U.S. patent application number 12/924400 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-31 for ring toss game and equipment therefor.
Invention is credited to Samuel L. Werth.
Application Number | 20110074109 12/924400 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43779430 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110074109 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Werth; Samuel L. |
March 31, 2011 |
Ring toss game and equipment therefor
Abstract
A tossing game includes playing equipment. The playing equipment
includes a first pair of propelling sticks and a tossable ring
member. The first pair of propelling sticks include a proximal
handle portion, a distal portion and a guard portion. The tossable
ring member include a central aperture. The distal portion of the
propelling sticks are sized and configured for being received
within the central aperture of the ring member.
Inventors: |
Werth; Samuel L.;
(Indianapolis, IN) |
Family ID: |
43779430 |
Appl. No.: |
12/924400 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61277674 |
Sep 28, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/336 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 67/06 20130101;
A63B 59/30 20151001; A63B 2225/76 20200801; A63B 65/122 20130101;
A63B 2225/74 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/336 |
International
Class: |
A63B 67/06 20060101
A63B067/06 |
Claims
1. A tossing game including playing equipment, the playing
equipment comprising a first pair of propelling sticks and a
tossable ring member, the first pair of propelling sticks including
a proximal handle portion, a distal portion and a guard portion,
the tossable ring member including a central aperture, wherein the
distal portion of the propelling sticks are sized and configured
for being received within the central aperture of the ring
member.
2. The tossing game of claim 1 wherein the distal portion of the
propelling sticks includes a first end disposed adjacent to the
proximal portion and a second end, the distal portion being tapered
between the first and second end so that the first end has a larger
diameter than the second end.
3. The tossing game of claim 1 wherein the propelling sticks
include a major axis extending through each of the proximal and
distal portions, and wherein the guard member includes a guard
member axis extending generally perpendicular to the major
axis.
4. The tossing game of claim 3 wherein the guard member is disposed
between the proximal portion and the distal portion and extends
outwardly from the distal portion and is configured for preventing
a ring received on the distal portion from sliding to the proximal
portion.
5. The tossing game of claim 1 wherein the proximal portion
includes a padded hand grip member.
6. The tossing game of claim 1 wherein the ring includes a radially
inner portion, a radially outer portion, and a central portion
disposed between the radially outer and radially inner portion and
an indicia member.
7. The tossing game of claim 1 where the indicia member is disposed
in the central portion, the indicia member including at least one
of a printed decal, sticker, applique and colorant member.
8. The tossing game of claim 7 wherein the indicia member comprises
a luminous indicia member capable of glowing for permitting the
ring member to be seen in the dark.
9. The tossing game of claim 6 wherein the indicia member is
disposed in the central portion and comprises a luminous indicia
member for permitting the ring member to give off light
sufficiently to enable the tossing game to be played in a darkened
area.
10. The tossing game of claim 6 wherein the darkened area comprises
at least one of an unlit interior space and an exterior space
between dusk and dawn.
11. The tossing game of claim 1 wherein the ring member includes an
axially extending, radially inwardly facing inner member, an
axially extending, radially outwardly facing outer member, and a
central portion disposed between the inner member and the outer
member.
12. The tossing game of claim 11 wherein the central portion of the
ring member includes a radially extending portion that extends
between the inner member and the outer member, and defines an
annular channel between the inner member and outer member.
13. The tossing game of claim 12 further comprising a luminous
member insertable into the channel, and wherein the radially
extending portion includes at least one aperture for permitting the
luminous member to be seen from a top and a bottom side of the ring
member.
14. The tossing game of claim 13 wherein the luminous member
comprises at least one of a light stick and an LED light.
15. The tossing game of claim 12 further comprising an indicia
member insertable in the channel.
16. The tossing game of claim 15 wherein the indicia member
comprises at least one of a printed decal, sticker, applique and
colorant member.
17. The tossing game of claim 12 further comprising a lighting
device capable of lighting up the ring member to permit the tossing
game to be played in the dark.
18. The tossing game of claim 11 wherein the ring has a cross
sectional profile that comprises at least one of a U-shaped profile
and an H-shaped profile, and wherein the central portion includes
at least one aperture for permitting an indicia member placed in
the central portion to be seen from each of a top and bottom side
of the ring member.
19. The tossing game of claim 1 further comprising a second pair of
propelling sticks for use by a second player.
20. A method of playing a tossing game comprising the steps of (a)
providing playing equipment including a first pair of propelling
sticks for a first player and a second pair of propelling sticks
for a second player and a ring member tossable between the first
players and first propelling sticks; and the second player and
second propelling sticks, each propelling stick including a
proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion
includes a first end disposed relatively closer to the proximal
portion, and a second end disposed relatively further from the
proximal portion, the ring member including a radially inwardly
facing portion defining a central aperture, (b) causing the central
aperture of the ring member to receive the distal portions of each
of the first pair of propelling sticks, so that the ring member is
disposed relatively closer to the first end of the distal portion
than the second end of the distal portion, (c) having the first
user hold the proximal end of each of the first pair of ring member
containing propelling sticks in a manner wherein the respective
first ends of the distal portions of the propelling sticks are
relatively closer together than the respective second ends of the
propelling sticks, (d) having the user move the position of the
propelling sticks to a launch position wherein the second ends of
the distal portion of the propelling sticks are relatively more
closely positioned than the respective first ends of the distal
portions in a manner wherein the application of force by the
propelling sticks against the radially inwardly facing portion of
the ring member causes the ring member to move in a direction from
the first ends of the distal portions to the second ends of the
distal portions, and ultimately become launched off the second ends
of the distal portions of the propelling sticks so as to become
airborne.
Description
I. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a game, and in particular,
a game that enables a participant to toss a ring over a distance;
and the equipment used to play the game. Although this game can be
played indoors, it is particularly well-suited for outdoor
play.
II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Catch and throw games have been popular for many years.
Along with organized multi-player team games, such as baseball and
lacrosse, other catch and throw games exist that can be played with
a smaller number of players, such as one or two people.
[0003] One of the most popular catch and throw games is the tossing
of a Frisbee.RTM. flying disc. Other games that involve the tossing
of an object from one person to another, or at a target include
such games as Cornhole, horseshoes, and bocce. Although the
above-referenced games do perform their intended functions well,
and entertain those playing the games, room for improvement and
alternative games exist.
[0004] In particular, room for improvement exists in the creation
of a game that requires the user to develop a different set of
skills while tossing an object that is different than either the
flying disc, soft sack, horseshoe or ball of currently existing
toss games such as Frisbee, Cornhole, horseshoes or bocce. It is
therefore one object of the present invention to create such a
game.
III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with the present invention, a tossing game is
provided that includes playing equipment. The playing equipment
comprises a first pair of propelling sticks and a tossable ring
member. The first pair of propelling sticks includes a proximal
handle portion, a distal portion and a guard portion. The tossable
ring member includes a central aperture, wherein the distal portion
of the propelling sticks are sized and configured for being
received within the central aperture of the ring member.
[0006] Preferably, the distal portions of each of the propelling
sticks includes a first end disposed adjacent to the proximal
portion and a second end. The distal portion is tapered between the
first and second end so that the first end has a larger diameter
than the second end. The guard member is preferably disposed on an
axis that is generally perpendicular to the major axis of the
proximal and distal portions.
[0007] The ring member preferably includes a radially inner
portion, a radially outer portion, and a central portion disposed
between the radially outer and radially inner portions. An indicia
member may be affixed to the central portion to either help the
ring member become more easily visible to the user, or else, become
more easily distinguishable among a plurality of ring members.
[0008] Preferably, the central portion includes a channel portion
disposed between a radially inner portion and a radially outer
portion. The indicia member preferably comprises a luminous indicia
member, such as a light stick that is capable of glowing, for
permitting the ring member to be seen in the dark.
[0009] Also in accordance with the present invention a method of
playing a tossing game is provided. The method comprises the steps
of providing playing equipment for the game that include a first
pair of propelling sticks for a first player and a second pair of
propelling stick for a second player. The playing equipment also
includes a ring member that is tossable between the first player
and first propelling sticks, and the second player and second
propelling sticks. Each pair of propelling sticks includes a
proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion
includes a first end disposed relatively closer to the proximal
portion, and a second end disposed relatively further away from the
proximal end portion. The ring member includes a radially inwardly
facing portion that defines a central aperture.
[0010] The central aperture of the ring member is caused to receive
the distal portions of each of the first pair of propelling sticks,
so that the ring member is disposed relatively closer to the first
end of the distal portion than to the second end of the distal
portion.
[0011] The first user then holds the proximal end portion of each
of the first pair of ring member containing propelling sticks in a
manner wherein the respective first ends of the distal portions of
the propelling sticks are relatively closer together than the
respective second ends of the propelling sticks. The user then
moves the position of the propelling sticks to a launch position,
wherein the second ends of the propelling sticks are relatively
more closely positioned than the respective first ends of the
distal portions, in a manner wherein the application of force by
the propelling sticks against the radially inwardly facing portion
of the ring member causes the ring member to move in a direction
from the first end of the distal portion to the second end of the
distal portion, and ultimately become launched off the second end
of the distal portion of the propelling sticks, so as to become
airborne.
[0012] Preferably, once airborne, the second player can place the
second ends of the second pair of propelling sticks that he is
holding, in a position wherein the distance between the second ends
of the distal portions of the second pair of apertures are
separated by a distance less than the distance of the diameter of
the central aperture of the ring member, so that the distal end
portions of the pair of propelling sticks can be received into the
central aperture of the ring member, so that the ring member may
become placed upon the distal portions of the propelling
sticks.
[0013] In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention,
four or more propelling sticks are provided, so that each of at
least two players can each be given two propelling sticks. With
each player having two propelling sticks, the rings can be tossed
between players to create a catch and throw game involving the
propelling sticks and the ring members.
[0014] One feature of the present invention is that the present
invention comprises a catch and throw game that differs from other
catch and throw games, to provide a different game environment than
other known catch and throw games. It is also a feature of a
preferred embodiment that a lighting member can be added to the
ring. This feature has the advantage of enabling the game to be
played at night, and in the dark, thus extending the potential
playing time for the game.
[0015] These and other features of the present invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the
drawings and detailed description below, that represent the best
mode of practicing the invention perceived presently by the
Applicant.
IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a player holding the playing
equipment of the game, and showing a first pair of propelling
sticks and the ring member of the tossing game of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2A is a side plan view of a propelling stick of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2B is a top plan view of a propelling stick of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2C is a sectional view taken along lines 2C-2C of FIG.
2A;
[0020] FIG. 2D is a sectional view taken along lines 2D-2D of FIG.
2D;
[0021] FIG. 3A is a bottom plan view of a ring member of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along lines 3B-3B of FIG.
3A;
[0023] FIG. 3C is a sectional view taken along lines 3C-3C of FIG.
3A;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a propelling stick of the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a propelling stick of the
present invention, showing the proximal portion of the propelling
stick being gripped by a hand of a user;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a greatly enlarged view of the proximal end
portion, guard portion, and first end of the distal portion of a
propelling stick of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of an underside of the ring
member of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 7A is a top plan view of the ring member of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective, bottom view of the ring member of
the present invention, showing a tubular lighting strip partially
inserted within the channel of the ring member;
[0030] FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective exploded view of the ring
member and the lighting member;
[0031] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a pair of propelling sticks
(either first or second pair) in the hands of a user, wherein the
sticks are in a "crossed sword" position;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a progressive view showing a first stage of a
propelling sticks and ring, when said propelling sticks are being
used to toss the ring member;
[0033] FIG. 10 comprises a top plan view of a box showing a
complete equipment set comprising four propelling sticks and a ring
member;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a progressive view, following FIG. 9, showing the
second stage of the throwing sequence wherein the propelling sticks
are used to throw the ring;
[0035] FIG. 12 is a progressive view, following FIG. 11, that shows
the third stage of the launching of the ring member;
[0036] FIG. 13 is a progressive view, following FIG. 12, that shows
the fourth stage in the tossing motion, wherein the ring member has
been tossed from, and has lost contact with the propelling
stick;
[0037] FIG. 14 is a progressive view, showing the first stage of
the propelling sticks being used to pick up a ring member that has
fallen upon the ground;
[0038] FIG. 15 is a progressive view, following FIG. 14, showing a
second pick up stage, wherein the ring member has been engaged onto
the distal end portions of the distal portion of a pair of
propelling sticks;
[0039] FIG. 16 is a progressive view, following FIG. 15, showing
the propelling sticks being moved to cause the ring member to move
proximally, toward the guard members of the propelling sticks;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a progressive view, following FIG. 16, showing
the propelling sticks having been moved to cause the ring member to
move proximally, so that the ring member is disposed adjacent to
the guard members, and as such, is thereby in the preferred
position from which to start the launch of the ring member;
[0041] FIG. 18 is a progressive view, showing the first stage of
the retrieval or "catching" of a ring, wherein the ring has landed,
and is disposed on the distal ends of the distal portions of the
propelling sticks;
[0042] FIG. 19 is a progressive view, following FIG. 18, showing
the propelling sticks having been moved, to thereby enable the ring
to move closer toward the guard members of the propelling sticks of
the present invention; and
[0043] FIG. 20 is a progressive view, following FIG. 19, that shows
the ring member being disposed generally on the proximal portion of
the distal portion of the propelling members, in a position that
will serve well as the start point for the launch of the ring, when
the user decides to throw the ring using the propelling sticks.
IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0044] A tossing game 10 includes playing equipment. As shown in
the figures, the playing equipment includes a first pair of
propelling sticks 12, 14, including first propelling stick 12 and
second propelling stick 14. Each of the propelling sticks 12, 14
includes a proximal portion 16, 18 a distal portion 22, 24, and a
guard portion 28, 30, respectively. The guard portion 28, 30 is
disposed between the proximal 16, 18 and distal portions 22,
24.
[0045] The proximal portion 16, 18 is sized and configured for
being received by the hand H of the user U. The user U grips the
propelling sticks 12, 14 in a manner similar to the manner in which
one would grip a sword. Preferably, the proximal hand grip portions
16 include padded members 34, 36 to provide additional comfort for
the user. The padded members 34, 36 preferably comprise cylindrical
deformable foam members having a hollow central passageway for
receiving the hard plastic proximal portion 38 of the propelling
sticks 12, 14.
[0046] The distal portions 22, 24 each generally comprise a
tapering cylinder that, in one embodiment, tapers from an
approximately one inch diameter Dp near the first or proximal end
40, and which tapers down toward the second or distal end 42, so
that at the second end 42 the diameter Dd of the propelling sticks
12, 14 is approximately 3/8 inch. The propelling sticks have a
major axis A that extends through the proximal 16, 18 and distal
22, 24 portions of each stick 12, 14.
[0047] The distal portion 22, 24 is sized and configured for being
received into the central aperture of a ring-like member 50, and
preferably has a length of about 26 inches.
[0048] The guard portion 28, 30 is disposed between the proximal
handle portion 16, 18 and the distal ring-receiving portion 22, 24.
The guard portion 28, 30 has one or more radially extending members
32, 33 that have a radial extent that is significantly greater than
the radial diameter of either the proximal portion 16, 18 or the
distal portion of 22, 24 of a propeller stick 12, 14. In one
embodiment, the guard portions 32, 33 comprises a pair of opposed,
radially extending members 32, 33 that have an axis G (FIG. 8B)
that extends perpendicular to the major axis AA of the sticks 12,
14. The first and second radially extending members 32, 33 are
preferably disposed approximately 180.degree. from each other, and
extend radially 1.25 inches, past the cylindrical outer surface 44
of the guard portion 28, 30.
[0049] Each of the radially extending members 32, 33 of the guard
portion 28, 30 is preferably formed as a truncated, pyramid shape,
although other shapes can be used. Similar to the guard that one
might use on a sword, it is also be possible to have a disc-shaped
radially extending guard member that extends 360.degree. around the
circumference of the cylindrical outer surface 44 guard member 28,
30.
[0050] The primary purpose of the guard member 28, 30 is to prevent
the ring 50 from sliding proximally passed the guard portion 28, 30
onto the proximal portion 16, 18 of the propelling sticks 12, 14.
Viewed another way, the purpose of the guard portion 28, 30 is to
keep the ring 50 on the distal portions 22, 24 of the sticks 12,
14.
[0051] The ring member 50 preferably comprises a ring that has an
outer diameter ROD of approximately 6.5 inches and an inner
diameter RID of approximately 5.625 inches. The ring member is
preferably "U" shaped in cross section and includes an annular,
axially-extending radially inwardly disposed inner wall 54, an
annular, axially-extending radially outwardly disposed outer wall
56, and an annular radially extending wall 58 that comprises a
middle portion and that extends between and is coupled to each of
the inner axially extending wall 54 and the outer axially extending
wall 56.
[0052] The inner axially extending wall 54 and the outer axially
extending wall 56 are joined by the generally planar radially
extending wall 58 that extends between the inner annular wall 54
and the outer annular wall 56 to define an annular channel 59.
Channel 59 is sized for receiving a lighting member or other
accessory or indicia as will be described in more detail below. The
radially extending wall 58 can include a plurality of slots 60, 62,
63, 64, therein, so that one can view the interior of the annular
slot channel 59 from the side of the ring on which the radially
extending wall 56 is disposed.
[0053] The open sided channel 59 is defined by the inner surface 70
of the axially extending, radially outwardly facing surface of
inner annular wall 54, the radially inwardly facing inner surface
74 outer annular wall 56, and the inner surface 78 of the radially
extending wall 58. The central aperture of the ring is defined by
the axially extending, radially inwardly facing surface 55 of the
inner, axially extending annular wall member 54.
[0054] The channel 59 preferably has an outer diameter of about
0.4375 inches; and an inner diameter of about 0.224 inches. The
annular channel 59 is provided for receiving one or more
accessories. Probably, the most popular accessory that will be
inserted into this annular slot 59 is a light member. For example,
"light stick"-type lighting member 80 (FIG. 8) having a width or
outer diameter LSOD slightly less than the width of the slot member
59, and a having a length slightly less than the circumference of
the slot member 59 can be bent to be inserted into the annular
slot.
[0055] Although there is more than one formula and/or design for
producing a suitable light stick, a common commercial light stick
employs a solution of hydrogen peroxide that is kept separate from
a solution of a phenyl oxalate ester together with a fluorescent
dye. The color of the fluorescent dye determines the resulting
color of the light stick when the chemical solutions are mixed. The
basic premise of the reaction is that the reaction between the two
chemicals releases enough energy to excite the electrons in the
fluorescent dye. This causes the electrons to jump to a higher
energy level and then fall back down and release light.
[0056] Specifically, the chemical reaction works in the following
manner. The hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the phenyl oxalate ester, to
form phenol and an unstable peroxyacid ester. The unstable
peroxyacid ester decomposes, resulting in phenol and a cyclic
peroxy compound. The cyclic peroxy compound decomposes to carbon
dioxide. This decomposition reaction releases the energy that
excites the dye.
[0057] When a light stick 80 (FIGS. 8 and 8A) is placed within the
annular slot 59 and the chemicals therein are activated, the ring
50 will glow and become "lit up". When so lit up, the ring 50 can
be seen at night, thus enabling the player to use the ring 50 to
play the game in the dark at night.
[0058] In addition to the light stick 80, non-lighted color indicia
members can be placed into the channel 59. The use of these
colorized indicia members 83 (not shown) can comprise decals,
stickers, and/or applique's, and have great utility when the device
is used in competitive environments. For example, in competitive
environments involving, for example, eight players, four rings 50
can be used with each of the four rings having a different color.
Through this vehicle, the four teams can keep track of their
particular rings 50, by associating it with the particular color of
their indicia sticker 83. Additionally, when used in a
non-competitive environment, the use of a particular color indicia
member 83 can help closely spaced groups of players ensure that
they can identify their ring, and not confuse it with the ring of
another person. Another way to import a color indicia to the ring
50 is through the choice of plastic color used to make the ring
50.
[0059] The color of the ring 50 can be seen preferably from both
sides of the ring 50, via the open side of the channel 59 and that
enables the color to be seen from one side of the ring 50, and the
slots 60, 62, 63, 64, contained in the radial wall 58 that enable
the color to be seen from the opposite side of the ring 50.
[0060] In addition to the light stick discussed above, other
lighting members for lighting the rings 50 can be used. For
example, LEDs can be used to provide the light, rather than a light
stick 80.
[0061] Additionally, there may be certain circumstances where some
players desire that the ring be weighted differently than that
obtained from the unitarily formed plastic ring 50 as the weight of
the ring 50 affects the flight and propelling characteristics of
the ring 50. As such, the annular channel 59 provides a receptacle
into which the user can add a weight to the ring 50 to adjust the
weight to the user's desired weight. Other adjustments to weight
can be effected by changes made to size, materials, and dimension
(e.g. thickness) of the ring.
[0062] Preferably, the propelling sticks 12, 14 are made from a
light weight material. An example of such a material is a
glass-filled nylon. However, other materials may also may be used
to make the propelling sticks. For example, one might wish to make
the propelling sticks 12, 14 out of a material such as wood or
aluminum either because of the characteristics that wood or
aluminum would impart to the device, in terms of weight, strength
and rigidity; or also because of the aesthetic characteristics that
would be imparted by wood or aluminum or some other material.
[0063] When designing the propelling sticks 12, 14, it is important
that the distal portions 22, 24 maintain sufficient rigidity, and
resistance to collapse or bending so as to enable the user to exert
a significant radially directed force on the propelling stick 12,
14 during the tossing of the ring 50. As such, a hollow, very thin
walled tubular plastic material would likely not have sufficient
durability to serve as the distal portion 22, 24 of the propelling
sticks 12, 14, as such a material would likely not be able to
withstand the radially directed forces that are exerted on the
sticks 12, 14 when the propelling sticks 12, 14 are used to toss
the ring 50. In addition to the problems that would exist when the
ring 50 is being tossed, similar problems would exist when the ring
is being caught on the sticks 12, 14, because the impact of the
ring 50 hitting the sticks 12, 14 might cause the distal portions
22, 24 to bend under the impact of the force of the ring 50
engaging the sticks. Another method for strengthening the
propelling sticks is to form the sticks with longitudinally
extending ridges or diametrical members.
[0064] In order to use the equipment, the following procedure is
employed.
[0065] The most simple game to play with the device 10 is to toss
the ring 50 between partners where you have two or more people.
Another competitive game might be a target-type game. A target-type
game, one might have a scoring hoop that may have a diameter of
something between about one and four feet. The object of the game
is similar to a Frisbee golf game, in that one would seek to use
the sticks 12, 14 to toss the ring 50 into the targets with the
fewest number of strokes. Another type of target type game is to
create a target that includes a plurality of poles, wherein each of
the plurality of poles has different diameters and positions, and
accordingly is accorded different point values.
[0066] Another type of target game is a pass-through-type target
game. A pass-through-type target game may be played on a tennis
court, for example, where the tennis court includes two tennis nets
rather than one. The two tennis nets would be disposed co-planarly
and vertically offset, with one net being placed above the other
net. The bottom of the upper net would be placed a certain
predetermined distance above the top of the lower net to form a
space (or gap) between the upper net and the lower net. The object
of the game is to pass the ring from a first partner standing on
the first side of the net, to the second partner standing on the
second side of the net, by tossing the ring 50 through the "space"
formed between the upper and lower nets.
[0067] As a variation on the co-planar pair of tennis nets, a
larger unitary tennis net could be used wherein the tennis net
included a plurality of apertures of various sizes and dimensions,
wherein the object of the game is to pass the ring between players
on opposite sides of the tennis net, with the apertures in the
tennis net providing the passageway through which the ring would
have to pass from one player to another player.
[0068] Another variation of this would be to use a single tennis
net, and plurality of players. If the ring 50 were fitted with a
color changeable LED that was placed within channel 59, along with
some programming feature for changing color of the LEDs, the ring
50 could be programmed to change between a plurality of colors. For
example, if there were four players, the changeable LED could
change between four colors, with the particular color of the LED
indicating to the players which particular player and/or which
particular team is designated to catch the ring 50.
[0069] One way to improve the attraction of the device is to be
able to produce its components in a series of different colors. The
use of different colors serves both an aesthetic purpose and a
practical purpose. By producing both the ring 50 and sticks 12, 14
in different colors, one can coordinate the playing equipment with
particular teams. This color coordination is especially useful in
competitions where more than ring 50 is being used, and also helps
people keep their playing equipment differentiated from the playing
equipment of others to thereby avoid disputes over who owns the
particular item of playing equipment.
[0070] Turning now to FIG. 10, the box system 77 is shown that is
designed to package the game. It will be noted that preferably,
four sticks 12, 14, 79, 81 are shown in the box 77, and that the
sticks 12, 14, 79 and 81 are disposed in a parallel relation. The
ring 50 is also included as a part of the boxed set.
[0071] The manner with which the device can be used is best shown
with reference to FIGS. 9, and 11-20. In particular, the reader's
attention is first directed to FIGS. 9, 11, 12 and 13, that
comprise sequential drawings that help to illustrate the manner in
which one uses the propelling sticks 12, 14 to launch the ring 50.
Turning first to FIG. 9, it will be noted that both sticks 12, 14
are received within the central aperture of the ring 50. It will
also be noted that the proximal portions of the sticks 12, 14
adjacent to the user's hands H are placed fairly close together,
and that the ring 50 is resting adjacent to the first (proximal)
ends 40 of the distal portions 22, 24 near guard members 28, 30. It
will also be noted that the sticks 12, 14 are positioned similarly
to crossed swords to form an "X".
[0072] Turning now to FIG. 11, it will be noted that the user's
hands H have been moved further apart to thereby exert a radially
directed force against the radially inwardly facing surface of the
ring 50. This results in the sticks 12, 14 being moved away from
the proximal end 40 of the sticks 12, 14, when compared to their
position shown in FIG. 9. It will also be noted that the ring 50
has moved distally on the sticks 12, 14, as it has begun its path
toward the distal ends of the propelling sticks 12, 14, and toward
being launched.
[0073] Turning now to FIG. 12, it will be noted that the propelling
sticks 12, 14 are crossed adjacent to their distal ends 42 and that
the ring 50 is disposed close to the distal end 42, 42 of the
propelling sticks 12, 14. FIG. 12, when compared to FIG. 11,
represents a progression of the ring 50 in a distal direction along
the propelling sticks 12, 14.
[0074] In FIG. 13, it will be noted that the sticks 12, 14 are
uncrossed, and that the distal ends 42 are separated from each
other. In this position, as the movement of the distal ends 42 has
caused the ring 50 to launch off the end, in the direction desired
by the user. In this regard, it is shown that the ring 50 has
traveled away from the propelling sticks 12, 14.
[0075] Once the ring 50 is so launched, the user then waits for the
ring 50 to be caught by the other player so that the second player
may launch it back at the first player so that the first player may
catch it, as will be described in more detail in connection with
FIGS. 18-20.
[0076] FIGS. 18-20 illustrate the receiving sequence wherein the
propelling sticks 12, 14 are used to "retrieve" or catch a ring 50
that has been launched toward the user U. It will be noted that the
position of the sticks in FIG. 18 is generally similar to that in
FIG. 13, insofar as the second ends 42 of the distal portion of the
sticks 12, 14 are separated, and that the ring 50 is disposed
adjacent to the second ends 42 of the distal portions 22, 24 of the
sticks.
[0077] As best shown in FIG. 18, the sticks 12, 14 have moved
closer together, and have been crossed at intersection point 87,
generally close to the distal ends 42. The ring 50 is disposed on
the distal portions 22, 24 of the sticks, approximately midway
between the second ends 42 and the guard member 28, 30. It will
also be noted, that the user's hands H are generally placed closer
together than they are in FIG. 18.
[0078] In FIG. 20, it will be noted that the ring 50 has moved to a
position almost adjacent to the guard members 28, 30 at the first
end 40 of the distal portions 22, 24. The propelling sticks 12, 14
are crossed together, with the second ends 42 being separated. The
crossing of the sticks 12, 14 occurs closer to the guard members
28, 30 than to the distal ends 42. The position of the sticks shown
in FIG. 20 is generally similar to the position of the sticks 12,
14 shown in FIG. 9, in that the final receipt position also
comprises the initial launch position.
[0079] One feature of the present invention is that the two sticks
are designed to make it easy to help pick up the ring 50 from the
floor. In this regard, your attention is directed to FIGS. 14-17
that show the pick-up sequence.
[0080] A ring 50 that has fallen onto the ground, can be easily
picked up using the propelling sticks 12, 14. To do so, the second
ends 42 of the distal portions 22, 24 of the propelling sticks 12,
14 are placed adjacent to the inner annular wall 54 of the ring 50.
The sticks 12, 14 are placed in a crossed position.
[0081] Moving next to FIG. 16, the distal ends 42 of the propelling
sticks 12, 14 are moved slightly apart, so that the distal end 42
can position themselves underneath the ring 50, and to lift the
ring 50 off of the ground surface on which the ring 50 landed.
[0082] The distal (second) ends 42 of the sticks 12, 14 continue to
be moved further apart, as shown in FIG. 16. The engagement between
the distal portions 42 and the ring 50 causes the ring to move
toward the first ends 40 of the distal portion 22, 24 of the sticks
12, 14 as shown in FIG. 16.
[0083] Finally, in FIG. 17, the second ends 42 of the sticks 12, 14
are moved to their furthest apart spaced position, while the sticks
12, 14 are crossed, with the crossing occurring close to the guard
portions 28, 30. This places the ring 50 adjacent to the guard
portions 28, 30 of the sticks 12, 14. It will be noted that in the
position shown in FIG. 17, the ring 50 is positioned generally
similar to the launch position of FIG. 9, and the final retrieval
position.
[0084] Having described the invention with reference to certain
preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention,
as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *