposing ends.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention and its
operation are hereinafter described in detail in connection with
the views and examples of FIGS. 1-5, wherein like numbers indicate
the same or corresponding elements throughout the views. As shown
in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a bag tossing game 10 includes at least one
gaming apparatus 12. The gaming apparatus 12 includes a board
member 14 and a base 16. The board member 14 has an upper portion
18 and a lower portion 20. The upper portion 18 provides a playing
surface 22 for the bag tossing game 10. The board member 14 has an
opening 24 which passes from the upper portion 18 to the lower
portion 20. The opening 24 can include a number of shapes, so long
as tossing bags effectively pass through the opening 24 when the
bag tossing game 10 is being played. As depicted in the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 1A, the opening 24 is substantially circular in
shape. As shown in FIG. 1B, the gaming apparatus 12 is in a playing
(open) position. The playing position is the position that the base
16 is placed in order for a player to use the gaming apparatus 12
to play the bag tossing game 10. When in the playing position, the
base 16 orients the playing surface 22 of the board member 14 at a
predetermined angle (.theta.) relative to an underlying surface 26.
In one exemplary embodiment, the base 16 has at least one stopper
28 that contacts and end of the board member 14 to limit the
predetermined angle (.theta.) when the base 16 is pivoted to the
playing position. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the stoppers 28 can
be integral with the base.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates the lower portion 20 of the board member
14 having the base 16 pivoted to the playing position. The base 16
is pivotally attached to the lower portion 20 of the gaming
apparatus 12. This pivotal attachment allows the base 16 to rotate
between the playing position and a storage (closed) position. In
one exemplary embodiment, integral pivotal extensions (e.g., pins
23) (shown in phantom) extend from the base 16 into respective
recesses 25 (shown in phantom) in the lower portion 20 of the board
member 14 providing the pivotal attachment. These integral pivotal
extensions are inserted into the recesses 25 in the lower portion
20 of the board member 14, and such design eliminates the need for
any additional or external fasteners or connectors. Therefore, a
gaming apparatus consisting essentially of a board member and a
base means having integral pivotal extensions without having any
fasteners or connectors. Also shown in the exemplary embodiment of
FIG. 2 is the lower portion 20 having a chamber 30. The chamber 30
is configured to contain gaming articles. The gaming articles
include tossing bags 32 and any associated accessories used with
the bag tossing game 10.
[0018] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the base 16
is pivoted to in the storage position, which illustrates the
chamber 30 in the lower portion 20 of the board member 14 being
substantially closed. The base 16 may be configured to lockably
engage the lower portion 20 of the board member 14 when the base 16
is in the stored position. In one exemplary embodiment, protrusion
members 34 on each side of the base 16 provide a means to
substantially lock the base 16 into the storage position, for
example by their engagement with ridges 33 on the side edges 35 of
the chamber 30, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The lockable engagement
of the chamber 30 prevents the gaming articles from falling out of
the chamber 30 when the gaming apparatus 12 is being
transported.
[0019] In another exemplary embodiment, the lower portion 20 may
contain structural recesses (not shown) along the surface of the
lower portion 20 to provide additional rigidity to the surface of
the upper portion 18 of the board member 14. This additional
rigidity is beneficial when the gaming apparatus 12 is formed from
a deformable material, such as plastic, because the additional
support provides a more rigid playing surface 22 for the bag
tossing game 10.
[0020] The bag tossing game includes at least two gaming
apparatuses. Although there are multiple ways and/or rules
associated with playing various bag tossing games, most require
that the two gaming apparatuses (or targets) be spaced apart at
predefined distance. In order to calculate the distance, a distance
measuring device (not shown) can be further included with at least
one gaming apparatus. In one exemplary embodiment, the distance
measuring device can be integrated with the board member. One such
distance measuring device could include a measuring tape reel
attached at one end of the board member. The measuring tape reel
would allow a player to extend the measuring tape on the reel the
appropriate distance in order to place the second corresponding
gaming apparatus at the proper distance from the first gaming
apparatus. In another exemplary embodiment, the distance measuring
device could be one of the accessories stored in the chamber and
which may be removed from the chamber when the game is played to
mark off the appropriate distance between the two gaming
apparatuses.
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the bag
tossing game 110 having a first gaming apparatus 112 and a second
gaming apparatus 113. The first gaming apparatus 112 has a board
member 114 and a base 116 pivotally attached to the board member
114. The board member 114 includes an upper portion 118, a lower
portion 120, a first side portion engaging member 121 and a second
side portion receiving member 123. The base 116 of the first gaming
apparatus 112 is pivotally attached to the lower portion 120 of the
board member 114. The second gaming apparatus 113 also has a board
member 144 and base 146, wherein the board member 144 has an upper
portion 148, a lower portion 150, a first side portion engaging
member 151 and a second side portion receiving member 153. As
further illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the
lower portions 120, 150 of the first and second gaming apparatuses
112, 113 are substantially aligned prior to the engagement of the
gaming apparatuses 112, 113. The lower portions 120, 150 of the
both the first and second gaming apparatuses 112, 113 can include
alignment members 160 in one exemplary embodiment. In one exemplary
embodiment, the alignment members include tabs 161 and recesses
162. As shown in FIG. 4, the tabs 161 of the first gaming apparatus
112 generally insert into the recesses 162 of the second gaming
apparatus 113, while the tabs 161 of the second gaming apparatus
113 generally insert into the recesses 162 of the first gaming
apparatus 112, thus providing the substantial alignment of the two
gaming apparatuses 112, 113. One skilled in the art will appreciate
that the alignment members can have a wide variety of shapes, sizes
and positions, as desired.
[0022] Once the first and second gaming apparatuses 112, 113 are
aligned and the bases 116, 146 are in their storage positions, the
two corresponding apparatuses 112, 113 can be linked together, as
illustrated in FIG. 5. The engaging member 121 of the first gaming
apparatus 112 operably engages the receiving member 153 of the
second gaming apparatus 113. The engaging member 151 of the second
gaming apparatus 113 operably engages the receiving member 123 of
the first gaming apparatus 112. In one exemplary embodiment, the
engaging members 121, 151 comprise flaps 125 integrally formed with
the board members 114, 144 to provide a mechanism by which to link
together the two corresponding gaming apparatuses 112, 113. The
flaps 125 include extensions 127 which engage the receiving members
123, 153. In one exemplary embodiment, the receiving members 123,
153 include ridges 129 which extend from the second side portion of
the associated board members to engage with the corresponding
engaging member 121, 151. In one exemplary embodiment, no external
fasteners are utilized to link together the two corresponding
gaming apparatuses.
[0023] Once the player engages the engaging members 121, 151 of
each gaming apparatus 112, 113 to link the board members 114, 144
together, as depicted in FIG. 5, the player can lift the bag
tossing game 110 to transport or store the game 110. In one
exemplary embodiment, at least one of the board members 114, 144 of
one of the gaming apparatuses 112, 113 includes a handle 170 to
allow the user to more easily lift and carry the game 110. The
handles 170 can be integrally formed with the board members 114,
144, as shown in FIG. 5, or the handle 170 can be attached in
another manner as one skilled in the art can appreciate.
[0024] The gaming apparatus can be manufactured from a number of
different materials. In one exemplary embodiment, the gaming
apparatus is formed from a material including a polymer. The
polymer material can include one or more polymers. In one exemplary
embodiment, the polymer material is a plastic. A plastic gaming
apparatus provides the user with a lightweight alternative to
traditional wooden bag tossing games. In addition, additives may be
added to the material having a polymer to provide various benefits
or advantages to the structure of the gaming apparatus. One such
additive can be a fluorescent additive. The fluorescent additive
provides the capability of configuring the gaming apparatus to glow
in the dark. Moreover, a color dye additive could also be added the
polymer to provide different colored gaming apparatuses. These
additives provide players additional options over traditional
wooden bag tossing games.
[0025] In one exemplary embodiment, the gaming apparatus is formed
through a plastic molding process. While a number of plastic
molding processes could be used to form the gaming apparatus, one
exemplary embodiment includes the process of blow molding. Once the
mold for the gaming apparatus is formed, the board member and base
are assembled such that the base is pivotally attached to the board
member. Moreover, by utilizing a plastic molding process, the
gaming apparatus provides more consistent results for players then
the traditional wooden bag tossing games, particularly compared to
hand-carved games. In addition, through the plastic molding process
the playing surface of the gaming apparatus can be textured to
prevent a slick surface and give more consistent gaming
results.
[0026] While the invention has been so described in detail with
reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may
be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention,
the scope of which is defined by the following claims.
* * * * *