U.S. patent application number 16/225754 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-20 for floating game assembly and float with game features.
This patent application is currently assigned to Team Silva Enterprises, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Team Silva Enterprises, LLC. Invention is credited to Frank Silva, Michael Silva.
Application Number | 20190184253 16/225754 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66815002 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-20 |
![](/patent/app/20190184253/US20190184253A1-20190620-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190184253/US20190184253A1-20190620-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190184253/US20190184253A1-20190620-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190184253/US20190184253A1-20190620-D00003.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20190184253 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Silva; Michael ; et
al. |
June 20, 2019 |
Floating Game Assembly and Float with Game Features
Abstract
A floating game assembly including a float, a field goal post, a
game mat, and a ball is provided. The float includes a body
defining a central opening and a mount secured to the body. The
float is configured to float on a water surface. The field goal
post is inflatable or is formed from a plurality of pipes and a
plurality of connection fittings. The plurality of pipes are
connected with the plurality of connection fittings to form the
field goal post, allowing the field goal post to be constructed and
deconstructed. At least a portion of the field goal post can be
inserted into the mount to removably secure the field goal post to
the float.
Inventors: |
Silva; Michael; (Kendall
Park, NJ) ; Silva; Frank; (Cumming, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Team Silva Enterprises, LLC |
Kendall Park |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Team Silva Enterprises, LLC
Kendall Park
NJ
|
Family ID: |
66815002 |
Appl. No.: |
16/225754 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62608125 |
Dec 20, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/605 20130101;
A63B 2225/62 20130101; A63B 2243/0066 20130101; A63B 67/06
20130101; A63B 63/008 20130101; A63B 67/007 20130101; A63B 63/004
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 67/00 20060101
A63B067/00; A63B 67/06 20060101 A63B067/06; A63B 63/00 20060101
A63B063/00 |
Claims
1. A floating assembly, comprising: a float including a body
defining a central opening and a mount; and a field goal post,
including a plurality of pipes and a plurality of connection
fittings, wherein the plurality of pipes are connectable with the
plurality of connection fittings to form the field goal post; and
wherein at least a portion of the field goal post can be inserted
into the mount to removably secure the field goal post to the
float.
2. The float assembly of claim 1, further comprising a floating
game mat and a ball.
3. The float assembly of claim 2, further comprising a paddle for
hitting the ball.
4. The float assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a second
float including a second body defining a second central opening and
a second mount; and a second field goal post including a second
plurality of pipes and a second plurality of connection fittings,
wherein the second plurality of pipes connectable with the second
plurality of connection fittings to form the second field goal
post; and wherein at least a portion of the second field goal post
can be inserted into the second mount to removably secure the
second field goal post to the second float.
5. The float assembly of claim 1, wherein the float is configured
to float on a water surface.
6. The float assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pipes
and the plurality of connection fittings allow for the field goal
post to be constructed and deconstructed.
7. The float assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the float
or the plurality of pipes are manufactured from polyvinyl
chloride.
8. The float assembly of claim 1, wherein the float has an annular
body.
9. The float assembly of claim 1, wherein the float is manufactured
from foam.
10. The float assembly of claim 1, wherein the float includes a
counterbalance opposite the field goal post.
11. A floating assembly, comprising: a float including a body
defining a central opening and a mount; and a field goal post
comprising an inflatable body having a mounting post, wherein the
field goal post can be inflated and deflated, and the mounting post
can be inserted into the mount to removably secure the field goal
post to the float.
12. The float assembly of claim 11, further comprising a floating
game mat and a ball.
13. The float assembly of claim 12, further comprising a paddle for
hitting the ball.
14. The float assembly of claim 11, further comprising: a second
float including a second body defining a second central opening and
a second mount secured to the second body, and a second field goal
post comprising a second inflatable body having a second mounting
post, wherein the second field goal post can be inflated and
deflated, and the second mounting post can be inserted into the
second mount to removably secure the second field goal post to the
second float.
15. The float assembly of claim 11, wherein the float is configured
to float on a water surface.
16. The float assembly of claim 15, further comprising a pouch,
wherein the pouch is secured to the float.
17. The float assembly of claim 16, further comprising a zipper or
a cover flap for closing the pouch.
18. The float assembly of claim 16, wherein the pouch is configured
to receive and hold the field goal post when the field goal post is
deflated.
19. The float assembly of claim 11, wherein the float has an
annular body.
20. The float assembly of claim 11, wherein the float includes a
counterbalance opposite the field goal post.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/608,125 filed on Dec. 20, 2017, the
entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a device that
allows for game playing in an aquatic environment such as a
swimming pool. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to
a float with game features.
BACKGROUND
[0003] During all times of the year, individuals often go to
aquatic environments such as swimming pools (outdoor and indoor),
lakes, etc., to relax, socialize, and play games with each other.
In this regard, floats, e.g., swimming pool floats, are often used
by individuals at the aquatic environment to float on the water and
relax. These floats take many forms, but often times will be
toroidal in shape with a central opening where the person can sit,
allowing the individual to float on the water. Additionally,
aquatic games are often played by both adults and children at these
aquatic environments. These games can include the use of ball.
[0004] While at an aquatic environment, individuals or families may
want to switch between relaxing and playing games. This requires
them to pack their vehicles with not only floats for relaxing, but
also games for playing, along with any other equipment that they
may need, e.g., chairs, umbrellas, etc., and transport such
equipment to the aquatic environment. Since vehicles have limited
space, and, as a result, it may be difficult to find adequate room
in the vehicle to transport additional equipment such as floats or
equipment for sports and games. Furthermore, even when the aquatic
environment is at an individual's house, e.g., a personal pool, and
travel is not necessary, equipment storage becomes an issue. Not
only does a home owner have store their typical and essential
aquatic equipment, they must find storage space for their leisure
equipment, e.g., floats, and equipment for sports and games.
[0005] Accordingly, what is desirable is a float that can function
both as a float on which a person can sit to float on the water,
but which can also function as a game that can be used at an
aquatic environment.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure relates to a float with game
features. The float can function as a conventional float used at
aquatic environments, and can also function as a game that can be
played at such aquatic environments. By combining multiple features
into one compact package, the float is space-saving and easily
transported. The float is uniquely designed to provide an enhanced
experience at an aquatic environment by providing a device to relax
on, and a gameplay area into a combined package.
[0007] In some example embodiments, a floating game assembly
includes a float, a field goal post, a game mat, and a ball. The
float includes a body defining a central opening and a mount
secured to the body. The float is configured to float on a water
surface. The field goal post includes a plurality of pipes and a
plurality of connection fittings. The plurality of pipes are
connected with the plurality of connection fittings to form the
field goal post, allowing the field goal post to be constructed and
deconstructed. At least a portion of the field goal post can be
inserted into and secured to the mount to removably secure the
field goal post to the float. In some aspects, the floating game
assembly can include a paddle for hitting the ball.
[0008] In some aspects, the floating game assembly can include a
second float and a second field goal post. The second float
includes a body defining a central opening and a mount secured to
the body. The second float is configured to float on a water
surface. The second field goal post includes a plurality of pipes
and a plurality of connection fittings. The plurality of pipes are
connected with the plurality of connection fittings to form the
second field goal post, allowing the second field goal post to be
constructed and deconstructed. At least a portion of the second
field goal post can be inserted into and secured to the mount to
removably secure the second field goal post to the second
float.
[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, a float with game features
includes a float and a field goal post. The float includes a body
defining a central opening and a mount secured to the body. The
float is configured to float on a water surface. The field goal
post includes a plurality of pipes and a plurality of connection
fittings. The plurality of pipes are connected with the plurality
of connection fittings to form the field goal post, allowing the
field goal post to be constructed and deconstructed. At least a
portion of the field goal post can be inserted into and secured to
the mount to removably secure the field goal post to the float.
[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, a float with game features
includes a float and an inflatable field goal post. The float
includes a body defining a central opening and a mount secured to
the body. The float is configured to float on a water surface. The
field goal post includes an inflatable body having a mounting post.
The inflatable field goal post can be inflated and deflated. The
mounting post of the inflatable field goal post can be inserted
into and secured to the mount to removably secure the inflatable
field goal post to the float. The float can also include a pouch
secured thereto that is configured to receive and store the
inflatable field goal post when it is deflated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floating game assembly of
the present disclosure provided in an aquatic environment, e.g., a
swimming pool;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a float with game features of
the floating game assembly of FIG. 1; and
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an alternative float with game
features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present disclosure relates to a floating game assembly
and float with game features, as described in detail below in
connection with FIGS. 1-3.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floating game assembly 10
provided in an aquatic environment 12, e.g., a swimming pool. The
floating game assembly 10 includes two floats with game features
14, a game mat 16, a paddle 17, and a ball 18. Each float with game
features 14 includes a float 20 and a field goal post 22. The float
20 can have an annular body 24 that defines a central opening 26
providing access to a water surface 28. The central opening 26 can
function to retain the ball 18 if a user throws the ball 18 into
the central opening 26 of the float 20. The float 20 can be formed
of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and can be inflatable. Alternatively,
the float 20 can be a solid structure made of ethylene-vinyl
acetate (EVA) foam. The field goal post 22 generally comprises a
plurality of pipes 30 and a plurality of connection fittings 32.
The float with game features 14, the game mat 16, the paddle 17,
and the ball 18 are configured to float on the water surface 28 so
that they are engageable by a user. The paddle 17 is a generally
rigid component that can be used to strike the ball 18 to "kick"
the ball 18 through the field goal post 22, discussed in greater
detail below.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the float with game features
14, showing the field goal post 22 exploded from the float 20. As
described in connection with FIG. 1, the float 20 includes an
annular body 24 that defines a central opening 26. The annular body
24 of the float 20 additionally includes a mount 34 sized and
configured to receive a portion of the field goal post 22, e.g.,
one of the pipes 30. The mount 34 can be a recess or a through-hole
that extends into or through the annular body 24. In such a
configuration, the mount 34 can be a flexible or a rigid PVC cup or
sheath that is secured to the annular body 24 of the float 20 so
that it extends into or through the annular body 24. In the case of
an inflatable float 20, the mount 34 is secured to the annular body
24 so that it does not impair the structural integrity of the float
20, e.g., the mount 34 is sealed to the annular body 24 such that
they annular body 24 maintains its airtight seal. The mount 34 can
also be an external structure, e.g., a rigid PVC cup, that is
secured to the exterior of the annular body 24. A portion of the
field goal post 22, e.g., a pipe 30, can be inserted into the mount
34 to secure the field goal post 22 to the float 20 in an upright
position. The mount 34 and the pipe 30 can have a tight tolerance
between them so that the pipe 30, and thus the field goal post 22,
is secured to the mount 34 with a friction fit engagement. The
float 20 can include a counter-balance opposite the mount 34 to
prevent the float 20 from flipping over when the field goal post 22
is secured thereto.
[0017] As referenced above in connection with FIG. 1, the field
goal post 22 comprises a plurality of pipes 30 and a plurality of
connection fittings 32. It is recommended that the components of
the field goal post 22 are manufactured out of PVC or like
materials, but is not limited to these materials. PVC would satisfy
the required criteria of lightness, strength, and durability. The
connection fittings 32 are slightly larger in diameter than the
pipes 30 so that the pipes 30 can be inserted into the connection
fittings 32 to connect to each other. The pipes 30 are inserted
into the connection fittings 32, and due to the tight tolerances
between components, the field goal post 22 can be securely
constructed. The plurality of pipes 30 are generally connected to
the plurality of connection fittings 32 in a Y-shaped form, e.g., a
U-shaped form with a single pipe 30 extending therefrom for
connection to the mount 34. Alternatively, the plurality of pipes
30 can be connected to the plurality of connection fittings 32 in
an H-shaped form, e.g., with two pipes 30 extending therefrom for
connection to a plurality of mounts 34. In this "H"-configuration,
the float 20 would include two mounts 34 sized, shaped, and spaced
to match with the two pipes 30. Furthermore, it should be
understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the pipes
30 and connection fittings 32 can be of various suitable diameters.
For example, the pipes 30 and connection fittings 32 can be of a
larger diameter, e.g., a three inch diameter, or they can be of a
smaller diameter, e.g., a one inch diameter. Smaller and larger
diameters than those listed are also contemplated by this
disclosure. The field goal post 22 can also be constructed as a
single unitary component instead of being formed of a plurality of
pipes 30 and a plurality of connection fittings 32.
[0018] The above-described construction allows the float 20 to
remain intact without any additional modifications to allow the
field goal post 22 to be mounted to it. That is, the mount 34
facilitates the installation and removal of the field goal post 22,
while allowing the float 20 to be used by an individual as pool
float when the field goal post 22 is detached. By making the field
goal post 22 easily removable, the float 20 remains portable and
retains the capability of being used by an individual as a
floatation device, e.g., for relaxation purposes. Accordingly, the
float with game features 14 serves a dual purpose as it can be used
as a game playing device and a floating chair.
[0019] The floating game assembly 10 is shown in FIG. 1 with two
floats with game features 14. However, it should be understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art that the floating game assembly 10
could include a single float with game features 14, or more than
two floats with game features 14. For example, if space is limited
then a single float with game features 14 can be used, or if space
is not limited and three individuals want to play the game then
three floats with game features 14 can be used. The utilization of
more than three floats with game features 14 is also contemplated
by the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an alternative float with game
features 36. The alternative float with game features 36 can be
used in place of the first float with game features 14 shown in
connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. The alternative float with game
features 36 includes a float 38 and an inflatable field goal post
40. Similar to the float 20 described in connection with FIGS. 1
and 2, the float 38 includes an annular body 42 that defines a
central opening 44. The annular body 42 of the float 38
additionally includes a mount 46 sized and configured to receive a
portion of the inflatable field goal post 40. The mount 46 can be a
recess or a through-hole that extends into or through the annular
body 42. The mount 46 of the float 38 can be similar in
construction to the mount 34 of the float 20 discussed in
connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. The float 38 can also include a
pouch 48 secured to the annular body 42. The pouch 48 can be a
closed by a zipper or can have a cover flap. The pouch 48 is
configured to receive and hold the inflatable field goal post 40
when it is deflated. Accordingly, the pouch 48 functions as storage
for the inflatable field goal post 40.
[0021] The inflatable field goal post 40 is an inflatable unitary
structure that includes a body 50 having at least one mounting post
52 and two uprights 54. The mounting post 52 is configured to be
inserted into and engage the mount 46. The inflatable field goal
post 40 is generally Y-shaped, e.g., a U-shaped form with the
mounting post 52 extending therefrom for connection to the mount
46. Alternatively, the inflatable field goal post 40 can be
H-shaped, e.g., with two mounting posts 52 for connection to a
plurality of mounts 46. In this "H"-configuration, the float 20
would include two mounts 46 sized, shaped, and spaced to match with
the two pipes 52. The inflatable field goal post 40 can be deflated
and stored in the pouch 48.
[0022] The inflatable field goal post 40 can be secured to the
float 38 by inserting the mounting post 52 into the mount 46, which
secures the inflatable field goal post 40 to the float 38 in an
upright position. The mount 46 and the mounting post 52 can have a
tight tolerance between them so that the mounting post 52, and thus
the inflatable field goal post 40, is secured to the mount 46 with
a friction fit engagement. If necessary, the float 38 can include a
counter-balance opposite the mount 46 to prevent the float 38 from
flipping over when the field goal post 40 is secured thereto.
[0023] In an alternative embodiment contemplated by the present
disclosure, the alternative float with game features 36 can be a
single structure with the float 38 and the inflatable field goal
post 40 permanently secured to each other. In such a configuration,
the inflatable field goal post 40 can be permanently secured to the
float 38 at the location of the mount 46. Furthermore, the float 38
and the inflatable field goal post 40 can be isolated such that
their air chambers are not in fluidic communication. This
arrangement allows the float 38 and the inflatable field goal post
40 to be inflated separately, thus allowing a user to selectively
inflate and deflate the inflatable field goal post 40. As such, a
user can choose to only inflate the float 38 and use it as a
flotation device while maintaining the inflatable field goal post
40 in a deflated condition. In this alternative embodiment, the
mount 46 can function as a storage compartment for the inflatable
field goal post 40 such that when the inflatable field goal post 40
is deflated it can be packed into the recess of the mount 46 for
storing the inflatable field goal post 40 out of the way.
[0024] The games provided by the present disclosure can be played
in a plurality of player configurations, such as one player versus
one player, two players versus two players, etc. To set-up the
floating game assembly 10 for gameplay, two of the floats with game
features 14 can be provided and positioned to face opposing teams,
with a predetermined distance separating the floats with game
features 14. The game mat 16 is placed between the floats with game
features 14. Optionally, the game mat 16 can be connected to the
front of the floats 20 so that the spacing of the floats 20 is
maintained during gameplay. If a single float with game features 14
is utilized then the game mat 16 will be placed in front of the
single float with game features 14. Once the floating game assembly
10 is set-up, a player can throw the ball 18 into the central
opening 26 of the float 20 opposite from where the user is
standing. Various point scoring rules could be used. For example,
if the ball 18 is thrown and hits any part of the float 20 on a
fly, three points could be awarded. If the ball 18 goes into the
central opening 26, seven points could be awarded. Further, if the
ball 18 enters the central opening 26, there could be an
opportunity to gain one more point by "kicking" the ball 18 through
the field goal post 22 with the paddle 17 or with a user's hand. To
prepare for the kick, the ball 18 should be positioned at midfield,
while a teammate holds the ball 18 and the player "kicks" it, e.g.,
strikes it with the paddle 17, towards the field goal post 22. If
the ball 18 goes through the field goal post 22, the player
receives a point. If, in the process of kicking the extra point,
the player "kicks" the ball 18 and it enters the central opening 26
of the float 20, the player or team could win the game regardless
of score. Further, if a player throws the ball 18 and it skims off
the water surface 28 and manages to land in the central opening 26,
the player could receive two points. Conceivably any point and/or
scoring scheme could be utilized.
[0025] To ensure a fair game, and to minimize any potentially
advantages pertaining to weather, or uneven water depth, opposing
players should change position when the leading team reaches the
following point milestones: twelve points, twenty-four points,
thirty-six points, and forty-eight points. First team to reach
fifty-four points is declared the winner. If during the play, the
ball 18 touches the float 20 and the opposite team catches it
before it touches the water 28, the opposing team could be awarded
three points. Any variations or game rules could be utilized.
[0026] It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
that when playing the above described game, the alternative float
with game features 36 shown in FIG. 3 can be used in place of the
float with game features 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Additionally,
it should be understood that the floats 20, 38 and the field goal
posts 22, 40 are interchangeable.
[0027] Having thus described the invention in detail, it is to be
understood that the foregoing description is not intended to limit
the spirit or scope thereof. It will be understood that the
embodiments of the present invention described herein are merely
exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make any
variations and modification without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications,
including those discussed above, are intended to be included within
the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *