Patent Application
20240181364
The present invention relates to an aquatic ring apparatus, a game assembly including the aquatic ring apparatus, and a method of using the game assembly.
Swimming pools—or any aquatic setting—inspire two accessories, floatation devices and “pool games”, or toys. Floatation devices come in a variety of forms such as floats, noodles, and inflatables. Pool games can include floatation devices, such as floating ping-pong tables, or submergible toys, like underwater torpedoes.
An example of a floatation device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,523 (Swimming Hoop With Adjustable Buoyancy Member, Timothy J. Raymond). Raymond generally discloses a swimming hoop device with a buoyancy member and flexible frame. His patented invention generally comprises the swimming hoop having a flexible frame, and the buoyancy member attached to the swimming hoop such that the position of the buoyancy member is movable along the circumference of the flexible frame and is substantially adjacent to the circumference of the frame. The buoyancy member includes a decorative member and an inflatable member. The inflatable member includes an interior air chamber formed within the enclosure defined by the front side and back side of the inflatable member. The enclosure also includes a pumping mechanism to inflate the inflatable member and allow the buoyancy member to float with the swimming hoop attached thereto.
Raymond however fails to disclose an adjustable connection between the swimming hoop and the buoyancy member—fixing the distance the swimming hoop can be submerged in water. Raymond's buoyancy member is rather complex for a simple device, adding additional cost and potential for failure if the inflatable member cannot retain air within.
An example of an underwater torpedo is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,023 (Hand Launchable Hydrodynamic Recreational Device, Jon A. Warner). Generally, the projectile disclosed in the '023 patent has a body including a nose region, a mid-region and a tail region. The projectile is provided with a fillable cavity for adjusting its buoyancy. The body has a size, mass, length-to-diameter ratio, specific gravity and contour that facilitate its stable distant travel through a liquid medium such as water. Importantly, the projectile has a specific gravity of between 0.95 and 1.05, which renders it neutrally buoyant in most water bodies. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the recreational device for stabilization purposes against undesirable yaw, pitch and roll has arcuately spaced, radially extending fins in a tail region of the body. When launched by hand underwater, the device maintains an imparted trajectory and slips cleanly through the water over a great distance. U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,023, filed Feb. 23, 1994, is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Thus, there is a long felt need for a swimming hoop having flexible and/or deformable properties for transportation or storage, a buoyancy member adjustably and removably attached to the swimming hoop that allows adjustment of the depth that the swimming hoop is submerged in water, and a buoyancy member that floats without the need of additional components that could fail.
There is also a long felt need for a swimming hoop having an adjustable length buoyancy member and having adjustable length weights removably attached to the swimming hoop, to provide for an underwater target game that an underwater torpedo-like device can be “thrown” through, where the underwater game also includes at least one additional hoop that may be removably attached to the swimming hoop.
The present invention generally comprises a frame apparatus for use in a body of water, comprising a deformable frame, a substantially solid buoyancy member arranged to substantially float in water, and a tether connected to the buoyancy member, the tether having an adjustable length, the tether arranged to be removably connected to the deformable frame. A game apparatus for use underwater comprising the frame apparatus and further comprising at least one secondary deformable frame arranged to be removably attached to the deformable frame, a pair of containers each having a tether with an adjustable length, where the tethers are arranged to be removably connected to at least one of the aforementioned deformable frames.
The game apparatus of the present invention may be configured to include at least one secondary deformable frame, the at least one secondary deformable frame arranged to be removably attached to the deformable frame, a first container having a tether, the tether of the first container having an adjustable length, the tether of the first container arranged to be removably connected to the deformable frame, the tether arranged to be removably connected to the first container, and a second container having a tether, the tether of the second container having an adjustable length, the tether of the second container arranged to be removably connected to the deformable frame, the tether arranged to be removably connected to the second container, wherein the first container is arranged to securely hold a weight therein and the second container is arranged to securely hold a weight therein. The game apparatus of the present invention may also include a projectile device.
In some configurations, the present invention generally comprises a game apparatus for use underwater. The game apparatus comprises a frame apparatus, where the frame apparatus includes a deformable frame, a substantially solid buoyancy member arranged to substantially float in water, and a tether connected to the buoyancy member, the tether having an adjustable length, the tether arranged to be removably connected to the deformable frame, at least one secondary deformable frame, the at least one secondary deformable frame arranged to be removably attached to the deformable frame, a first weighted means having a tether, the tether of the first weighted means having an adjustable length, the tether of the first weighted means arranged to be removably connected to the deformable frame, the tether arranged to be removably connected to the first weighted means, and a second weighted means having a tether, the tether of the second weighted means having an adjustable length, the tether of the second weighted means arranged to be removably connected to the deformable frame, the tether arranged to be removably connected to the second weighted means.
In some embodiments, the first weighted means of the game apparatus comprises a container arranged to accept a weight therein, and the second weighted means comprises a container arranged to accept a weight therein.
In other embodiments, the game apparatus further comprises a second secondary deformable frame removably attached to the deformable frame.
The present invention may also comprise an apparatus for maintaining a target area at a desired depth in water and preventing rotation of the apparatus in water, the apparatus comprises a target area defined by a frame, a buoyancy member adjustably connected to a proximal area of the frame, and a pair of weighted devices adjustably connected to a distal area of the frame, the adjustable connection of the weighted devices is spaced apart on the distal area. In one embodiment, the buoyancy member of the apparatus imparts a force on the frame in a direction towards a surface of the water. The pair of weighted devices of the apparatus may restrict the force (imparted by the buoyancy member) on the frame. The pair of weighted devices of the apparatus may restrict rotation of the frame about the adjustable connection of the buoyancy member. In one embodiment, each of the pair of weighted devices of the apparatus comprises a container, the container arranged to accept a weight therein.
Generally, the object of the present invention, in its various embodiments, is to provide a deformable frame for use in water having a buoyancy member that is adjustably connected to the deformable frame and arranged to provide for adjustment of the depth of the deformable frame in water.
Another object of the aforementioned deformable frame is to provide for a game apparatus for use in water, that is, underwater. The game apparatus includes a pair of weighted means, also referred to as “weighted devices”, which in a preferred embodiment, are containers arranged to accept weight therein, wherein the weighted means are adjustably connected to the deformable frame at a distal location in relation to the adjustable connection of the buoyancy member. The configuration of the pair of weighted devices provides two distinct functions: 1. To control depth of the deformable frame via the adjustable connections to the deformable frame, i.e., to restrict the depth of the buoyancy member, and therefore the deformable frame, relative to the water's surface; and, 2. To prevent the deformable frame from rotating in the water about the adjustable connection of the buoyancy member and the deformable frame. See
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description, in view of the drawings and appended claims.
Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:
At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.
Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments.
It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.
It should be understood that use of “or” in the present application is with respect to a “non-exclusive” arrangement, unless stated otherwise. For example, when saying that “item x is A or B,” it is understood that this can mean one of the following: (1) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (2) item x is both A and B. Alternately stated, the word “or” is not used to define an “exclusive or” arrangement. For example, an “exclusive or” arrangement for the statement “item x is A or B” would require that x can be only one of A and B. Furthermore, as used herein, “and/or” is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.
Moreover, as used herein, the phrases “comprises at least one of” and “comprising at least one of” in combination with a system or element is intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of: a first element; a second element; and, a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element. A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase “used in at least one of:” is used herein.
It should be noted that various directional guides, generally illustrated in the corresponding figures, are to be taken in view of their corresponding illustrations and not to be interpreted as limiting on the appending claims. As such, the various directional guides are intended to be exemplary and illustrative.
The following description is related to an aquatic ring apparatus of the present invention. In a general configuration, the invention includes a frame and a buoyancy member, where the buoyancy member is removably and adjustable attached to the frame via a tether. The buoyancy member floats in water and the frame sinks in water. The frame is deformable, that is, it has an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, where the expanded configuration is the default structural arrangement of the frame. It should be appreciated that the tether, as shown and described herein, may take a variety of forms so long as the configuration affords adjustability of its length.
The following description should be taken in consideration of
Lead 32 is removably attached to deformable frame 10, which may be achieved via a cow hitch knot around deformable frame 10. Alternatively, lead 32 could form loop 32c that contains deformable frame 10 therein (as shown in
Tether 30 could include cinch 34 (shown in
Buoyancy device 20 may take a variety of shapes and forms so long as buoyancy device 20 is comprised of a material that floats in water, i.e., the material of buoyancy member 20 must have a density less than that of the water in which it is within. An example of a suitable material of buoyancy member 20 is a urethane-type foam, however, so long as the material has a density of less than that of the water in which it is within, alternative material composition is contemplated within the scope of the appending claims. Preferably, buoyancy member 20 is substantially singular, that is, it is configured as a single component for economic viability and simplicity of use.
In one configuration, buoyancy member 20 includes slit 26 having apertures 22 and 24 arranged at respective ends of slit 26, where apertures 22 and 24 are open to slit 26. In other configurations, buoyancy member 20 may only comprise slit 26. In further configurations, buoyancy member may only comprise apertures 22 and 24.
In some embodiments, deformable frame 10 may have a density greater than that of water, such that the deformable frame will submerge (sink) in water. However, in other configurations deformable frame 10 may have a density less than water. Deformable frame 10 may be comprised of any material that is sufficiently deformable, allowing collapsed deformable frame 10a to collapse in response to an imparting force, and any material that allows deformable frame 10 to return to its standard, or expanded configuration (as shown in
Deformable frame 10 may be configured as a deformable and substantially linear structure, where two terminating ends are joined via a connector-closing deformable frame. Alternatively, deformable frame 10 could be a continuous object, i.e., a ring.
Although deformable frame 10 is generally illustrated having a ring-like configuration, it should be appreciated that the corresponding illustrations are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting upon the scope of the appending claims, i.e., other geometric shapes are contemplated, e.g., rectangular, triangular, star, etc. It should be appreciated that the aforementioned features of deformable frame 10 may also apply to additional deformable frames that may be connected thereto, described further, infra.
Tether 30 may take a variety of different forms and configurations so long as the length between deformable member 10 and buoyancy member 20 remains adjustable-allowing control of the depth deformable member 10 is submerged in water. The adjustability may be achieved by ladder lock buckles that tether 30 may be woven through. The adjustability may be alternatively achieved by attaching a cinch to the ends of tether 30 that exit buoyancy member 20 in a direction away from deformable member 10, such that the cinch can be adjusted to restrict the length of tether 30 that is provided from the end of buoyancy member 20 closest to deformable member 10. It should be noted that cinch 34 is illustrated in
The following description should be taken in view of the aforementioned figures and
In a possible configuration of game apparatus 200, secondary deformable frames 40, 50, and 60 are all removably attached to deformable frame 10 via connecting members 41, 51, and 61, respectively. Secondary deformable frames 40, 50, and 60 share the aforementioned properties of deformable frame 10 and in a preferred embodiment, are smaller in circumference, or perimeter, than deformable frame 10. Connecting members 41, 51, and 61 may take a variety of configurations such as hook and loop fasteners, molded quick connect connectors, tethers, snaps, etc., so long at the connecting members allow the secondary deformable frames to be removable attached anywhere on deformable frame 10 for rearrangement of position, transportation, storage, or packing within travel compartment 12. It should be noted that the aforementioned connecting members can also be used to secure a secondary deformable frame to another secondary deformable frame, e.g., connecting member 41 connects deformable frame 10 to secondary deformable frame 40 and connecting member 51 connects secondary deformable frame 40 to secondary deformable frame 50.
Containers 70 and 80 are arranged to accept and securely hold weighted object 90 therein, sinking containers 70 and 80 to bottom 2 of pool 1. Containers 70 and 80 include adjustable tethers 71 and 81, respectively. Adjustable tethers 71 and 81 include connecting members 72 and 82. Connecting members 72 and 82 must be configured such that tethers 71 and 81 can be removably connected to any combination of deformable frames 10, 40, 50, or 60. Adjustable tethers 71 and 81 may take a plurality of configurations so long as the length is adjustable, such as a strap having a ladder lock buckle. Connecting members 72 and 82 could be configured as a loop that is formed by tethers 71 and 81 via respective ladder lock buckles (73 and 83), or alternatively could be separate components, such as clip-mechanism.
In one possible configuration of game apparatus 200, deformable frame 10 has secondary deformable members 40 and 50, attached thereto, forming target areas TA1 through TA4. Target areas TA1-TA4 are defined by the inner space formed by deformable frames 10, 40, 50, and 60. It should be noted that secondary deformable member 50 may be referred to as “tertiary deformable member”. It should be further noted that game apparatus 200 may include any number of secondary deformable members, i.e., a first, a second, a third, a fourth, etc., as such, game apparatus 200 could also include more than one deformable frame 10. It should be noted that
To position game apparatus 200, tethers 71 and 81 are attached thereto (i.e., to deformable frame 10, deformable frame 10 and one the secondary deformable members, to a first and second secondary deformable member, or a combination thereof) via connecting members 72 and 82, indirectly attaching weight-filled containers 70a and 80a. It should be appreciated that connecting members 72 and 82 may be loops created by tethers 71 and 81. Weight-filled containers 70a and 80a (“weighted devices”) submerge game apparatus underwater and buoyancy member 20 keeps game apparatus 200 substantially upright, such that game apparatus 200, specifically target areas TA1 through TA3 are substantially perpendicular to bottom 2 of pool 1. The depth of game apparatus 200 may be adjusted by decreasing or increase the length of adjustable tethers 20, 71, and 81. Weight-filled containers 70a and 80a are preferably spaced apart on bottom 2 of pool 1. Both of weight-filled containers 70a and 80a prevent game apparatus 200 from rotating within water 3 of pool 1.
Containers 70 and 80 are arranged to accept and securely hold weighted object 90 therein. Weighted objection 90 could take a variety of forms, e.g., rocks, sand, gravel, etc. such that when placed in containers 70 and 80, containers 70 and 80 will sink in pool 1 and rest on bottom 2. Containers 70 and 80 are arranged to have an internal compartment and an opening that can be closed to securely hold weighted object therein. Although containers 70 and 80 can be foreseeable swapped with other weighted items that can be connected to tethers 71 and 81, e.g., bricks, containers 70 and 80 are preferable for storage, ease of transportation, and shipping logistics and cost, because of their reduced weight compared to a weighted object. Containers 70 and 80 are also easily stored within travel compartment 12.
It should be noted that instead of utilizing containers 70 and 80 to anchor game apparatus 200 underwater, containers 70 and 80 could instead be replaced by suction cups which are arranged to removably engage the bottom of a pool. Tethers 71 and 81 can still be adjustably configured with the respective suction cups to increase, or decrease, the depth of game apparatus 200 underwater. The suction cups could also be used to secure game apparatus 200 proximate to a wall of the pool, or a combination of the bottom of the pool and the wall of pool, i.e., one suction cup is secured to the bottom of the pool and the other suction cup is secured to the wall of the pool. Thusly, containers 70 and 80, the pair of aforementioned suction cups, or other like components capable of securing game apparatus 200 at a desirable depth underwater, may be referred to as “anchoring members”.
Game apparatus 200 may also be configured as a kit, where the kit includes the aforementioned components of game apparatus, traveling compartment 12, and projectile 300. It should be appreciated that projectile 300 is the invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,023.
Assembled game apparatus 200 provides for an underwater target game, where, generally, person 400 throws projectile 300 through one of target areas TA1 through TA4 to get points. In some embodiments, there are two games apparatuses positioned within pool 1, where at least two players take turns playing offense (throwing projectile 300 through one of target areas TA1 through TA4) and playing defense (preventing a thrown projectile 300 from passing through one of target areas TA1 through TA4).
The following description should be taken in view of
In one use of the game apparatus, each of the main, secondary, and tertiary targets each define a target area, preferably of at least two different sizes. Each target area would be assigned a point-three points for the smallest target area, two points for the medium target area, and one point for the largest target area. To score points, a player must throw a projectile device under the water and through one of the target areas of the game apparatus. In some scenarios of use, more than one player would use the game apparatus. A first set of the players could pass the projectile under the water to one another and attempt to throw the projectile through of the target areas of the targets, whereas a second set of player attempts to prevent the first set of players from throwing the projectile through the target areas.
It is also foreseeable that two game apparatus, or more, could be used during a game. That is, a first game apparatus belongs to the first set of players and a second game apparatus belongs to the second set of players, where the first game apparatus would be positioned at a first end of a pool and the second game apparatus would be positioned at a second end of the pool.
Since the game apparatus is intended to be played with multiple players, preventing unwanted and excessive rotational movement of the game apparatus is essential to ensuring high quality and consistency of play. That is to say that multiple players, throwing the projectile, moving/swimming under the water, would aggressively churn the water, rotating and pitching the target areas of the game apparatus. Having spaced apart weighted members imparting downward and oppositely arranged forces on the game apparatus opposes the movement of the water and prevents rotation. Simultaneously, the opposite forces imparted by the buoyancy member, i.e., buoyant force and the weighted members, i.e., sinking force, keep the game apparatus in a substantially upright position-preventing pitching of the target area. Preferably, the buoyant force is greater than the sinking, or substantially sinking force, of the game apparatus, where preferably the target areas are substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the water and the surface of the water.
The adjustability of the buoyancy member and the weighted devices allows the target areas of the game apparatus to be adjusted to specific depths under water. In some uses of the game apparatus, it would be preferable to place the target areas closer the bottom of the pool. In some configurations, the sinking force of the weighted members is greater than the buoyant force of the buoyancy member. By decreasing the length between the target area and the weighted members, the target area becomes positioned deeper in the water. By increasing the length between the target area and the weighted members, the buoyancy member would pull the target areas in a shallower position under the water. In other configurations the target areas sink in water. In shallower water settings the target areas can still be positioned substantially upright by shortening the distance between the target areas and both the buoyancy member and the weighted members.
It should also be appreciated that the game apparatus may also be intended as a swim-through frame, or underwater obstacle course. That is, multiple game apparatuses may be placed at various positions, and/or depths, at the bottom of a pool, where an individual can navigate through each of the main target areas of each respective game apparatus.
Adverting now to
Prior art swimming hoop PA is substantially the same as the swimming hoop with adjustable buoyancy described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,305,523. Prior art swimming hoop PA includes prior art hoop PAH, prior art attachment mechanism PAAM, and prior art buoyancy member PABM. As disclosed in the '523 patent, recited supra, prior art buoyancy member PABM is arranged with an inflatable member which can be inflated, thereby allowing prior art buoyancy member PABM to float (therefore prior art swimming hoop PA will float), or rise in water 3 in direction D1 (i.e., the aforementioned components of prior art swimming hoop PA will have movement PAM in either direction D1 or D2). Prior art buoyancy member PABM is attached to prior art hoop PAH at a fixed distance via prior art attachment mechanism PAAM. Since prior art swimming hoop PA does not include an anchor, or weight, prior art swimming hoop PA can rotate freely in water 3, specifically in rotational direction RD, about AXlis AX1, in either direction (where AX1 generally runs in directions D1 and D2 and bisects a substantially central point of prior art attachment mechanism PAAM). Since prior art swimming hoop PA does not include an anchor, or weight, prior art swimming hoop PA can also pitch freely in water 3.
Aquatic ring apparatus 100, as recited supra, includes tether 30 which removably connects deformable frame 10 and buoyancy device 20. Due to the configuration of buoyancy device 20, the buoyancy device floats at surface 4 of water. The depth of deformable frame 10 in water 3 is controlled by adjusting the length of tether 30, such that deformable frame 10 can be adjusted in directions D1 and D2, and such that buoyancy member 20 will remain proximate, or breaching (partially within air 5), surface 4 and water 3. In other words, deformable ring 10 can be positioned along directions D1 and D2 in accordance with length adjustments 30ADJ of tether 30. Aquatic ring apparatus 100 does not include an anchor, or weight, aquatic ring apparatus 100 can rotate freely in water 3, specifically in rotational direction RD, about AXlis AX1, in either direction (where AXlis AX1 generally runs in directions D1 and D2 and bisects a substantially central point of tether 30).
Aquatic game apparatus 200, as recited supra, is shown as in
In some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention comprises a method for playing an underwater projectile throwing game, the method comprising the steps of: choosing two teams, wherein each team has at least one player; positioning at least one game apparatus underwater, wherein the game apparatus includes one main target, at least one secondary target, a buoyancy member, and a pair of weighted devices; throwing a projectile underwater towards the at least one of the targets of the game apparatus by one of the two teams; defending the targets of the game apparatus from a thrown projectile by one of the two teams; determining a score of each throw of the projectile based on the target of the game apparatus the projectile passed through; assigning the score to the team who threw the projectile through one of the targets of the game apparatus; and, determining a winner of the underwater projectile throwing game.
The following description should be taken in view of the aforementioned figures and is intended to be an exemplary description of a game utilizing game apparatus 200, or two of the game apparatuses, along with projectile 300, thusly the following description is not intended to be restrictive on the appending claims.
The main target (deformable member 10) should be approximately three feet from bottom 2 of a pool.
Projectile 300, and player 400 who holds projectile 300, must be submerged under water 3 during the entirety of their possession of projectile 300.
Only two defensive players may “go after” player 400 who holds projectile 300 “go after” is intended to mean “full contact” as referenced in sports such as football, or water polo. Defensive players may catch, bat, hit, a thrown projectile to prevent it from passing through a target area of the game apparatus.
If a defensive player is holding, or grappling, an offensive player (player 400 who holds projectile 300), the defensive player must release the offensive players within 3 seconds.
Each team is allowed to hold, or possess, projectile 300 for up to 30 seconds.
The following fouls, or penalties, are enforced: Projectile 300 leaves water 3. Player 400 who is possessing projectile 300 surfaces from under water 3. A defensive player holds an offensive player longer than 3 seconds after the offensive player no longer possesses projectile 300. Any pulling on articles of clothing, hair, goggles, or the like, is also considered a penalty.
Scoring is determined, as follows: All touch scoring (i.e., player 400 does not “throw” projectile 300) through a deformable member is one point. All shooting scoring (i.e., player 400 “throws” projectile 300) is determined by which target area of a deformable member projectile 300 is thrown through: one point for target area TA1 (i.e., one point for throwing projectile 300 through the largest target area); two points for target areas TA2 and TA3 (i.e., two points for throwing projectile 300 through the medial-sized target areas); and, three points for target area TA4 (i.e., three points for throwing projectile 300 through the smallest target area). Two points are awarded for goaltending, i.e., the defensive teams moves one of the deformable members when player 400 throws projectile 300.
Timing is as follows: Four (4) five (5)-minute quarters.
Overtime rules: If both teams are tied at the expiration of the fourth and final quarter, a shootout will determine the winner.
Each team will have five undefended throws, alternating, to throw projectile 300 into one of target areas TA1 through TA3 (as shown in the embodiment in
In a preferred pool configuration for the game, the pool will have a minimum depth of approximately five feet, or one foot deeper than the tallest player for competitive matches. Preferably, the pool dimensions should be substantially similar to conventional water polo-configured pools. The following divisions of competitive play have different minimum depths: High School requires a minimum of a seven foot deep pool; College requires a minimum of a ten foot deep pool; and, Professional requires a minimum of a twelve foot deep pool. As such, the adjustable configuration of game apparatus 200, described supra, is essential to accommodate the different depths of game apparatus 200 in a plurality of different pool depths.
It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
