U.S. patent application number 13/939297 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-20 for throwing card game.
The applicant listed for this patent is PlaSmart Inc.. Invention is credited to Dustin Meyer Berk.
Application Number | 20140077458 13/939297 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50273660 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140077458 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berk; Dustin Meyer |
March 20, 2014 |
THROWING CARD GAME
Abstract
The present invention relates to a card throwing game. The game
has a target and a plurality of projectile cards having edges for
penetrating at least a portion of the target with an edge. The card
throwing game may include a method for playing a throwing card
game. The method includes setting a throwing spot, setting a target
an agreed upon distance from the throwing spot, wherein the target
has designated areas, throwing a plurality of projectile cards
having edges from the throwing spot to the target for penetrating
at least a portion of the target with an edge of a card, and
determining a winner of the game by computing the number of cards
hitting designated areas on the target.
Inventors: |
Berk; Dustin Meyer; (Irvine,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PlaSmart Inc. |
Ottawa |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
50273660 |
Appl. No.: |
13/939297 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61701561 |
Sep 14, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/348 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 9/0208 20130101;
A63B 67/06 20130101; A63F 2009/0282 20130101; A63F 9/0278
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/348 |
International
Class: |
A63B 67/06 20060101
A63B067/06 |
Claims
1. A throwing game, comprising: a. a target; and b. a plurality of
projectile cards having edges for penetrating at least a portion of
the target with an edge.
2. The game of claim 1, wherein the target has designated areas for
aiming the cards thereto.
3. The game of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the target is
permeable material.
4. The game of claim 3, wherein the permeable material is
Styrofoam.
5. The game of claim 4, wherein the cards are plastic.
6. The game of claim 5, wherein the cards have a hole
therethrough.
7. The game of claim 6, further comprising a throwing device for
projecting the cards toward the target.
8. The game of claim 7, wherein the throwing device comprises a
card reader.
9. The game of claim 1, wherein the target has a plurality of areas
each having different permeability characteristics.
10. The game of claim 9, wherein the cards have computer readable
indicia thereon.
11. A method for playing a throwing card game comprising: a.
setting a throwing spot; b. setting a target an agreed upon
distance from the throwing spot, wherein the target has designated
areas; c. throwing a plurality of projectile cards having edges
from the throwing spot to the target for penetrating at least a
portion of the target with an edge of a card; and d. determining a
winner of the game by computing the number of cards hitting
designated areas on the target.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the target has designated areas
for aiming the cards thereto.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the
target is permeable material.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the permeable material is
Styrofoam.TM..
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the cards are plastic.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the cards have a hole
therethrough.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising a throwing device
for projecting the cards toward the target.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the throwing device comprises a
card reader.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein the target has a plurality of
areas each having different permeability characteristics.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the cards have computer
readable indicia thereon.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 13/756016, filed on Sep. 14, 2013, entitled
"Throwing Game", which is incorporated in its entirety herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to a target throwing
game. Projectiles are thrown at a target which can be detachably
attached thereto. Specifically, such projectiles may stick to the
target or may be partially penetrated therein. More specifically,
the projectiles may include cards which may be thrown by the hand
of a user.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Target games have long been known, for example, to users of
early throwing weapons, including, for example, the games of
archery and darts. Focus and skill are used to develop techniques
of being able to consistently hit a target with accuracy. Most
target games that have projectiles which partially penetrating the
surface of a target are pointy and sharp, such as arrows or darts.
The targets that are used in these games are often made by layering
different partially permeable materials onto a base and may include
a metal frame and a metal mesh to define playing areas. These
targets may be complex to construct and are bulky and heavy. Some
new dart game systems (U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,204) have recently been
developed which use a dart with a flat magnet at the front end
rather than a sharp point. The target is made of materials that
attract the magnet and the dart is thrown at the target and sticks
to the surface due to the magnetic attraction. These games are
safer than conventional dart games, however, the target for this
game is even more complex than conventional targets, requiring
multiple layers of different materials, including circuitry to
create a magnetized region on the target. There is therefore a
great need in the art for a target game which is safe and does not
require a complex or bulky target or pointed and sharp
projectiles.
[0006] Accordingly, there is now provided with this invention an
improved throwing game effectively overcoming the aforementioned
difficulties and longstanding problems inherent in other target
games.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one aspect of certain embodiments of the
invention, a throwing game is disclosed. The game has a target and
a plurality of projectile cards having edges for penetrating at
least a portion of the target with an edge.
[0008] According to another aspect, the present invention may
include a method for playing a throwing card game. The method
includes setting a throwing spot, setting a target an agreed upon
distance from the throwing spot, wherein the target has designated
areas, throwing a plurality of projectile cards having edges from
the throwing spot to the target for penetrating at least a portion
of the target with an edge of a card, and determining a winner of
the game by computing the number of cards hitting designated areas
on the target.
[0009] The foregoing Summary of the Invention is not intended to
limit the scope of the disclosure contained herein nor limit the
scope of the appended claims. To the contrary, as will be
appreciated by those persons skilled in the art, variations of the
foregoing described embodiments may be implemented without
departing from the claimed invention.
[0010] The method and apparatus of the present invention will be
better understood by reference to the following detailed discussion
of specific embodiments and the attached figures which illustrate
and exemplify such embodiments.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The objects and features of the invention may be understood
with reference to the following detailed description of an
illustrative embodiment of the present invention taken together in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is an angled front view of one embodiment of the game
target together with a tossed card in flight traveling toward the
target.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an angled front view of another embodiment of the
game target.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front view of another embodiment of the game
target having a shape in relief on a portion of its front
surface.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of the game
target having other target shapes.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows an example of a moveable target.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0017] The following preferred embodiment as exemplified by the
drawings is illustrative of the invention and is not intended to
limit the invention as encompassed by the claims of this
application. An apparatus and method for a throwing card game is
disclosed herein.
[0018] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, which
is a game that includes a target 10 and a game piece 11. The game
piece 11 is shown as a tossed card in flight in positions a and b
traveling toward the target. The tossed card is then shown in
position c with an edge 12 at least partially embedded into the
target. The target 10 includes one or more target areas 1, 2, 3,
and 4. These target areas may define an order of play or a specific
hierarchy of play depending on the game of choice. Alternatively,
the target areas may designate a number of points that is achieved
in order to win the game.
[0019] The target is typically made of a material that is at least
partially permeable to at least a portion of the game piece such
that a portion of a game piece can penetrate the surface to which
the game pieces are aimed. This material may be, for example,
Styrofoam.RTM. or any other material that would be partially
permeable by a portion of the game piece. The target material
should be sufficiently brittle and porous as to allow the edge of
the card 12 to at least partially penetrate upon striking the
target. In one embodiment of the game, the consistency of the
target should be consistent across its entire target surface, for
example, the same type of foam. Alternatively, the target may have
different areas, each of which may have a different composition and
permeability. Another alternative target may have a variety of
modular parts which can be placed at different areas of the target
depending on the game desired. Yet another alternative target may
include some parts of the target that prevent the throwing card
from penetrating, thereby further increasing the difficulty of the
game.
[0020] The target may be affixed on a vertical surface, such as a
wall. Alternatively, the target may suspended in a way that allows
for spinning or, it may be attached to a base that provides
vibration to further increase the complexity of the game. In either
scenario, the target is typically placed an agreed upon distance
from an agreed upon throwing spot over which the thrower may not
step. Alternatively, different players may each have different
throwing spots.
[0021] The game may further include a set of instructions for
setting up the target or parts of targets in a frame, playing
techniques, and rules for a game or multiple games.
[0022] The projectile game cards should generally be of a
sufficient size, weight, and thickness to allow an edge to at least
partially penetrating the surface of the target 10 when thrown
towards it at a sufficient speed and velocity. The projectile game
cards should also generally be of a suitable size to be held in a
player's hand. The card may typically be made of plastic or other
lightweight material, for example, paper or cardboard, or paper or
cardboard that has been coated with plastic. It has been found that
a card of substantially 30 mm thickness may be thrown at typical
Styrofoam.RTM. target and at least partially embed therein. The
card may either be perforated, solid, or have a single hole
therethrough. The single hole through the card may be used to
insert a thrower's finger to thereby increase the spinning speed
provided to the card. The projectile game cards may typically be of
a similar in size and weight than that of standard playing cards,
hotel room keys, or credit cards. However, it should be noted that
the game cards may be of varying sizes, shapes, and thicknesses and
may also be constructed of a variety of materials. A further
embodiment of a set of cards for the game may include cards having
different characteristics (density, shape, thickness, or weight)
such that some cards are easier to throw than others to provide
different levels of play.
[0023] The projectile game cards may be collectable cards or cards
that are custom made with specific attributes (e.g. a picture). The
cards may also include RFID or QR codes or bar codes to enable
features through a web site or other media.
[0024] A further embodiment of the game may include a card
reader/writer device for keeping statistics, points, or any other
data pertaining to the players and the game.
[0025] A still further embodiment of the game may include a
throwing device for projecting the cards towards the target. The
throwing device may alternatively be combined with the card
reader/writer device.
[0026] In play, the aim of the game is to throw the card at the
target and to have the card partially penetrate the surface of the
target and remain there until the player removes it at the end of
play. Each player may take turns throwing a single card or a
plurality of cards. The number of cards thrown at a given turn can
be based on age or may be determined randomly at each turn using,
for example, dice. When more than one card is used in a turn, they
can be thrown all at the same time with the intent that as many as
possible stick to the target, or they can be thrown one after
another. An embodiment may be a game in which the players try to
hit the numbered areas 1, 2, 3, and 4 in sequence with the final
target being the center area 5. Alternatively, the player may need
to strike the numbered targets first and then once that is
completed in sequence, strike the center area, or the opposite may
be true in which the players must start of by successfully striking
the center area first.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates an angled front view of another
embodiment of the game target 20. This game target 20 includes a
central target area 22 and two outer target areas 24 and 26,
respectively. In this embodiment of the game, a player may try to
hit the central target area and would receive points for either
hitting the central target or hitting one of the outer target areas
whereby a higher level of points would result from hitting the
central target and fewer points for the outer target areas, with
the outermost target area providing the least number of points
because it is furthest from the central target. The game may also
include a game order whereby a player must hit one specific target
area first before progressing to the next area on a hierarchical
basis. In one embodiment of play, each player may take turns, which
may further include each player tossing one card each or each
player tossing a plurality of cards.
[0028] The cards may be tossed overhand, underhand, with a flick of
the wrist, or any other technique.
[0029] FIG. 3 is another embodiment of the present invention and
shows a game target 30 having an animal shape 32 defined thereon
which further may be recessed on the surface of the game target or
may be projected in relief therefrom. A possible game for this
embodiment may include either different point values, or a defined
order of play, depending on a specific area on the target 32 that a
projectile game card strikes. Alternatively, a player must hit the
tail first, then the head, and so on. Furthermore, a specific area
may have a higher point value such that the tail may be the highest
point value and the head or body the lowest.
[0030] Alternative embodiments of targets may include figures of
people, different logos, or playing cards as targets for the target
board. A target board with a "Playing Cards Target" would enable
the games of black jack or poker to be used for game play. In some
embodiments, players would aim at certain playing cards on the
target board to create a hand. For example, for the game of
blackjack, players would try to obtain the best hand by aiming for
certain playing cards on the target board such that their hand adds
up to 21, without going over 21.
[0031] Another embodiments of play may be included in a rule book
which may include many alternative directions on how to play the
game. For example, a recommended throwing distance, and rules for
different games that can be played with the projectile throwing
cards. One example of a game that can be played is called "Around
the World". In this game, players are required to hit each number
on the target board in order (ascending or descending) ending with
the star. Numbers hit out of order do not count. The first player
to complete Around the World wins. Another game is "Death Star." In
this game, players take turns throwing one card at a time, trying
to hit the star on the target board. Once a player hits the star,
he/she is safe. The last player remaining who has not hit the star
loses. In some games, different color cards can be worth different
point values, which can be added to the point values hit on the
target board by the cards. Individual cards can also have specific
rules that pertain to game play.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows a front view of another embodiment of the game
target 400. This embodiment may include different parts 401, 402,
403, 404, and 405 each of which may have a different composition
with different characteristics (for example, each target area may
have a different density and/or permeability). The parts may be
permanently positioned, or alternatively, be moveable to alter the
target when needed. One or more of the parts may also be solid such
that the card cannot penetrate that section.
[0033] FIG. 5 shows an example of a moveable target. In this
embodiment, the target may be attached to a post 500. The post 500
may be rigid, or it may be flexible so has to make the card
penetration in the target more difficult. The post 500 may have a
base 501 that comprises a motor to generate oscillations or
vibrations for increasing the game's difficulty. Alternatively, the
post and base may be removed and the target may be hung so that it
may move side to side or twirl to further increase the difficulty
of successfully hitting the target.
[0034] The game may further be implemented in software using a
Wii.RTM. like or any type of smart-gaming system that includes a
motion detector.
[0035] It should be noted by a person of ordinary skill in the art
that other configurations of the game target, including different
target types, game spaces, and target shapes target textures,
target and card colors, card textures, and card shapes may be also
be provided and would accordingly, also be included within the
scope of the present invention. Furthermore additional game pieces,
such as dice, time pieces, a rule book, and score sheets may also
be used without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0036] Although the particular embodiments shown and described
above will prove to be useful in many applications in the target
gaming arts to which the present invention pertains, further
modifications of the present invention will occur to persons
skilled in the art. All such modifications are deemed to be within
the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the
appended claims.
* * * * *