BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
Aspects of this document relate generally to systems and methods for an aquatic game.
Background and Description of Related Art
Aquatic games rarely withstand active use and are typically made for a more sedate user experience. For example, some aquatic games that emphasize active use lack the support necessary to remain on an aquatic surface, shifting erratically upon user contact. Aquatic games that emphasize support to enable an active user experience typically require cumbersome assembly. Thus, most aquatic games neither emphasize an active user experience nor easy assembly, leaving users with either a staid user experience or a less user-friendly game.
So as to reduce the complexity and length of the Detailed Specification, and to fully establish the state of the art in certain areas of technology, Applicant(s) herein expressly incorporate(s) by reference all of the following materials identified in each numbered paragraph below.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,430 discloses a water skipping article comprising a three-dimensional body with an elliptical exterior face and a body exhibiting a smooth and continuous exterior surface further defining a hollowed and interior cavity suspended within said body.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,457,250 discloses a game comprising at least one target, a container housing a board assembly, at least one game piece, a laminated structure including buoyant layers, a target aperture, and a pocket affixed to a bottom of said board assembly and aligned with said target aperture.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,937 discloses a water sport target game comprising a float, a plurality of targets, a hook is mounted to the underside of the float, wherein a string is tied at one end to the hook and at the other end of the string is attached a weight.
Applicant(s) believe(s) that the material incorporated above is “non-essential” in accordance with 37 CFR 1.57, because it is referred to for purposes of indicating the background of the invention or illustrating the state of the art. However, if the Examiner believes that any of the above-incorporated material constitutes “essential material” within the meaning of 37 CFR 1.57(c)(1)43), Applicant(s) will amend the specification to expressly recite the essential material that is incorporated by reference as allowed by the applicable rules.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure provides among other things an aquatic game apparatus and method. The aquatic game apparatus includes a water skipping article, a target, a pop-up board, and at least one of a plurality of fillable weight bags.
In one embodiment an aquatic game apparatus may comprise a water skipping article comprising a high-density foam material, a top surface having a rounded side profile, a rounded outer perimeter, and a bottom surface. The top surface comprises a first elliptically extended face, a second elliptically extended face, and a continuous smooth-edged outer perimeter. The aquatic game apparatus further comprises a target comprising a pop-up board and at least one of a plurality of fillable weight bags coupled to the pop-up board by at least one of a plurality of straps, wherein the fillable weight bags are configured to stabilize the target on a water surface. The pop-up board comprises an upper surface having a plurality of pocketed nets, and a lower surface having a plurality of integrally for riled flotation units, wherein the upper surface is elevated above the lower surface by a support pole.
In some embodiments the support pole may comprise a semi-rigid stanchion, an elastic canvas comprising an upper end coupled to the upper surface of the pop-up board and a lower end coupled to the lower surface of pop-up board, wherein the semi-rigid stanchion is insertably coupled to the elastic canvas at both ends of the elastic canvas.
In some embodiments the plurality of nets may comprise a mesh material. In some embodiments the plurality of integrally formed flotation units may be in a triangular prism configuration. In some embodiments each integrally formed flotation unit may comprise a foam material housed within a waterproof sleeve.
In some embodiments the pop-up board may comprise an integrally-formed wire frame. In some embodiments the wire frame may comprise a semi-rigid material. In some embodiments the wire frame may comprise steel wire.
In some embodiments the bottom surface of the water skipping article may be substantially flat. In some embodiments the water skipping article may comprise a waterproof fabric. In some embodiments, the high-density foam material may be housed within the waterproof fabric. In some embodiments the plurality of straps may be adjustable. In some embodiments the finable weight bags may comprise a waterproof canvas material.
In some embodiments a method of using an aquatic game apparatus may comprise skipping a water skipping article along a surface of water, the water skipping article comprising a high-density foam material, a top surface having a rounded side profile, a rounded outer perimeter, and a bottom surface. The top surface comprises a first elliptically extended face, a second elliptically extended face, and a continuous smooth-edged outer perimeter.
In some embodiments a method of using an aquatic game apparatus may further comprise contacting a target with the water skipping article, the target comprising a pop-up board and at least one of a plurality of fillable weight bags coupled to the pop-up board by at least one of a plurality of straps, wherein the fillable weight bags are configured to stabilize the target on a water surface. The pop-up board comprises an upper surface having a plurality of pocketed nets, and a lower surface having a plurality of integrally formed flotation units, wherein the upper surface is elevated above the lower surface by a support pole. The support pole may comprise a semi-rigid stanchion, and an elastic canvas comprising an upper end coupled to the upper surface of the pop-up board, and a lower end coupled to the lower surface of the pop-up board, wherein the semi-rigid stanchion is insertably coupled to the elastic canvas at both ends of the elastic canvas.
In some embodiments a method of using an aquatic game apparatus comprises skipping the water skipping article into at least one of the plurality of nets. In some embodiments a method of using an aquatic game apparatus comprises tallying at least one point upon skipping the water skipping article into at least one of the plurality of nets. In some embodiments a method of using an aquatic game apparatus comprises flexing the upper surface of the pop-up board upon contacting the target with the water skipping article.
The target may be configured with any number of target openings, which may have pocketed nets to capture the water skipping article. The skipping target game apparatus may comprise a number water skipping articles and they may have an identifier to allow one player to differentiate their water skipping article from their opponent's. The target portion may be triangular shaped having three sides with a bottom side extending horizontally, or along a water surface or ground surface and a left and right side that converge to a top. The target openings may be arranged on the target portion and have associated point values, which may be indicated by point markings on the target portion. In an exemplary embodiment, three target openings are configured in a row above the bottom side, two middle openings are configured above these openings and a single top opening is configured proximal to the top of the target portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the target portion is configured with target openings configured in rows extending along the left and right sides from the bottom to the top with a single top target opening connecting the two rows. The target openings may be different sizes, wherein the top opening may be smaller and thereby harder to skip the water skipping article therein. An exemplary target may have two or more target openings, three or more target openings, five or more target openings, six or more target openings, seven or more target openings and any range between and including the number of target openings provided. A target opening more proximal to the top of the target portion may be smaller in size than target openings more distal from the top of the target portion, or configured proximal to the bottom of the target portion.
The skipping target game apparatus may comprise features to enable game play in low light conditions such as at night or in a dark room. Some of the components of the skipping target game apparatus may comprise glow in the dark material, such as a florescent or phosphorescent material (pigment or coating) including, but not limited to the water skipping articles, the target and in particular the target portion such as the upper surface, the base portion and/or the floatation units and the like. Glow in the dark foam rods, commonly referred to as noodles, can be made with glow in the dark material. A portion of the target portion may contain glow in the dark material, such as around the target openings and/or on the target markings. In an exemplary embodiment, the base portion and/or floatation units glow in the dark and illuminate the target openings to provide contrast with the rest of the upper surface of the target portion, wherein the light shines up through the target openings. A glow in the dark material may also be a phosphorescent material that glows in the dark when exposed to short wavelength light, such as ultraviolet light. An auxiliary light may produce the ultraviolet light, or it may be part of the skipping target game apparatus.
An exemplary skipping target game apparatus is configured to float on water and may have some combination of floating components to effectively provide buoyancy for the target. The target may comprise one or more floatation units that are coupled to the base, either integrally or are detachably attachable. In an exemplary embodiment, the floatation units are detachable to enable the target to be folded down and packed into a case. The floatation units may be rod or cylindrically shaped foam, or noodles that are retained to the base portion by floatation retainers, such as Velcro straps or a sleeve configured for insertion of the floatation units. The floatation units may extend around a portion of the base portion, such as about the perimeter. In an exemplary embodiment, the base unit has two floatation units along the side edges, or extending from the front towards the back of the base portion. A floatation unit may also extend along the hinge or front of the target between the base portion and the target portion, for example. In addition, portions of the target may be inflatable floatation units, wherein a bladder can be inflated to produce a buoyant structure, or collapsible floatation unit. For example, the floatation units may be inflatable bladders that are coupled to the base unit, and/or the base portion and target portions may be inflatable. The triangular shaped base and/or target may be an inflatable bladder. In addition, the water skipping articles may be made out of foam, such as high density foam that enables them to float on water.
An exemplary target is configured to fold to allow compact storage. The target portion may fold down about the hinge connection with the base portion and the target may fold further to reduce the size. The target and/or base portion may comprise a flexible wire frame that extends in a sleeve to enable the perimeter of the target to be reduced by folding. The target may be folded into a circular configuration.
An exemplary skipping target game apparatus is configured to be played by skipping the water skipping article across water and into one of the target openings. The target may be held in place by the anchors that are submerged in the water, or rest on a bottom surface of a body of water or on solid ground surface, such as on a pool deck. The skipping target game apparatus may also be placed on or at the end of a water slide, wherein a slippery and wet surface may allow the water skipping articles to skip over the water slide into the target openings.
An exemplary skipping target game apparatus comprises a backstop that is configured to extend behind the target to collect the water skipping articles that bounce off or over the target or are errant shots that miss the target all together. The backstop may also be configured to float an may have buoyant floatation components, such as the base support, which may be buoyant and be comprises of foam or may be inflatable. A backstop net extends between the base support and an upper support. The upper support may also be inflatable or may be retain a shape by the use of segmented support poles that are flexible to form an arced backstop upper support shape. A backstop stanchion is configured to extend between the base support and the upper support to keep the upper support elevated up in a backstop configuration. The backstop stanchion may also comprise a segmented support pole
The summary of the invention is provided as a general introduction to some of the embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to be limiting. Additional example embodiments including variations and alternative configurations of the invention are provided herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.
FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an implementation of a water skipping article, more specifically a top surface having a rounded side profile.
FIG. 2 depicts a top view of an implementation of a water skipping article, more specifically a top surface having a rounded side profile, a rounded outer perimeter, and a continuous smooth-edged outer perimeter.
FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of an implementation of a water skipping article, more specifically a top surface having a rounded side profile, a first elliptically extended face, a second elliptically extended face, and a rounded outer perimeter.
FIG. 4 depicts a left-side view of an implementation of a water skipping article.
FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of an implementation of a water skipping article, more specifically a bottom surface.
FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an implementation of a target, more specifically a pop-up board, an upper surface, a plurality of pocketed nets, a plurality of straps, and a plurality of Tillable weight bags.
FIG. 7 depicts a top view of an implementation of a target.
FIG. 8 depicts a front view of an implementation of a target.
FIG. 9 depicts a bottom view of an implementation of a target, more specifically a pop-up board and a lower surface having a plurality of integrally formed flotation units.
FIG. 10 depicts a left-side view of an implementation of a target, more specifically a pop-up board, an upper surface, a lower surface having a plurality of integrally formed flotation units, and a support pole.
FIG. 11 depicts a right-side view of an implementation of a target, more specifically a pop-up board, an upper surface, a lower surface having a plurality of integrally formed flotation units, and a support pole.
FIG. 12 shows a front perspective view of an exemplary skipping target game apparatus having a target and a backstop net assembly.
FIG. 13 shows a front perspective view of an exemplary skipping target game apparatus having a target and a backstop net assembly.
FIG. 14 shows a back perspective view of an exemplary skipping target game apparatus having a target, a backstop net assembly and a pair of anchors configured on a pool deck to retain the apparatus in a desired location.
FIG. 15 shows a side perspective view of an exemplary skipping target game apparatus having a target and a pair of anchors coupled to the target by straps.
FIG. 16 shows a back perspective view of an exemplary skipping target game apparatus having a target and a pair of anchors coupled to the target by straps and a pair of floatation units retained to the base by floatation retainers.
FIG. 17 shows a back perspective view of an exemplary skipping target game apparatus having a target, a pair of anchors coupled to the target by straps, a pair of floatation units retained to the base by floatation retainers, and a scoreboard coupled to the support pole.
FIG. 18 shows an exemplary skipping target game apparatus, disassembled with the floatation units removed from the retainers on the base portion, the straps coupling the anchors detached and the support pole removed from the support pole retainers.
FIG. 19 shows the exemplary skipping target game apparatus shown in FIG. 18, with the target portion folded down onto the base portion about the hinge.
FIG. 20 shows the exemplary skipping target game apparatus folded and then placed into a case, such as a bag.
FIG. 21 shows a front view of a pair of segmented support poles having an elastic tether extending between the support pole segments.
FIG. 22 shows a view of a segmented support pole having only two support pole segments.
FIG. 23 shows a light charger configured to charge a water-skipping article with light, such as ultraviolet (UV) light so that the glow in the dark material on the water-skipping article glows in the dark.
FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of an exemplary water skipping article having a rounded perimeter and a curved top and bottom surface.
FIG. 25 shows a left side view of the water skipping article shown in FIG. 24.
FIG. 26 shows a left side view of the water skipping article shown in FIG. 24.
FIG. 27 shows a left side view of the water skipping article shown in FIG. 24.
FIG. 28 shows a top view of the water skipping article shown in FIG. 24.
FIG. 29 shows a bottom view of the water skipping article shown in FIG. 24.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.
In one application, a novel aquatic game apparatus is provided.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 5, an exemplary implementation of a water skipping article 100 may be made out of a foam material 114, such as a high-density foam material.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a water skipping article 100. In one non-limiting embodiment, the water skipping article 100 comprises a top surface 102 having a rounded side profile 108. The top surface 102 further comprises a first elliptically extended face 120, a second elliptically extended face 122, and a continuous smooth-edged outer perimeter 112. The water skipping article 100 further comprises a rounded outer perimeter 104 and a bottom surface 106. The water skipping article further comprises a high-density foam material 114. The first 120 and second 122 elliptically extended faces, in conjunction with the rounded side profile 108, rounded outer perimeter 104, and continuous smooth-edged outer perimeter 112, reduce the friction of the water skipping article as it is skipped along a surface of water. This enables the water skipping article 100 to be skipped along a surface of water at an optimal speed and spin, and without stalling upon contact with a water surface. This further enables the water skipping article 100 to form a water wake or ramp, allowing the water skipping article 100 to continue skipping. The water skipping article may have glow in the dark material 110 to enable it to glow in the dark to enable play during low light conditions.
FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an implementation of the water skipping article 100, more specifically, the top surface 102 and rounded outer perimeter 104. In some embodiments, the water skipping article 100 comprises a high-density foam material 114. In some embodiments, the water skipping article 100 may comprise a waterproof fabric. In some embodiments, the water skipping article 100 may comprise a waterproof fabric, non-waterproof fabric, plastic, nylon, rubber, canvas material, mesh, or a mixture of any of the preceding materials. In one non-limiting embodiment, the high-density foam material 114 is housed within the waterproof fabric 115. In some embodiments, the high-density foam material 114 may be housed within a waterproof fabric, non-waterproof fabric, plastic, nylon, rubber, canvas material, mesh, or a mixture of any of the preceding materials. In some embodiments, the water skipping article 100 may be comprised of glow-in-the-dark materials, or be affixed with lighting, to enable gameplay in darkness.
FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of an implementation of the water skipping article 100, more specifically, the first elliptically extended face 120, the second elliptically extended face 122, and the rounded outer perimeter 104.
FIG. 4 illustrates a left-side view of an implementation of the water skipping article 100, more specifically, the top surface 102 having a rounded side profile 108. The top surface 102 further comprises a first elliptically extended face 120 and a second elliptically extended face 122. As shown in this figure, the water skipping article 100 further comprises the bottom surface 106. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 106 of the water skipping article 100 is substantially flat. In other embodiments, the bottom surface 106 of the water skipping article 100 may be substantially elliptical or substantially round.
FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of an implementation of the water skipping article 100, more specifically, the bottom surface 106 and rounded outer perimeter 104.
Referring now to FIGS. 6 to 11, an exemplary implementation of a target 10, more specifically, a pop-up board 12, comprises a target portion 32, having an upper surface 17 and a plurality of target openings 16 having pocketed nets 14, and base portion 20, having a lower surface 26 having a plurality of integrally formed flotation units 18, 24. The target portion and is elevated above the base portion 20, by a support pole 28 that extends between the base portion and the target portion. The target portion and base portion may be hingeably connected along lower front edge 19 of the target 10, whereby the target portion is configured to be angled up from the base portion a target angle 56, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, and as described herein. A plurality of anchors 31, 31′, 31″ are coupled to straps 11, 11′ 11″, respectively. The straps extend from the anchors to the base and as shown, to the corners of the base portion. An anchor may be a tillable weight bags 13 that may be filled with water, or objects that are heavier than water, such as rocks. The anchors may sink in the water or may be placed on a surface, such along the deck of a pool. The anchors 31, such as the fillable weight bags 13, are configured to stabilize the target 10 on a water surface. The pop-up board 12 further comprising a target portion 32, having a, target portion and. A plurality of floatation units 18, 18′, 24 are coupled to the base portion 20 and are configured to keep the target 10 afloat, even with the anchors attached and submerged in water. The tillable weight bags may be configured to submerge in the water and the straps 11 may be long enough to enable the fillable weight bags or the anchor, which may be a weight, to rest on a bottom surface of a body of water, such as a bottom of a pool.
The upper surface 17 may be shaped as any regular or irregular polygonal figure such as, by nonlimiting example, a triangle, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal figure. In some embodiments, the upper surface 17 may be shaped as any circle, oval, oblong, or any other closed curve. Similarly, the lower surface 26 may be shaped as any regular or irregular polygonal figure such as, by nonlimiting example, a triangle, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal figure. In some embodiments, the lower surface 26 may be shaped as any circle, oval, oblong, or any other closed curve. The upper 17 and lower 26 surfaces may be of the same or different shape in relation to one other. As shown, the target portion 32 has a triangular shape comprising three sides and acute angles between the sides. The intersections of the sides, or points of the triangle are curved having a radius of curvature. The target portion has a plurality of target openings 16, each having an associated point marking 44 that indicates the number of points for skipping the water skipping article 100 into the target opening. As shown, the target openings along the bottom 34 of the target portion have a lower point marking than the target proximal to the top 36 of the target portion, as it may be more difficult to skip the water skipping article into the upper target opening.
The target may have glow in the dark portions or the upper surface may be glow in the dark, or portions thereof may be glow in the dark to enable play in low light conditions. The upper surface 17 may have glow in the dark material 44, or the glow in the dark material may be configured around the target openings 16 and/or with the point markings 41. As described herein the water skipping article 100 may have glow in the dark material 110 as well.
FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an implementation of the target 10, more specifically, the target portion 32 with is a pop-up board 12 having an upper surface 17 with a plurality of target openings 16. In some embodiments, the pop-up board 12 comprises an integrally formed wire frame 22. In some embodiments, the wire frame 22 may be comprised of a semi-rigid material. In one non-limiting embodiment, the wire frame 22 comprises steel wire. In some embodiments, the wire frame 22 may be made of metal, plastic, or any other sufficiently semi-rigid or rigid material that maintains the structural integrity of the pop-up board 12. The wire frame may extend around the perimeter of the target portion 32 and/or base portion 20 and may extend within a sleeve. The wire frame may be made out of or comprise metal, plastic or an elastomer, such as a rubber and may be flexible and elastic, wherein the wire frame can be deformed, such as by folding and then rebound back to an original shape. The target portion and/or base portion may be shape memory components that self-expand to the desired shape upon removal of a restraint, such as by pulling the target out of a case.
In some embodiments, the pop-up board 12 may be comprised of a waterproof canvas material. In other embodiments, the pop-up board 12 may be comprised of a non-waterproof fabric, plastic, nylon, rubber, or tensile fabric. In some embodiments, the upper surface 17 of the pop-up board 12 may be comprised of wood. In some embodiments, the upper surface 17 and lower 26 surfaces of the pop-up board 12 may be comprised of the same or different material in relation to one another. In some embodiments, the upper surface 17 of the pop-up board 12 may comprise at least target opening 16 without a pocketed net 14. In some embodiments, the target 10 may be comprised of glow-in-the-dark materials 41, or be affixed with lighting, to enable gameplay in darkness.
FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of an implementation of the target 10, more specifically, the target portion 32 which is a pop-up board 12 having an upper surface 17, and the plurality of target openings 16 configured with pocketed nets 14. The plurality of pocketed nets 14, may comprise, for example, a mesh material. In some embodiments, the plurality of pocketed nets 14, may comprise a waterproof fabric, non-waterproof fabric, plastic, nylon, rubber, canvas material, or a mixture of any of the preceding materials. The plurality of pocketed nets 14, may be sewn, pinned, stapled, nailed, screwed, or integrally formed into the upper surface 17 of the pop-up board 12. The plurality of pocketed nets 14, may be of any diameter and depth suitable for the purpose of receiving the water skipping article 100. Note that some target openings may be larger than other target openings.
FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of an implementation of the target 10, more specifically the pop-up board 12 and the lower surface 26 having the plurality of integrally formed flotation units 18, 18′ and 24. In one non-limiting embodiment, the plurality of integrally formed flotation units are arranged in a triangular configuration with a front floatation unit 24 and a left and right floatation unit 18, 18′. In some embodiments, the plurality of integrally formed flotation units may comprise a foam material housed within a waterproof sleeve 52. In some embodiments, the plurality of integrally formed flotation units may comprise any suitably lightweight material enabling the target 10 to remain buoyant on a water surface. In some embodiments, the plurality of integrally formed flotation units may be in any regular or irregular shape, such as being rod or cylindrical in shape, or any polygonal prism configuration such as, by nonlimiting example, a triangle, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal prism configuration. In some embodiments, the plurality of integrally formed flotation units may be in any circle, oval, oblong, or any other closed curve prism configuration. The floatation units may be rod shaped foam, for example.
FIG. 10 illustrates a left-side view of an implementation of the target 10, more specifically, the target portion 32 which is a pop-up board 12, extending up at a target angle 56 from the base portion or lower surface 26. The target portion is coupled to the base portion by a hinge 39 along the lower front edge 19 of the target portion. having the plurality of integrally formed flotation units 18/24, and the support pole 28.
In one non-limiting embodiment, the support pole 28 comprises a semi-rigid stanchion 50 and an elastic canvas 51. The elastic canvas 51 further comprises an upper end 30 coupled to the upper surface 17 of the pop-up board 12, and a lower end 15 coupled to the lower surface 26 of the pop-up board 12, wherein the semi-rigid stanchion 50 is insertably coupled to the elastic canvas 51 at both ends of the elastic canvas 51. The support pole 28 elevates the upper surface 17 of the pop-up board 12 over the lower surface 26 of the pop-up board 28. Insertably coupling the semi-rigid stanchion 50 to both ends of the elastic canvas 51 stretches the elastic canvas 51 from a slacked state to a taut state. The tautness of the elastic canvas 51, in conjunction with the semi-rigid stanchion, ensures the structural integrity of the target while the upper surface 17 is elevated above the lower surface 26. To collapse the pop-up board 12, the semi-rigid stanchion 50 may be removed, slackening the elastic canvas 51 and collapsing the upper surface 17 onto the lower surface 26. The semi-rigid stanchion, or support pole, may be segmented support pole.
The elastic canvas 51 may comprise a waterproof fabric, non-waterproof fabric, plastic, nylon, rubber, canvas material, tensile fabric, a mixture of any of the preceding materials, or any flexible material suitable for the proper operation of the support pole 28. The semi-rigid stanchion 50 may comprise fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride, plastic, metal, rubber, nylon, twine, a mixture of the preceding materials, or any semi-rigid material suitable for the proper operation of the support pole 28. In some embodiments, the support pole 28 may comprise a rigid stanchion. In other embodiments, the support pole 28 may comprise a semi-rigid stanchion 50 that is substantially more flexible than rigid.
FIG. 11 illustrates a right-side view of an implementation of the target 10, more specifically, the pop-up board 12, and at least one of the plurality of tillable weight bags coupled to the pop-up board 12 by at least one of the plurality of straps 11, wherein the fillable weight bags 13 are configured to stabilize the target 10 on a water surface. In one non-limiting embodiment, the fillable weight bags 13 may comprise a waterproof canvas material. In some embodiments, the fillable weight bags may comprise a waterproof fabric, non-waterproof fabric, plastic, canvas material, or a mixture of any of the preceding materials. In particular, the tillable weight bags 13 stabilize the target 10 on a water surface and help prevent the target 10 from floating away, flipping over, or being tossed aside from the force of wind, water wakes, or the water skipping article 100 upon contact with the water skipping article 100. In some embodiments, the tillable weight bags 13 may be filled with water, rocks, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the plurality of straps 11 is adjustable. The plurality of straps 11 allow for the tillable weight bags 13 to be placed at a distance from the pop-up board 12. The plurality of straps 11 may comprise a waterproof fabric, non-waterproof fabric, plastic, nylon, rubber, canvas material, or a mixture of any of the preceding materials.
The aquatic game apparatus, comprising the water skipping article 100 and the target 10, may be used when a user skips the water skipping article 100 along a surface of water towards the target 10 and contacts the target 10 with the water skipping article 100. In some implementations, the user may skip the water skipping article 100 into at least one of the plurality of pocketed nets 14. In some implementations, the user may tally at least one point upon skipping the water skipping article 100 into one of the plurality of pocketed nets 14. In some implementations, the upper surface 17 of the pop-up board 12 may flex upon contact of the water skipping article 100 with the target 10.
Referring now to FIGS. 12 to 20, an exemplary skipping target game apparatus 200 includes a target 10 and a backstop net assembly 60. The target is coupled with to the backstop net assembly backstop straps 61, 61′ to keep the target in front of the backstop net assembly. The backstop net assembly has a backstop net 68 that is extends between and upper support 62 and a base support 64. The upper support may be held up from the lower support by a backstop stanchion 66, which may be a segmented support pole 71, as shown in FIG. 21. The backstop stanchion may be retained in stanchion receivers 67, 67′, which may be apertures that receive the ends of the backstop station. The upper support may comprise an upper support sleeve 63 for receiving a segmented support pole 70, as shown in FIG. 17 and the base support may comprise a base support sleeve 65 for receiving a segmented support pole 70′ as shown in FIG. 17 and may comprise an inflatable bladder 89 that can be inflated to provide buoyance for the backstop 60 net assembly. A connector strap 69 may extend between the left and right sides of the backstop net. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the anchors 31, 31′ are coupled to the backstop net assembly 60 by straps 11, 11′, respectively. The exemplary skipping target game apparatus 200 includes a light 88 that may be used to illuminate the target 10. The light may be detachably attachable to the target 10. The light may be configured to emit short wavelength light, such as an ultraviolet light, such as a black light, that causes a phosphorescent glow in the dark material 41 to emit light.
As shown in FIG. 12, the target portion has six target openings 16 arranged with a single upper target opening 84 configured proximal to the top 36 of the target portion 32, three lower target openings 80 configured in a row along the bottom 34, or bottom side, of the target portion and two middle target openings 82 configured in a horizontal row between the upper and lower target openings. As shown in FIG. 13, the target portion 32 has seven target openings 16 arranged with a single upper target opening 84 configured proximal to the top 36 of the target portion 32, two lower target openings 80 configured proximal to the sides of the bottom 34 and four middle target openings 82. Put another way, there are two rows of target openings configured along the left and right sides of the target opening that share the single upper target opening proximal to the top 36 of the target portion 32.
As shown in FIG. 15, an exemplary skipping target game apparatus 200 has a target 10 and a pair of anchors 31, 31′ coupled to the target by straps 11, 11′ respectively. The base portion 20 has a pair of floatation units 18, 18′ coupled thereto by floatation retainers 25, 25′ respectively, which may be sleeves for receiving a rod shaped foam type floatation unit.
FIG. 16 shows the target portion 32 being held up at a target angle from the base portion 20 by the support pole, or stanchion 50, which is a segmented support pole having support pole segments 72, 72′ and a segment coupler 74.
FIG. 17 shows an exemplary scoreboard 37 coupled to the support pole. The scoreboard may be placed in any suitable location and may be self-supporting, wherein it can stand upright on a surface and may have feet or legs to enable the scoreboard to be self-supporting.
FIG. 18 shows an exemplary skipping target game apparatus 200 disassembled with the floatation units 18, 18′ removed from the floatation retainers 25 on the base portion 20, the straps 11, 11′ coupling the anchors 13, 13′ detached from the target 10 and the support pole 28 removed from the support pole retainers 29, sleeves to receive the ends of the support pole. The floatation retainers are sleeves and are collapsed with the floatation units removed.
FIG. 19 shows the exemplary skipping target game apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 18, with the target portion 32 folded down onto the base portion 20 about the hinge 39.
FIG. 20 shows the exemplary skipping target game apparatus 200 being folded and then placed into a case 86, such as a bag. The target may comprise a wire frame 22 that is flexible to allow the target portion and base portion to be folded for compact storage. The wire frame may extend around the perimeter of the target portion 32 and/or base portion 20 and may extend within a sleeve 33. The wire frame may be made out of or comprise metal, plastic or an elastomer, such as a rubber and may be flexible and elastic, wherein the wire frame can be deformed, such as by folding and then rebound back to an original shape, thereby producing a shape memory target portion and/or base portion.
FIG. 21 shows exemplary segmented support pole 70 in two configurations, one fully assembled and one having the bottom support pole segment 72 pulled out from the segment coupler and attached by the elastic tether 75. The elastic tether extends between the support pole segments 72, 72′, 72″. The support pole segments are coupled together by a segment coupler 74. The segment coupler may be cylindrical in shape and have openings on each end for the insertion of each support pole segment. The support poles extend from a first end 76 to a second end 78. The ends may have a tapered portion for insertion into apertures for retention in upper and base supports of the backstop net assembly.
FIG. 22 shows exemplary segmented support pole 71 having only two support pole segments 72, 72′. As described herein, this may be used as the backstop stanchion and extend between the upper and base supports of the backstop net assembly.
FIG. 23 shows a light charger 130 configured to charge a water-skipping article 100 with light, such as ultraviolet (UV) light so that the glow in the dark material 110 on the water-skipping article glows in the dark. The light charger has a light receptacle 132 and a light source 134, such as a UV light source configured to project light into the receptacle. The light source may be configured in a cover 136 as shown or along the receptacle, such as along one or more walls of the receptacle or in the base of the receptacle. As shown, after an effective amount of light exposure, the water-skipping article 100′ glows when removed from the receptacle. The light receptacle may have mirrors or reflective surfaces to increase the intensity of the charging light on the water skipping article. As shown a plurality of skipping stone articles may be configured in the light receptacle to charge them with light so that they glow in the dark.
Referring now to FIGS. 24 to 29, an exemplary water skipping article 100 has a curved top surface and a curved bottom surface. The curved bottom surface may enable the water skipping article to effectively skip over water. The water skipping article may have glow in the dark material 110, such as a fluorescent material. The water skipping article may be made of foam material 114, such as high density foam material, and may include a fabric 115, which may be a waterproof fabric. A glow in the dark material may also be a phosphorescent material that glows in the dark when exposed to short wavelength light, such as ultraviolet light. An auxiliary light may produce the ultraviolet light, or it may be part of the skipping target game apparatus.
Patent Application
20210322841
