The present invention relates generally to a ball toss game and method of playing. More so, the present invention relates to a ball toss game that can be played indoors or outdoors, and that requires multiple players on two teams to take turns throwing two sets of uniquely colored or patterned balls into two silos and awarding points for a final ball thrown into a top position in the silo; whereby the silos are defined by a wide top funnel that forms an opening, a narrow bottom base, a tube extending between the top funnel and the bottom base, and a restriction member that block and releases the balls from falling into the bottom base so as to be retrieved; whereby each team has a ball defined by a unique color; whereby the teams take turns throwing the balls into the silo creating a stacked arrangement of balls until a top position in the stacked arrangement receives a ball; whereby the team with the ball at the top position of the silo receives points; and whereby two different point awarding adaptations of the ball toss game determine a total number of points as a winning score.
The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
In general, object tossing games require some space and are generally best suited for outdoor activity rather than in the living room. These types of games are known using various types of missiles, such as balls, bean bags, Frisbees, horse shoes, or bolas. In playing, a pair of targets having openings are positioned in a spaced-apart location. A target, adjacent each of the openings in the box, receives the tossed ball and directs the same into such openings.
Such tossing games test the skill of each player to aim, throw or roll, and properly land rings, balls, or other objects in relationship to each other or to other objects or surroundings. Examples of such games include lawn bowling, horseshoes, bocce ball, and croquet. Though each of these games provide entertainment, each requires either a large amount of playing space which must usually be outdoors, a playing area of a particular nature, or several game pieces which are often cumbersome or inconvenient to carry.
Other proposals have involved ball tossing games. The problem with these is that they do not award points for having a final ball on top. Also, they cannot be played both indoors and outdoors. Even though the above cited ball tossing games meet some of the needs of the market, a ball toss game that can be played indoors or outdoors, and that requires multiple players on two teams to take turns throwing two sets of uniquely colored or patterned balls into two silos and awarding points for a final ball thrown into a top position in the silo is still desired.
Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a ball toss game and method of playing. The ball toss game is configured to enable multiple players that form two teams take turns tossing two sets of uniquely colored or patterned balls into two silos, and then award points for a final ball thrown into a top position in the silo. The silos are positioned at a predetermined distance from each other while playing the ball toss game. As the balls are tossed into the silos, the balls form a stacked arrangement until a final ball is tossed into a top position of the stacked arrangement in each silo; whereby points are awarded to the team having the final ball in the top position.
In some embodiments, the ball toss game provides two silos that are configured to enable playing the ball toss game either indoors or outdoors. The silos are defined by a top funnel that forms a receiving opening, a bottom base that forms a catch for catching and accessing the balls. A tube having a top end and a bottom end extends between the top funnel and the bottom base. The tube may be comprised of four spaced-apart struts that retain the balls in a stacked arrangement, while also allowing visibility of the balls. A restriction member, such as a pin, is disposed between the bottom end of the tube and the bottom base. The restriction member is configured to selectively regulate the path between the tube and the bottom base by moving in and out of the path between the tube and the bottom base through an aperture in the bottom end of the tube.
The ball toss game further comprises two sets of balls that are configured to be tossed into the wide top funnel of the silo. The balls are defined by an outer skin and an inner granular filling that substantially fills the outer skin. The outer skin for each set of balls is defined by a unique color or pattern. In this manner, each team has a set of balls with a unique color to prevent confusion. A predetermined number of tosses are allowed for each team. The balls form a stacked arrangement inside the tube, with a top position, e.g., the last ball that can be tossed into the tube, achieving points for the team that tosses the ball in the top position of the stacked arrangement of balls.
In some embodiments, the game requires multiple players on two teams to take turns throwing two sets of balls into two silos. Each team has a set of balls defined by a unique color or pattern. The teams take turns throwing the balls into the silo, with a predetermined number of tosses being allowed for each team. The balls tossed into the opening of the silo form a stacked arrangement of balls.
The last ball that can be tossed into the tube sets on a top position. The team with the ball at the top position of the silo receives points. Multiple point awarding adaptations of the game determine a total number of points as a winning score of the game. After each round of play, the team with the ball in the top position of the stacked arrangement is the winner of the round; and thereby awarded two points for the top position ball, and one point for each of their additional balls tossed into the tube to form the stacked arrangement. The opposing team is not awarded points for the round. At the end of each round, the restriction member is displaced away from the path in the tube and the balls are collected in the bottom base.
In some embodiments, the method for playing the ball toss game comprises an initial Step of providing two silos and two sets of balls for playing a ball toss game, the two sets of balls defined by a unique color or pattern.
Another Step may include positioning the two silos at a predetermined distance from each other.
Another Step may include selecting multiple players to form two teams.
A Step may include positioning a player from each team adjacent to the two silos.
Another Step comprises determining a total number of points as a winning score of the ball toss game.
A Step may include tossing, in sequential order by each player, the balls into an opening in the silo, whereby a predetermined number of tosses are allowed.
A Step may further comprise forming a stacked arrangement of balls in the silo.
Yet another Step may include tossing a ball into a top position in the stacked arrangement, whereby the team having the ball in the top position is awarded points; and
In some embodiments, a Step may include awarding points to the team having a final ball in the top position.
A final Step comprises displacing a restriction member from the path of a tube to enable collection of the balls.
One objective of the ball toss game is to provide a game for recreational purposes and a friendly competition between teams or individuals.
Another objective is to provide a ball toss game that can be played both indoors and outdoors.
Another objective is to provide a wide top funnel that provides a target for the ball.
Another objective is to provide uniquely colored or patterned balls for each team.
Another objective is to provide ball with a granular filling that deadens impact.
Another objective is to provide a restriction member to selectively restrain the balls in stacked arrangement and release the balls to the bottom base after each round.
Another objective is to provide a ball toss game that has few rules and is easy to understand.
Another objective is to provide a ball toss game that requires a high degree of manual skill and dexterity to accomplish.
Yet another objective is to provide a ball toss game that is of a durable and reliable construction.
Yet another objective is to provide a ball toss game that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower.” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front.” “vertical.” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
A ball toss game 100 and method 200 of playing is referenced in
In some embodiments, game 100 requires multiple players 144a-b. 146a-b on two teams to take turns throwing two sets of balls 122a-c, 124a-c into multiple silos 102a. 102b. In one embodiment, two silos 102a, 102b are used. Though a single silos may be utilized in other embodiments. Each team has a set of balls 122a-c, 124a-c, which are defined by a unique color or pattern. For example, a first set of balls 122a, 122b, 122c are blue, and a second set of balls 124a. 124b, 124c are red. The teams 144a-b. 146a-b take turns throwing the balls 122a-c, 124a-c into the silo 102a. 102b, with a predetermined number of tosses being allowed for each team.
As shown in
After each round of play, the team with a final ball 124c in the top position of the stacked arrangement is the winner of the round; and thereby awarded two points for the top position ball, and one point for each of their additional balls 122a-c. 124a-c tossed into the tube 114 in the stacked arrangement. Conversely, the opposing team is not awarded points for the round. At the end of each round, the restriction member is displaced from the path of the tube and the balls fall into the bottom base.
As referenced in
Looking at
The receiving opening 106 that forms in mouth 132 is sized and dimensioned to receive a ball 122a, as described below. Though in other embodiments, different angles may be used.
As illustrated in
Silo 102a further comprises a tube 114 that extends between top funnel 104 and bottom base 108 of the silo. Tube 114 comprises a top end 110 that joins with top funnel 104, and a bottom end 118 that joins with bottom base 108. The attachments may include a friction fit mating relationship, or a plurality of fasteners that couple the components together. Bottom end 118 of tube 114 may form an aperture 120 to enable passage of a restriction member 116, described below.
As illustrated in
In one embodiment, tube 114 is generally rectangular in shaped. But in other embodiments, tube 114 is cylindrical. Tube 114 is defined by an elongated cavity 142 that is sized and dimensioned to enable passage and stacking of the balls 122a-c. 124a-c. In one embodiment, tube 114 is about 22″ long. In another embodiment, tube 114 has a diameter of about 3.5″. Though in other embodiments, other dimensions for the height and diameter of the tube 114, or the ball diameter may be possible, depending on the scale of the game 100 and the type of materials used to fabricate tube 114. Suitable materials for tube 114 may include, without limitation, high density polyethylene, a rigid polymer, wood, glass, silicone, and metal.
Looking back at
Game 100 provides two silos 102a, 102b that are configured to enable playing the ball toss game 100 either indoors or outdoors.
Game 100 further comprises two sets of balls 122a-c, 124a-c that are configured to be tossed into the wide mouth 132 of top funnel 104. In one embodiment, each set of balls 122a-c. 124a-c has three balls. Balls 122a-c. 124a-c are defined by an outer skin 126 and an inner granular filling that substantially fills the outer skin 126. Outer skin 126 for each set of balls 122a-c, 124a-c is defined by a unique color or pattern. In this manner, each team has a set of balls 122a-c, 124a-c with a unique color to prevent confusion.
In some embodiments, the balls 122a-c, 124a-c may include a granular filling inside the outer skin 126 that helps to deaden impact with the ground or silo 102a. 102b. For example, granular fillings, such as corn, rice, bean, or pellets may fill a leather, woven or nonwoven outer skin 126 material. In other embodiments, balls may be constructed with any material that provides a deadened affect when contacting the silo or ground.
In use of the silos and balls 122a-c, 124a-c, a predetermined number of tosses of the balls 122a-c. 124a-c into the receiving opening 106 of the silos are allowed for each team. The balls 122a-c. 124a-c form a stacked arrangement inside the tube 114, with a top position being defined as a final ball 124c that can be tossed into the tube 114. The team that tosses the final ball 124c on the top position of the stacked arrangement of balls 122a-c, 124a-c is awarded points.
In one exemplary embodiment of the game 100 shown in
Silos 102a, 102b can also be used outdoors.
In playing, each team 144a-b, 146a-b has a set of balls 122a-c, 124a-c distinguished by a unique color or pattern. Players 144a, 144b. 146a, 146b from each team alternate tossing the balls 122a-c. 124a-c through the air, attempting to place their ball into the receiving opening 106 in the top funnel 104 of the silo 102a, 102b. Players position at opposite silos 102a, 102b to attempt the tosses. Silos 102a, 102b are situated at a predetermined distance from each other. As balls 122a-c, 124a-c are tossed into the tube 114, a stacked arrangement of balls 122a-c, 124a-c forms.
At the end of each round the team with a final 124c ball in the top position of the stacked arrangement, is considered the winner of the round and is awarded two points for having the final ball 124c on top, and one point for each of their additional ball tossed into tube 114. The other team is not awarded points for the round. The player or team who earns the total number of points of the winning score first wins the game 100. In one possible embodiment, game 100 continues until one team reaches 25 points, but no more than 26.
In one alternative embodiment of scoring, the winner of the round is also awarded a point for each one of the opposing team's balls 122a-c in tube 114. In yet another alternative embodiment of game 100, the body of a teammate may be used to ricochet the ball into the opening of tube 114. However the player used as a ricochet cannot hold or guide the ball in its path of travel. Variations of the game 100 can also be created by individual owners of the game 100.
A Step 208 may include positioning a player from each team adjacent to the two silos. Another Step 210 comprises determining a total number of points as a winning score of the ball toss game 100. In one possible scoring version, the team with a final 124c ball in the top position of the stacked arrangement, is considered the winner of the round and is awarded two points for having final ball 124c on top, and one point for each of their additional ball tossed into tube 114. The other team is not awarded points for the round. A Step 212 may include tossing a predetermined number of tosses, alternating tosses by each player, the balls 122a-c, 124a-c into an opening in the silo, whereby a predetermined number of tosses are allowed.
A Step 214 may further comprise forming a stacked arrangement of balls 122a-c, 124a-c in the silo. Tube is sufficiently sized to enable free passage of balls 122a-c, 124a-c, while maintaining a single linear formation of balls 122a-c, 124a-c. Yet another Step 216 may include tossing a final ball 124c into a top position in the stacked arrangement. Another Step 218 may include awarding points to the team having a final ball 124c in the top position. A final Step 220 comprises displacing a restriction member from path of tube to enable collection of the balls. Restriction member 116 pass through aperture to block path between bottom end 118 of tube 114 and bottom base 108. In one embodiment, pulling restriction member 116 enables balls 122a-c, 124a-c to fall into bottom base 108.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.
Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.
This application claims the benefits of U.S. provisional application No. 62/394,731, filed Sep. 14, 2016 and entitled “ON TOP” INDOOR/OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL GAME, which provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20180071603 A1 | Mar 2018 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62394731 | Sep 2016 | US |