U.S. patent application number 15/851802 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-05 for magnetic segmented ring and pad toss game.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tucker International LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Tucker International LLC. Invention is credited to Mark A. Adkins, Simeon E. Tiefel.
Application Number | 20180185726 15/851802 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62708794 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180185726 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tiefel; Simeon E. ; et
al. |
July 5, 2018 |
Magnetic Segmented Ring and Pad Toss Game
Abstract
A tossing game wherein a projectile is tossed toward a target.
The projectile adheres to the target using magnetic attraction. The
projectile is configured as a segmented ring that contains a
plurality of segments. Each of the segments is interconnected to
two adjacent segments at flexible joints, wherein the plurality of
segments and flexible joints form a continuous ring. Magnets are
affixed to at least some of the segments. The magnets enable the
segmented ring to attach to a magnetic surface on the target when
thrown against the target. When the projectile is thrown and
impacts the target, the structure of the segmented ring bends along
the various flexible joints. The bending of the projectile absorbs
much of the rebounding force at impact.
Inventors: |
Tiefel; Simeon E.; (Siloam
Springs, AR) ; Adkins; Mark A.; (East Brunswick,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tucker International LLC |
Hamilton Township |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Tucker International LLC
|
Family ID: |
62708794 |
Appl. No.: |
15/851802 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62442970 |
Jan 5, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 65/00 20130101;
A63B 2209/08 20130101; A63B 67/06 20130101; A63H 33/18 20130101;
A63B 2067/061 20130101; A63H 33/26 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 67/06 20060101
A63B067/06; A63B 65/00 20060101 A63B065/00 |
Claims
1. A game projectile for tossing against a magnetic surface,
comprising: a segmented ring containing a plurality of segments,
wherein each of said plurality of segments is joined to two other
of said plurality of segments at flexible joints to form a
continuous ring; magnets affixed to at least some of said plurality
of segments, wherein said magnets enable said segmented ring to
attach to said magnetic surface when thrown against said magnetic
surface.
2. The game projectile according to claim 1, wherein all of said
plurality of segments and said flexible joints in said segmented
ring are molded together as a single molded unit.
3. The game projectile according to claim 1, wherein said segmented
ring is symmetrically disposed around a central point.
4. The game projectile according to claim 3, wherein said flexible
joints are aligned along symmetric lines that radially extend from
said central point.
5. The game projectile according to claim 1, wherein said magnets
are affixed to alternating segments within said plurality of
segments.
6. The game projectile according to claim 1, further including
receptacles molded into at least some of said plurality of
segments, wherein said receptacles receive said magnets
therein.
7. The game projectile according to claim 1, further including a
retention plate that attaches to at least some of said plurality of
segments, therein locking said magnets into said receptacles.
8. The game projectile according to claim 1, wherein each of said
segments in said segmented ring has a top surface, a bottom
surface, and a first thickness between said top surface and said
bottom surface.
9. The game projectile according to claim 8, wherein each of said
flexible joints between said plurality of segments has a second
thickness that is less than half said first thickness of said
plurality of segments.
10. A tossing game, comprising: a magnetic target; a projectile for
tossing at said magnetic target, wherein said projectile is
configured as a segmented ring that contains a plurality of
segments, wherein each of said plurality of segments is joined to
two other of said plurality of segments at flexible joints to form
a continuous ring; and magnets affixed to at least some of said
plurality of segments, wherein said magnets enable said segmented
ring to attach to said magnetic target when thrown against said
magnetic target.
11. The tossing game according to claim 10, wherein said magnetic
target has a solid flat contact pad to which said magnets in said
projectile can magnetically attach.
12. The tossing game according to claim 10, wherein said magnetic
target has a scrolled contact pad that contains a plurality of open
areas.
13. The tossing game according to claim 10, wherein all of said
plurality of segments and said flexible joints in said segmented
ring are molded together as a single molded unit.
14. The tossing game according to claim 10, wherein said segmented
ring is symmetrically disposed around a central point.
15. The tossing game according to claim 14, wherein said flexible
joints are aligned along symmetric lines that radially extend from
said central point.
16. The tossing game according to claim 10, wherein said magnets
are affixed to alternating segments within said plurality of
segments.
17. The tossing game according to claim 10, further including
receptacles molded into at least some of said plurality of
segments, wherein said receptacles receive said magnets
therein.
18. The tossing game according to claim 10, wherein each of said
plurality of segments in said segmented ring has a top surface, a
bottom surface, and a first thickness between said top surface and
said bottom surface.
19. The tossing game according to claim 18, wherein each of said
flexible joints between each of said plurality of segments has a
second thickness that is less than half said first thickness of
said plurality of segments.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/442,970, filed Jan. 5, 2017.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] In general, the present invention relates to games that
include a projectile that is tossed into flight and is caught using
a catch pad or paddle. More particularly, the present invention
relates to toss games where a tossed projectile connects to a catch
pad using magnetic attraction.
2. Prior Art Description
[0003] There are many toss games that use a projectile and a catch
pad. The one problem that is shared by all such toss games is that
when the projectile contacts the catch pad, there is an opposite
rebounding force that acts to bounce the projectile away from the
catch pad. Consequently, to prevent the projectile from bouncing
off the catch pad, there must be some mechanism on the pad or on
the projectile that can absorb the energy of impact to help keep
the projectile in contact with the catch pad.
[0004] Often the catch pad is cupped, like a lacrosse stick, to
dissipate the energy of a projectile's impact. If the catch pad is
flat, it must contain a strong adhesion mechanism, such as
Velcro.RTM., to counteract the rebound force. Weak adhesion
mechanisms, such as magnetic adhesion mechanisms, have proven
unreliable, wherein adhesion depends largely upon the orientation
of the projectile at the time of impact. Projectiles with magnetic
adhesion mechanisms typically have a small contact surface that is
completely magnetic. This design concept is used by magnetic dart
boards where the entire head of the dart is a magnet. See U.S. Pat.
No. 3,170,693 to Felsher as an example. It is also used in magnetic
projectile games, wherein most of the projectile is magnetic, such
as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,965 to Perry. When the entire contact
surface of a projectile is a magnet, there is always direct contact
between the magnet and the target surface at impact. This usually
ensures magnetic adhesion between the projectile and the target
surface. However, the magnets must be strong because magnets are
typically hard and ferro-magnetic surfaces are typically hard. As
such, at impact there is a significant rebound force that acts to
bounce the projectile away from the target.
[0005] A problem is created when a toss game utilizes a large
projectile. Magnets are relatively expensive as compared to the
ordinary plastic that is used to create most toys. When the size of
a projectile is increased, it is not economically sensible to make
most of the projectile magnetic. Rather, it makes more sense to
place small inexpensive magnets at different points on the
projectile or projectile head. The issue that prevents this
approach is that when the projectile contacts the target, there is
a significant probability that one of the smaller magnets will not
directly contact the target. Absent some direct contact at impact
between a magnet and the magnetic target, the rebounding force is
not immediately countered, and the projectile has the ability to
rebound away from the target before some magnetic adhesion can
occur.
[0006] A need therefore exists for a toss and catch system where
the odds of adhesion between a partially magnetic projectile and a
ferro-magnetic target are greatly increased. This need is met by
the present invention as described and claimed below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is a tossing game wherein a projectile
is tossed toward a target. The projectile adheres to the target
using magnetic attraction.
[0008] The projectile is configured as a segmented ring that
contains a plurality of segments. Each of the segments is
interconnected to two adjacent segments at flexible joints, wherein
the plurality of segments and flexible joints form a continuous
ring.
[0009] Magnets are affixed to at least some of the segments. The
magnets enable the segment ring to attach to a magnetic surface on
the target when thrown against the target. When the projectile is
thrown and impacts the target, the structure of the segmented ring
bends along the various flexible joints. The bending of the
projectile absorbs much of the rebounding force at impact. This
enables the segmented ring of the projectile to at least partially
flatten against the target, wherein the magnets carried within the
projectile adhere the projectile to the target.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following description of exemplary
embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
toss and catch game system;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the projectile used in the toss and
catch game system;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the projectile used in the toss and
catch game system;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the projectile used in the
toss and catch game system;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a side view showing a projectile approaching a
target in the play of the toss and catch game system; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing alternate embodiments
of the projectile and target.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Although the present invention toss and catch game system
can be embodied in many ways, the embodiments illustrated only show
two preferred embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are
selected in order to set forth some of the best modes contemplated
for the invention. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely
exemplary and should not be considered limitations when
interpreting the scope of the appended claims.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, elements of a toss and catch game
system 10 are shown that include a projectile 12 and a target 14.
During play, the projectile 12 is thrown at the target 14. The
target 14 can be stationary or can be held by a person and
manipulated in an attempt to catch the projectile 12. The
projectile 12 contains a plurality of magnets 16. The target 14 has
a catch pad 18 that is either magnetic or is ferro-magnetic so as
to attract to a magnet. When the projectile 12 contacts the catch
pad 18 of the target 14, the projectile 12 attaches to the catch
pad 18 via magnetic attraction.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 in conjunction with
FIG. 1, it can be seen that the projectile 12 is shaped as a
segmented ring 20. More specifically, the projectile 12 illustrated
is shaped as an octagonal ring having eight straight segments 22
that are joined together in a continuous ring 20. It will be
understood that the use of a segmented ring 20 with an octagonal
shape is merely arbitrary and that other segmented ring shapes can
be used.
[0020] Each of the straight segments 22 of the segmented ring 20
have a top surface 23, a bottom surface 24, and a body thickness T1
therebetween. The bottom surfaces of all the straight segments 22
terminate in a common plane. In this manner, each of the straight
segments 22 can lay flush against the catch pad 18 of the target 14
when in contact with the target 14. All of the straight segments 22
in the segmented ring 20 are molded together as a single molded
unit. The segmented ring 20 is preferably molded from a soft
plastic or a synthetic rubber to ensure the segmented ring 20 does
not cause harm should it inadvertently contact a person when
thrown. The straight segments 22 that comprise the segmented ring
20 are separated by thinned areas 26 in the molding. The thinned
areas 26 have less material than do the segments 20. As such, the
thinned areas 26 bend far easier than do the segments 20. The
thinned areas 26 can be slotted to reduce material or can be formed
with a thickness that is at least half the thickness T1 of the
straight segments 22. The thinned areas 26 are oriented along lines
that radially extend from the geometric center C1 of the segmented
ring 20. The thinned areas 26 create flexible joints, that are
often referred to as living hinges in the plastics molding
industry. The thinned areas 26 enable each of the straight segments
22 to orient into planes that differ from one or more of the other
straight segments 22. In other words, the segmented ring 20 can
bend and flex along the lines of the thinned areas 26. The purpose
of having the segmented ring 20 being able to bend at the thinned
areas 26 is later explained.
[0021] To ensure that the thinned areas 26 between the various
segments 22 are more bendable that the segments 22 themselves, the
segments 22 can be reinforced. Reinforcement ribs 31 can be molded
onto the bottom of each of the segments 22. The reinforcement ribs
31 stiffen the various segments 20 without adding significant
weight to the segments 20.
[0022] Magnets 16 are mounted into at least some of the straight
segments 22 of the segmented ring 20. In the shown embodiment, the
magnets 16 are attached to every other straight segment 22 in the
segmented ring 20. The magnets 16 are preferably rare-earth magnets
with a high strength-to-weight ratio. The magnets 16 can be set
into straight segments 22 of the segmented ring 20 in a variety of
ways. For example, the magnets 16 can be molded into the structure
of the straight segments 22 or the magnets 16 can be affixed to the
straight segments 22 with adhesive. In the shown embodiment, a
receptacle 28 is molded into the center of each straight segment 22
that holds a magnet 16. Retention panels 30 are separately molded.
The retention panels 30 are molded from the same material as is the
segmented ring 20. The retention panels 30 are placed over the
magnets 16, wherein the magnets 16 become entrapped between the
straight segments 22 and the retention panels 30. The retention
panels 30 are anchored in place via adhesive, and/or melt-welding
the material of the retention panels 30 to the material of the
straight segments 22.
[0023] The target 14 has a peripheral frame 32 that supports the
catch pad 18. The peripheral frame 32 can be mounted to a wall or
some other surface. Alternatively, the target 14 can be provided
with a handle or strapping that enables the target 14 to be easily
held in one hand. The flat catch pad 18 is either magnetic or is
ferro-magnetic so as to attract to magnets. In the shown
embodiment, the catch pad 18 is a thin sheet of a magnetic polymer.
As such, the catch pad 18 itself is magnetic. Cross-framing 34 can
be provided behind the flat catch pad 18 to prevent the catch pad
18 from deforming and acting as a rebounding trampoline when
impacted by the projectile 12.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 5 in conjunction with FIG. 1 and FIG. 3,
it can be seen that when the projectile 12 is thrown toward the
target 14, the segmented ring 20 flies in the manner of a flying
disc. That is, the segmented ring 20 spins in flight at a slightly
inclined angle. Accordingly, if thrown properly, the projectile 12
will impact the target 14 at a slight angle of inclination above
the horizontal plane. With this impact geometry, it will be
understood that none of the magnets 16 within the segmented ring 20
are going to directly impact the target 14.
[0025] When the segmented ring 20 does contact the target 14, the
thinned areas 26 between the straight segments 22 enable the
segmented ring 20 to easily bend. The segmented ring 20 begins to
bend at the instant of contact with the target 14. The bending of
the segmented ring 20 absorbs much of the impact energy. With most
of the impact energy being absorbed, there is very little rebound
energy that acts to bounce the segmented ring 20 away from the
target 14. Furthermore, the bending of the segmented ring 20
orients the bottom surfaces 24 of the segmented ring 20 toward the
target 14. The momentum of the incoming segmented ring 20 then acts
to flatten the bottom surfaces 24 of the segmented ring 20 against
the catch pad 18 of the target 14.
[0026] As the bottom surfaces 24 of the segmented ring 20 flattens
against the catch pad 18 of the target 14, the magnets 16 carried
by the segmented ring 20 come into close proximity with the catch
pad 18. In this close proximity, the magnets 16 magnetically
attract to the target 14 with enough force to hold the segmented
ring 20 in place on the target 14.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of a toss and
catch game system 40 in shown. In this embodiment, the projectile
42 is configured as a segmented ring 44 that is round, rather than
octagonal. However, the segmented ring 44 still has segments 46 and
magnets 48 in at least some of the segments 46.
[0028] The target 50 shows a shaped contact pad 52 that is
ferro-magnetic. The contact pad 52 is not solid. Rather, the
contact pad 52 is configured into a fanciful pattern that contains
numerous open areas 54. This reduces material costs. However, there
still exists enough surface area on the contact pad 52 to enable
the segmented ring 44 to attach to the contact pad 52 after
impact.
[0029] It will be understood that the embodiments of the present
invention that are illustrated and described are merely exemplary
and that a person skilled in the art can make many variations to
those embodiments. All such embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the present invention as defined by the
claims.
* * * * *