COLLAPSIBLE GAME PLATFORM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in general relates to a game platform and a kit containing all constituent game pieces, and in particular, to a collapsible pin game platform that is portable, compact, and easy to set up for game play on various surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pin games involving the setting up, striking, and knocking down of individual game pins with an object such as a ball often require a game board to delineate the game area relative to the surrounding space and to provide a suitable surface upon which game pins may be set up. Individual game pins are set up on a playing surface in a predetermined orientation prior to the beginning of the game. A game board may also provide predetermined positioning indicia for individual game pins to make set up easier and to promote fairness, ensuring that each player's individual game pins are set up in the same orientation prior to beginning the game. Depending on the rules of the specific game, the individual game pins can be struck or knocked down with an object thrown or otherwise set in motion by a player. A player's progress can be scored in a variety of ways. For example, a player may be rewarded for the number of pins knocked down per toss of an object thrown or otherwise set in motion, or a player's progress may be scored in a competitive timed fashion. Some games involving the setting up, striking, and knocking down of individual game pins are played recreationally. Such games could also be played more seriously, for example, in a league-play format.

Fowling Enterprises, LLC has pioneered FOWLING™, as a brand for a game that involves throwing an oblong ball at an array of pins positioned on a game board in order to knock down the pins according to the rules of the game. The oblong ball used in a FOWLING™ game is similar to or can include a standard American football. The pins used in a FOWLING™ game are similar to or can include standard pins used in bowling. Typically, a FOWLING™ game set up has two game boards forty-eight feet (48′) apart. Generally, a player or a team of players stands at one end of a first game board and throws the ball at the pins arranged on the opposing second game board. Once the first player or team's throwing turn has ended, another player or team standing at an end of the second game board throws the ball at the pins arranged on the first game board.

A standard FOWLING™ game board is a forty-two inch by ninety-six inch (42″×96″) rectangle on a platform constructed of half inch plywood fastened to a two inch by four inch (2″×4″) wood frame edge. However, FOWLING™ game boards having other dimensions may also be used for game play. Given the size and material of a standard FOWLING™ game board, moving or transporting a game board is cumbersome and heavy, thereby limiting the playing of a FOWLING™ game to a designated game play space where the game boards are built and/or stored—for example, at an official FOWLING™ game play building. This prevents players from playing FOWLING™ in a variety of other desirable environments and situations, including, but not limited to, tailgating, camping, in a private backyard, or at the beach. Additionally, given the configuration of the standard FOWLING™ game board and the setup of the game pins on the game board, a suitable game play area must be a flat, level, large, open space, further limiting where a FOWLING™ game may be played.

Thus, there exists a need for a collapsible game platform and kit with a collapsible game platform configurable as a carrying case containing therein all constituent game pieces that provides for efficient and simplified moving and transport and further provides a game board adapted to maintain a flat and level surface achieving greater adaptability for game play at a variety of locations having a variety of terrains.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A game platform is provided that includes a game board and a frame. The game board has a front edge, a back edge, side edges, a top surface, and a base. The game board is adapted to be retained in an expanded configuration by the frame, which is configured to be removably attached to the game board by a perimeter sleeve, opposing pockets, grommets, hooks, or a combination thereof. The frame is configured to maintain a flat surface of the game board during game play such that the game board is adapted to receive a plurality of gaming pins thereon.

A kit with a collapsible game platform configurable as a carrying case containing therein all the constituent game pieces necessary for game play is also provided and includes at least two collapsible game platforms each having a game board, a removably attachable frame, and a plurality of spiked feet configured to be removably received by at least two holes in a base of the game board; at least twenty game pins, and at least one game ball. Each collapsible game platform configurable as a carrying case contains therein the game board, the frame, the plurality of feet, at least ten of the at least twenty game pins, and the at least one game ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible game platform in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a collapsible game platform with positioning indicia as circular depressions and with an embedded game board magnet configured to attract a game pin magnet disposed on a bottom of a game pin base according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a kit with the game platform configured as a carrying case containing therein all constituent game pieces according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a closed carrying case that separates into two playing board platforms according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates the carrying case of FIG. 4 in an open position prior to separation into two playing board platforms according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates the internal storage in the carrying case of all constituent game pieces according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the playing board platforms formed from the separated carrying case positioned for game play according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a method for setting up for game play for FOWLING™ using the portable carry case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An inventive collapsible game platform and kit configurable as a carrying case containing therein all constituent game pieces necessary for game play are provided. The present invention has utility as a portable and compact game platform that is adaptable for easy set up and game play on a variety of play surfaces having a variety of terrains. The present invention has further utility as a kit configurable as a carrying case containing therein all constituent game pieces necessary for game play thereby making transport and subsequent game set up and play more efficient and minimizing the potential for loss of various constituent game pieces during transport.

It is to be understood that in instances where a range of values are provided that the range is intended to encompass not only the end point values of the range but also intermediate values of the range as explicitly being included within the range and varying by the last significant figure of the range. By way of example, a recited range from 1 to 4 is intended to include 1-2, 1-3, 2-4, 3-4, and 1-4.

The present invention provides a collapsible game platform shown generally at 10. According to embodiments of the present invention, the game platform 10 is a forty-two inch by ninety-six inch (42″×96″) rectangle. It is appreciated that the present invention is not limited to these dimensions, but instead represent those for an official FOWLING™ game platform. For example, according to other embodiments of the present invention, dimensions of the inventive game platform may include, but are not limited to, a forty-eight inch by forty-eight inch (48″×48″) square. As shown in FIG. 1, an embodiment of the inventive game platform 10 includes a game board 11 having a front edge 12, a back edge 14, side edges 16, a top surface 18, and a base 20. Also included is a frame 22 configured to be removably attached to the game board 11 and adapted to maintain a flat surface of the game board 11 during game play. In some embodiments of the present invention, it is appreciated that the game board 11 is constructed from fabric materials. According to some inventive embodiments, the frame 22 is formed from a plurality of interlocking poles 24. It is appreciated that in some inventive embodiments the plurality of interlocking poles is formed of fiberglass, aluminum, or steel. It is further appreciated that in inventive embodiments the plurality of interlocking poles are joined together with elastic cord which guards against loss of each constituent interlocking pole during breakdown and transport of the inventive game platform 10 and which increases the supporting strength of the frame 22 imparting increased rigidity to the game platform 10 which helps to maintain a flat surface of the game board 11 during game play. In inventive embodiments, the plurality of interlocking poles 24 are configured to be removably attached to at least one of the front edge 12, the back edge 14, the side edges 16, the top surface 28, or the base 20 of the game board 11. It is appreciated that the terrain associated with various game play sites will determine the appropriate configuration of the frame 22. By way of non-limiting example, if the game is to be played on a flat paved parking lot, the frame 22 may only need to be removably attached to the side edges 16, or only to the front edge 12 and the back edge 14 of the game board 11. If the game is to be played at a camp site with grassy and/or rocky terrain, it may be preferred that the frame 22 surrounds the perimeter of the game board 11 and thus be removably attached to the front edge 12, the back edge 14, the side edges 16, and in some embodiments also to the top surface 18 and the base 20 of the game board 11. It is appreciated that the frame 22 surrounding the perimeter of the game board 11 imparts increased rigidity and structural support to the inventive game platform 10 that is otherwise collapsible into a compact storage and transport form such as a roll, ensuring that the game board 11 is maintained as a flat surface during game play, after the game pins 39 and the game platform 10 endure repeated strikes by the game ball. According to some inventive embodiments, the plurality of interlocking poles 24 are removably attached to the game board 11 by being threaded through at least one of a perimeter sleeve 26, a hook, 28, or a grommet 30 which are integrated into at least one of the front edge 12, the back edge 14, the side edges 16, the top surface 18, or the base 20 of the game board 11. In other inventive embodiments a plurality of flexible support wires 32 are embedded within the game board 11 and are configured to impart increased rigidity to the game board 11 helping to maintain a flat surface of the game board 11 during game play.

The base 20 of the game board 11 defines at least two holes 36. In inventive embodiments the at least two holes 36 are positioned in the outer corners of the base 20 of the game board 11. In some inventive embodiments the at last two holes 36 are four holes 36, each of the four holes 36 positioned at one of four corners of the base 20. In other inventive embodiments, the base 20 also includes additional holes 36 positioned around the bottom of the base 20—illustratively along the side edges 16, the front edge 12, the back edge 14, or combinations thereof. It is appreciated that in other inventive embodiments, the at least two holes 36 are threaded. In some inventive embodiments, the at least two threaded holes 36 are metal or plastic threaded inserts that are retained in holes that are drilled into the material that forms the base 20 of the game board 11. In other inventive embodiments, the at least two holes 36 are not perceptible from the top surface 18 of the game board 11. In FIG. 1, the game board 11 has been cutaway in each corner to show the at least two holes 36 more clearly.

In embodiments, the inventive game platform 10 further includes a plurality of spiked feet 34 configured to be removably received by the at least two holes 36 in the base 20 of the game board 11. It is appreciated that the plurality of spiked feet 34 are also configured to maintain a level surface of the game board 11 during game play. In some inventive embodiments, the plurality of spiked feet 34 can threadably engage the at least two holes 36 of the game platform 10 by a user so the inventive game platform can be set up, and a level surface maintained, for game play on various terrains. It is appreciated that in other inventive embodiments, other conventional joinder systems are operative herein to attach the plurality of spiked feet 34, these illustratively include, but are not limited to, bayonet fittings, spring loaded pins that can engage complementary openings in the at least two holes 36, and friction fits. It is further appreciated that each of the plurality of spiked feet 34 are individually adjustable by thread rotation, a telescoping dowel, or catch selection for a bayonet or pin in each of the plurality of spiked feet 34 into a hole 36 to a desired depth within the hole 36. The deeper each of the plurality of spiked feet 34 is inserted into a hole 36, the shorter that particular foot will be. Accordingly, the plurality of spiked feet 34 are used to adjust the position and level of the inventive game platform 10 imparting great adaptability allowing the inventive game platform 10 to be played at a variety of locations and on a variety of terrains. It is appreciated that the plurality of spiked feet 34 are removable from the holes 36 when a user wishes to collapse, pack up, and transport the inventive game platform 10. It is further appreciated that the plurality of spiked feet 34 are well-suited for game play on a penetrable surface illustratively including, but not limited to, grass, dirt, mud, gravel, or sand. It is still further appreciated that the plurality of spiked feet 34 help to prevent the inventive game platform 10 from undesirably sinking into the ground and/or from moving around during game play. It is also appreciated that each of the plurality of spiked feet 34 are easily adjustable during game play to help ensure a level game play surface throughout the duration of game play.

According to embodiments, the plurality of spiked feet 34 are formed of a plastic, rubber, or metal material, or a combination thereof. In some inventive embodiments, the spiked portion of a spiked foot 34 may be formed of plastic material while the portion that engages with the hole 36 may be formed of a metal material, or vice versa. Alternatively, the plurality of spiked feet 34 may be entirely formed out of metal or entirely formed out of a sufficiently strong and resilient plastic. In other inventive embodiments, some of the plurality of spiked feet 34 may be formed partially or wholly from a material different than other of the plurality of spiked feet 34. By way of non-limiting illustrative example, the spiked portion of some of the plurality of spiked feet 34 may be formed of a plastic material, while the spiked portion of other of the plurality of spiked feet 34 may be formed from a metal material. It is appreciated that this allows a user the ability to fine-tune the stability of the inventive game platform 10 during set up and game play on variable terrain. Depending on terrain, a combination of metal spiked feet 34 and plastic spiked feet 34 could impart greater stability of the inventive game platform than would a plurality of spiked feet 34 with the spikes formed from the same material. It is appreciated that this further helps to ensure a stable game platform 10 with a flat and level surface throughout game play.

Embodiments of the inventive portable game platform 10 further include positioning indicia 38 for a plurality of game pins 39 disposed on the top surface 18 of the game board 11. It is appreciated that the positioning indicia 38 indicate the position of each game pin 39. In a typical FOWLING™ game, ten pins are used. As such, in some inventive embodiments, the positioning indicia 38 is a triangular array of ten positioning indices 40. However, it is appreciated that any number of game pins 39 may be used. As shown in FIG. 2, in other inventive embodiments the positioning indicia 38 are circular depressions 42 each with a circular depression diameter 44 of between 0.1% and 30% greater than a game pin base diameter 46. It is appreciated that the circular depressions have a depth of between 1% and 80% of the total thickness of the game board 11. In some inventive embodiments the positioning indicia 38 also include an embedded game board magnet 48 configured to attract a game pin magnet 50 disposed on the bottom of a game pin base 52. It is appreciated that the circular depressions 42, the embedded game board magnet 48, and the game pin magnet 50 help to prevent a game pin 39 from being knocked down by forces other than the game ball 114, illustratively including wind or a player inadvertently knocking the game platform 10, but also allow a game pin 39 to be knocked down when struck by a game ball 114 during game play.

In embodiments, the inventive game platform 10 includes printed indicia 54 that correspond to the rules of FOWLING™. It is appreciated that the printed indicia 54 help to ensure accurate scoring during game play and provide quick reference to the rules of FOWLING™ allowing novice and expert players alike to ensure the game is being played in a uniform manner and according to the rules of FOWLING™.

The present disclosure further provides a kit that contains all the constituent game pieces necessary for game play. Referring now to FIG. 3, the inventive kit is shown generally at 100. The inventive kit 100 includes at least one fabric sheet defining a game board 102, a removably attachable frame 104. In some inventive embodiments, the kit in some inventive embodiments also includes spiked feet 106 configured to be removably received by at least two holes 108 in a base 110 of the game board 102. The inventive kit 100 also includes at least ten game pins 112 and at least one oblong game ball 114. It is appreciated that an inventive kit can include duplicates of the aforementioned components to create opposing ends of a FOWLING™ court. It is also appreciated that each of the at least two collapsible game platforms are configurable as a carrying case that contains therein the game board 102, the frame 104, the plurality of spiked feet 106, at least ten of the at least twenty game pins 112, and the at least one game ball 114. It is further appreciated that in some inventive embodiments the game board 102, when collapsed, forms the carrying case containing therein the frame 104, the plurality of spiked feet 106, at least ten of the at least twenty game pins 112, and the at least one game ball 114. It is appreciated that separate carrying case is provided or that the fabric sheet 102 forms a portion thereof, or the other components are wrapped therein.

It is also appreciated that the term “collapsed” as used in the present disclosure refers to any configuration other than the unfurled configuration of the inventive game platform as used during game play. By way of non-limiting illustrative example, “collapsed” can refer to the inventive game platform being in a rolled or folded configuration.

In embodiments of the present invention, each of the at least twenty game pins 112 is a standard bowling pin. In other inventive embodiments each of the at least twenty game pins 112 is a lightweight game pin that is at least 50% lighter than a standard bowling pin. In some inventive embodiments, some of the at least twenty game pins 112 are a standard bowling pin, while others are a lightweight game pin.

In certain inventive embodiments the at least one game ball 114 is a standard American football. In other inventive embodiments, the at least one game ball 114 is a lightweight game ball that is at least 25% lighter than a standard American football or a ball as detailed in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/325,864. In some inventive embodiments the at least one game ball 114 is more than one game ball. It is appreciated that when the at least one game ball 114 is more than one game ball, the more than one game ball could be all standard American footballs, all lightweight game balls, or a combination thereof.

In embodiments, the lightweight game pins, the lightweight game ball, or a combination thereof may be formed of a sufficiently resilient lightweight material illustratively including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), fiberglass reinforced polyurethane foam, oriented strand board (OSB), plastics including honeycomb core containing plastics, hard skinned foam cores. In some inventive embodiments, it is appreciated that the lightweight game pins, the lightweight game ball, or a combination thereof are not solid and include a plurality of holes or hollow portions.

In embodiments, at least one coat of phosphorescent paint (not shown) is applied to at least one of the game pins 112, the game ball 114, or a combination thereof. It is appreciated that the at least one coat of phosphorescent paint allows game play at night or during low light conditions. It is further appreciated that night or low light game play is particularly advantageous for players wishing to engage in game play in situations not limited by daylight, illustratively including while camping, tailgating, or at a party.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a closed carrying case 200 that separates into two playing board platforms (212A, 212B). According to embodiments, each of the two game platforms (212A, 212B) formed from the carrying case 200 is thirty-four inch by thirty inch (34″×30″) rectangle. It is appreciated that the present invention is not limited to these dimensions, but instead represent those for a sanctioned FOWLING™ platform. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, an embodiment of carrying case 200 of the inventive portable game platform includes two platform sections 212A and 212B, each formed of a base 214 and a surface board 216. The base 214 is aligned along the perimeter of the surface board 216. According to embodiments, the bases 214 are constructed from wood two-by-fours and the surface boards 216 are formed of half inch plywood. Alternatively, the game platforms (212A, 212B) are constructed from lightweight materials of similar dimensions. Lightweight materials operative herein illustratively include fiberglass reinforced polyurethane foam, oriented strand board (OSB), honeycomb core containing plastics, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), hard skinned foam cores of for example polystyrene with skins of hardboard, fiberboard, poplar plywood, aluminum, or combinations thereof. Each board 216 is attached to the top of one of the bases 214 by fasteners such as nails, screws, or adhesives. It is preferred that the attachment of the boards 216 to the bases 214 do not interfere with game play, that is that the fasteners are flush with the board 216 or extending into a board 216 from underneath and not penetrating onto the gaming surface.

The bottom of each base 214 defines at least two threaded holes 220 at a first end 218 of each base 214. In a specific embodiment four threaded holes 220 are in each corner of each of the game platforms (212A, 212B). The threaded holes 220, shown in phantom lines in FIG. 5, are positioned in some inventive embodiments on the outer corners of the bases 214 so that there is a threaded hole 220 in each of the outer corners of the game platform 10. In some embodiments, the threaded holes 220 are metal or plastic threaded inserts that are retained in holes that are drilled into the material that forms the bases 214. In some inventive embodiments, the threaded holes 220 are not perceptible from the top side of the boards 216. In FIG. 5, the board 216 has been cut away in the bottom right corner of the game platform 212A to show the threaded hole 220 more clearly. According to various embodiments, the bases 214 also include additional threaded holes 220 positioned around the bottom of the bases.

The two platform sections 212A and 212B are pivotally joined together by hinge 219 that is attached to a second end 217 of one base 214 and to a second end 217 of the other base 214. The hinge 219 allows the bases 214 to move relative to one another as shown by the arrow in FIG. 5, and the hinge 219 detaches into two pieces to allow for the separation of the game platforms (212A, 212B). According to various embodiments, the hinge 219 is a piano hinge. In some embodiments, the hinge 219 is at least two hinges. In embodiments that utilize at least two hinges 219, the hinges are positioned near the outer edges of the game platforms (212A, 212B) so that the platform sections pivot relative to one another smoothly and controllably.

The hinge 219 allows the game platforms (212A, 212B) to be moved between a separated game play configuration to a collapsed configuration. In the game play configuration, the hinge 219 is detached so that the game platform sections (212A, 212B) can be separated to form the two game play surfaces. In the collapsed configuration, the hinge 219 is assembled so the game platform sections (212A, 212B) may be closed to form the carrying case, and the bottom of the first base 214 abuts the bottom of the second base 214. In the collapsed configuration, the two platform sections (212A, 212B) define a cavity between the boards 216 and bound by the bases 214. Accordingly, in the collapsed configuration, items may be placed within the cavity and retained within the cavity for storage, organization, and transport as shown in FIG. 6. Items that may be stored and retained within the cavity include game equipment such as a game ball 114, game pins 112, game platform set up tools including inflator pump 238, score keeping instruments, threaded feet 222, 224 (described below), or a combination thereof. The cavity 236 may be divided into four quadrants by reinforcement ribs 234 that may be formed of the same materials as the bases 214.

The inventive portable game platform of the carrying case 200 may further include feet 222, 224 that may threadably engage with the holes 220 of the game platforms (212A, 212B) by a user so that the game platforms (212A, 212B) can be set up for use in the game play configuration as shown in FIG. 7. It is appreciated that other conventional joinder systems are operative herein to attached feet, these illustratively include bayonet fittings, spring loaded pins that can engage complementary openings in the holes, and friction fits. Each of the feet 222, 224 are individually adjustable by thread rotation or catch selection for a bayonet or pin in each individual foot 222, 224 into a hole 220 to a desired depth within the hole 220. The deeper a foot 222, 224 is inserted into a hole 220, the shorted that particular foot will be. Accordingly, the feet 222, 224 are used to adjust the position and level of the game platform (212A, 212B). The feet 222, 224 are also removable from the holes 220 when a user wishes to pack up the game platform (212A, 212B) into the collapsed configuration of the carrying case 200. According to embodiments, the feet are each independently flat rubber feet 222, spiked feet 224, or a combination thereof. Flat rubber feet 222 being particularly well suited for game play on an impenetrable surface such as wood, concrete, pavement, rocky terrain, or the like. The flat rubber feet 222 also help to prevent the game platforms (212A, 212B) from sliding or bouncing around as it is struck with a game ball during game play as the rubber feet provide grip and help to absorb shock. Spiked feet 224 are well-suited for game play on a penetrable surface such as grass, dirt, mud, sand, gravel, or the like. The spiked feet 224 also help to prevent the game platform from undesirably sinking into the ground and from moving around during game play.

According to embodiments, the feet 222, 224 are formed of a plastic, rubber, or metal material or a combination thereof. For example, the spiked portion of a spiked foot 224 may be formed of a plastic material while the threaded portion may be formed of a metal material, while the flat portion of a flat foot 222 may be formed of a rubber material or a rubber coated plastic material while the threaded portion is formed of a metal material. Alternatively, the feet 222, 224 may be entirely formed out of metal or entirely formed out of a sufficiently strong and resilient plastic. According to embodiments, the inventive portable game platforms (212A, 212B) includes a set of threaded flat feet 222 and a set of spiked feet 224 so that the game platforms can be set up for game play on various terrains. The different types of feet 222, 224 may also be used in combination, for example if half of the game platform is on an impenetrable surface while the other half of the game platform is on a penetrable surface.

Embodiments of the inventive portable game platforms (212A, 212B) may include a bubble level 230 mounted on at least one platform section. In some inventive embodiments, the bubble level 230 is attached to at least one of the bases 214 so that the bubble level is visible to a user setting up the game platforms (212A, 212B) but so that it does not interfere with game play by being positioned on top of the boards 216 that make up the game surface. In some embodiments, the bubble level 230 is attached to one of the bases 214 at the first end 218 so the right to left level of the game platform (212A, 212B) may be checked and adjusted using the feet 222, 224. In other inventive embodiments, the bubble level 230 is attached to a section of a base 214 between the first end 218 and the second end 217 of the base 214 so the back to front level of the game platform (212A, 212B) may be checked and adjusted using the threaded feet 222, 224. In other inventive embodiments, a first bubble level is attached to one of the bases 214 at the first end 218 and a second bubble level is attached to a section of a base 214 between the first end 218 and the second end 217 of the base 214 so the level of the game platform 10 may be checked and adjusted in all directions using the feet 22, 24.

Some inventive embodiments of the portable carrying case game platform 200 further include a handle disposed on at least one of the platform sections 214. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the handle 226 is a through hole defined in the boards 216. As shown, the through hole handle 226 is an elongated oval shape. Other shapes capable to receiving a user's hand are also contemplated. As shown, the through holes that make up the handle 226 are positioned at the first ends 218 of the platform sections (212A, 212B). Accordingly, when the platform is in the collapsed configuration and carried at the handle 226 in this position, the hinge 219 is oriented at the bottom of the platforms (212A, 212B) to help ensure items placed in the cavity between the two platforms (212A, 212B) do not fall out. Alternative handle 226 configurations are also contemplated. For example, in various embodiments, the handle 226 is a rope handle 26′. That is the handle 226′ is a piece of rope that passes through a hole in the base 214 and is knotted on the inside of the base 214. According to other inventive embodiments, the ends of the rope are both within the base 214 and knotted together or knotted independently with the center portion of the rope being positioned on the outside of the base 214 to be gripped by a user. According to embodiments there is a rope handle positioned at the first end 219 of both platform sections (212A, 212B). According to embodiments, the handle 226′ is a shoulder strap. In preferred embodiments, the handle 226 is designed such that it does not interfere with game play. Accordingly, the handle 226 may be positioned along an edge of base 214 or may include a plug that is inserted into a handle 226 cut out from a board 216 so that during game play the handle 226 is not perceptible.

Embodiments of the inventive portable carry case game platform 200 further include a locking mechanism 232 configured to secure one platform section 212A to the other platform section 212B when the game platform 200 is in the collapsed configuration for carrying as a case. According to embodiments, the locking mechanism 232 is any of a chest latch, a sliding bolt latch, a hook latch, a sliding door latch, a drawer latch, a gate latch, a rocker latch, a matchbox lock, a sliding latch, a hook and eye latch, a hinge latch, a hasp latch, a door latch, a window latch, a cabinet latch, a toggle latch, a door chain latch, and nay other similar suitable locking mechanism.

Embodiments of the inventive portable game platform 200 further include game pin positioning indicia 229 disposed on a top surface of a board 216 on at least one of the game platform sections 212A and 212B. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7 the game pin positioning indicia includes a plurality of circles 229 arranged in a triangle shape 228. In a typical FOWLING™ game, ten game pins are used. The game pin positioning indicia 228 indicate the position of each game pin. In specific embodiments, one of the game pins 112C is colored in each set of ten game pins. The colored game pin 112C has a special status in game play and may be referred to as the “Bonk™” pin.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process 300 for setting up the portable game platforms 212A and 212B. Carrying the game platform case 200 to a desired game playing location using the handle (Step 302). Unlocking the locking mechanism 232 before unfolding the platform sections (212A, 212B) of the case 200 (Step 304). Separating the platform sections (212A, 212B) along the hinge 219 so that the game platforms (212A, 212B) may be placed in game play configuration (Step 306). Remove any equipment stored within the cavity between the two platform sections 212A and 212B (Step 308). Spacing the two game platforms (212A, 212B) a defined distance D apart (Step 310) as shown in FIG. 7. Inserting and threading the threaded feet 222, 224 into the threaded holes 220 (Step 312) and leveling the game platform by adjusting each of the threaded feet 222, 224 (Step 314). According to embodiments, leveling the game platform includes referring to the at least one bubble level that is attached to the game platforms 212A and 212B. The game platforms 212A and 212B are now ready for FOWLING™.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the described embodiments in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.

COLLAPSIBLE GAME PLATFORM

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