Toss Game Apparatus Having A Bounce Back Surface

Abstract

A toss game apparatus includes a first assembly and a second assembly pivotally connected to the first assembly. The first assembly includes a first outer frame, a target surface connected to at least a portion of the first outer frame, and at least one target pocket that is recessed below the target surface. The at least one target pocket is configured to receive a toss game piece. The second assembly includes a second outer frame, and a bounce surface connected to at least a portion of the second outer frame. The target surface is configured to be positioned at an angle non-linearly relative to the bounce surface.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The disclosure relates generally to games, and in particular to toss games.

[0002] Toss games provide competitive entertainment to players and include, for example basketball, bocce and beanbag toss games. Players of toss games compete with accuracy skills to place a game object closest to a target and accumulate scoring points until a tally goal is reached. One example is the toss game of darts. The more accurate the player, the quicker the accumulation of points to reach an agreed upon total to win the game. Other toss games are enjoyed by attempting to place a game object within an opening, such as a basketball within a basketball goal or a beanbag through a hole in a surface.

[0003] The majority of toss games require throwing a game object directly at a target. To improve the challenge of the common toss game, there is a desire to add a difficulty of play. Introducing a bounce back surface to a toss game improves the challenge of the toss game.

SUMMARY

[0004] In an embodiment, a toss game apparatus includes a first assembly and a second assembly pivotally connected to the first assembly. The first assembly includes a first outer frame, a target surface connected to at least a portion of the first outer frame, and at least one target pocket that is recessed below the target surface. The at least one target pocket is configured to receive a toss game piece. The second assembly includes a second outer frame, and a bounce surface connected to at least a portion of the second outer frame. The target surface is configured to be positioned at an angle non-linearly relative to the bounce surface.

[0005] Optionally, a target pocket may be collapsible. A target pocket may be removably attached to at least a portion of the target surface. Alternatively, a target pocket is fixedly attached to at least a portion of the target surface.

[0006] Optionally, the bounce surface is formed of a resilient material. The bounce surface may include one or more visual markings indicating a target location as to where the toss game piece should be tossed.

[0007] The toss game apparatus may further include a third assembly that is pivotally attached to the second assembly. One or more of the second assembly or the third assembly may include a pouch configured to store the one or more toss game pieces.

[0008] The second outer frame may include an upper member, a lower member, and a pair of leg members that are configured to connect to one or more of the upper member or the lower member. The bounce surface may be at least partially connected to the upper member.

[0009] In an embodiment, a toss game apparatus includes a first assembly, and a second assembly pivotally connected to the first assembly. The first assembly includes a first outer frame, a target surface connected to at least a portion of the first outer frame, and at least one target pocket that is recessed below the target surface. The at least one target pocket is configured to receive a toss game piece. The second assembly includes a second outer frame having an upper member having a first portion and a second portion, a lower member having a first portion and a second portion, a first leg member, and a second leg member. A first end of the first leg member is configured to connect to the first portion of the upper member, and a second end of the first leg member is configured to connect to the first portion of the lower member. A first end of the second leg member is configured to connect to the second portion of the upper member and a second end of the second leg member is configured to connect to the second portion of the lower member. A bounce surface is connected to at least a portion of the upper member. The target surface is configured to be positioned at an angle non-linearly relative to the bounce surface.

[0010] Optionally, the at least one target pocket may be collapsible. The at least one target pocket may be removably attached to at least a portion of the target surface. At least one target pocket may be fixedly attached to at least a portion of the target surface.

[0011] The bounce surface may be formed of a resilient material. The bounce surface may include one or more visual markings indicating a target location as to where the toss game piece should be tossed.

[0012] The toss game apparatus may further include a third assembly that is pivotally attached to the second assembly. One or more of the second assembly or the third assembly may include a pouch configured to store the one or more toss game pieces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example toss game apparatus with toss game pieces in an opened, in-use state.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a top view of an example toss game apparatus.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of an example toss game apparatus.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of an example toss game apparatus.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a back view of an example toss game apparatus.

[0018] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an example toss game apparatus.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a sectional view along a cutline of an example target pocket of a toss game.

[0020] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of another example toss game pieces in use with a toss game apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] As used in this document, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used in this document, the term "comprising" means "including, but not limited to." When used in this document, the term "exemplary" is intended to mean "by way of example" and is not intended to indicate that a particular exemplary item is preferred or required.

[0022] In this document, when terms such "first" and "second" are used to modify a noun, such use is simply intended to distinguish one item from another, and is not intended to require a sequential order unless specifically stated. The term "approximately," when used in connection with a numeric value, is intended to include values that are close to, but not exactly, the number. For example, in some embodiments, the term "approximately" may include values that are within +/-10 percent of the value.

[0023] When used in this document, terms such as "top" and "bottom," "above" and "below", "upper" and "lower", or "front" and "rear," are not intended to have absolute orientations but are instead intended to describe relative positions of various components with respect to each other. For example, a first component may be an "upper" component and a second component may be a "lower" component when a device of which the components are a part is oriented in a first direction. The relative orientations of the components may be reversed, or the components may be on the same plane, if the orientation of the structure that contains the components is changed. The claims are intended to include all orientations of a device containing such components.

[0024] FIG. 1 presents an isometric view of an example toss game apparatus 10. A toss game apparatus 10 may include a first assembly 100 having a target surface 140 and a first outer frame 180, a second assembly 200 having a bounce surface 240 and a second outer frame 280, a third assembly 300 having a toss game piece storage pouch 340 and a third outer frame 380, and/or a crossmember 400. The toss game apparatus 10 may be utilized with one or more toss game pieces 20. A player tosses a toss game piece 20 against an angled bounce surface 240 and then onto another angled target surface 140 with the goal of having the toss game piece 20 remain in a target pocket 160. The target surface 140 and bounce surface 240 are similar in shape and size but differ in that the target surface 140 includes one or more openings 144 sized to receive target pockets 160. Alternatively, the target surface 140 and bounce surface 240 may have different shapes and/or sizes.

[0025] A toss game piece 20 refers to a movable object that is capable of being tossed at and received by one or more target pockets 160. Example toss game pieces 20 may include, without limitation, beanbags, rings, discs, spheres (for example tennis balls, baseballs, golf balls, or ping pong balls) or other objects. The toss game pieces 20 may be organized into two or more groups. In an embodiment, toss game pieces 20 may be organized into groups based on a characteristic of a toss game piece 20 such as, for example, color, shape, size, markings or the like. For example, toss game pieces 20 may be organized into groups of pieces in which each piece in a group shares one or more characteristics, but those characteristics differ from group to group to differentiate between players or teams. As another example, toss game pieces 20 may be grouped by color or by markings to assist players with color-blindness. The markings on one or more toss game pieces 20 may be numbers, characters, symbols, images, or any combination thereof. For example, a marking may be a number between 1 and 8 or an `X` and an `O`. While a single player may enjoy the toss game apparatus, two or more players may utilize a toss game apparatus in teams (designated by toss game piece color or markings) for more competitive play. The toss game pieces 20 may be stored when not in use in the toss game piece storage pouch 340.

[0026] FIGS. 2-5 present a top, front, side, and back view, respectively, of the toss game apparatus 10 in relation to a game support surface G. A game support surface G refers to a surface on which the toss game apparatus 10 may be positioned for game play. Examples of game support surface G may include, without limitation, a ground surface (for example grass, dirt, or sand), a floor surface (for example concrete, wood, or tile) or an elevated surface (for example a chair, bench, table, or desk), and/or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the target surface 140 and the bounce surface 240 may be placed at an angle with respect to each other, to the game support surface G, and/or to the horizon if the game support surface G is not a level surface. The target surface 140 and the bounce surface 240 may be angled non-linearly with respect to each other in the range of 45.degree. to 180.degree.. FIG. 4 illustrates a 90.degree. angle. The target surface 140 may be angled with respect to the game support surface G in the range of 0.degree. to 90.degree.. FIG. 4 illustrates a 45.degree. angle. The bounce surface 240 may be angled with respect to the game support surface G in the range of 0.degree. to 135.degree.. FIG. 4 illustrates a 45.degree. angle.

[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first assembly 100 may include a first outer frame 180 having an upper member 182 that extends substantially horizontally between a first and a second end of the upper member 182, and two leg members 184 extending substantially vertically from the ends of the upper member 182. The upper member 182 and the leg members 184 may be a unitary frame member. Alternatively the upper portion 182 and the leg portions 184 may be connected in any suitable way such as, for example, via screws, pins, or other fasteners or connectors.

[0028] The upper member 182 may include two portions 182b that are connected via a connection member 182a. As illustrated in FIG. 6, one or more of the portions 182b may have a curved, rounded, or bent shape. One or more leg members 184 may connect to one or more of the portions 182b of the upper member 182. For example, one end of a leg member 184 may telescopically connect to a portion 182b of the upper member 182. Further, one or more of the portions 182b of the upper member 182 may include an adjustment pin 188 and one or more of the leg members 184 may include an aperture 184a, wherein the adjustment pin 188 on the upper member 182 may be received in the aperture 184a on the leg member 184. This telescopic attachment may allow adjustment of the upper member 182 relative to the leg members 184. Alternatively, one or more leg members 184 may be integrally fixed to one or more of the portions 182b of the upper member 182. For example, one end of a leg member 184 may be welded to a portion 182b of the upper member 182 such as by swag welding or the like. Other means for attachments may be employed, such as adhesives, screws, bolts, rivets, or the like.

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the second assembly 200 may include a second outer frame 280. The second outer frame 280 may have the shape of a loop, for example the shape may be a rectangular loop. The second outer frame 280 may be a fixed loop, or a loop formed by two U-shaped members. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the second outer frame 280 may include an upper member 282, a lower member 286, and one or more leg members 284

[0030] Attorney Docket No. 182123.02601 connected in any suitable way such as, for example, via screws, pins, or other fasteners or connectors.

[0031] The upper member 282 may include two portions 282b that are connected via a connection member 282a. In various embodiments, the lower member 286 may also include two portions 286b that are connected via a connection member 286a. As illustrated in FIG. 6, one or more of the portions 282b, 286b may have a curved, rounded, or bent shape. One or more leg members 284 may connect to one or more of the portions 282b of the upper member 282 and/or one or more portions 286b of the lower member 286. For example, one end of a leg member 284 may telescopically connect to a portion 282b of the upper member 282 while the other end of the leg member 284 may telescopically connect to a portion 286b of the lower member 286. Further, one or more of the portions 282b of the upper member 282 and/or one or more of the portions 286b of the lower member 286 may include an adjustment pin 288 and one or more of the leg members 284 may include an aperture 284a, wherein the adjustment pin 288 on the upper member 282 and/or lower member 286 may be received in the aperture 284a on the leg member 284. This telescopic attachment may allow adjustment of the upper member 282 and/or the lower member 286 relative to the leg members 284. This adjustable feature allows a player to orient the bounce surface 240 at an angle relative to the game support surface G. The second assembly 200 may also be supported by a crossmember 400. In an alternative embodiment, the upper member 282 and the lower member 286 may be fixedly connected to one or more leg members 286.

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the third assembly 300 may include a third outer frame 380 having a lower member 382 extending substantially horizontally between a first and a second end of the lower member 382, and two leg members 384 extending substantially vertically from the ends of the lower member 382. The lower member 382 and the leg members 384 may be a unitary frame member. Alternatively the lower portion 382 and the leg portions 384 may be connected in any suitable way such as, for example, via screws, pins, or other fasteners or connectors.

[0033] The lower member 382 may include two portions 382b that are connected via a connection member 382a. As illustrated in FIG. 6, one or more of the portions 382b may have a curved, rounded, or bent shape. One or more leg members 384 may connect to one or more of the portions 382b of the lower member 382. For example, one end of a leg member 384 may telescopically connect to a portion 382b of the lower member 382. Further, one or more of the portions 382b of the lower member 382 may include an adjustment pin 388 and one or more of the leg members 384 may include an aperture 384a, wherein the adjustment pin 388 on the lower member 382 may be received in the aperture 384a on the leg member 384. This telescopic attachment may allow adjustment of the lower member 382 relative to the leg members 384.

[0034] Providing adjustable connections for both the second assembly 200 and the third assembly 300 may allow a player to orient the target surface 140 and/or the bounce surface 240 at varying elevations above the game support surface G as well as tilting the target surface 140 and/or the bounce surface 240 forward and rearward.

[0035] The toss game piece storage pouch 340 may be attached to the second assembly 200, or as shown in FIG. 6, to the third assembly 300. In various embodiments, a toss game piece storage pouch 340 may be attached to the second assembly 200 and/or the third assembly 300 in any suitable manner such as, for example, using hook and loop fasteners or sewn in loops 342.

[0036] The first outer frame 180, second outer frame 280, and third outer frame 380 may be formed from various materials such as, for example, plastics, metals, or other rigid materials. In various embodiments, the first outer frame 180, second outer frame 280, and third outer frame 380 may be formed from tubular metal parts and may be connected in any suitable way such as, for example, via screws, pins, or other fasteners or connectors.

[0037] In various embodiments, a third assembly 300 may be releasably connected to a first assembly 100 and/or a second assembly 200. The first assembly 100 may include a first attachment portion 120, the second assembly 200 may include a second attachment portion 220, and the third assembly 300 may include a third attachment portion 320. An attachment portion may be a bracket assembly, a pin assembly, a screw assembly, or other fastener or connector. The first and third attachment portions 120, 320 may be separate portions each having a separate pivot point. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the first and third attachment portions 120, 320 may each be a unitary portion having one pivot point. The second attachment portion 220 may have multiple pivot points or, as shown in FIG. 6, a single pivot point. The first attachment portion 120 may allow attachment of the first assembly 100 to the second assembly 200 at the second attachment portion 220 and/or to the third assembly 300 at the third attachment portion 320. The third attachment portion 320 may allow attachment of the third assembly 300 to the second assembly 200 at the second attachment portion 220 and/or to the first assembly 100 at the first attachment portion 120.

[0038] At least a portion of the target surface 140 may be attached to at least a portion of the first outer frame 180 of the first assembly 100 along at least a portion of the upper member 182 and/or the two leg members 184. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the target surface 140 may also be attached to at least a portion of the crossmember 400. The target surface 140 may provide one or more targets allowing a player to bounce a toss game piece 20 off of the bounce surface 240 toward the target surface 140 with the goal of landing the toss game piece 20 into a target pocket 160 of the target surface 140. In various embodiments, a bounce surface 240 may include one or more visual markings that indicate a target location on the bounce surface where a player should toss a toss game piece 20 in order to bounce the toss game piece 20 into a target pocket 160. The visual markings may include, without limitation, a character (e.g., an "x"), a symbol (e.g., a single ring or a group of concentric rings forming a bullseye target), an image, a graphic and/or the like. In various embodiments, the toss game apparatus 10 may be placed at various elevations above the game support surface G for increased difficulty in play. For example, the toss game apparatus 10 may be placed at a height above the game support surface G where the target surface 140 would obstruct the view of the bounce surface 240. The player, in this instance, would look through the target surface 140 in order to aim the toss game piece 20 toward the visual marking on the bounce surface 240. In various embodiments, the target surface 140 may be a fabric or other resilient material pulled taut onto the first assembly 100 and crossmember 400 via any suitable manner such as, for example, using hook and loop fasteners, straps, or sewn in loops 142. The resilient target surface 140 may be formed of transparent, opaque, or tinted materials, may include a sheer weave, and/or a pattern of apertures of various diameters (i.e., perforations). For example, the resilient target surface may be formed of NO-SEE-UM SCREEN.TM. material having a pattern of perforations allowing a player to see through the target surface 140. Alternatively, the target surface 140 may be a substantially rigid surface fixed to the first outer frame 180 of the first assembly 100 and/or the crossmember 400. The rigid target surface 140 may be transparent, semitransparent, tinted, colored, painted, or the like. For a variation of play, the target surface 140 may be one of a set of interchangeable target surfaces 140 having varying properties (resilient or rigid, transparent or darkened, perforated or obstructed, or any combination thereof). The players may place the toss game apparatus 10 at various elevations and/or interchange the target surfaces 140 to increase the difficulty in play.

[0039] At least a portion of the bounce surface 240 may be attached to at least a portion of the second outer frame 280 of the second assembly 200 along at least a portion of the upper member 282 and/or the two leg members 284 of the second assembly 200. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the bounce surface 240 may also be attached to at least a portion of the crossmember 400. The bounce surface 240 may allow a player to bounce a toss game piece 20 off of the bounce surface 240 toward the target surface 140. The bounce surface 240 may be a fabric or other resilient material pulled taut onto the second assembly 200 and/or crossmember 400 via any suitable manner such as, for example, using hook and loop fasteners, straps, or sewn in loops 242. Alternatively, the bounce surface 240 may be a substantially rigid surface fixed to the second outer frame 280 of the second assembly 200 and/or the crossmember 400.

[0040] In an embodiment, the toss game apparatus 10 may be fixed with no moving parts in a simple orientation allowing for the target surface 140 to be adjacent to the bounce surface 240. Alternatively, the toss game apparatus 10 may be at least partially collapsed into a stored orientation. In a stored orientation, the first assembly 100 and third assembly 300 may be placed co-planar to the second assembly 200. The toss game apparatus 10 may be opened to the play orientation where the first assembly 100 and third assembly 300 are placed at an angle in relation to the second assembly 200. In the stored orientation, the first assembly 100 and third assembly 300 may be secured to the second assembly 200 via a fastener 600, such as, for example, magnets, latches, mating hook and loop material and/or the like. The fastener 600 may be placed between the upper member 182 of the first assembly 100 and the upper member 282 of the second assembly 200 and/or between the lower member 382 of the third assembly 300 and the lower member 286 of the second assembly 200 (not shown). The toss game apparatus 10 may further include an optional carrying strap 500, such as, for example, one attached to the second assembly 200, in order to allow a player to support the weight of the toss game apparatus on his or her shoulder when in the stored orientation. In the play orientation, the second assembly 200 and third assembly 300 may include a non-slip material 290, 390 able to contact the game support surface G in order to reduce movement of the toss game apparatus 10 when toss game pieces 20 bounce against the bounce surface 240 and target surface 140.

[0041] A target pocket 160 on the target surface 140 may be a single target pocket 160 or multiple target pockets 160. As seen in the sectional view of FIG. 7 along the cutline 7-7 found in FIG. 3, the target pocket 160 is recessed below the target surface 140. A target pocket 160 may be fixed to or removable from the target surface 140. A target pocket 160 may be formed of a rigid material, such as a replaceable cup (not shown) placed within a fixed aperture 144 on the target surface 140, or may be formed by a collapsible material integral with the target surface 140. For example, target surface 140 may be formed from a fabric or other resilient material. Likewise, the target pocket 160 may be formed with the target surface 140 or may be attached to the target surface 140, e.g., by sewing, gluing, sonic welding, or the like. Alternative and/or additional target pockets 160 and connection methods may be used within the scope of the disclosure. One method of attachment of a collapsible target pocket 160 is to capture the distal ends of the open pocket material between an upper and lower ring 166, 164 onto the target surface 140. The target pockets 160 may be sized to receive one or more of the toss game pieces 20. In various embodiments, each target pocket 160 may have the same size. Alternatively, one or more target pockets 160 may have a different size relative to one or more other target pockets 160. The target pockets 160 may be spaced in a pattern to provide varying stages of difficulty for the player to achieve. For example, easy to hit target pockets 160 may be placed down low near the bounce surface 240 while more difficult to hit target pockets 160 may be placed higher near the upper corners of the target surface 140. In an embodiment, one or more of the target pockets 160 may include a color or marking to designate the difficulty. For example, the target pocket marking associated with the target pocket 160 may be a number placed in the bottom of the target pocket 160, or alternatively on the sides of the target pocket 160 as seen in FIG. 8. The target pocket 160 may be recessed at an angle relative to the target surface 140 or, as shown in FIGS. 4 & 7, the target pocket 160 may be recessed normal to the target surface 140.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the bounce surface 240 and target surface 140 may be formed from a single sheet of material.

[0043] The above-disclosed features and functions, as well as alternatives, may be combined into many other different apparatuses or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements may be made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A toss game apparatus comprising: a first assembly having: a first outer frame, a target surface connected to at least a portion of the first outer frame, and plurality of target pockets that are each recessed below the target surface, wherein each target pocket is configured to receive a toss game piece; and a second assembly pivotally connected to the first assembly, wherein the second assembly comprises: a second outer frame, and ounce surface connected to at least a portion of the second outer frame, wherein: the target surface is configured to be positioned at an angle non-linearly relative to the bounce surface; and the bounce surface comprises a plurality of visual markings, wherein each visual marking: corresponds to one of the plurality of target pockets, and indicates a target location as to where the toss game piece is to be aimed in order to bounce the toss game piece into the target pocket that corresponds to the visual marking.

2. The toss game apparatus of claim 1, wherein each target pocket is collapsible.

3. The toss game apparatus of claim 1, wherein each target pocket is removably attached to at least a portion of the target surface.

4. The toss game apparatus of claim 1, wherein each target pocket is fixedly attached to at least a portion of the target surface.

5. The toss game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bounce surface is formed of a resilient material.

6. (canceled)

7. The toss game apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a third assembly that is pivotally attached to the second assembly.

8. The toss game apparatus of claim 7, wherein one or more of the second assembly or the third assembly comprises a pouch configured to store the one or more toss game pieces.

9. The toss game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second outer frame comprises: an upper member; a lower member; and a pair of leg members that are configured to connect to one or more of the upper member or the lower member.

10. The toss game apparatus of claim 9, wherein the bounce surface is at least partially connected to the upper member.

11. A toss game apparatus comprising: a first assembly having: a first outer frame, a target surface connected to at least a portion of the first outer frame, and a plurality of target pockets that are each recessed below the target surface, wherein each target pocket is configured to receive a toss game piece; and a second assembly pivotally connected to the first assembly, wherein the second assembly comprises: a second outer frame comprising: an upper member having a first portion and a second portion, a lower member having a first portion and a second portion, a first leg member, wherein a first end of the first leg member is configured to connect to the first portion of the upper member and a second end of the first leg member is configured to connect to the first portion of the lower member, a second leg member, wherein a first end of the second leg member is configured to connect to the second portion of the upper member and a second end of the second leg member is configured to connect to the second portion of the lower member, and a bounce surface connected to at least a portion of the upper member, wherein: the target surface is configured to be positioned at an angle non-linearly relative to the bounce surface; and the bounce surface comprises a plurality of visual markings, wherein each visual marking: corresponds to one of the plurality of target pockets, and indicates a target location as to where the toss game piece is to be aimed in order to bounce the toss game piece into the target pocket that corresponds to the visual marking.

12. The toss game apparatus of claim 11, wherein each target pocket is collapsible.

13. The toss game apparatus of claim 11, wherein each target pocket is removably attached to at least a portion of the target surface.

14. The toss game apparatus of claim 11, wherein each target pocket is fixedly attached to at least a portion of the target surface.

15. The toss game apparatus of claim 11, wherein the bounce surface is formed of a resilient material.

16. (canceled)

17. The toss game apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a third assembly that is pivotally attached to the second assembly.

18. The toss game apparatus of claim 17, wherein one or more of the second assembly or the third assembly comprises a pouch configured to store the one or more toss game pieces.

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