Patent Grant
12285668
The disclosure here relates to the field of games, in particular, to a game using a ball.
Outdoor games have long been a popular form of entertainment at social gatherings, parties, and recreational events. These games provide a means for people to engage in physical activity, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors. Many such games are designed to be accessible to participants of various ages and skill levels, making them ideal for diverse group settings.
Among the wide array of outdoor party games, those involving physical objects or equipment have gained particular prominence. These games often require minimal setup and can be easily learned, allowing for quick engagement and enjoyment. Examples include games involving targets (such as horseshoes or cornhole), games with handheld implements (like badminton or croquet), and various types of races or relay games.
Ball games represent a significant subset of outdoor party games, offering versatility in terms of play style and required skills. Balls are portable, easy to use, and can facilitate a range of activities from simple catch to more complex team sports. Traditional ball games played at outdoor gatherings include volleyball, soccer, and various forms of catch or keep-away.
In accordance with an aspect, there is provided the Beach Sniper game kit and the method of playing beach sniper game by a plurality of teams with the ultimate goal of winning the beach sniper game. The Beach Sniper game kit may include a target ball, a target ball support, at least one strike ball, at least one pitch ball, at least one elastic rope and at least two rope. The at least two rope may be folded into a shape of triangles, where the base vertices of the triangles may be shaped into loops using at least one clamp, and wherein each of the at least one clamp may be attached at a sufficient distance from the base vertices, thereby creating loops large enough to accommodate one of the plurality of anchors. Each loop of the triangle may accommodate an anchor. The vertex angle of the triangle may be less than 90 degrees. Each end of the at least one elastic rope may be coupled to loose ends of each of the at least two rope using at least one clamp, wherein the length of the at least one elastic rope may be adjustable based on the level of elasticity of the at least one rope. The target ball support may be positioned in a predetermined position that may bisect the at least one elastic rope, and the target ball support may have a hollow conical frustum which may be positioned on the base. The base of the target ball support may have a shape of the square which in turn may have holes located in each of the four corners, wherein each hole may accommodate one of the plurality of anchors. The passing channel may be located on top of the conical frustum through which at least one elastic rope may pass. The target ball may have a hook attached to its outer surface.
The beach sniper game may also have a digital counter, which may have a first button with a first color corresponding to a starting team and may have a second button with a second color corresponding to the opposing team. The digital counter may also have a first score window which may be configured to display points for the starting team when the first button is pressed. The digital counter may also have a second score window configured to display points for the opposing team when the second button is pressed. The digital counter may also have a first game score window which may be configured to display the overall game points for the starting team and a second score window which may be configured to display the overall game points for the opposing team.
The method of playing a beach sniper game by a plurality of teams, with the ultimate goal of winning the beach sniper game may include the steps of positioning the beach sniper game upon a playing surface which in its turn may include steps of laying on the playing surface two triangles. Two triangles may be positioned on opposite sides from one another, wherein the two triangle may be coupled together through at least one elastic rope with the use of at least one clamp. The target ball support may be set in between the two triangles at the bisection of the at least one elastic rope. The next step may include attaching each of two triangles to the playing surface using one of the plurality of anchors which may be passing through each loop fashioned into the base vertices of each of the respective two triangles. Furthermore, steps may include attaching the target ball support to the playing surface by using one of the plurality of anchors, wherein the latter may pass through each hole located on a corner of a base of the target ball support. The next step may be situating a target ball on the target ball support in a way that a hook of the target ball may be positioned inside a conical frustum of the target ball support. The hook may come into contact and may be retained by the at least one elastic rope.
The steps of determining which team starts the game first may include positioning one player from each team at a pitcher's position. The pitcher's position may be located near a midpoint of a respective base of each of the two triangles, and the pitcher's position may be situated outside the perimeter of its corresponding each of the two triangles. Each player located at the pitcher's position may be given an attempt to hit the target ball with their respective pitch ball or strike ball without crossing or touching the base of one of the two triangles. If any player crosses or touches the base of one of the two triangle, no successful hit are going to be recorded and the other player may take the attempt. The team with the first successful hit may be declared as a starting team and the other team may be declared as an opposing team. When the score is a tie, each player may continue with additional single attempts until one team hits the target ball, while the other misses. The next step of playing beach sniper game may be positioning a first player of the starting team at the pitcher's position of one of the two triangles and positioning a second player of the starting team at a receiver's position in the other of the two triangles. The receiver's position may be located within the perimeter of the respective triangle. The first player of the starting team may toss the pitch ball to the second player of the starting team. The first player of the starting team may not cross or touch the base of one of the two triangles. The one point may be awarded to the starting team if the second player of the starting team successfully catches the pitch ball while remaining at the receiver's position. The score may be recorded after each round using a digital counter. The first player of the opposing team may be positioned within a second region, wherein one foot positioned on a second strike base while a strike ball at hand. The second player of the opposing team may be positioned within a first region where a first strike base is located. The first player of an opposing team may have an attempt to strike the tossed pitch ball, in mid-air, with a strike ball but only after the first player of the opposing team signaled his readiness to the first player of the starting team. At least one point may be awarded to the opposing team if the first player of the opposing team successfully strikes the pitch ball in the mid-air. The at least one point may be awarded to the opposing team when the second player of the opposing team catches the strike ball in mid-air, when the first player of the opposing team does not strike the pitch ball in mid-air. The tossing and striking attempts may be repeated for a predetermined number of rounds. The scores may be recorded using the digital counter after each round.
After completing the predetermined number of rounds the next steps may include switching the players' positions, wherein the first player of the starting team may move from the pitcher's position to the receiver's position within the same one of the two triangles. The second player of the starting team may move from the receiver's position to the pitcher's position within the same one of the two triangles. The second player of the opposing team may be positioned within the first region with the strike ball at hand, wherein one foot of the first player of the opposing team may be positioned on the first strike base, while the first player of the opposing team may be positioned within the second region where the second strike base is located. The game may be continued to be played for a predetermined number of rounds in opposite direction, where the second player of the starting team may toss the pitch ball to the first player of the starting team, and the second player of the opposing team may attempt to strike the tossed pitch ball. The score may be recorded using the digital counter. The starting team's positions may be switched with the opposing team's positions and the game may continue to play for a predetermined number of rounds. After each round the scores may be recorded using the digital counter. The winner of the set may be determined after playing a predetermined number of rounds. If the score is a tie, the steps of determining which teams first starts to play may be repeated, until one team scores more points and then declared the winner. The game is won by the team which may first win a predetermined number of sets.
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention are shown in the drawings and will be described below with reference to the figures, whereby elements having the same effect have been provided with the same reference numerals.
The following is shown:
To facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the Beach Sniper Game Kit, the following list is not limited but enumerates the reference numerals used throughout the description and drawings.
The list is as follows:
Exemplified embodiments are now described. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for a more effective presentation. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all of the components or steps that are described.
In triangle ABC, at each of base vertices A and B, the rope 2 is structured with use of at least one clamp 6 in such a way as to form a loop 4 which serves as an anchor point whereby through the loop 4 passes the one of the plurality anchors 30. The diameter of loop 4 is specifically designed to be large enough to accommodate one of the plurality of anchors 30. This diameter is constrained by attaching at least one clamp 6 to rope 2 at a distance sufficiently away from the respective vertices A or B. This ensures the appropriate size of the loop 4 to allow secure passage of the anchor 30. In triangle ABC, the two loose ends of the rope 2 at vertex C are connected with an elastic rope 36 using at least one clamp 6. The vertex angle C is less than 90 degrees-acute angle. In other embodiments the vertex angle C may be 90 degrees (right angle) or more than 90 degrees (obtuse). One end of the elastic rope 36 is positioned between the two loose ends of rope 2, effectively joining the two loose ends of rope 2 together with the elastic rope 36. The base AB of the triangle ABC is secured to the ground by attaching two loop 4 corresponding to vertices A and B to predetermined positions, using one of a plurality of anchors 30 per loop 4, as shown in
In triangle DEF, at each of base vertices E and F, the rope 2 is structured with use of at least one clamp 6 in such a way as to form a loop 4 which serves as an anchor point whereby through the loop 4 passes the one of the plurality anchors 30. The diameter of loop 4 is specifically designed to be large enough to accommodate one of the plurality of anchors 30. This diameter is constrained by attaching at least one clamp 6 to rope 2 at a distance sufficiently away from the respective vertices A or B. This ensures the appropriate size of the loop 4 to allow secure passage of the anchor 30. In triangle DEF, the two loose ends of the rope 2 at vertex D are connected with an elastic rope 36 using at least one clamp 6. The vertex angle D is less than 90 degrees (acute). In other embodiments, the vertex angle D may be 90 degrees (right angle) or more than 90 degrees (obtuse). The other end of the elastic rope 36 is positioned between the two loose ends of the rope 2, effectively joining the two loose ends of rope 2 together with the elastic rope 36. The base EF of the triangle DEF is secured to the ground by attaching two loop 4 corresponding to base vertices E and F to the predetermined positions, using one of a plurality of anchors 30 per loop 4.
Triangle ABC has a midpoint 8 located on base AB. Triangle DEF has a midpoint 10 located on base EF. A pitcher's position of triangle ABC is located near the midpoint 8, outside of the perimeter of the triangle ABC (as shown in
On top of base 58 is a hollow conical frustum 13, where the diameter of the upper end of the hollow conical frustum 13 is smaller compared to the lower end, with the diameter gradually increasing from the top to the lower end (as shown in
Rules of How to Play the Beach Sniper Game: The Beach Sniper game is designed to be played on various surfaces, such as on beach sand, parks, schools, or any open area suitable for recreational activities. The game involves two teams. As described above, the game requires a target ball 20, seated on the hollow conical frustum 13 and hooked to the elastic rope 36 at midpoint 16. Moreover, there are at least two balls, the pitch ball 28 and strike ball 60. The pitch ball 28 is for tossing the ball to a teammate, while the strike ball 60 is used by the other team to attempt to hit the pitch ball 28 in mid-air. In other embodiments, the game can also be played with additional balls. When played on a flat, solid surfaces like wooden floors or concrete, the plurality of anchors 30 can be substituted with tape or other affixing methods.
Each team is equipped with a digital counter 42 which includes a strap 56. One team uses a digital counter 42 with a blue strap, while the other team uses a digital counter 42 with a red strap. Each digital counter 42 is equipped with a blue button 44 and a red button 46. Pressing the blue button 44 records a point for one team in their blue score window 48, and pressing the red button 46 records a point for the other team in their red score window 50. Additionally, the digital counter 42 displays the overall game points in a dedicated blue game score window 52 and red game score window 54 for each team.
Step 1, The installation 201: The triangles ABC and DEF are laid on the playing surface, where they are positioned on opposite sides from one another. The triangles ABC and DEF are coupled together using the elastic rope 36, which in its turn is secured by using at least one clamp 6 (as described in paragraphs 0025 and 0026).
The target ball support 12 is positioned in between triangles ABC and DEF. The position of the target ball support 12 is in the middle of the elastic rope 36. The triangles ABC and DEF are secured to the playing surface using one of the plurality of anchors 30, wherein, each one of the plurality of anchors 30 is passed through the loops 4.
The target ball support 12 is anchored to the playing surface by using one of the plurality of anchors 30 that passes through each of the plurality of holes 14. A target ball 20 then is situated on the target ball support 12. The target ball 20 is positioned in a way that its hook 22 is placed inside the hollow conical frustum 13 of the target ball support 12. In this configuration, the hook 22 is retained by the elastic rope 36.
Step 2, Initial Determination 202: To determine which team starts the game, one player from each team stands at their respective pitcher's position: one player from one team near the midpoint 8 of the base AB outside of the perimeter of the triangle ABC, and the other player from the other team near the midpoint 10 of the base EF, outside of the perimeter of the triangle DEF (as shown in
Step 3, First Round—Toss 203: For the first round, first player of the starting team 24 takes the pitcher's position near midpoint 8, outside the perimeter of the triangle ABC, more specifically along the line of the base AB (as shown in
Step 4, First Round—Strike 204: The first player of the opposing team 32, while holding the strike ball 60, stands with one foot on the second strike base 38 and prepares to strike the pitch ball 28 as soon as it is tossed by the first player of the starting team 24 and is still in the air. The first player of the starting team 24 may toss the pitch ball 28 only after the first player of the opposing team 32 signals his readiness to the first player of the starting team 24. Acceptable signals include a raised hand or a whistle. The second player of the opposing team 34, chooses a convenient position in the first region to try to catch the strike ball 60, in the mid-air, if it does not strike the pitch ball 28 as it is being tossed by the first player of the starting team 24.
The players repeat the process outlined in Steps 3 and 4 for a predetermined number of times. In this example, Steps 3 and 4 are taken one more time. Each team, after each round, records their result using their respective digital counter 42.
Step 5, Players Positions Switch 205: After completing the first round, all players switch positions. The first player of the starting team 24 moves inside the triangle ABC, at receiver's position, while his partner, the second player of the starting team 26 steps out of the triangle DEF and positions himself at the pitcher's position near the midpoint 10 of the base EF, outside the perimeter of the triangle DEF, more specifically along the line of the base EF, to make the next toss with pitch ball 28 in direction of the first player of the starting team 24. The first player of the opposing team 32 chooses a position in the second region suitable for him to catch the strike ball 60 as it is tossed by the second player of the opposing team 34 located in the first region, who throws the strike ball 60 with one foot placed on the first strike base 40.
With the new positions, players take predetermined number of rounds. In this example, two more rounds are played in the opposite direction, wherein the second player of the starting team 26 tosses the pitch ball 28 into direction of the first player of the starting team 24 and the second player of an opposing team 34 attempts to strike the pitch ball 28 in mid-air with the strike ball 60. The first player of an opposing team 32 attempts to catch the strike ball 60 in the air. Each team, after each round, records their result using their respective digital counter 42.
Step 6, Teams Switch 206: After the starting team has completed a predetermined number of tosses and the opposing team has completed a predetermined number of strikes, as described in Steps 3, 4, and 5, (in this example a total of four tosses and strikes), the teams switch roles. The opposing team now takes the position of the starting team as described in Step 3, while the starting team takes the opposing team's position as described in Step 4. After completing the first round of tosses and strikes (Steps 3-4) in these switched roles (in this example with two attempts), players of the teams are switching their respective positions as described in Step 5. The players of the opposing team switching the pitchers' and receiver's positions in their respective triangles, and the starting team players switching the positions inside the first region and the second region. Player of teams take predetermined number of rounds (in this example two more attempts) in opposite direction, as describe in Step 5.
The winner of the set is determined after a total number of tosses, in this example eight tosses. If the score is tied, the teams repeat the initial method of determining what team starts the game, Step 2, striking the target ball 20 with the balls to decide the winner.
Step 7, Game Winner 207: A team wins the game by winning two out of three sets, or three out of five sets, depending on the agreed match format. Other arrangements for determining the winner can be predetermined, such as winning five out of nine sets, or six out of eleven sets.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20060189417 | Evans | Aug 2006 | A1 |
| 20100087296 | Hansen | Apr 2010 | A1 |
| 20180071607 | Alexander | Mar 2018 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 102012205422 | Oct 2013 | DE |
| WO-2005037381 | Apr 2005 | WO |
