U.S. patent application number 13/887360 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-03 for bean bag toss device with raised exterior lip and elevated central section.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Ramirez. Invention is credited to Robert Ramirez.
Application Number | 20140091525 13/887360 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50384449 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140091525 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ramirez; Robert |
April 3, 2014 |
Bean Bag Toss Device with Raised Exterior Lip and Elevated Central
Section
Abstract
A bean bag toss device is provided that includes a rounded
platform forming a bowl-like configuration and an elevated central
section having an open upper. The rounded platform retains a bean
bag that is thrown at the device to prevent the bean bag from
sliding therefrom and onto the ground. The elevated central section
requires a user to toss a bean bag directly into its open upper to
score a "bulls-eye". In one embodiment, a bulls-eye is noted by
music from a speaker attached to the platform, whereby the central
section includes a motion sensor to register a bulls-eye, which
initiates the sound. The device further includes a pair of folding
legs that elevate the platform along one end thereof to slope the
device towards a user during use. When not in use, multiple
platforms can be stacked on top of another in a nesting
configuration to conserve storage space.
Inventors: |
Ramirez; Robert; (Joliet,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ramirez; Robert |
Joliet |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50384449 |
Appl. No.: |
13/887360 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61708684 |
Oct 2, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/402 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 63/08 20130101;
A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 67/06 20130101; A63B 2225/093 20130101;
A63B 2220/803 20130101; A63B 2071/0625 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/402 |
International
Class: |
A63B 67/06 20060101
A63B067/06 |
Claims
1) A bean bag toss device, comprising: a platform having a top
side, a base side, and raised lip that curves upwardly in a
bowl-like configuration; said platform having a raised central
section medially located and extending upwardly, said central
section having open upper adapted to accommodate a tossing article
therethrough; and a pair of folding legs hingedly attached to said
platform, said legs being movable to a deployed position and
adapted for angling said platform from a support surface and moving
to a folded position.
2) The device of claim 1, wherein said central section extends
higher than said raised lip.
3) The device of claim 1, wherein said wall retains a tossing
article thrown at said platform, wherein said lip is adapted to
prevent said article from sliding or rolling off said platform.
4) The device of claim 1, wherein said platform further comprises
an opening on said base side that conforms to and accepts a raised
central section of a second platform, allowing said platforms to
stack in a nesting configuration.
5) The device of claim 1, wherein said platform further includes a
handle extending from said wall.
6) The device of claim 1, wherein said raised central section
interior further comprises: an interiorly mounted motion sensor, a
speaker, and a processing means adapted to receive input from said
motion sensor and control said speaker operation; a storage means;
a memory means; said motion sensor adapted for registering when an
article is tossed into said raised central section and play a sound
clip from said storage means.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/708,684 filed on Oct. 2, 2012, entitled "Four
Amigos." The above identified patent application is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of
disclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of toss games and
entertainment devices. More particularly, the present invention
pertains to a new and improved bean bag toss device or
receptacle.
[0003] Friends and families often gather at parties, picnics, or
other events to spend time together and enjoy one another's
company. Many gatherings occur at an outdoor location and
individuals oftentimes enjoy participating in various lawn games
that can be played by a wide range of participants. Lawn games
often involve throwing or tossing an object at a target to
accumulate points. One of the most popular games involves throwing
bean-filled bags at a target to score points based on the end
location of the bag. This game is commonly referred to as "Baggo"
or "Cornhole." In this game, players take turns throwing bean bags
at a platform that includes a hole. The main objective of the game
is to land the bag inside the hole or onto the platform. The end
location of the bag determines the amount of points scored and a
player or team wins once a predetermined score has been
attained.
[0004] Conventional bean bag toss devices utilize a pair of raised
platforms. Each platform includes a hole or holes along its
uppermost surface. Prior to the game, the platforms are spaced
apart with players standing next to a platform facing towards the
platform where they will throw the bags. Players take turns tossing
their bean bags at the platform, with the goal being to toss the
bag into the hole or to have it land on the platform. Conventional
rules award higher points for landing the bag in the hole, and
fewer points for landing on the platform. The game is continued
until one team reaches a predetermined score.
[0005] Tossing the bean bag onto the platform is a common problem
due to the construction of the game platform surface. As can be
appreciated, the speed and trajectory of the bag when thrown often
cause it to hit the platform surface but the bag will slide off.
This occurs primarily because there is no wall on the edge of the
platform to stop the bag's motion. For an experience player this
problem is easily overcome, however, the lack of a wall or edge
makes conventional bean bag games difficult for novice players or
children.
[0006] Another problem associated with conventional bean bag toss
games is the lack of challenge for an experienced player. A
proficient bag toss player learns how to use the speed and
trajectory of the bag to throw the bag into the hole, slide the bag
into the hole, or slide the bag along the platform and keep it on
the surface. This is advantageous for a player because a bag that
slides into the hole is awarded the same number of points as a bag
that is thrown directly into the hole. This creates a decreased
amount of skill necessary as even a very experienced player
acknowledges it takes considerable more skill to throw a bag
directly into the hole than it is to slide the bag into the
hole.
[0007] A final problem with current bean bag toss platforms is that
they are not designed to be readily transported after use. The
platforms are generally constructed of two foot by four foot
platforms. The size makes it difficult to transport the game to a
park or field. Further, a platform of this size does not fit in the
trunk of a compact or midsized sedan and generally requires a truck
or sport utility vehicle.
[0008] The present invention overcomes the problems inherent in
conventional bean bag toss platforms with a device that can be used
by both novice and advanced players. The device comprises a rounded
platform and an elevated central section, a rounded channel
therearound, and an aperture extending through the central section.
The rounded platform further forms a raised perimeter along the
outer edge of the device to retain bags that are tossed therein
preventing them from exiting the device. The open central section
presents a target that requires a user to toss a bean bag or ball
into it. Additionally, the platform includes a pair of folding legs
and can nest with similar platforms for simplified and compact
transport. In this way, the device provides a challenging game for
both adults and children that can be easily transported to a
desired playing location.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0009] Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to
tossing games. These include devices that have been patented and
published in patent application publications. These devices
generally relate to bag and washer tossing games that utilize a
platform. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant
to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the
purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of
the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks
existing in the prior art.
[0010] Specifically, U.S. Published Application Publication No.
2005/0051968 to Froesel discloses a washer toss game, comprising a
pair of housings that include an exterior perimeter wall and a
sleeve extending upwardly from the center portion of the internal
area of the formed box. The sleeve extends upwardly from the base
of the Froesel device. In addition, a can may be located within the
sleeve in an upright position to furnish one method for scoring a
bulls-eye, and may be removed and inverted providing an easier
method to attain a bulls-eye. The Froesel device is adapted for use
as a conventional washer toss game. However, it does not provide
sufficiently sized targets for a standard bean bag to land in.
Additionally, the Froesel device is positioned flat on a surface
for game play. This contrasts with the present invention because it
includes a pair of folding legs to create a sloped platform for
use. Finally, the Froesel device includes a rigid structure that
prevents nesting of two or more platforms for transport and
storage. The present invention overcomes this storage issue by
having a curved platform allowing for nesting of multiple units
when not in use.
[0011] Another patent application, U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,674 to
Riley, discloses a washer tossing game with a storage container
comprised of receiving boxes which are placed in a juxtaposed
position. Each box includes a base for receiving a removable center
section adapted to accept thrown projectiles, such as a washer. The
device also includes alternative center sections allowing the game
to be scaled to different skill levels. The game may optionally
include additional features such as visual highlights, protective
sidewall curbing, and impact resistant lining to protect the boxes
from the impact of the thrown projectiles. A carrying case and a
handle are also provided allowing the game to be transported. The
Riley device provides a foldable, portable box for transport, and
this concept is similar to the present invention, wherein the
present invention provides a means for storage. The present
invention improves and deviates from this storage means by reducing
the amount of space needed and making the present invention more
compact when not in use.
[0012] Another similar application is U.S. Pat. No. 8,162,318 to
Peterson. This application describes a bag tossing game assembly
that includes a frame with a first elongated member and a second
elongated member. The Peterson device further includes a plurality
of bracing members attached to and extended between the first and
second elongated members. A mount is attached to one of the bracing
members. A light emitting apparatus is attached to the mount. A
panel is positioned on an upper side of the frame and covers the
frame. The panel has a top side, a bottom side and an aperture
therein extending into the top side and out of the bottom side. In
use, the Peterson device can take on various embodiments of games.
This includes games such as a washer throwing game, a bag tossing
game, and a ball tossing game. These games are commonly referred to
as "Washers," "Cornhole," and "Golf Toss." This device, while
providing a bag toss platform, does not include a curved platform
or elevated central section with an aperture in the top. Further,
the Peterson device comprises multiple embodiments of various lawn
games but does not include the present invention in that
selection.
[0013] Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,226 to Kephart discloses a
washer toss game, comprising a game board having a first board
member and a second board member being connected to the first board
member. Each of the board members includes a top side and a
plurality of holes disposed on the top side, and numbers displayed
upon the top side adjacent to the hole. The device also includes a
plurality of washer members for tossing upon the game boards and
into the holes from a determined distance. The Kephart device
discloses a washer toss platform having a plurality of holes for
accepting washers, whereas the present invention provides a sloping
platform with a curved platform and an elevated central section
with an aperture in the top that is adapted for accepting bean
bags.
[0014] The devices disclosed in the prior art provide platforms for
tossing games. Generally, the platforms currently known and
disclosed in the art include an exterior perimeter wall and an
elevated central section. These platforms are adapted for use in a
washer tossing game. The construction and design of the platforms
require they be placed flat on a surface such as a lawn or
concrete. The present invention, however, requires a sloped
platform. The sloping bean bag toss platforms that are known and
disclosed include planar surfaces with an aperture for accepting a
bag. These devices do not include a curved platform with an
elevated central section. Additionally, the prior art bean bag toss
platforms offer varying forms of storage means but does not allow
multiple units of a similar device to nest upon one another for
storage and transport. In light of the prior art and the disclosed
elements of the present invention, it is submitted that the present
invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior
art. Consequently, it is clear that the present invention is not
described by the art and that a need exists for bean bag toss
platform having a perimeter wall and an elevated central section.
In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these
needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of bean bag toss devices now present in the prior art, the
present invention provides a new bean bag toss device wherein the
same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when
playing a traditional game of bean bag toss.
[0016] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved bean bag toss device that has all of the
advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
bean bag toss device having a platform and an elevated central
section with an open upper for use as a target during a toss
game.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bean
bag toss device, wherein the platform includes an integrally formed
surface that curves upwardly to provide a bowl-like structure
around a raised central section to support bean bags missing the
open upper.
[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bean
bag toss device wherein the platform retains a tossing article,
such as a bean bag, that is thrown at the platform and prevents the
article from sliding out of the present invention and onto the
ground.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bean
bag toss device that includes a pair of folding legs that may be
used to slope the platform upward when in use.
[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
bean bag toss device that enables a user to stack two or more
platforms on top of one another in a nesting configuration to
conserve storage space.
[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bean
bag toss device wherein the elevated section requires a user to
toss a bean bag directly into its upper aperture to score a
bulls-eye.
[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bean
bag toss device that includes a motion sensor to detech a
bulls-eye, along with a speaker and associated electronics to
initate the playing of a music clip from the speaker once a ball
has been tossed through the open upper of the raised central
section.
[0024] A final object of the present invention is to provide a bean
bag toss device that may be readily fabricated from materials that
permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.
[0025] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Although the characteristic features of this invention will
be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and
the manner in which it may be made and used may be better
understood after a review of the following description, taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral
annotations are provided throughout.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a view of the present invention with the folding
legs in a deployed position.
[0028] FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a view of the present invention with a pair of
platforms nested upon one another for transport or storage.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a view of the present invention in use, with the
folding legs in a deployed position and a bean bag being tossed at
the elevated central section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like
reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like
or similar elements of the bean bag toss device platform. For the
purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present
invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for
playing a conventional game of bean bag toss. The figures are
intended for representative purposes only and should not be
considered to be limiting in any respect.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a view of the
present invention with the folding legs in a deployed position. The
device comprises a platform 11 having a concave, rounded surface
and a raised lip 12. Along the interior of the rounded surface is
an elevated central section 13 with an open upper 14. The raised
lip 12 extends around the exterior perimeter of the device. While
in use, the raised lip 12 retains a tossing article, such as a bean
bag, that is thrown at the platform 11 and supports the article
between the lip 12 and the raised central section 13. The raised
lip 12 prevents thrown objects from sliding out of the device and
onto the ground. The device further includes a pair of folding legs
15. In use, the folding legs 15 cause the platform 11 to slope
upwards by having one portion of the present invention elevated
above the surface. The sloped angle of the present invention is
helpful to users by enabling them to view the aperture 14 more
easily prior to throwing an object. A handle 16 is provided for
transport, allowing a user to easily lift and move the device to a
desired location for game play or storage. The handle 16 is located
along the exterior surface of the raised lip 12, preferably
positioned above the legs 15. When not in use, multiple platforms
11 can be stacked one on top of another in a nesting configuration.
The nesting configuration allows for compact storage and provides
users with a simplified means to transport the device.
[0033] The elevated central section 13 is integrally formed with
the platform 11 and extends upwardly from the platform 11. The
central section 13 is substantially higher than the raised lip 12
thereby creating a visible target to throw an object. The terminal
end of the central section 13 is open and includes an aperture 14
to accommodate a bean bag or similar thrown object. The aperture 14
serves as the bulls-eye, or highest possible score, for the
game.
[0034] The pair of folding legs 15 enable the platform to slope at
an angle during game play. As can be appreciated, bean bag toss
games are played by standing approximately 27 to 30 feet from the
platform that the user will throw at, with the goal of tossing the
bean bag into the bulls-eye section or landing it on the platform.
To facilitate this objective the platform 11 slopes towards the
player. The sloped device decreases the difficulty with hitting the
platform 11 and bulls-eye section by increasing the visibility of
the target. Further, the slope creates an inclined surface for the
bean bag. The incline slows the velocity of the bean bag as it
makes contact with the platform 11 and allows it to rest at the
base of the platform 11. The present invention achieves this by
having the legs 15 hingedly attached to the exterior surface of the
raised lip 12. The legs 15 move into a deployed position creating a
sloped surface during game play and move to a folded position for
storage and transport.
[0035] Within the interior of the raised central section 13 is an
electronic motion sensor, a speaker, and associated electronics for
the operation of both. The motion sensor is situated along the
interior wall of the central section 13 such that when a ball is
tossed therein, the sensor registers a bulls-eye as its field of
view is impinged. A processing means (i.e. a processor or logic
circuit), along with a power source, is utilized to receive inputs
from the motion sensor (IR sensor or equivalent), whereby the
circuit is further connected to a speaker and amplifier. The system
is such that when a bulls-eye is scored, a short music clip is
played by the speaker. Ideally this clip is of the aligned with the
overall theme of the toss game, wherein one contemplated clip is
the sound of a mariachi band playing for a brief moment to
commemorate the bulls-eye. A computer memory (memory means) and
computer storage (storage means) is provided to store the sound
clip and to operate the processing means. Overall the electonrics,
including the motion sensor, speaker, and electrical system
elements, are considered an embodiment of the device that adds to
the entertainment value of the associated ball toss game. The most
basic form of the device includes the structure of the platform
itself, without any associated electronic features.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an overhead view of
the present invention. The raised lip 12 surrounds the perimeter of
the platform 11, providing the platform 11 with a bowl-like
structure. The lip 12 is integrally formed with the platform 11 and
curves upwardly creating a concave internal volume. The curvature
of the raised lip 12 gives an effect similar to a wall around the
present invention. The lip 12 retains tossing articles thrown at
the platform 11 by preventing it from sliding or rolling out of the
platform 11. When a round tossing article, such as a ball, is
thrown at the platform, the speed and trajectory of the throw often
cause the article to hit the platform and roll along the same path
it was thrown in. The raised lip 12 acts as a barrier and slows the
momentum of the article. This helps to keep any thrown object to
stay within the present invention thereby allowing a player to
score points during a game.
[0037] The elevated central section 13 is centrally located within
the platform and provides a primary target or bulls-eye section for
a player to aim. The central section 13 is hollow, which forms an
aperture 14 for accepting a bean bag or other tossing article. If a
player tosses a bean bag and misses the aperture 14, the platform
11 provides a secondary area for the bean bag to land, while the
raised lip 12 acts as a barrier to retain the bag on the platform
11. The diameter of the central section 13 is considerably smaller
than that of the platform 11. This makes it challenging for a
player to score a bulls-eye, or highest possible score, but also
decreases the difficulty required to keep the bean bag within the
platform 11.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a view of the
present invention with a pair of platforms 11 nested upon one
another for transport or storage. When not in use, the legs 15 can
be folded and two or more platforms 11 can be stacked on top of one
another to reduce storage space requirements. Each platform 11
includes an opening on the base that conforms to and accepts the
elevated central section 13 of a second platform 11. The opening 18
and the curve of the raised lip 12 enable multiple platforms 11 to
be stacked in a nesting configuration. Stacking multiple platforms
11 on top of one another reduces the amount of space required for
storage and transport. This helps a user to transport the present
invention along with other items commonly brought on day trips or
to outdoor events.
[0039] In operation, a user folds the legs 15 and places a first
platform on top of a second platform. The opening 18 on the base of
the first platform 11 is positioned over top of the elevated
section 13 of the second platform 11. The user applies pressure to
the platforms 11 which causes the opening 18 and the elevated
section 13 to make contact with one another. Additionally, a handle
16 extends from the side of the platform 11, which facilitates
carrying. This enables a user to grasp one of the handles 16 and
transport the device if necessary. When a user is ready to play the
game, he or she sets the platforms 11 by lifting the first platform
11 from the second 11 and grasping the handle 16 of each platform
11. Applying a pulling force in the opposite direction of each
platform will separate the two platforms, and a user can then set
the present invention at a desired location for game play.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a view of the
present invention in use with the folding legs 15 in a deployed
position and a bean bag 20 being tossed at the elevated central
section 13. The game is generally played with a pair of platforms
11 set up approximately 27 to 30 feet apart on a flat surface, such
as a lawn, parking lot, or beach. The platforms 11 are oriented
with the folding legs 15 facing away from the opposing platform 11,
causing the platforms 11 to slope upward but facing toward one
another. Ideally, the game can be played with two to four players,
with each player tossing bean bags 20. Each player takes a turn
throwing a bag with their opponent, such that a first team throws a
bag 20 followed by the second team throws a bag 20. Once all bags
20 have been tossed, the score is calculated. Conventional scoring
rules provide one point for landing a bag 20 on the platform 11 and
three points for landing the bag 20 within the aperture 14. Equal
points are canceled out, such that only scores in excess of your
opponent's total are counted towards a team's cumulative score. The
team with the most points in a single round throws first in the
subsequent round. The game is played until one team reaches the
score of 21 points with a lead of two or more points.
[0041] The configuration of the present invention provides a
platform that can be used by players of varying skill level. As
previously discussed, novice players struggle to land the bag in a
conventional platform hole. Instead, most novice players attempt to
land the bag on the platform to score one point. The lack of a
raised lip, wall, or edge often allows the bag to roll off the
platform, resulting in no points awarded for that toss. Over time,
this may frustrate a player causing him or her to lose interest in
the game. Conversely, a skilled player may be adept at scoring a
bulls-eye by landing the bag on the platform and allowing it to
slide into the hole. In such a toss, the bag hits the platform in
front of the hole, and slides into the hole due to the momentum
caused by the throw.
[0042] The raised lip of the present invention decreases the
requisite skill level necessary to land the bag on the platform,
while the elevated central section increases the skill level
required to score a bulls-eye. A novice player can aim for the
bulls-eye section confidently knowing that if the bag is tossed
within the area of the raised lip then the bag will remain within
the platform, allowing the player to score a point. Additionally,
skilled players face a greater challenge of scoring a bulls-eye, as
they cannot slide the bag into a hole after hitting the platform.
In order to score a bulls-eye the bag must be tossed directly into
the aperture. The decreased skill level required for landing a ball
on the platform, and the increased skill level required for scoring
a bulls-eye enables the present invention to be simultaneously
utilized by players with a wide range of skill level. This provides
a game that can be played by many groups of individuals, while
providing an appropriate challenge for players of varying
skill.
[0043] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has
been shown and described in what is considered to be the most
practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however,
that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and
that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the
art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0044] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *