Patent Application
20240325841
The following discussion is not to be deemed admitted prior art but merely related art to show possible background and information related to playing a game by several players with cans and washers.
Backyard games are popular among people of all ages. Examples of common backyard games are horseshoes, cornhole, lawn darts, and bocce ball.
Backyard games are more popular when the games are compact, transportable, easy to setup and can be played on the beach, in snow, while tailgating, when camping, or at any gathering.
Backyard games of skill bring people together for entertainment or challenge which in turn creates competition and fun.
Backyard games like horseshoes require driving a stake into the ground at a given distance. Still others, like cornhole, require large playing boards that can be difficult to lift and position. Furthermore, some games cannot be played near water on a beach or in snow.
Each of these solutions fail to meet the needed solution because they may be cumbersome, require flat surfaces, and have materials that do not resist water and sand.
Therefore, a need exists for a novel apparatus and method of play for a game played with cans and washers on varying surfaces, near water, and in different locations.
This invention relates generally to, but is not limited to, a game played with cans and washers.
Disclosed are numerous aspects of a unique apparatus and method of play for a game played with cans and washers, hereinafter “a can game”.
It is desirable to have a game that is easily transportable. Furthermore, it is desirable to have a can game that allows the size of the can to vary. Furthermore, it is desirable to have a can game that allows for a different number of players. Still, further, it is desirable to have a can game that can be made from different materials.
The disclosed apparatus advantageously fills these needs and addresses the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a can game and will allow players to compete and have fun.
A can game is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings.
While aspects of a can game will be described with reference to the details of the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings (and some embodiments not shown in the drawings), these details are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The order of the steps of disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.
This disclosure will now provide a more detailed and specific description that will refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and specific descriptions of the drawings, as well as any specific or alternative embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the entirety of this disclosure. A can game may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and fully convey understanding to those skilled in the art.
The invention does not require that all the features and advantages need to be incorporated into every version of the invention.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in considerable detail, other versions and embodiments of the invention are certainly possible.
Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments herein. All features disclosed in this specification including any claims, abstract, and drawings may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose unless expressly stated otherwise.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of a can game, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same, only as examples and not intended to be limiting.
The terms “washer” and “disk” may be used interchangeably herein.
An embodiment of a can game has a target.
In some embodiments of a can game a target is typically a can, or a plurality of cans.
Disclosed is a can game, comprising the following components: (1) a first can 001 with an open end 006 and a closed end 007; (2) a second can 002 with an open end 006 and a closed end 007; (3) a plurality of disks 003, (3) a slot 004; (4) a surface 005.
These components generally speaking, are configured as follows: (1) a first can 001 is placed on a surface 005 at an angle to receive a disk 003; (2) a second can 002 is placed on a surface 005 at an angle to receive a disk 003; (3) the first can 001 and the second can 002 are at a given distance apart with the open end 006 of each can 001, 002 facing the other can; (4) the closed end 007 of a can 001,002 is at an angle to the surface 005, (5) a slot 004 in each closed end 007 of a first can 001 and second can 002 is positioned parallel to the surface 005.
The disclosed apparatus and method of play for a game played with cans and washers is unique when compared with other known apparatuses and solutions because it provides: (1) play on different surfaces; (2) is easy to set up and re-use; (3) combines aspects of other games like corn hole and horseshoes into a single game; (4) requires a degree of skill by a player.
The disclosed apparatus and method of play for a game played with cans and washers is unique in that it is structurally different from other known apparatuses or solutions. More specifically, the apparatus is unique due to the presence of (1) a disk of a size to fit in a can; (2) a slot in the back of a can; (3) the slot of a size to allow a disk to pass through the slot.
A can as used herein may be, but not limited to, a standard aluminum can, a beverage can, a 12-oz can, beer can, a soda can, a coffee can, a soup can, an oats' container, a cylindrical container of an appropriate size.
A can 001,002 may have rivets, holes, or other features unique to the closed end 006 of the can.
A can 001,002 is generally a cylindrical receptacle with an open end 006 and a closed end 007.
A can may be of a size, but not limited to, having a height of 5 cm to 26 cm (approximately 2 inches to 10 inches) and having a diameter of 3.5 cm to 21 cm (approximately 1.5 inches to 8 inches).
A can may be made of a material like, not meant to be limiting, aluminum, steel, plastic, laminated cardboard, cardboard, glass, carbon fiber.
A disk is a generally thin circular object.
A disk may have a hole in the center of the disk.
A disk may be a solid object.
A disk as used herein may be, but not limited to, a standard washer used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, a disk, a poker chip, a coin, a hockey puck.
A disk may be of a size, but not limited to, having a thickness of 2.5 mm to 13 cm (approximately 0.125 inches to 4 inches) and having a diameter of 12 mm to 21 cm (approximately 0.5 inches to 8 inches).
A disk may be of a weight, but not limited to, 5 grams to 300 grams (approximately 0.17 ounces to 12 ounces).
A disk may be made of a material like, not meant to be limiting, aluminum, steel, plastic, copper, nickel, vulcanized rubber.
A can 001,002 has a slot 004 in the closed end 007 of the can 001,002.
A slot 004 is of a size, not meant to be limiting, having a height of 10 mm to 13 cm (approximately 0.4 inches to 5 inches) and having a width of 45 mm to 15 cm (approximately 1.8 inches to 6 inches).
A slot is generally rectangular.
In some embodiments of a can game the can 001,002 is on a surface 005.
The surface 005 may be, but not limited to, sand, hard packed sand, sand near a shoreline, snow, dirt, soil, grass, textiles.
In an ideal embodiment of a can game a can 001,002 has an open end 006 and a closed end 007, an inside diameter of 6.6675 cm (2.625 inches), a height of 11.7475 cm (4.625 inches), a closed end 007 with a slot 004 of width 4.572 cm (1.8″) and height 1.016 cm (0.4″).
In an ideal embodiment of a can game a disk 004 has an outside diameter 4.445 cm (1.75 inches), a hole in the disk 006 has a diameter of 1.5875 cm (⅝ inches), and a thickness of 0.3175 cm (0.125 inches). The disk 006 diameter in an ideal embodiment is two-thirds that of the inside can 001,002 diameter.
In an ideal embodiment of a can game a first can 001 is placed on and in a sandy surface 005 with the longitudinal side of a can 001 approximately 45-degrees to the surface and a second can 002 is placed on and in a sandy surface 005 with the longitudinal side of a can 002 approximately 45-degrees to the surface. Can 001 and can 002 are, not meant to be limiting, or another length agreed to by the players, 5.4864 meters (eighteen (18) feet) apart with the open end 006 of the cans 001,002 facing each other. The slot 004 in the closed end 007 of the cans 001,002 should be parallel to the surface 005.
A version of apparatus and method of play for a game played with cans and washers, the method comprising the steps of providing a first can 001 with an open end 006 and a closed end 007; a second can 002 with an open end 006 and a closed end 007; a plurality of disks 003, a slot 004 in the closed end 007 of each of the cans 001,002; a surface 005; placing the cans 001, 002 approximately 18 feet (5.4864 meters) apart (other distances are contemplated) on a surface 005; and having players take turns tossing disks 003 toward the open end 006 of each can 001,002.
In some embodiments of a can game a first player 008 throws all four of the first player's 008 disks 003 followed by a second player 008 throwing all four of the second player's 008 disks 003.
In some embodiments of a can game the players 008 may alternate throwing disks 003. For example a first player 008 may throw one of the first player's 008 disks 003 followed by a second player 008 throwing one of the second player's 008 disks 003 until all the disks have been thrown.
Another example and an ideal embodiment and method of play for a game played with cans and washers starts with selecting a surface 005 for play, such as a beach. For best results, play at the water's edge on hard packed sand, but just slightly out of the reach of waves. However, playing just on the edge of the waves helps to wash and wipe the field of play clean from pushed up sand. If played at the waves edge pay special attention to where the disks 003 are thrown.
The game played with cans and washers may be played with either two (2) or four (4) players 008. Each player 008 gets four (4) disks 003 to throw. The two teams may have different colored disks 003.
If the game played with cans and washers is played with two players 008 then both players 008 will alternate ends, throwing in the same direction each time.
If the game played with cans and washers is played with four players 008 then the partners pick an end and stay there until the completion of the game. The disks 003 are tossed back and forth between the partners. Partners may choose to switch ends after the completion of any game.
The game played with cans and washers may be played as a tournament. Tournaments may be, but are not limited to, round-robin, brackets or best of three (3) competitions determined prior to the start of the tournament.
In some embodiments of a can game a player 008 may throw a disk 003 from anywhere behind the open end 006 of the can 001,002. There are no sides of the can 001,002, both opposing players 008 (the players 008 on one end of the field) may throw from the same side of the can 001,002 if they desire, or they may select “temporary sides”. These temporary sides can be adjusted at any time, during any series of throws.
In some embodiments of a can game the player 008 or the team that last scored a point throws first and throws all four disks 003 before the other player 008 or team gets their turn.
Disks 003 may be bumped in by the other team and will count as a score for the team with that color washer.
To determine which player 008 or team tosses the first disk 003 is determined by a “Washer Flip.” One player 008 flips a disk, the other player 008, or a player from the other team, calls letters (heads) or nothing (tails), like a “coin flip”. The disk 003 is allowed to hit the surface 005 before determining which side is up. The player 008 or team that wins the Washer Flip throws first.
The last player 008 or team to score throws first in the next toss.
The game played with cans and washers may be played as a “Tournament Games.” A tournament game is played until a score of eleven (11), straight out, no win by two required or exact score. A player 008 or team may exceed eleven (11) in an attempt to not allow the other player 008 or team to tie or win. The player 008 or team throwing second has the opportunity to tie or push during the round when the first player 008 or team hits eleven (11) or more. If the second player 008 or team passes the first player 008 or team, the player 008 or team in the lead, then the game ends at that point so long as both players 008 or teams have scored eleven (11) or more.
The disk 003 must enter the open end 006 of a can by fifty-percent (50%) of the diameter of the disk 003 for the score to count. Both players 008 or teams must agree, or the point will not be counted (Remember if the score is rejected the other player 008 or team may do the same at a later point in the game).
A disk 003 that passes more than fifty-percent (50%) through the open end 006 of a can 001,002 scores one (1) point. The other player 008 or team may cancel out scored disks by scoring their own. The total points scored for a round is determined by subtracting the player 008 or team with the least scored washers from the player 008 or team with the most scored washers. As an example, if a player 008 or team one earns three points and the other player 008 or team, player two, in that round earned one point then player 008 or team one would earn two (2) points in that round (i.e., player 008 one (3 points)-player 008 two (1 points) equals two points to player 008 one who had three disks 003 in the can).
During a round, a player's 008 foot must start and remain behind the open end 006 of the can 001,002 from the side the player 008 is throwing while tossing or throwing a disk 003 at the selected target. If a player 008 steps beyond the open end 008 of a can 001,002 it is considered a “fault” and no points will be awarded if a disk 003 were to score; the fault counts as a throw for that player 008.
Any disk 003 when thrown at the target 000 that passes the open end 006 of a can 001,002 and lands on the surface 005 without entering the can 001,002 may be picked up and removed from the playing field at any time.
Disks 003 may be thrown straight into a can 001,002 “on the fly”, bounced in, rolled in, slid in, or bumped in by another disk 003.
In some embodiments of a can game there is a slot 004 in the closed end 007 of a can 001,002. The slot 004 may be referred to as “The Great Equalizer.” Prior to the start of the game, it can be determined by player consensus whether to use the slot 004 during the game. If the player(s) 008 disagree then the slot 004 will be used to determine scoring.
In some embodiments of a can game the method of using the Great Equalizer works as follows. If a player 008 throws a disk 003 into the can 001,002 and the disk 003 passes more than fifty-percent (50%) through the slot 004 in the closed end 007 of the can 001,002 that player 008 or team has the option of either (1) reducing their score to the same score as the other player's 008 or team's, or (2) increasing the other player's 008 or team's score to their own. The end result is the two players 008 or teams having an equal score. If there are additional disks 003 to throw in the round the Great Equalizer is used then the player 008 or team may still throw the disks 003 during that turn. The player 008 or team who threw the “Great Equalizer” disk 003 will go first if the score is still tied after that series of throws.
In some embodiments of a can game the method of using the Great Equalizer may be determined by the players, for example but not limited to, adding a plurality of pre-determined points to the player 008 or team who threw the “Great Equalizer,” subtracting a plurality of points from the player 008 or team who did not throw the “Great Equalizer.”
In some embodiments of a can game, the method of using the Great Equalizer may be used at anytime, or at a time determined by the players 008. For example, but not limited to, players 008 or teams may decide the Great Equalizer can only be used when the event happens on a throw; alternatively the players 008 or teams may decide the Great Equalizer can occur anytime during a round of play if the disk 003 passes through the slot 004 on a subsequent throw.
In some embodiments of a can game the disk 003 may be dipped and rinsed in, but not limited to, a fresh water cup, a pond, a lake, an ocean, a beer, a beverage, prior to throwing the disks 003.
In some embodiments of a can game water, hands, a shovel, broom, squeegee may be used to smooth out the surface 005 at any time so long as it is after both players 008 at one end have completed their turn.
In some embodiments of a can game the target 000 is made of cans 001,002 which need to be placed on and in a surface 005. A can 001,002 may be used to scoop out the surface 005, for example but not limited to sand, soil, snow, gravel, at a 45-degree angle in the opposite direction of where the throws will be coming from. For example, more sand is removed where the closed end 007 of a can 001,002 will rest. The can 001,002 will then rest in the trough created in the surface 005, resulting in the closed end 007 of the can 001,002 resting lower in the surface 005 than the open end 006. The inside of the open end 006 of the can 001,002 should be even with or slightly below the surface 005 to not obstruct the sliding of a disk 003 into the can 001,002. Surface 005 material, for example sand or snow, may be packed along the sides of the can 001,002 to help stabilize it. Surface material should not be packed against the closed end 007 of the can 001,002 causing the slot 004 to be blocked.
The open end 006 of each can 001,002 should face the open end 007 of the other can 001,002. Facing the cans toward each other will align the cans longitudinally. Adjustments to can 001,002 placement may be required after each throw. The slot 004 in the closed end 007 of the can 001,002 should be parallel to the surface 005.
Players 008 should try to avoid walking on the surface 005 as it will make the surface 005 uneven and more difficult to slide the disks 003 into the cans 001,002.
Versions of a can game may be made individually, in batches, or via continuous assembly.
For example, to make an embodiment of a version of a can game prepare an appropriate work surface and assemble all the components disclosed herein. Assemble the components in a logical order as someone skilled in the art would do. For example, start with two manufactured beverage cans 001,002. Remove the tops from the beverage cans to create an open end 006. Cut a slot approximately 1 cm (approximately 0.4 inches high) and two-thirds the diameter of the can 001,002 in a closed end 007. Gather disks 003, for example washers. The disks 003 may be painted or finished in a way to identify the disks 003.
Different features, variations, and multiple different embodiments have been shown and described with various details. What has been described in this application at times in terms of specific embodiments is done for illustrative purposes only and without the intent to limit or suggest that what has been conceived is only one particular embodiment or specific embodiments. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any single specific embodiments or enumerated variations. Many modifications, variations and other embodiments will come to mind of those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be and are in fact covered by both this disclosure. It is indeed intended that the scope of this disclosure should be determined by a proper legal interpretation and construction of the disclosure, including equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the complete disclosure present at the time of filing.
The embodiments of a can game may be utilized individually, concurrently, or in any sequential combination.
Those skilled in the art to which this application relates will appreciate that other and further additions, deletions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the described embodiments.
The specification is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of exemplary embodiments; many additional embodiments of this invention are possible. It is understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the Claims. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic that is described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The invention is described with such embodiments, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Several specific details are set forth in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. These details are provided for the purpose of example and the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. In general, the order of the steps of disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.
Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specifications, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate. Also, as used herein, terms such as “positioned on” or “supported on” mean positioned or supported on but not necessarily in direct contact with the surface.
The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. The terms “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.
Further, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the Detailed Description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present disclosure. Any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated apparatuses, and such further application of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
