Patent Application
20250073551
The present invention relates generally to the field of bean bag bowling devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bean bag tossing game consisting of tossing the bean bags at stakes to knock them over. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in bean bag bowling devices. Generally, people may enjoy playing different games with their friends and family while at the beach, camping, at tailgate parties, and numerous other outdoor social events. Attending events with strangers can be difficult, especially if there is a lack of activities that function as icebreakers. Furthermore, constantly playing the same games, such as volleyball, badminton, etc., can be boring. Some games may only be able to accommodate a few people, leaving others feeling left out.
Generally, bean bag games are widely used, but most involve some form of cornhole. Specifically, a player throws bean bags into a hole cut out of a wooden board. Accordingly, this game is sometimes known as a bean bag toss game or a cornhole game. Despite the popularity of such games, the size of the boards is unwieldy making it difficult to store or transport the game. Another problem is that such games may not be fun for all levels of players as the ability to throw a bean bag into a hole may be too challenging to retain a player's interest. Therefore, what is needed is an improved bean bag game which is enjoyable and entertaining for participants but does not have the same issues as bean bag toss games or cornhole games with unwieldy boards.
Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved bean bag bowling device that is portable and allows users to easily set up and break down the game on any type of terrain. More particularly, there is a demand for a bean bag bowling device that consists of tossing bean bags at stakes to knock them over.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a bean bag bowling device that provides users with a bean bag tossing game consisting of tossing the bags at stakes to knock them over. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a bean bag bowling device that includes six stakes for each team that can be set up a predetermined distance apart for being knocked over with the bean bags. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a bean bag bowling device that features custom stakes and bags that can feature several different colors, glow-in-the-dark designs, logos, and more. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows users to easily set up and break down the game on any type of terrain like sand, grass, gravel, and more. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a bean bag bowling device that offers hours of fun and entertainment for children and adults. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a bean bag bowling device that includes a stand for the stakes for quick setup on hard surfaces.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a bean bag bowling device. The device is a fun and unique outdoor game that can be played with family and friends. The game comprises two teams that have their own respective set of targets on their side of the playing field. During the game, the teams must knock down each other's targets using bean bags to be the last team standing to win. There are a total of 12 wooden stakes, six per side, of various lengths, set up in order for players to use bean bags to knock down their stake targets. Typically, there are two bean bags per player/team. Based on age or skill level, each set of stakes can be set up five feet to twenty-five feet and up, opposite each other. Each stake has a center hole that allows a piece of cord to fit through for quick and easy collection and transportation. Further, for terrain other than sand/snow, each stake may have a wooden stand for quick balance and setup. The game can be set up in less than one minute and it is easily portable for any outdoor location or social event. The bean bags and stakes may be available in several different colors and styles.
In this manner, the bean bag bowling device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that provides users with a bean bag tossing game. The device comprises a set of stakes which are knocked over by bean bags. The bean bag bowling device offers hours of fun and entertainment.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a bean bag bowling device. The device is a fun and unique outdoor game that can be played with family and friends. The game comprises two teams that have their own respective set of targets on their side of the playing field. During the game, the teams must knock down each other's targets using bean bags to be the last team standing to win. The game can be set up in less than one minute and it is easily portable for any outdoor location or social event. The bean bags and stakes may be available in several different colors and styles.
In one embodiment, the bean bag game, which is advantageous over bean bag games which use an unwieldy board with holes. Instead, a plurality of targets are provided. The targets may be of any number of different sizes and shapes. The plurality of targets must be knocked down by players to win the game, much like in conventional bowling. The plurality of targets are typically a plurality of stakes or other similar implement/component and are configured in a rectangular, oval, or trapezoidal shape, etc. Each stake has a planar front face and a planar back face, as well as a top end, a bottom end, and opposing side ends. Generally, the plurality of targets are multifaced targets, with the front face being a mirror of the back face, such that the front and back faces are identical. Further, the targets are multi-positionable and can be positioned with the front face forward or the back face forward. The stakes can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art and the plurality of stakes are typically comprised of various lengths and/or shapes and sizes when collected together to form the plurality of targets for the game device.
In one embodiment, the plurality of targets or stakes are vertically positioned for game play. Specifically, the top end and/or bottom end are typically pointed or generally tapered to not form a sharp edge, allowing the plurality of targets to be used by little children, as well. Generally, the stakes can be inserted upright into soft ground via embedding the tapered end of the top end or bottom end directly into the ground. A user just firmly pushes the tapered end directly into the soft ground surface, such as sand, deep gravel, soft soil, soft grass, snow, etc. Further, a user could also utilize a mallet or small hammer to pound the stakes firmly into the ground surface.
In one embodiment, instead of embedding the stakes directly into the ground surface, the stakes include stands. Each stand includes a flat surface and a channel or slot for accepting the tapered end of the stakes. Each stake can be inserted into their stand for game play. Thus, the stands allow for quick balance and set up of the plurality of stakes. Further, the stands allow the stakes to be positioned in an upright, vertical position on a hard ground surface, such as concrete, hard soil, shallow gravel, hard grass, etc. Accordingly, the stakes are easily inserted into their stands and removed, as needed. Further, the channel or slot also has a through hole which allows a user to insert a cord for stringing the stands with the stakes for quick pick-up and storage.
In one embodiment, any suitable number of stakes can be used as targets, typically the bean bag bowling game device comprises a set of twelve stakes. In use, the plurality of targets are arranged on either side of a playing field, with approximately six targets positioned on each side. Accordingly, there are six targets, vertically spaced about the ground surface and supported by being embedded into the ground or by a separate stand. The six targets on one side define the target area of the game, at which 2-3 differently colored pillow-type bean bags are tossed to knock over the targets to score points. Further, the six targets are arranged between five feet and twenty-five feet (and up) apart, opposite each other, depending on the age and/or skill level of the players. Users stand by one set of stakes and throw across the playing field to try and knock over the other set of stakes set up 5-25 feet apart.
In one embodiment, the two sets of targets are preferably identical but can be painted different colors or have different stripes of color to signify different teams, players, etc. Further, each of the targets can be painted in multiple colors, styles, and designs, depicting a favorite sports team, college, etc., and/or displaying the points awarded for knocking down that particular target with a bean bag. In operation, a user demonstrates their bean bag tossing skills by tossing a bag to land on particular target areas (i.e., the different stakes). Further, different stakes may have different point values associated therewith. For example, the smallest stake may have the highest point value and larger stakes may have increasingly smaller point values. It is to be further understood, however, that any number of different sizes and shapes for the target area stakes may be used as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, each of the targets has a through hole preferably positioned toward the middle of the target, through which a piece of cord, rope, string, etc., is threaded through. Thus, the through hole is preferably large enough to receive a piece of cord, rope, string, etc., and to allow it to easily pass through. The size of the through hole may vary depending on the size of the diameter of the cord, rope, string, etc. Once threaded through all of the stakes and stands, the piece of cord is then secured together via tying, clasps, buckle, etc. Thus, the piece of cord allows for all the targets to be threaded through via their middle through holes, for quick and easy collection and transportation.
In one embodiment, bean bags are used to knock over the targets and win the game. The bean bags are utilized as projectiles and adapted for manual grasping including a flexible bag partially filled with weighted material in the form of small (soft) rubber pellets. The bean bag may be made of any suitable cloth material, such as denim, fabric, cotton, or nylon, or the bean bag may be formed of a flexible transparent plastic for added effect. Generally, each team or player has 2-3 bean bags for use, however, any suitable number of bean bags can be utilized as is known in the art.
It is also to be understood that although the term “bean bag” is used, each “bean bag” need not actually have beans within it. The term “bean bag” should be understood to mean a sealed bag which may have dried beans or other organic materials, PVC pellets, expanded polystyrene, expanded polypropylene, or other materials. In one embodiment, the pellets are configured in the form of flat disks approximately 1 to 4 inches in diameter. For projectile use, the best results are obtained when the bean bag is five inches by five inches square and is approximately ⅓ full with such rubber pellets.
In one embodiment, for ease and economy in manufacture, the bean bag may be formed of a single piece of material folded at one end, having inside seams at each side and an outside filler seam at the other end thereof. The bag itself may be made from fabric, nylon, or other suitable materials.
In one embodiment, each set of bean bags are preferably a different color to distinguish between each player's set of bean bags. The color of the bean bags could also match the color of the targets or the color of the stripes or designs on the targets. Furthermore, the game device includes a set of two to three bean bags. Preferably a first subset of the set of bean bags are of a first color and a second subset of the set of bean bags are of a second color, the second color different than the first color. For example, the set of bean bags may include three green bean bags and three blue bean bags. Of course, other numbers and colors may be used. In addition, instead of the bean bags having solid colors, they may have different designs or are otherwise visually distinguishable.
Further, the game is played by two competing persons or groups/teams thereof, who alternately throw their own set of colored bean bags at the target area to knock over the standing targets, much like one would knock over standing bowling pins. As stated supra, the bean bags are of the same color as a portion of the target, to represent which bean bag goes with which set of targets. The game is commenced by first positioning all of the targets in the ground or on their stands, in a vertical, upright position, so that the front face or the back face of the targets face forward, i.e. toward the players. The color of the bean bags which a player tosses determines the color of the front face or the back face of the targets, whichever face endeavors to face forward during play. As the different bean bags strike one or more targets, they cause said targets to fall down and stay on the ground surface.
In one embodiment, the game device could comprise a score pad/card or score counter for each player or team to track their respective scores during game play. The scorecard or counter may include space to record a score associated with each toss of a bean bag by each player. The scorecard or counter may also provide for tracking multiple rounds of play. For example, the scorecard may provide for tracking up to three rounds of play for two players (or sets of players), one playing with a set of three “Green” bean bags and one playing with a set of three “Blue” bean bags. Of course, other numbers of bean bags, numbers of rounds, numbers of players, and further variations are contemplated.
In one embodiment, the game device may include a carrying case or bag, that is sized to hold the plurality of targets, the stands, and the bean bags, and other items (such as scorecards) to be placed in the carry bag. The carry bag may be of any number of different sizes or shapes. In one embodiment, the carry bag may be a sling backpack style of bag. In another embodiment, the carry bag may be a drawstring style of bag. Of course, any number of other types of bags may be used. Alternatively, instead of a bag, other types of containers may be used to hold the various items such as a box, case, bucket, or other container.
In one embodiment, an instruction card may also be provided, as shown. The instruction card may set forth instructions regarding preparation or game play. The instruction card may include information, such as suggestions for the type of surface to place the targets on, securing the targets upright in position, how far to stand away from the target, as well as the basics of game play, such as having each player take turns and scoring after all bean bags have been thrown. The manner of scoring the situation where a bean bag touches multiple targets may also be provided for. The instructions may also provide for how to resolve ties or other rules as may be appropriate for different embodiments.
In one example of game play, after the plurality of targets are positioned in their vertical, upright positions and secured a predetermined distance apart, game play may begin. Players stand back from or behind the targets and each player may take turns tossing one bean bag at a time toward the targets. After all bean bags are tossed, the scorecard may be used to record the results with the score value of each bean bag being the value of the target(s) that was knocked over. The points for each player are totaled for the round and the round is repeated. The player that wins 2 of 3 rounds may be considered the winner. Of course, any number of different variations in game play may be made based in part on the number of targets knocked over, the number of bean bags, the number of players, and other variations, etc.
Therefore, a bean bag toss bowling game has been shown and described. The invention is not to be limited to the particular embodiments shown and described herein. In particular, the invention contemplates numerous variations in the plurality of targets, the number of bean bags, the visual appearance of the bean bags, the rules of the game, the manner in which scoring is performed, the manner in which the targets are positioned, and other variations, etc.
In yet another embodiment, the bean bag bowling device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of tossing bean bags at a plurality of stakes to knock them over to win the game is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a bean bag bowling device comprising a set of stakes and a plurality of bean bags. The method also comprises inserting the set of stakes on respective sides of the playing field, such that they are standing up in a vertical position. Further, the method comprises taking turns throwing bean bags at the targets to knock them down. Finally, the method comprises threading a piece of cord through the center hole of each stake to gather the set of stakes for easy collection and transportation.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a bean bag bowling device that provides users with a bean bag tossing game consisting of tossing the bags at stakes to knock them over. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a bean bag bowling device that includes six stakes for each team that can be set up a predetermined distance apart for being knocked over with the bean bags. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a bean bag bowling device that features custom stakes and bags that can feature several different colors, glow-in-the-dark designs, logos, and more. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows users to easily set up and break down the game on any type of terrain like sand, grass, gravel, and more. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a bean bag bowling device that offers hours of fun and entertainment for children and adults. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a bean bag bowling device that includes a stand for the stakes for quick set up on hard surfaces.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel bean bag bowling device. The game comprises two teams that have their own respective set of targets on their side of the playing field. During the game, the teams must knock down each other's targets using bean bags to be the last team standing to win. Based on age or skill level, each set of stakes can be set up five feet to twenty-five feet and up, opposite each other. Each stake has a center hole that allows a piece of cord to fit through for quick and easy collection and transportation. Further, for terrain other than sand/snow, each stake may have a wooden stand for quick balance and setup. The present invention also includes a novel method of tossing bean bags at a plurality of stakes to knock them over to win the game. The method includes the steps of providing a bean bag bowling device comprising a set of stakes and a plurality of bean bags. The method also comprises inserting the set of stakes on respective sides of the playing field, such that they are standing up in a vertical position. Further, the method comprises taking turns throwing bean bags at the targets to knock them down. Finally, the method comprises threading a piece of cord through the center hole of each stake to gather the set of stakes and stands for easy collection and transportation.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Generally, the disclosed bean bag game device 100 is advantageous over conventional bean bag games which use an unwieldy board with holes. Instead, the disclosed bean bag game device 100 comprises a plurality of movable targets 102 that are easily set up and taken down, as needed. The targets 102 may be of any number of different sizes and shapes as is known in the art. The plurality of targets 102 must be knocked down by players 106 to win the game 100, much like in conventional bowling. The plurality of targets 102 are typically a plurality of stakes or other similar implements/components and are configured in a rectangular, oval, or trapezoidal shape, etc. Each stake (target) 102 has a planar front face 110 and a planar back face 112, as well as a top end 114, a bottom end 116 and opposing side ends 118. Generally, the plurality of targets 102 are multifaced targets, with the front face 110 being a mirror of the back face 112, such that the front 110 and back 112 faces are identical. Further, the targets 102 are multi-positionable and can be positioned with the front face 110 forward or the back face 112 forward. The stakes 102 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art and the plurality of stakes 102 are typically comprised of various lengths and/or shapes and sizes when collected together to form the plurality of targets 102 for the game device 100. Generally, the stakes 102 can be 18.5 H×2.5 W×¾ D, with a center through hole of 13/64 dia.; 16.5 H×2.5 W×¾ D, with a center through hole of ⅜ dia.; 9.5 H×2.5 W×¾ D, with a center through hole of ⅜ dia.; or 8.5 H×2.5 W×¾ D, with a center through hole of ⅜ dia., or any other suitable measurements as is known in the art.
Furthermore, any suitable number of stakes 102 can be used as targets, typically the bean bag bowling game device 100 comprises a set of twelve stakes 102. In use, the plurality of targets 102 are arranged on either side of a playing field 108, with approximately six targets 102 positioned on each side. Accordingly, there are six targets 102, vertically spaced about the ground surface 120 and supported by being embedded into the ground 120 or by a separate stand 122 and spaced one to two feet apart (in any order). The six targets 102 on one side define the target area of the game 100, at which 2-3 differently colored (or same colored) pillow-type bean bags 104 are tossed to knock over the targets 102 to score points. Further, the six targets 102 are arranged between five feet and twenty-five feet (and up) apart, opposite each other, depending on the age and/or skill level of the players 106. Users stand behind or beside one set of stakes 102 and take turns throwing across the playing field 108 to try and knock over the other set of stakes 102 set up approximately 5-25 feet apart.
Additionally, there can be many ways to play the bean bag bowling game device 100. For example, first to knock the stakes 102 all down (in any order). Call your shot, where a user picks a specific stake to aim for and restarts for knocking down the wrong stake 102. Stakes 102 have to be knocked down in numbered order (forward or backward). Odds versus evens. First to a specific amount (15, 16, 21, etc.). Spread the stakes 102 further apart on each side. Place all the stakes 102 on one side and the first to get the most stakes 102 down wins. Further, play it any way you want to share the fun.
Typically, the two sets of targets 102 are preferably identical, but can be painted different colors or have different stripes of color to signify different teams, players, etc. Further, each of the targets 102 can be painted in multiple colors, styles, and designs, depicting a favorite sports team, college, etc., and/or displaying the points awarded for knocking down that particular target 102 with a bean bag 104. In operation, a user demonstrates their bean bag 104 tossing skills by tossing a bean bag 104 to land on particular target areas (i.e., the different stakes 102). Further, different stakes 102 may have different point values associated therewith. For example, the smallest stake may have the highest point value and larger stakes may have increasingly smaller point values. It is to be further understood, however, that any number of different sizes and shapes for the target area stakes 102 may be used as is known in the art.
Generally, bean bags 104 are used to knock over the targets 102 and win the game 100. The bean bags 104 are utilized as projectiles and adapted for manual grasping including a flexible bag partially filled with weighted material in the form of small (soft) rubber pellets (not shown). The bean bag 104 may be made of any suitable cloth material, such as a denim, fabric, cotton, or nylon, or the bean bag 104 may be formed of a flexible transparent plastic for added effect. Generally, each team or player 106 has 2-3 bean bags 104 for use, however, any suitable number of bean bags 104 can be utilized as is known in the art.
It is also to be understood that although the term “bean bag” is used, each “bean bag” need not actually have beans within it. The term “bean bag” should be understood to mean a sealed bag which may have dried beans or other organic materials, PVC pellets, expanded polystyrene, expanded polypropylene, or other materials. In one embodiment, the pellets are configured in the form of flat disks approximately 1 to 4 inches in diameter. For projectile use, the best results are obtained when the bean bag 104 is approximately five inches by five inches square and is approximately ⅓ full with such rubber pellets.
Further, for case and economy in manufacture, the bean bag 104 may be formed of a single piece of material folded at one end, having inside seams at each side and an outside filler seam at the other end thereof. The bag itself may be made from fabric, nylon, or other suitable materials as is known in the art.
Additionally, each set of bean bags 104 are preferably a different color to distinguish between each player's set of bean bags 104, but could also be the same color as well. The color of the bean bags 104 could also match the color of the targets 102 or the color of the stripes or designs on the targets 102. Furthermore, the game device 100 includes a set of two to three bean bags 104. Preferably a first subset of the set of bean bags 104 are of a first color and a second subset of the set of bean bags 104 are of a second color, the second color different than the first color. For example, the set of bean bags 104 may include three green bean bags and three blue bean bags. Of course, other numbers and colors may be used. In addition, instead of the bean bags 104 having solid colors, they may have different designs or are otherwise visually distinguishable.
Further, the game device 100 is played by two competing persons or groups/teams 106 thereof, who alternately throw their own set of colored bean bags 104 at the target area to knock over the standing targets 102, much like one would knock over standing bowling pins. As stated supra, the bean bags 104 are of the same color as a portion of the target 102, to represent which bean bag 104 goes with which set of targets 102. The game 100 is commenced by first positioning all of the targets 102 in the ground 120 or on their stands 122, in a vertical, upright position, so that the front face 110 or the back face 112 of the targets 102 face forward, i.e. toward the players 106. The color of the bean bags 104 which a player 106 tosses, determines the color of the front face 110 or the back face 112 of the targets 102, whichever face endeavors to face forward during play. As the different bean bags 104 strike one or more targets 102, they cause said targets 102 to fall down and stay on the ground surface 120.
As shown in
In one embodiment, the game device 100 could comprise a score pad/card 206 or score counter for each player or team 106 to track their respective scores during game play. The scorecard 206 or counter may include space to record a score associated with each toss of a bean bag 104 by each player 106. The scorecard 206 or counter may also provide for tracking multiple rounds of play. For example, the scorecard 206 may provide for tracking up to three rounds of play for two players (or sets of players), one playing with a set of three “Green” bean bags and one playing with a set of three “Blue” bean bags. Of course, other numbers of bean bags 104, numbers of rounds, numbers of players, and further variations are contemplated.
In another embodiment, the game device 100 may include a carrying case or bag 208, that is sized to hold the plurality of targets 102, the stands 122, and the bean bags 104, and other items (such as scorecards 206) to be placed in the carry bag 208. The carry bag 208 may be of any number of different sizes or shapes. In one embodiment, the carry bag 208 may be a sling backpack-style of the bag. In another embodiment, the carry bag 208 may be a drawstring-style of the bag. Of course, any number of other types of bags may be used. Alternatively, instead of a bag, other types of containers may be used to hold the various items such as a box, case, bucket, or other container.
In yet another embodiment, an instruction card 210 may also be provided, as shown. The instruction card 210 may set forth instructions regarding preparation or game play. The instruction card 210 may include information, such as suggestions for the type of surface 120 to place the targets 102 on, securing the targets 102 upright in position, how far to stand away from the target 102, as well as the basics of game play, such as having each player 106 take turns and scoring after all bean bags 104 have been thrown. The manner of scoring the situation where a bean bag 104 touches multiple targets 102 may also be provided for. The instructions 210 may also provide for how to resolve ties or other rules as may be appropriate for different embodiments.
As shown in
In one embodiment, instead of embedding the stakes 102 directly into the ground surface 120, the stakes 102 include stands 122. Each stand 122 includes a flat surface 302 and a channel or slot 304 for accepting the tapered end 300 of the stakes 102. Each stake 102 can be inserted into their stand 122 for game play. Thus, the stands 122 allow for quick balance and set up of the plurality of stakes 102. Further, the stands 122 allow the stakes 102 to be positioned in an upright, vertical position on a hard ground surface 120, such as concrete, hard soil, shallow gravel, hard grass, etc. Accordingly, the stakes 102 are easily inserted into their stands 122 and removed, as needed. Further, the channel or slot 304 also has a through hole 200 which allows a user to insert a cord 204 for stringing the stands 122 with the stakes 102 for quick pick-up and storage. The stands 122 are typically 5 H×3.5 W with center ¾ in. bore through hole, but can be any suitable measurements as is known in the art.
In one example of game play, after the plurality of targets 102 are positioned in their vertical, upright positions and secured a predetermined distance apart, game play may begin. Players 106 stand back from or behind the targets 102 and each player 106 may take turns tossing one bean bag 104 at a time toward the targets 102. After all bean bags 104 are tossed, the scorecard 206 may be used to record the results with the score value of each bean bag 104 being the value of the target(s) 102 that was knocked over. The points for each player 106 is totaled for the round and the round is repeated. The player 106 that wins 2 of 3 rounds may be considered the winner. Of course, any number of different variations in game play may be made based in part on the number of targets 102 knocked over, the number of bean bags 104, the number of players 106, and other variations, etc.
Therefore, a bean bag toss bowling game 100 has been shown and described. The invention is not to be limited to the particular embodiments shown and described herein. In particular, the invention contemplates numerous variations in the plurality of targets 102, the number of bean bags 104, the visual appearance of the bean bags 104, the rules of the game 100, the manner in which scoring is performed, the manner in which the targets 102 are positioned, and other variations, etc.
In yet another embodiment, the bean bag bowling device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The targets 102 or bean bags 104 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the targets 102 or bean bags 104, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be bean bag, bowling, or brand related.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “bean bag bowling device”, “game device”, “bowling device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the bean bag bowling device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the bean bag bowling device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the bean bag bowling device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/579,109, which was filed on Aug. 28, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63579109 | Aug 2023 | US |
