U.S. patent application number 13/014837 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-11 for disc throwing target strategy game.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bendercup, LLC. Invention is credited to Ali A. Mastan, Bradley J. Sliger.
Application Number | 20110195805 13/014837 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44354155 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110195805 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sliger; Bradley J. ; et
al. |
August 11, 2011 |
DISC THROWING TARGET STRATEGY GAME
Abstract
A disc throwing game with multiple scoring components includes
four flexible poles with point values associated with each
different longitudinal segment of the poles. Each set of two poles
is placed into or supported vertically on the ground at opposite
ends of a playing field, and an inverted cup is placed on top of
each pole. The teams stand at opposite ends of the field, behind
their set of poles. The offensive team throws a disc, attempting to
strike the defensive team's pole(s), knocking the cup(s) from the
poles. The offensive team scores points by striking the defending
team's pole(s) or cup(s), but only if the defending team does not
catch the disc or the falling cup(s) before they strike the ground.
The defending team thus attempts to catch a deflected disc or
falling cup(s) to prevent the offensive team from scoring.
Inventors: |
Sliger; Bradley J.;
(Seattle, WA) ; Mastan; Ali A.; (Mercer Island,
WA) |
Assignee: |
Bendercup, LLC
Seattle
WA
|
Family ID: |
44354155 |
Appl. No.: |
13/014837 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61303495 |
Feb 11, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/470 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 63/06 20130101;
A63B 67/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/470 |
International
Class: |
A63B 67/00 20060101
A63B067/00 |
Claims
1. A method for enabling a plurality of teams to compete while
playing a game with a thrown projectile, comprising the steps of:
(a) positioning a plurality of flexible poles at opposite ends of a
playing field, wherein each flexible pole has a plurality of
longitudinal segments having different visual markings, and wherein
at least two flexible poles are spaced apart from each other at one
end of the playing field, and at least two other flexible poles are
spaced apart from each other at the opposite end of the playing
field, so that at least one of the teams defends the flexible poles
positioned at one end of the playing field, and at least one other
team defends the flexible poles positioned at the opposite end of
the field; (b) placing an inverted cup on a top of each of the
plurality of flexible poles; (c) enabling players on the teams to
take turns throwing a projectile from one end of the playing field
toward the flexible poles at the opposite end of the playing field
in an attempt to knock the inverted cup on one or more of the
flexible poles off so that it falls to the ground, striking at
least one of the flexible pole on which the inverted cup is
disposed and the inverted cup with the projectile that was thrown;
(d) awarding points to a player of the team that strikes a flexible
pole or inverted cup with the thrown projectile, wherein the number
of points that are awarded depends at least in part upon: (i) a
specific longitudinal segment of the flexible pole that was struck
with the projectile, each different longitudinal segment of a
flexible pole having a different point value associated with it;
(ii) whether an inverted cup was knocked off the flexible pole by
the projectile that was thrown, so that the inverted cup struck the
ground without being caught by a player on the team defending the
flexible poles at which the projectile was thrown; and (iii)
whether the projectile was caught by a player on the team defending
the flexible poles at which the projectile was thrown, after the
projectile struck a flexible pole or an inverted cup and before
striking the ground; and (e) determining a winner of the game at
least in part based on the number of points accumulated by each
team.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of
associating a point value with each different longitudinal segment
of a flexible pole, wherein the point value increases from a
minimum for a longitudinal segment closest to the ground, to a
maximum for a longitudinal segment closest to the top of the
flexible pole.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of coloring
each different longitudinal segment of the flexible poles a
different color to visually distinguish the longitudinal segments
of a flexible pole from each other, enabling the specific
longitudinal segment struck by the projectile that was thrown to be
more readily visually determined.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of awarding
points to the team that threw the projectile, for striking an
inverted cup, even if the inverted cup remains on the flexible
pole, unless, after striking the inverted cup, the projectile is
caught by a player on the team defending the flexible poles at
which the projectile was thrown.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein if an inverted cup is knocked
from a flexible pole and strikes the ground, further comprising the
step of increasing the number of points awarded, for striking a
longitudinal segment or the inverted cup with the projectile.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of increasing the number
of points awarded if an inverted cup is knocked from a flexible
pole and strikes the ground comprises the step of doubling the
points awarded, for striking at least one of the longitudinal
sections and the inverted cup with the projectile.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of adding
points for each longitudinal segment of different flexible poles
struck by the projectile that was thrown, to determine the total
points awarded the player throwing the projectile.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the
winner of the game comprises the step of identifying as the winner,
the team that first accumulated a predetermined number of points
and also then knocked an inverted cup from the top of one of the
flexible poles, without the inverted cup being caught before
striking the ground.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein if both teams have accumulated
the predetermined number of points before one of the teams also
knocks an inverted cup off of a flexible pole that then strikes the
ground without being caught, the step of determining the winner of
the game further comprises the step determining that the winner of
the game is the first team to knock a plurality of inverted cups
from the flexible poles that then strike the ground without being
caught.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of awarding points
further comprises the step of awarding the points even if the
projectile first strikes the ground before striking the flexible
pole or the inverted cup.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of using an
aerodynamic projectile that generates lift due to its
cross-sectional profile.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of providing
a plurality of inwardly extending ribs running longitudinally along
an inner surface of the inverted cups, adjacent to a closed end of
the inverted cup, the plurality of ribs having inner edges with a
plurality of different shape profiles, so that when the inverted
cup is knocked from the flexible pole by the projectile, the
inverted cup follows a random and unpredictable path, making the
inverted cup more difficult for the team defending the flexible
poles to catch before the inverted cup strikes the ground.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of enabling
the teams by mutual agreement to alter the difficulty of the game
by varying or stipulating at least one of: (a) a length of the
playing field as measured between the plurality of flexible posts
positioned at opposite ends of the playing field; (b) a spacing
between the flexible poles at each end of the playing field; (c) a
predetermined number of points that must be accumulated by a team
to win the game; (d) not requiring that an inverted cup be knocked
from a flexible pole after the predetermined number of points is
accumulated; and (e) requiring that at least one of the projectile
and any falling inverted cup be caught by a defending player using
only one hand.
14. A cup for use in a game in which players attempt to throw a
projectile at a flexible pole on which the cup is placed in an
inverted orientation, so as to knock the cup from the pole,
comprising: (a) a hollow component that tapers inwardly from an
open end having a larger outer perimeter, to a closed end having a
smaller outer perimeter; and (b) a plurality of internal,
longitudinally extending ribs disposed along an internal surface of
the hollow component, adjacent to the closed end, and extending
radially inward from the internal surface of hollow component,
inner edges of said plurality of ribs having a plurality of
different configurations, wherein the plurality of different
configurations of the inner edges cause the cup to follow a random
path when knocked from the flexible pole, due to an unpredictable
interaction of the inner edge of one or more of the plurality of
ribs with the flexible pole as the cup is knocked from the flexible
pole, so that it is more difficult to catch the cup before the cup
strikes the ground.
15. The cup of claim 14, wherein the plurality of ribs include ribs
with at least one of the following profiles along the inner edge:
(a) a straight profile; (b) a notched profile in which a notch is
formed in the inner edge to alter the straight profile; and (c) an
outwardly extending profile in which a curved portion of the rib
extends radially inwardly further than the straight profile.
16. The cup of claim 15, in which the notch in different ribs is
disposed at different longitudinal positions along the inner edges
of each of the different ribs.
17. The cup of claim 15, in which the curved portion in different
ribs is disposed at different longitudinal positions along the
inner edges of each of the different ribs.
18. The cup of claim 14, wherein the closed end of the hollow
component is convex, so that a rounded surface is presented when
the hollow component is inverted and placed on top of a pole.
19. Apparatus for a game played by a plurality of players on at
least two teams, in which the players take turns throwing a
projectile from opposite ends of a playing field, comprising: (a) a
plurality of flexible posts that are configured to be supported in
a generally vertical position, with at least two flexible posts
positioned spaced apart from each other at one of the playing field
and at least two flexible posts positioned spaced apart from each
other at the opposite end of the playing field, wherein each of the
flexible posts comprises a plurality of differently marked
longitudinal segments, a different point value being associated
with each of the longitudinally segments of the flexible posts; and
(b) a plurality of cups, each cup having a hollow interior
configured when inverted to be inserted over and supported on the
top of one of the vertical flexible posts, wherein when struck by a
projectile thrown by a player on one team at one end of the playing
field, toward the flexible posts at the opposite end of the playing
field, the cup may be knocked from the flexible posts, and wherein
the points awarded to the player throwing the projectile depend
upon: (i) the segment of the flexible post that is struck by the
projectile; (ii) whether the cup is knocked from the flexible post
and strikes the ground without being caught by a player on a team
defending the flexible posts toward which the projectile is thrown;
and (iii) whether after the projectile strikes a flexible pole or
an inverted cup, the projectile was caught by a player on the team
defending the flexible poles at which the projectile was thrown
before the projectile strikes the ground.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the hollow interior of the
cup includes a plurality of ribs extending radially inward and
longitudinally along an inner surface of the cup, an inner edge of
the plurality of ribs having differently shaped profiles so that as
the cup is knocked from the top of a flexible pole, the cup travels
along a random and unpredictable path, making the cup more
difficult to catch before the cup strikes the ground.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the differently shaped
profiles include at least one of: (a) a straight profile; (b) a
notched profile in which a notch is formed in the inner edge to
alter the straight profile; and (c) an outwardly extending profile
in which a curved portion of the rib extends radially inwardly
further than the straight profile.
22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the cup includes a convex
closed end so that a curved surface of the cup overlies the top of
the flexible pole on which the cup is inverted.
23. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein ends of the longitudinal
segments of the flexible poles are removably affixed to each other
using connectors and wherein the longitudinal segments include an
elastomeric member that extends internally within the longitudinal
segments and connectors and flexibly couples the longitudinal
segments together when they are not affixed together at a connector
to form the flexible pole, the elastomeric member enabling the
longitudinal segments of a flexible pole to be positioned in
generally parallel relationship, adjacent to each other, forming a
compact configuration for transport and storage.
24. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the plurality of different
marked segments of each flexible pole are a different color so that
a specific segment struck by the projectile can readily be visually
identified.
25. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein a lower end of each flexible
pole has a point to enable the lower end of the flexible pole to be
forced into the ground to support the flexible pole in a generally
vertical orientation.
26. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a plurality of
bases, including one for each flexible pole, each base including an
opening into which a lower end of a flexible pole can be inserted,
the bases having sufficient weight to support the flexible poles in
a generally vertical orientation.
27. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a plurality of
bases, including one for each flexible pole, each base including an
opening into which a lower end of a flexible pole can be inserted
and being formed of an elastomeric material that conforms to an
underlying surface to provide a suction coupling of the base to the
underlying surface so as to support the flexible pole in a
generally vertical orientation.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on a prior copending provisional
application Ser. No. 61/303,495, filed on Feb. 11, 2010, the
benefit of the filing date of which is hereby claimed under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e).
BACKGROUND
[0002] Plastic aerodynamic projectiles, which are intended to be
thrown by a person, such as the FRISBEE.TM. flying disc
manufactured and sold by Wham-O, Inc., are favorite toys for people
of all ages. Since these devices are lightweight, portable, and low
in cost, they are frequently taken to the beach, picnics or other
occasions where two or more people spread apart from each other,
throw the projectile, and try to catch it. Using a flying
projectile is thus an alternative to playing catch with a ball.
Since the flight path of an aerodynamic flying projectile is more
variable and harder to control than a baseball or other spherical
object, there is clearly an increased element of skill in
accurately throwing the aerodynamic projectile to another person or
at a predefined object or location. Accordingly, it is not
surprising that a number of games have been created that test a
user's ability to accurately throw an aerodynamic projectile such
as a flying disk accurately toward a target--whether another
person, a spatial location, or an object.
[0003] One such game is described in U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2008/0224409 (Marshall et al.). In this
application, two poles are positioned vertically at each end of a
playing area. The poles at each end of the field are spaced apart
by a gap a little bit wider than the diameter of a flying disc that
is used during the game. An object is positioned on top of each
pole. The player on one team throws the flying disc toward the
poles at the opposite end of the play area, trying to knock the
object off the top of the pole by striking the pole. A point is
awarded if the flying disc strikes a pole and knocks the object to
the ground. The players at the end of the field toward which the
disc is thrown try to catch an object knocked from a pole before
the object strikes the ground, which prevents a point from being
awarded to the team of the player who threw the flying disc. Two
points are earned by a player who is able to throw the flying disc
between the poles. The team that first reaches 15 points wins the
game; however, to win, a team must have at least two more points
than the other team. So the game can continue if both teams
accumulate 15 points but do not lead by two points, until one of
the teams draws ahead by two points.
[0004] While the game described above provides more interest and
requires more skill to win than simply throwing the flying disc to
another person, it still is rather simplistic and does not provide
sufficient tests of the throwing and catching skills of the members
of each team, as might be desirable. For example, it would be
desirable to provide more than two point scoring options to such a
game. It would also be desirable to provide an object that is
knocked from the top of the pole along a randomized and very
variable path, since an object that simply rests atop a pole will
have a somewhat limited angular range for the path of the object
when the pole is struck.
[0005] It would also be desirable to enable a defending team to
prevent points from being awarded by catching the flying disc
before it strikes the ground, rather than just preventing points
from being awarded if the object is caught before it strikes the
ground. It would further be desirable to award a differing number
of points based on a section of the pole that is struck. The
greater diversity in scoring should make a game that uses a flying
projectile and poles much more interesting.
SUMMARY
[0006] The description and claims that follow define an exemplary
method for enabling two teams to compete while playing a game with
a thrown projectile. The method includes the steps of positioning a
plurality of flexible poles at opposite ends of a playing field.
Each flexible pole has a plurality of longitudinal segments with
different visual markings. At least two flexible poles are spaced
apart from each other at one end of the playing field, and at least
two other flexible poles are spaced apart from each other at the
opposite end of the playing field. One of the teams defends the
flexible poles positioned at one end of the playing field, and the
other team defends the flexible poles positioned at the opposite
end of the field. An inverted cup is placed on a top of each of the
plurality of flexible poles. Players on the two teams take turns
throwing a projectile from one end of the playing field toward the
flexible poles at the opposite end of the playing field in an
attempt to knock the inverted cup on one or more of the flexible
poles off the flexible pole, so that the inverted cup falls to the
ground. The projectile is thrown to strike at least one of the
flexible poles on which an inverted cup is disposed or the inverted
cup. Points are awarded to a player of the team that strikes a
flexible pole or inverted cup with the thrown projectile. The
number of points that are awarded depends at least in part upon a
specific longitudinal segment of the flexible pole that was struck
with the projectile, each different longitudinal segment of a
flexible pole having a different point value associated with it;
whether an inverted cup was knocked off the flexible pole by the
projectile that was thrown and struck the ground without being
caught by a player on the team defending the flexible poles at
which the projectile was thrown; and whether the projectile was
caught by a player on the team defending the flexible poles at
which the projectile was thrown after striking a flexible pole or
an inverted cup--before the projectile strikes the ground. A winner
of the game is determined at least in part based on the number of
points accumulated by each team.
[0007] The method further includes the step of associating a point
value for each different longitudinal segment of a flexible pole.
The point value increases from a minimum for a longitudinal segment
closest to the ground, to a maximum for a longitudinal segment
closest to the top of the flexible pole. Each different
longitudinal segment of the flexible poles can be made a different
color to visually distinguish the longitudinal segments of a
flexible pole from each other, enabling the specific longitudinal
segment struck by the projectile that was thrown to be more readily
visually determined.
[0008] If the projectile that was thrown strikes an inverted cup,
but the inverted cup remains on the flexible pole, points are
awarded to the team that threw the projectile, unless, after
striking the inverted cup, the projectile is caught by a player on
the team defending the flexible poles at which the projectile was
thrown. If an inverted cup is knocked from a flexible pole and
strikes the ground, the number of points awarded is increased. For
example, the points awarded for the projectile striking a specific
longitudinal segment of a flexible pole can be doubled.
[0009] If more than one flexible pole is struck by the projectile,
points are added together for each longitudinal segment of the
different flexible poles struck by the projectile to determine the
total points awarded the player throwing the projectile.
[0010] The winner of the game is the team that first accumulates a
predetermined number of points and also thereafter knocks an
inverted cup from the top of one other flexible poles defended by
the other team (without the inverted cup being caught by the team
defending). If both teams have accumulated the predetermined number
of points before one of the teams also knocks an inverted cup off a
flexible pole that then strikes the ground, the winner of the game
is the first team to knock a plurality of inverted cups from the
flexible poles without the cups being caught.
[0011] Also, points are awarded for a projectile striking a
flexible pole or the inverted cup, even if the projectile first
strikes the ground.
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the projectile comprises an
aerodynamic projectile that generates lift due to its
cross-sectional profile.
[0013] In at least some exemplary embodiments, each inverted cup
includes a plurality of inwardly extending ribs running
longitudinally along its inner surface, adjacent to a closed end of
the inverted cup. The plurality of ribs have inner edges with a
plurality of different shaped profiles, so that when the inverted
cups are knocked from the flexible poles by the projectile that is
thrown, an interaction between the ribs and the top of the flexible
pole causes the inverted cup to follow a random and unpredictable
path, making the inverted cup more difficult for the team defending
the flexible poles to catch.
[0014] The teams can mutually agree to alter the difficulty of the
game. For example, a length of the playing field as measured
between the plurality of flexible poles positioned at opposite ends
of the playing field, or a spacing between the flexible poles at
each end of the playing field can be varied. Also, the
predetermined number of points that must be accumulated by a team
to win the game can be increased or decreased. Or, the requirement
for knocking an inverted cup from a flexible pole after
accumulating the predetermined number of points that must be
accumulated can be eliminated. A further change may require that
either or both of the projectile and the inverted cup be caught
using only one hand.
[0015] Another aspect of this novel approach is directed to a cup
with internal ribs having different internal edge profiles. The
internal profiles can be straight, notched, or may have a curved
section that extends further radially inward. Since the varying
shape of the rib that strikes the top of the flexible pole as the
inverted cup is knocked off the pole can change the path of the cup
in a random and unpredictable manner, the game is made more
interesting, since the defending team will have a more difficult
time catching the cup before it strikes the ground.
[0016] Still another aspect is directed to exemplary apparatus for
playing a game as described in the method and the apparatus
includes components that are generally consistent in function with
the steps of the method noted above.
FURTHER EXEMPLARY DETAILS
[0017] An exemplary embodiment of a game that employs a flying
projectile can be played by one or more people on each of two
opposing teams. In addition to at least one flying projectile that
is thrown by players on a team, the apparatus used in this
exemplary embodiment of the game includes four poles. Each pole
comprises segments that can be coupled together at a connector and
are joined by an elastomeric material. These poles can be collapsed
to facilitate storage and transport to and from a location where
the game is played. In at least one embodiment, each pole has three
colored sections, such as orange, yellow, and white, although other
colors or visually perceptible markings such as stripes can be used
in the alternative for any of the sections. Each pole is secured
vertically, for example, by forcing a pointed lower end of the pole
into the ground so that the top of the pole stands about 64-inches
above the ground. Four cups are inverted and placed on top of poles
(one cup on each pole) when the pole is at rest. The flying
projectile can be a disc with an aerodynamic cross section.
Examples of suitable flying projectiles include the FRISBEE.TM.
flying disc sold by Wham-O, Inc., although other types of
aerodynamic flying projectiles, such as AEROBIE.TM. flying rings
that are commercially available from Aerobie, Inc. can also be
used. To simplify the following discussion, the term "disc" is used
herein instead of the more general term "aerodynamic flying
projectile," although it will be understood that the game can be
played with other types of aerodynamic flying projectiles, or even
a round ball, and it is not intended that the game be limited to
use only a flying disc.
[0018] Each team may include one or more players; however,
experience has shown that the game can best be enjoyed with two
players on each team. In the game, the two sets of poles are
disposed about 30 feet apart, at opposite ends of a playing field,
so that the poles comprising a set are spaced about 16-inches
apart. One inverted cup is placed upon the top of each vertical
pole. After setting up the poles and placing the cups on the poles,
each team takes turns throwing the disc at their opponent's poles.
The offensive team's objective is to strike one or both of the
defensive team's poles with the disc, knocking one or both of the
cups from the pole(s) to the ground. Points are only awarded when
the disc, cup(s) or both hit the ground. The defensive team's
objective is to catch the disc and any cup(s) knocked from the
pole(s), once one or both of the poles at their end of the playing
field have been struck by the disc. By catching the disc and/or
cup(s), the defensive team can prevent the offensive team from
scoring. However, in this exemplary embodiment, no points are
awarded to the defensive team for catching the disc or cup(s). In
addition, the defensive team cannot block the disc from striking
the pole(s), and any contact by a defensive team member with the
disc before it strikes a pole or the ground (without striking a
pole) will be viewed as interference, resulting in a repeated throw
by the offensive team.
[0019] The colored pole sections have different point values (in
regard to where the pole is struck by a thrown disc) as follows:
White (bottom section)=1 Point, Gray connector (between
white/yellow sections)=1 Point, Yellow (middle section)=2 Points,
Gray connector (between yellow/orange sections)=2 Points, Orange
(top section including the cup)=3 Points.
[0020] The disc and cup scoring is as follows. When the offensive
team strikes a section of the opposing team's pole(s) with the
disc, the offensive team is awarded the point value of the colored
section hit--but only if the defensive team does not catch the disc
before it strikes the ground after hitting the pole. If the
offensive team hits both poles with the disc in one throw, the
points scored on each pole are added together--but again, only if
the defensive team does not catch the disc before the disc strikes
the ground after hitting the pole(s). If the disc strikes a pole
and the cup on the pole is knocked off, the defensive team must try
to catch both the cup and the disc before both hit the ground. The
offensive team is awarded double the point value of the colored
section of the pole(s) that they strike if both the cup(s) and disc
hit the ground without being caught by the defensive team.
A SCORING EXAMPLE
[0021] The offensive team throws the disc, and it strikes the gray
connector between the white and yellow sections of a pole. The cup
remains on the pole, but the defensive team does not catch the disc
before the disc hits the ground. In this case, one point is awarded
to the offensive team. The offensive team throws again, and the
disc strikes the orange section of a pole, knocking the cup off the
pole. The defensive team catches the cup, but not the disc. In this
case, three points are awarded to the offensive team.
[0022] In another turn, the offensive team strikes the white
sections of both poles knocking off only one cup. The defensive
team catches the cup, but not the disc, and two points are awarded
to the offensive team. The offensive team again throws the disc and
hits a cup, which is not knocked from the pole, and the disc hits
the ground without being caught by the defensive team. In this
case, three points are awarded to the offensive team.
[0023] To win, a team must first earn 25 points, and must then
knock at least one of the opposing team's cups to the ground. Teams
cannot earn more than 25 points, but must keep playing until a team
with 25 points has knocked one of the opposing team's cups to the
ground (without the cup being caught before it strikes the
ground).
[0024] A sudden death scenario can arise if both teams have earned
25 points without either team knocking at least one cup to the
ground for a win before the other team has also earned 25 points.
In that case, both cups on the defensive team's poles must be
knocked to the ground for the offensive team to win. Note that when
playing the sudden death scenario, the cups do not have to be
knocked off the poles simultaneously, yet once the first cup hits
the ground, it is left off the pole. The second cup remains on the
pole until it is knocked to the ground for the win.
[0025] This application specifically incorporates by reference the
disclosures and drawings of the patent application identified above
as a related application.
[0026] This Summary has been provided to introduce a few concepts
in a simplified form that are further described in detail below in
the Description. However, this Summary is not intended to identify
key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it
intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the
claimed subject matter.
DRAWINGS
[0027] Various aspects and attendant advantages of one or more
exemplary embodiments and modifications thereto will become more
readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by
reference to the following detailed description, when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a playing field setup for an
exemplary embodiment of the present disc throwing game, showing two
sets of poles, with inverted cups positioned on the tops of the
poles, to enable game play;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a pole inserted into the
ground, with an inverted cup being placed on top of the pole, in
accord with an exemplary embodiment of the present disc throwing
game;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a segmented exemplary
embodiment of a pole for use in the present game, showing how the
pole can be separated and collapsed for ease of transport and/or
storage;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of one of the inverted
cups shown in FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a disc suitable for use
in playing the present game;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a phantom view of the pole and inverted cup of the
present invention showing randomized internal notched, protruded,
and straight-edged ribs that are included to produce a random
flight path of the cup when it is knocked from the top of the
pole;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a side view of the profile of each internal rib
shape of the ribs included inside the cup;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of one of the poles and
the inverted cup with a phantom view of the different flight paths
that might be followed when the cup is projected unpredictably from
the top of the bending pole after the pole is struck by the disc,
in accord with an exemplary embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment in
which the pole and the inverted cup are supported vertically in a
stand on a hard surface, rather than the pole being inserted into
the ground;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the point count for
different conditions, including one in which the disc strikes a
yellow section of one pole, deflects, and strikes a yellow section
of the other pole;
[0038] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the point count for
different conditions, including one in which the disc strikes a
white section of one pole;
[0039] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the point count for
different conditions, including one in which the disc strikes an
orange section of one pole;
[0040] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the point count for
different conditions, including one in which the disc strikes a cup
of one pole;
[0041] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the point count for
different conditions, including one in which the disc strikes a
gray connector between a yellow and an orange section on one
pole;
[0042] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating the point count for
different conditions, including one in which the disc strikes a
gray connector between a white and a yellow section on one pole;
and
[0043] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the point count for
different conditions, including one in which the disc bounces off
the ground and then hits the white section of one pole.
DESCRIPTION
Figures and Disclosed Embodiments are not Limiting
[0044] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced Figures
of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and Figures
disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than
restrictive. No limitation on the scope of the technology and of
the claims that follow is to be imputed to the examples shown in
the drawings and discussed herein. Further, it should be understood
that any feature of one embodiment disclosed herein can be combined
with one or more features of any other embodiment that is
disclosed, unless otherwise indicated.
Components of the Game
[0045] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment in which four poles 12
have been forced into ground 28 to stand vertically and serve as
targets. Two sets of poles 12 are placed 30 feet apart as indicated
by a reference number 24, and the two poles in each set are spaced
about 16-inches apart, as indicated by a reference number 22. There
are four cups 10. Cups 10 are inverted and placed on top of poles
12--one cup per pole. A team 18 has two players, including a player
1, identified by reference number 18a, and a player 2, identified
by a reference number 18b. A team 19 also has two players,
including a player 1, identified by a reference number 19a, and a
player 2, identified by a reference number 19b. The players on team
18 are shown standing behind their respective set of poles 12
facing opposing team 19. The players on team 19 are also shown
standing behind their respective poles 12, facing opposing team 18.
Player 18a and player 18b of team 18 are standing behind a throwing
line 20a that extends through their respective poles 12 at their
end of the playing field. Player 19a and player 19b on team 19 are
also shown standing behind a throwing line 20b that extends through
their respective poles 12.
[0046] An example is shown in FIG. 1, where disc 16 is traveling
along a path 26 that was thrown by player 18a of team 18 and
striking a pole 12 on the opposing team 19, causing the pole 12 to
bend, as indicated by a reference number 12a and knock the inverted
cup 10 off the bending pole 12a in a random unpredictable path
14.
[0047] FIG. 2 displays a front view of pole 12 with an inverted cup
10 being placed on top of the pole 12 in a direction 11. The pole
12 connects with a top section 70 that is inserted into a top
connector 90 in a direction 13, and a middle section 72 inserted
into a bottom connector 92 in a direction 15. A bottom section 74
of pole 12 is inserted vertically into ground 28 in a direction 17;
a sharpened tip 76 on the bottom of pole 12 eases the insertion. A
top connector 90 is connected to the top portion of middle section
72 and a bottom connector 92 is connected to the top portion of
bottom section 74. Top connector 90 is 2.5-inches tall. The
material used for the posts is a non-abrasive polymer; thus, top
section 70 is smoothly inserted into top connector 90 in a
direction 13. Bottom connector 92 is also 2.5-inches in length and
is also formed of a non-abrasive polymer, so middle section 72 can
be smoothly be inserted into the bottom connector 92 in a direction
15. Both top connector 90 and bottom connector 92 are the color
gray. Top section 70 and middle section 72 of the pole 12 are
hollow and are pulled together with an elastic cord 80, which runs
inside top section 70 and middle section 72. One end of the elastic
cord 80 is tied at the top portion of the top section 70 and
opposite end of the elastic cord 80 is captured inside the middle
of the bottom connector 92. The top end portion of top section 70
includes a pressed-on end cap 60 to cover the tied end of the
elastic cord 80. End cap 60 is 1-inch tall. The material from which
end cap 60 is formed is also a non-abrasive polymer so that cup 10
in FIG. 1 can readily slide off bending pole 12a in FIG. 1.
[0048] In this exemplary embodiment, sections 70 and 72 are about
22-inches in length and have a diameter of 0.32-inches. Section 74
is 31-inches in length and has a diameter of 0.32-inches. Sections
70, 72, and 74 are highly flexible since they have a small diameter
of about 0.32-inches. Also, the material is highly flexible
fiberglass. Sections 70, 72, and 74 are colored differently for
visual distinction and for different point value assignment.
Section 70 is an orange color, section 72 is a yellow color, and
section 74 is a white color. In FIG. 1, the bending pole 12a is a
result of the small diameter and the highly flexible fiberglass of
sections 70, 72, and 74. Because pole 12a bends when struck, as
shown in FIG. 1, inverted cup 10 in FIG. 1 can fly off the pole
aggressively, in a variable or random direction.
[0049] FIG. 3 displays pole 12, showing it separated, so that it
can be collapsed for transport or storage. In this Figure, pole 12
is separated between bottom connector 92 and the bottom portion of
the middle section 72, connected only by elastic cord 80, so that
pole 12 is folded only in a direction 21. Pole 12 is also separated
at top connector 90 and the bottom portion of top section 70,
connected only by elastic cord 80 and pole 12, enabling that
portion of the pole to be folded in a direction 23.
[0050] FIG. 4 displays a side view of inverted cup 10. Inverted
cups 10 are placed on top of poles 12, as shown in FIG. 1. Because
the cups are inverted, they stay on top of poles 12 until a well
thrown disc knocks an inverted cup from a pole. Inverted cup 10 is
rounded at a top 40 for safety (to avoid injury if someone
inadvertently contacts the top). Inverted cup 10 tapers outwardly
towards a bottom 50 to facilitate placement on pole 12, again as
shown in FIG. 1, and to enable inverted cup 10 to more readily be
knocked off the top of pole 12 in an unpredictable fashion, when
the pole or inverted cup is struck by the disc. Cup 10 is circular
and is 4-inches in diameter at bottom 50. Top 40 portion of cup 10
has a radius of 1.25-inches and the cup is 5.5-inches tall. Cup 10
is fabricated of a non-abrasive polymer. As a result, if cup 10 is
knocked off pole 12a, when the pole bends as shown in FIG. 1, the
inverted cup slides smoothly off end cap 60 in FIG. 2 with very
little friction. Cup 10 is orange in color to match the color of
top section 70 in FIG. 2 and has the same point value
assignment.
[0051] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of disc 16, which is used
as a throwing object by team 18 and team 19, when competing in the
game, as shown in FIG. 1. As will be evident in this Figure, disc
16 has an aerodynamic cross section, which provides aerodynamic
lift when the disc is thrown in the traditional manner. Each team
player takes turns throwing disc 16, in attempting to strike
pole(s) 12 (or inverted cups 10) at the opposite end of the playing
field, in order to score points. In at least one exemplary
embodiment, disc 16 has a weight of about 125 grams and a diameter
of about 9.5 inches. However, it will be understood, that these
parameters are simply illustrative and are not intended to be
limiting on the types of aerodynamic (or other) flying projectiles
that can be used for playing the present game.
[0052] FIG. 6 a phantom view of top section 70 of pole 12 and
inverted cup 10, which is shown resting on top of pole 12. This
Figure illustrates the internal structure of top portion 40 of
inverted cup 10, showing a plurality of ribs 100 that are disposed
therein. The ribs are spaced-apart around the internal
circumference of cup 10, extending radially and then longitudinally
along the inner surface of the cup. Successive ribs 100 differ,
since the edges of the ribs can be notched, protrude outwardly, or
extend straight. Ribs 100 are shaped at their upper end (at the
bottom of cup 10 when it is not inverted) and are angled and
spaced-apart in such a fashion that cap 60 always centers itself in
the center of the top portion 40 of inverted cup 10 and does not
become wedged between ribs 100 when the inverted cup 10 is placed
on top of the pole 12.
[0053] Inverted cup 10 can be placed at any rotational position on
top of pole 12. When disc 16 strikes pole 12, the path that cup 10
can take when knocked from the pole can be in an undetermined
direction due to the variable and randomized geometry of ribs 100
interacting with the top of pole 12. The randomized positions of
the notched, protruding, and straight edges of ribs 100 that
interact with the top of the pole cause the inverted cup 10 to fly
off pole 12 in an unpredictable fashion when the pole is struck by
disc 16, as indicated in FIG. 6 by the plurality of phantom arrows.
As a result of this unpredictable action, the defensive team cannot
readily predict or determine the direction or path that inverted
cup 10 will follow when pole 12 is struck by disc 16 with
sufficient force to knock the inverted cup off the pole.
[0054] FIG. 7 displays a side (profile) view of each rib 100 also
shown in FIG. 6. Each rib 100 has an edge with a notch 204, 206, an
edge with a protrusion 200, 202, or an edge 208 that is straight.
The protrusion and/or notch can be disposed at different points
along the inner side of the rib. More specifically, a rib 100a has
a protrusion 200 at the bottom portion, which interrupts the linear
sliding action of cap 60 (shown in FIG. 6) against rib 100a when
disc 16 strikes pole 12. Rib 100a can cause the inverted cup 10 to
fly off pole 12 in FIG. 1 in a variable direction based on the
location of protrusion 200. The different location of protrusion
202, which is located at the bottom middle portion of rib 100b
(instead of the bottom portion shown with protrusion 200 on rib
100a) interacts with cap 60 in a different manner, to cause cup 10
to fly in a different random path. Ribs 100a and 100b both interact
with cap 60 (shown in FIG. 6) but at different points in time, so
that the two ribs cause different results in the path of the cup.
Rib 100c has notch 204 along its bottom portion, which affects the
sliding action of cap 60 over the edge of the rib, as shown in FIG.
6, when disc 16 strikes pole 12 and knocks cup 10 from the pole.
Rib 100c can affect the path of inverted cup 10 as it flies off
pole 12 in a given direction based on the location of notch 204.
Notch 206 on rib 100d is disposed at a different location along the
edge of the rib, at the bottom middle portion of the rib, in
contrast with the location of notch 204 on rib 100c. Ribs 100c and
100d both interact with cap 60, but at different points in time as
cup 10 flies off pole 12 when disc 16 strikes the pole. Rib 100e
has a straight edge 208 without a notch or a protrusion. The nature
of the sliding action of cap 60 along straight edge 208 of rib 100e
will be affected by the angle of the rib 100e, but the path of the
cup flying from atop the pole will not be affected in the same way
as caused by the interaction with the cap of the notch or the
protrusion on the other ribs. Similarly, the angle of each of the
other internal ribs 100 along the internal surface of inverted cup
10 can also affect the path of cup 10 when it is knocked off pole
12 by disc 16.
[0055] FIG. 8 displays pole 12 and inverted cup 10 in a state of
rest and a phantom view of disc 16 striking pole 12 in a direction
26, causing pole 12 to bend and produce any of a number of
unpredictable and random paths 14 of cup 10 as it flies from atop
the pole. The lower end of pole 12 and bending pole 12a are shown
thrust into and standing vertically in ground 28. Cup 10 is knocked
off the bending pole 12a in a path based on the nature of how disc
16 struck the pole 12, and how ribs 100 inside inverted cup 10 were
rotationally oriented, which determines the specific one or more
ribs that interact with cap 60.
[0056] FIG. 9 displays an alternative exemplary embodiment that
also includes inverted cup 10 on top of pole 12. In this
embodiment, the bottom of the pole is inserted into a weighted
and/or suction base 30. A bottom section 74 of pole 12 has pointed
tip 76 inserted into an orifice 32 of a top section 34 of weighted
and/or suction base 30, in a direction 17. The weighted and/or
suction base 30 can be seated onto a hard surface 38 in a direction
25. A lip section 36 of weighted and/or suction base 30 is made of
an elastomeric material, so that it can flex and create a seal
(with suction), with hard surface 38. Once weighted and/or suction
base 30, pole 12, and inverted cup 10 are in place, pole 12
functions the same when pole 12 is struck by disc 16, as discussed
above. The game setup in FIG. 1 thus also applies to the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 9 that has the weighted and/or suction base to
support the pole vertically. An example of where the weighted
and/or suction base 30 could be used is on a smooth gym floor or a
smooth tennis court. The weight and/or suction characteristic of
base 30 provides vertical stability for pole 12 so that the pole
flexes when struck by a disc 16, but does not fall over. The
weighted characteristic of base 30 also provides stability for the
pole to stand in a vertical position on surfaces where a suction
with the surface cannot be established, such as a rough cement or
gravel surface. The weighted nature of the base 30 provides a way
to hold pole 12 in a vertical position on different surfaces when
the pole cannot be inserted into a penetrable surface. Weighted
and/or suction base 30 adds versatility, by enabling the game to be
played on almost any play field of sufficient size.
[0057] It should be noted that there are several options that can
affect the difficulty of the game. By mutual consent of the teams
playing the game, any one or more of these options can be changed
to vary the difficulty level. For example, the length of the
playing field, as measured between the poles positioned at opposite
ends of the playing field can be either increased to increase the
difficulty of the game or decreased to decrease the difficulty.
Also, a spacing between the poles at each end of the playing field
can be either increased or decreased. Since the likelihood of
striking two posts with the disc during a single throw is reduced
if the posts are spread further apart, it will be apparent that
increasing the spread distance will likely reduce the opportunity
for this event to occur. Further, the predetermined number of
points that must be accumulated by a team to win the game can
either be increased or decreased, and the requirement that a cup be
knocked off a post and hit the ground without being caught can be
relaxed to vary the difficulty for winning a game.
[0058] FIGS. 10-16 illustrate rules that can be used for scoring,
based upon different conditions that can occur during the game. In
FIG. 10, a block diagram 300 illustrates the possibilities and
scores associated with the game that include the condition in
which, as shown in a block 306, the disc is thrown, as indicated in
a block 302, and the disc hits the yellow section on one of the
poles, deflects, and then hits the yellow section on the other
pole. To simplify the explanations, other conditions in which the
disc hits both poles are not specifically enumerated, but it should
be apparent, based on the following discussion, how the disc
hitting different color sections on two poles will be scored. The
other scoring possibilities shown in the Figure, that might occur
when the disc is thrown, are indicated in a block 304, in which the
disc misses both poles, scoring 0 points, and in a block 308, in
which the disc bounces off the ground, missing both poles and also
scoring 0 points. The remaining blocks 310-344 in FIG. 10 are all
alternative conditions that can occur if the disc hits the yellow
sections on both poles, as indicated in block 306. For example, in
the first column on the left, blocks 310-316 cover the conditions
in which both cups are projected from the tops of both of the
poles. In block 310, if both cups and the disc are caught, the
offensive team receives 0 points; 2 points are awarded in each of
blocks 312 and 314, if the disc and one cup are caught. In block
316, 4 points are awarded if the defending team catches only the
disc (and both cups hit the ground). Blocks 318-324 cover the
condition where both cups are knocked from the poles and the disc
hits the ground. In block 318, 4 points are awarded if both cups
are caught. Six points are awarded in blocks 320 and 322 if one of
the cups is caught, but the other cup and the disc hit the ground.
In block 324, 8 points are awarded if both cups and the disc hit
the ground. In a block 326, 0 points are awarded if both cups stay
on the pole and the disc is caught, while in a block 328, 4 points
are awarded if both cups stay on the poles, but the disc hits the
ground.
[0059] Blocks 330-344 cover the condition where one of the cups is
knocked off the pole, but the other cup is not. In blocks 330 and
338, the cup and the disc are caught by the defending team, so no
points are awarded. In blocks 332 and 340, 2 points are awarded if
the disc is caught, but the cup hits the ground. In blocks 334 and
342, 4 points are awarded if the cup is caught, but the disc hits
the ground. Finally, in blocks 336 and 344, 6 points are awarded if
both the cup and the disc hit the ground.
[0060] Conditions 350 shown in FIG. 11 include the condition in
which, after being thrown in block 302, in a block 352, the disc
hits the white section of one pole, as well as the alternatives, of
blocks 304 and 308 in which the disc misses both poles. Under block
352, 0 points are awarded in a block 354 in which the cup stays on
the pole that was hit and the disc is caught. One point is awarded
in blocks 356, 360, and 362. In block 356, the cup stays on the
pole and the disc is caught (block 356), and respectively, the cup
hits the ground while the disc is caught (block 360), and the disc
hits the ground while the cup is caught (block 362). Two points are
awarded in a block 358, when the cup is knocked off the pole hit,
and both the disc and cup hit the ground. Finally, in a block 364,
if the cup is knocked from the pole, and both the cup and disc are
caught, 0 points are awarded.
[0061] Conditions 370 shown in FIG. 12 include a block 372, in
which the disc hits the orange section of one pole, after being
thrown in block 302. Alternatives are noted in blocks 304 (disc
misses both poles--0 points) and in block 308 (disc bounces from
ground and misses both poles--also 0 points). As possible results
of the condition in block 372, 0 points are awarded if the cup
stays on the pole and the disc is caught in block 354, or if the
cup is knocked off the pole and both the cup and the disc are
caught, in block 364. Three points are awarded in a block 374, if
the cup stays on the pole and the disc hits the ground, or in a
block 378, if the cup is knocked off of the pole and is caught,
while the disc hits the ground, or in a block 380 if the cup is
knocked off of the pole and hits the ground, while the disc is
caught. Finally, in a block 376, 6 points are awarded if the cup is
knocked from the pole and both the cup and the disc hit the
ground.
[0062] FIG. 13 shows conditions 390, which include a block 392 in
which the disc hits the orange cup of one pole. The alternatives of
blocks 304 and 308 are also shown, where the disc misses both poles
(block 304) and hits the ground before missing both poles (block
308), both of which result in 0 points being awarded. Under block
302, 0 points are awarded in blocks 354 and 364, where the cup
stays on the pole and the disc is caught (block 354), or the cup is
knocked from the pole and both the disc and cup are caught (block
364). Three points are awarded in blocks 374, 378, and 380, if the
cup stays on the pole, while the disc hits the ground (block 374),
the cup is knocked off the pole and is caught, while the disc hits
the ground (block 378), or the cup is knocked off the pole and hits
the ground, while the disc is caught (block 380). Six points are
awarded in a block 376 if the cup is knocked off of the pole, but
neither it or the disc are caught.
[0063] In FIG. 14, conditions 400 include a block 402, where after
the disc is thrown in block 302, the disc hits the gray connector
between the yellow and orange sections on one pole. The other
conditions noted above in blocks 304 and 308 are alternatives to
condition 402. Under block 402 are blocks 354 and 364, where 0
points are awarded, as discussed above. Two points are awarded in
blocks 404, 408, and 410, when the cup stays on the pole, while the
disc is NOT caught (block 404), or the cup is knocked off the pole,
and either the cup hits the ground, while the disc is caught (block
408) or the disc hits the ground, while the cup is caught (block
410). In a block 406, 4 points are awarded if the cup is knocked
from the pole, and both the cup and disc hit the ground.
[0064] FIG. 15 illustrates blocks 420, which include a block 422
indicating that the disc hits the gray connector between the white
and yellow sections on one pole, after being thrown in block 302.
Again, the alternatives in blocks 304 and 308 are included, as
discussed above. Under block 422, 0 points are again awarded in
blocks 354 and 364, as noted above. One point is awarded in blocks
356, 360, and 362, for the conditions where the cup stays on the
pole and the disc hits the ground (block 356), the cup is knocked
off and hits the ground, while the disc is caught (block 360), or
the cup is knocked off and is caught, while the disc hits the
ground. Block 358 covers the condition where 2 points are awarded
if the cup is knocked off and both it and the disc hit the ground
without being caught.
[0065] Finally, in FIG. 16, blocks 430 include a block 432 in which
the disc bounces off the ground and hits the white section of one
pole. Alternatives in blocks 304 and 308 are again included, as
discussed above. Under block 432, 0 points are awarded in blocks
354 and 364, for the conditions discussed above. One point is
awarded in blocks 356, 360, and 362, and 2 points are awarded in
block 358, all as discussed above. Clearly, there are other
conditions that are not covered by the Figures discussed above;
however, it should be apparent to one of ordinary skill how to
score each of these other conditions, based on the information
provided. It should also be emphasized that the scoring is simply
intended to be exemplary and should not be considered in any way to
be limiting on the scope of game play that can be implemented in
regard to the present game. For example, as an alternative to the
condition in block 432 of FIG. 16 and those that follow below it, 0
points might be awarded if the disc hits the ground before striking
any part of a pole or the cup--even if the cup is knocked from the
pole. Other variations in the scoring of the game, including
changes to the total required score and/or the requirement to knock
a cup from a pole after accumulating the required number of points,
to win a game.
[0066] Although the concepts disclosed herein have been described
in connection with the preferred form of practicing them and
modifications thereto, those of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that many other modifications can be made thereto within
the scope of the claims that follow. Accordingly, it is not
intended that the scope of these concepts in any way be limited by
the above description, but instead be determined entirely by
reference to the claims that follow.
* * * * *