FIELD
The present invention is directed to recreational entertainment games. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a game device that is configurable to support different forms of game play.
BACKGROUND
Outdoor lawn games have become popular forms of entertainment. These games give users the ability to enjoy the outdoors while engaging in friendly competitions with others.
Naturally, some games are interesting and attractive to certain individuals, while others games will be enjoyable to individuals with other interests. Also, certain individuals prefer the option of having multiple games from which to choose. To provide variety in the type of games available to users, a large inventory of equipment is often necessary, as each game will be slightly different. The need for separate equipment to allow users to play multiple games can create undesirable conditions and situations since space will be necessary to store all this equipment. Combination games can be convenient and attractive to many users since they reduce by reducing costs and the need for storage space. This functionality is often achieved at the expense of durability however, thus creating game devices that are prone to breakage.
Accordingly, there is a need for equipment that is re-configurable between different configurations for multiple types of game play. There is also a further need for the configurability of the equipment to be relatively self-evident and user-friendly without detracting from the sturdiness of the equipment.
SUMMARY
To meet several of the needs outlined above, an apparatus and method for setting up multiple outdoor lawn games from a single game device are provided. In an embodiment, the game device includes a first frame structure rotatably coupled to a second frame structure. A flexible panel is removably attached to the first frame structure. The first and second frame structures can be selectively positioned with respect to one another, thus supporting different forms of game play. In a further embodiment, a pair of separate devices is provided to accommodate play by multiple individuals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a game device configured in the upright configuration;
FIG. 1B is an enhanced view of a portion of the game device depicted in FIG. 1A;
FIG. 1C is a front perspective view of a first frame structure of the game device depicted in FIG. 1A;
FIG. 1D is a front perspective view of a second frame structure of the game device depicted in FIG. 1A;
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the game device in an intermediate configuration;
FIGS. 2B and 2C are enhanced views of the game device depicted in FIG. 2A;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the game device in an additional intermediate configuration;
FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of the game device in the inclined configuration;
FIG. 4B is a top perspective view of the game device in the inclined configuration;
FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of the game device in a further intermediate configuration;
FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective view of the game device in yet another intermediate configuration;
FIG. 6C is a top perspective view of the game device in the folded configuration;
FIG. 6D is an enhanced view of a portion of the game device depicted in FIG. 6B;
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the game device in the folded configuration;
FIG. 8 depicts playing pieces for the game;
FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the game device in the upright configuration to support play of ladder ball;
FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the game device in the inclined configuration to support play of bean bag toss; and
FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the game device in the folded configuration to support play of washer toss.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Many outdoor games are well-known and popular among the general public. Some of these games include ladder ball, washer toss (also referred to as coin toss), beanbag toss, target games (e.g. targets for balls or bean bags, etc.) and others. In order to provide a convenient and efficient device that supports diverse game play, the game structure described below is configurable to support multiple entertainment games using a single primary structure. For example, the game device described below supports a framework that can be configured for ladder ball, beanbag toss, target games and washer toss. Further, the structure of the game device facilitates a straight-forward and user-friendly transition between the various configurations used to support play of these games.
Referring now to the figures, examples of the various gaming configurations to support the above-mentioned games are illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4B, 6C, 7, 9A, 9B, and 9C. More specifically, FIG. 9A depicts gaming device 10 in an upright configuration. In the upright configuration, gaming device 10 can accommodate and support play of the ladder ball game. FIG. 9B depicts gaming device 10 in an inclined configuration. In the inclined configuration, gaming device 10 can accommodate and support play of the beanbag toss game. Lastly, FIG. 9C depicts gaming device 10 in a folded configuration. In the folded configuration, gaming device 10 can accommodate and support play of the washer toss game. Although the figures depict a single game device 10, one skilled in the art will recognize that a plurality of game devices can be utilized to allow players to simultaneous compete with one another during the play of these games.
Described below, and illustrated in the various figures, is a particular embodiment of game device 10 that can be configured to support play of the ladder ball, bean bag toss, and washer toss games. Again, one skilled in the art will also recognize that game device 10 can be configured and/or constructed to support any combination of these games. For example, another embodiment of game device 10 could be constructed to support play of ladder ball and bean bag toss, but not washer toss. In yet another embodiment, game device 10 can be constructed to support play of a single game.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, playing pieces 100 may include beanbags 110, washers 120, and bolos 130 (alternatively referred to as bolas). Additional playing pieces 100 may include balls (such as footballs, baseballs, tennis balls, etc.), sand-filled bags or balloons, discs (such as Frisbees), and other objects that can be tossed by a user for entertainment purposes.
Referring now to FIG. 1A, game device 10 is made up of a shiftable framework 20 that can further support a flexible or pliable panel 80. In this embodiment, game device 10 includes a first frame structure 24, a second frame structure 30, a flexible panel 80, at least one corner brace 36 or 38, and at least one support member 46 or 48. In an alternative embodiment, game device 10 may include a third frame structure (not depicted) identical or substantially similar to second frame structure 30. In this alternative embodiment, the third frame structure may be coupled to first frame structure 24 opposite second frame structure 30. As generally mentioned above, game device 10 can be sold and used in pairs such that suitable games are simultaneously playable by users and/or so that a first game device 10 can demarcate a playing zone for a second game device 10.
FIG. 1C better illustrates how first frame structure 24 is made up of longitudinal panel-support members 23, lateral panel-support members 25, and cross panel-support members 26 according to an embodiment. Lateral panel-support members 25 and cross panel-support members 26 are generally disposed intermediate longitudinal panel-support members 23. Longitudinal panel-support members 23 and lateral panel-support members 25 thus form a substantially planar outer panel framework. As shown, outer panel framework of the illustrated embodiment is generally rectangular, but may clearly be any number of shapes according to alternative embodiments. First frame structure 24 generally includes two cross panel-support members 26 according to embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-7, although first frame structure 24 may include any number of cross panel-support members 26 in alternative embodiments. Cross panel-support members 26 provide additional structural support, such as to prevent torsion of first frame structure 24.
First frame structure 24 is generally configured to support flexible panel 80 in a desired orientation and position. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, flexible panel 80 has a number of connecting tabs 82, which can be configured to surround appropriate portions of first frame structure 24, such as longitudinal panel-support members 23 and lateral panel-support members 25. Once positioned to surround the members of the first frame structure 24, tabs 82 can be attached, either permanently (e.g. sewn together) or temporarily (e.g. using snaps or hook-and-loop material).
As depicted in FIG. 1D, second frame structure 30 has lateral ladder member 31, longitudinal ladder members 32 and 33 (also referred to as upright leg members 32 and 33) and cross ladder members 29. According to the illustrated embodiment, second frame structure 30 generally includes a pair of cross ladder members 29, although second frame structure 30 may include any number of cross leg members 35. Second frame structure 30 may also include a second lateral ladder member at an end opposite lateral ladder member 31 (not depicted). Lateral ladder member 31 and cross ladder members 29 generally extend between longitudinal ladder members 32 and 33.
Second frame structure 30 may be configured similarly to the first frame structure 24 such that lateral ladder member 31, cross ladder members 29, and longitudinal ladder members 32 and 33 form a substantially planar outer framework. The outer framework thus formed is substantially rectangular but unenclosed since proximal ends 32a and 32b of longitudinal ladder members 32 and 33 are configured to be attached to hinge mechanism 40. Again, second frame structure 30 may include a second lateral leg member (not shown) such that second frame structure 30 is substantially enclosed.
In an embodiment, first frame structure 24 is rotatably attached to second frame structure 30 with a hinge mechanism 40 to allow for movement and repositioning of these components relative to one another. One skilled in the art will recognize that any number of hinge mechanisms 40 can be employed. As one example, a barrel hinge can be used to facilitate reconfiguration of game device 10. The barrel hinge may include a fastening mechanism such as a screw or bold-and-wing-nut for increasing or decreasing rotational tension on the pivot joint.
Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, game device 10 generally includes two corner braces 36 and 38. As will be recognized, corner braces 36 and 38 cooperate with first frame structure 24 and second frame structure 30 to accommodate upright positioning of second frame structure 30. This configuration will thus support the play of ladder ball, as further discussed below. In the illustrated embodiment, first corner brace 36 has a swiveling connection 35 and a snap-on connection 37, and second corner brace 38 has a similar swiveling connection 41 and snap-on connection 39. Swivel connections 35 and 41 of corner braces 36 and 38 are generally attached to and rotatable about the respective axes of longitudinal panel-support members 23 of first frame structure 24. Snap-on connection 37 can be releasably coupled to longitudinal ladder member 33 of second frame structure 30 and snap-on connection 39 can be releasably coupled to longitudinal ladder member 32 of second frame structure.
Referring now to FIGS. 3, 6B, and 6D, game device 10 generally also includes first support member 46 and second support member 48. One skilled in the art will recognize that game device 10 may be configured to have only one of first support member 46 or second support member 48 or additional such support members. In this embodiment, first support member 46 includes first connecting structure 57, second connecting structure 56, and third connecting structure 53. In a similar manner, second support member 48 also includes first connecting structure 59, second connecting structure 58, and third connecting structure 55. First and second support members 46 and 48 are generally attached to and rotatable with respect to the axis defined by lateral panel-support members 25 of first support structure 24. First and second support members 46 and 48 could also be attached to cross panel-support members 26 of first support structure 24. First and second support members 46 and 48 can be releasably coupled to second frame structure 30. In this embodiment, third connecting structures 53 and 55 are coupled to lateral ladder member 31. According to alternative embodiments, first and second support members 46 and 48 can be coupled to a cross ladder member 29. A user can thereby select the angle at which to position second frame structure 30 with respect to first frame structure 24 by selectively coupling one or both of first and second support members 46 and 48 to lateral ladder member 31 or one of cross ladder members 29.
Materials & Dimensions
The various components of game device 10 can be made from any number of different materials. Components are preferably made from a material that provides sufficient rigidity to support gameplay while being of a weight that promotes assembly, reconfiguration, and transport by a user. In an embodiment, first frame structure 24, second frame structure 30, and corner braces 36 and 38 are generally made from one-half inch (½″) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing, and first and second support members 46 and 48 are made from extruded PVC, and flexible panel 80 is made from an elastic nylon or canvas fabric material. In alternative embodiments, select components can be made from steel, aluminum, or other metal, including a combination of these materials and/or a polymer such as PVC.
The dimensions of the outer frameworks of first frame structure 24 and second frame structure 30 are substantially the same, but can be different without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. In an embodiment, first frame structure 24 has a length of between approximately twenty inches (20″) and approximately fifty inches (50″) and a width of between approximately 10 inches (10″) and approximately forty inches (40″) and second frame structure 30 has a length of between approximately twenty inches (20″) and approximately fifty inches (50″) and a width of between approximately ten inches (10″) and approximately forty inches (40″). In an embodiment, the dimensions of first frame structure 24 are approximately thirty-six inches long by twenty-two inches wide (36″ L×22″ W) and the dimensions of second frame structure 30 are approximately thirty-seven inches long by twenty-two inches wide (37″ L×22″ W).
Operation
In accordance with the preferences of a user, game device 10 is positionable into an infinite number of configurations by rotating second frame structure 30 with respect to first frame structure 24. FIG. 1A depicts an upright configuration. The upright configuration may be used to support play of ladder ball. In ladder ball, a user tosses bolos 130 toward a ladder (or similar target having rungs) with the object of wrapping bolos 130 around the rungs of the ladder. FIG. 4 depicts an inclined configuration. The inclined configuration may be used to support play of beanbag toss. In beanbag toss, a user tosses beanbags 110 toward holes in a target with the object of the beanbags 110 entering and falling through the holes. FIG. 7 depicts a folded configuration. The folded configuration may be used to support play of washer toss. In washer toss, a user tosses washers 120 toward a semi-enclosed space on a target with the object of the washers 120 entering and remaining in the semi-enclosed space. Because second frame structure 30 can be rotated about a hinge 40, second frame structure 24 is infinitely positionable with respect to first frame structure 24. In this manner, a user can position game device 10 in alternative positions for other games of the user's choosing. In yet another embodiment, a user can position game device 10 into an unfolded configuration, as depicted in FIG. 2A.
One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the various configurations of game device 10, including the aforementioned upright, inclined, folded, and unfolded configurations, can be varied by changing the respective lengths and/or positioning of the various components of game device 10. For example, increasing the length of first and second support members 46 and 48 will increase the angle between first frame structure 24 and second frame structure 30 in the inclined configuration. Similarly, the lengths of longitudinal ladder members 32 and 33 can be shortened such that the angle between first frame structure 30 and second frame structure 30 is reduced in the inclined configuration.
As illustrated in FIG. 1A, game device 10 can be configured into an upright configuration to support play of ladder ball. In the upright configuration, first and second corner braces 36 and 38 support second frame structure 30 at an approximately ninety-degree (90°) angle with respect to first frame structure 24. First corner brace 36 has a swiveling connection 35 and a snap-on connection 37, attached at opposite ends thereof. Similarly, second corner brace 38 includes a swivel connection 41 and a snap-on connection 39. As better illustrated in FIG. 1B, snap-on connections 37 and 39 can be releasably attached to longitudinal ladder member 33 and 32, respectively, of second frame structure 30. When attached to longitudinal ladder members 32 and 33, first and second corner braces 38 and 36 help to provide rigidity to the overall game device 10 by maintaining the position of first frame structure 24 with respect to second frame structure 30.
To disconnect or otherwise release corner braces 36 and 38, the hinged mechanism is swung outward, thereby causing snap-on connectors 37 and 39 to be disengaged from the respective longitudinal ladder members 33 and 32. FIG. 1B illustrates snap-on connector 37 in such a disengaged arrangement. Similarly, FIG. 2B also illustrates snap-on connector 39 when disconnected.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-4, game device 10 can be reconfigured into an inclined configuration to support play of bean bag toss. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that intermediate configurations in addition to those configurations depicted in the figures can also be achieved by rotating second frame structure 30 with respect to first frame structure 24.
Referring first to FIG. 2A, game device 10 is depicted in a first intermediate configuration. In the first intermediate configuration, second frame structure 30 has been rotated a considerable distance, as shown by the bold rotation arrow. As mentioned above, snap-on connector 39 and snap-on connector 37 have both been disengaged (as illustrated in FIG. 2B). At this point, corner braces 36 and 38 are now rotated downwardly, and engaged with a cross panel-support member 26 of first frame structure 24. FIG. 2C illustrates snap-on connector 39 attached to cross panel-support member 26. This allows first corner brace 36 and second corner brace 38 to be positioned in a substantially coplanar relationship with first frame structure 24 and such that they will not interfere with other structures of game device 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, first support member 46 and the second support member 48 can be rotated upwardly to facilitate further reconfiguration of game device 10.
Referring to FIG. 3, game device 10 is depicted in a second intermediate configuration. In the second intermediate configuration, second frame structure 30 has now been swung back toward first frame structure 24. When positioned as illustrated in FIG. 3, first support member 46 and second support member 48 can be further rotated (in a direction opposite of the previous rotation) so as to engage second frame structure 30. In a structure somewhat similar to that discussed above for snap-on connectors 37 and 39, first support member 46 includes first snap-on mechanism 47 and second support member 48 includes second snap-on mechanism 49.
Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, game device 10 is depicted in an inclined configuration. In the inclined configuration, lateral ladder member 30 is coupled to first and second support members 46 and 48, respectively, of second frame structure 24. FIG. 4A illustrates game device 10 from a first side, while FIG. 4B illustrates the opposite side of device 10 (rotated and flipped). In the inclined configuration depicted in FIG. 4B, game device 10 can be used to support play of play of bean bag toss.
As shown in FIG. 4B, a backside of flexible panel 80 is visible. Flexible panel 80 is positioned on a side across cross panel-support members 26 of first frame structure 24. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, flexible panel 80 forms a surface to receive objects tossed by a user, such as, for example, bean bags 110. In an embodiment, flexible panel 80 includes a trio of holes or openings 84, 86 and 88. It is contemplated that these holes 84, 86, and 88 can be thus utilized for the well-known bean bag toss game and may include a mesh structure to capture the bean bags 110. Variations in this structure can be utilized, such as having holes with different shapes, sizes and orientations. In addition, fewer or more than three holes may be present in flexible panel 80.
As depicted in FIGS. 5-7, game device can be configured into a folded configuration to support play of washer toss. Referring to FIG. 5A, first support member 46 and second support member 48 can be rotated in an outward direction. In this manner, snap-on connectors 47 and 49 are thus uncoupled from lateral ladder member 30 of second support structure 30. Next, second frame structure 30 is rotated away from first frame structure 24 so that first support member 46 and second support member 48 can then be rotated back to a position adjacent to flexible panel 80 and substantially coplanar with first frame structure 24. The direction of this rotation is illustrated in FIG. 5B. FIG. 6A similarly illustrates the above-mentioned orientation of first support member 46 and second support member 48.
As illustrated in FIG. 6A, with first and second support members 46 and 48 positioned substantially coplanar with first frame structure 24, second frame structure 30 can be rotated downwardly. Second frame structure 30 to be positioned adjacent to and in a parallel plane with first frame structure 24. Referring to FIG. 6B, first support member 46 and second support member 48 may include a second connecting structure, 56 and 58 respectively, which is specifically configured to receive lateral ladder member 31 of second frame structure 30.
Game device 10 can then be rotated (or flipped), causing a front surface of flexible panel 80 to be oriented upwardly. This is a similar orientation to the orientation illustrated in FIG. 4B and discussed above. Flexible panel 80 can be positioned in a substantially horizontal manner. Referring now to FIG. 7, a trio of semi-rigid panels 94, 96, and 98 can be position within holes 84, 86, and 88, respectively such that game device 10 is in a folded configuration which can support play of washer toss or coin toss.
Game device 10 may also include a number of accessories in addition to beanbags 110, washers 120 and bolos 130. In an embodiment, game device 10 includes straps (not depicted) that can be attached to second frame structure 30. The straps can be positioned parallel to longitudinal ladder members 32 and 33 and transverse to cross ladder members 29 and lateral ladder member 31 to form a 3×3 grid out of second frame structure. Game device 10 can thereby support play of tic-tac toss with bolos 130 when in the upright configuration. In another embodiment, game device 10 includes a backboard and rim (not depicted). The backboard and rim are removably attachable to either first frame structure 24 or second frame structure 30 to support play of basketball. The height of the backboard and rim can be adjusted by selecting one of cross ladder members 29 and or ladder member 31 as a point of attachment. The height of the backboard and rim can be further adjusted by shifting game device 10 between the upright and unfolded configurations.
The above-described game device 10 allows users to set up and play multiple games with a single piece of equipment. Since game device 10 can be easily configured to accommodate at least the three above-mentioned games, game device 10 reduces the amount of equipment that a user must purchase and store to play multiple games. Furthermore, the re-configurability of game device 10 as shown in the various figures and as described above facilitates transport of game device 10 and storage of game device 10 where space may be limited. A further feature of the above-described game device 10 is tool-less assembly and reconfiguration.
In an embodiment, game device 10 is provided to a user unassembled and with an instruction manual outlining the assembly steps to create and reconfigure game device 10. The instruction manual may be substantially in the form of the Ladderball, Bean Bag Toss, & Washer Toss Assembly Instructions (EastPoint Sports Ltd., 2014), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Various embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustrating the details thereof and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiment(s) are not intended to be limiting, as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. The materials, dimensions, shape, and certain structural features may be modified in certain respect to support different forms of game play and functionality. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Patent Application
20160023095
