COMPETITIVE KNOCKDOWN TARGET GAME APPARATUS

Abstract

A competitive knock-down target and fish catching game is provided wherein all players will have the same number of catchable fish and upright knockdown targets. Players will knock down targets and catch fish using a provided fishing pole/lure, or finger attached length of line/bungee cord/and lure, or hand-held kendama-style toy with a line attached ball/lure combination. After a player has knocked down all of the upright targets and caught the requisite number of fish, the player will try to catch and retrieve that player's designated target fish, retrieval of which signals the end of the game. In some embodiments, before the designated target fish can be caught, the player will be required to also catch and return to an upright position the previously knocked-down targets. In other embodiments, the fish targets must be caught and restocked before catching the target fish.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to games for children and, in more particular, to physical games that can be used to simulate fishing and/or improve eye-hand coordination.

BACKGROUND

Computer-based fishing games for children abound. However, such do not provide any real insight into the sport. Physical fishing games are designed to engage children and teach them some basic concepts of the sport including casting, retrieval of the fish, etc.

The prior art approaches to fishing simulation suffer from some certain disadvantages when used in the context of fund raising. One of the overarching concerns in fund raising is the turn-rate, i.e., how quickly a participant can be instructed and complete the assigned task and a new participant introduced to the game. For example, often a low turn rate is observed with prior art fishing games because they require a motion that simulates casting a fishing pole which then requires a relatively large amount of space. This limits the number of stations that are open to participants. Additionally, prior art approaches may require a level of skill that very young children do not possess which means the participant may need multiple casts in order to complete the assigned task. Further, the fish that are the target of the endeavor need to be disengaged from the lure after they have been snagged by the user and then manually returned to their starting position which may result in a delay due to dropped or mispositioned target fish.

Heretofore there has been a need for a physical fishing simulation game that overcomes some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

Before proceeding to a description of the present invention, however, it should be noted and remembered that the description of the invention which follows, together with accompanying drawings, should not be construed as limiting the invention to the examples (or embodiment) shown and described. This is so because those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will be able to devise other forms of this invention within the ambit of the appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Optional embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention are designed to allow single players or doubles players to play a game that tests eye-hand coordination, dexterity, speed, etc. At the start of the game, the players will be positioned on opposite sides of the optional two- or four-sided game field and will be faced with the same number of targets that are individually backwardly rotatable on a stand and/or the same number of targets that are mounted on an inclined or flat surface to be “caught” using a provided artificial lure or just “lure”, hereinafter. The two variations share one common element: the designated target on both player's sides must be one that is catchable using the lure. Additionally, the two designated targets must be connected to each other across the game field. The connection might be such that catching the designated flat surface mounted target and drawing it toward one of the players will simultaneously pull the other player's designated target away from its mounted position on the opposite side of the game field, thereby signaling the end of the game. In other embodiments, the connection might be such that catching the designated target and drawing it away from its mounted position will simultaneously pull the other player's designated target into a “pin down”/unmovable position on the opposite side of the game field, thereby signaling the end of the game.

In some instances, the two designated targets might be connected by an elastic cord having a bell or other signaling device attached thereto so that pulling one designated target away from its mount will draw the interconnecting cord tighter and sound the bell signifying the end of the game.

In one embodiment, the game proceeds by requiring each player to use a provided instrumentality/lure to knock down all of the vertically standing targets on his or her side of the game, which targets are designed to be readily rotated from their initial vertical orientation to a near-horizontal orientation when struck by the lure. In some embodiments team players will be required to take turns as they try to knock over their initially vertical targets. In other instances, the team players can each proceed at their own pace in a race against time to be the first to snag the designated target. Either way, in this embodiment the first player to knock all of that player's vertical targets into a horizontal orientation can try to snag the designated target and pull it toward that player. If the team first player to finish the knock-down phase is slow to snag the designated target on their side, the other team player, after knocking down all of their own targets, may try to snag their team's designated target and deny the win to the earlier team player to complete the knock-down phase.

In another embodiment, the game proceeds by requiring each player to use a provided instrumentality to knock down all of the vertically standing rotatable targets that are on his or her side of the game field and catch (snag) some number of horizontally oriented or inclined targets on the same side of the field. As before, only after both tasks are completed will the player be entitled to try to snag the designated target.

In still another embodiment, the game might require that the vertical targets be knocked down, the inclined targets be caught, and then the vertical targets snagged and returned to their upright positions before an attempt can be made to snag the designated target.

Note that in all of these embodiments, it is important that the game ending designated target only be snagged or caught by a player after all of that player's other (non-designated) targets have received the game rules sequenced action.

The foregoing has outlined in broad terms some of the more important features of the invention disclosed herein so that the detailed description that follows may be more clearly understood, and so that the contribution of the instant inventors to the art may be better appreciated. The instant invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various other ways not specifically enumerated herein. Finally, it should be understood, the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting, unless the specification specifically so limits the invention. Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon examining the accompanying drawings and upon reading the following description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and further aspects of the invention are described in detail in the following examples and accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 contains a view of an embodiment of the inventive game field from the point of view of a competitor.

FIG. 2 contains a side view of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A-3D contain examples of artificial lures that would be suitable for use with various embodiments.

FIGS. 4A and 4B contain more detailed information about the structure of a fish game piece that would be suitable for use with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 contains some additional details with respect to one of the knock-down target embodiments.

FIG. 6 contains a more detailed plan view of a configuration for the targets that are catchable and situated on an inclined surface.

FIG. 7 contains a view of a two-player embodiment.

FIG. 8 contains a view of the same embodiment as is in FIG. 7 rotated 90 degrees.

FIG. 9 contains a closeup view of the interconnecting lines in FIG. 7.

FIGS. 10A and 10B contain other examples of artificial lures that would be suitable for use with various embodiments. In these arrangements, a conventional rod is not used with the lure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described hereinafter in detail, some specific embodiments of the instant invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments or algorithms so described.

This application incorporates by reference the entirety of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,891,667, 7,484,733, and pending patent application Ser. No. 18/371,306, filed Sep. 21, 2023, as if fully set out herein at this point.

The embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a fishing game device or apparatus 100 that is designed to allow two opponents to play a competitive game that tests eye-hand coordination, dexterity, etc. At the start of the game, each player will be stationed on opposite sides of a flat game field 103. Both players will be faced with the same number of targets that are mounted on a bar 135, the two bars 135 being positioned to be spaced apart and parallel to each other on opposite sides of the game field 103. Each bar 135 will contain the same number of vertical targets 105 that are rotatably mounted on that bar 135. Each of the vertical targets 105 are designed to be rotated from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation when struck using a provided artificial lure. Example artificial fishing poles 310, 320, 330, and 340 and some of the types of lures they might have illustrated are in FIGS. 3A-3D and discussed in greater detail below.

Included on each player's bar is also a required designated target 120 that is removably mounted on a platform 115 and, optionally, there may be some number of additional targets 110 that are also removably mounted on their own platforms 115. Preferably the platforms 115 will be mounted on a bar 135 alongside the vertical targets 105. The center (or other designated target) on both player's sides must be one that is catchable using the lure provided, with each player's designated target 120 connected to the other player's designated target 120 by a cord 140 that stretches across the game field.

In one embodiment, catching one designated target 120 and drawing it toward the user that catches it will simultaneously pull the other player's designated target 120 away from its mounted location on the opposite side of the game field. Alternatively, snagging and pulling the designated target away from its platform 115 will tighten the connecting cord 140 and activate a bell 145 or other signaling mechanism that is attached to it. Either way, preferably the players will have been instructed before starting a game that the designated target 120 is only to be caught after all of the other targets have been dealt with, i.e., either knocked down, caught, etc., Then, catching the designated target 120 will signify the end of one game round. For purposes of the instant disclosure, the term “tether” may be used to describe the connecting cord 140 and that term should be broadly construed to include both elastic and inelastic cords.

As noted above, the game targets 105 are rotatably mounted on a bar 135 that is resting on the game field 103. In some embodiments, (FIG. 5) on the reverse side of the target 105 (i.e., the side facing the opposing player) might be an optional attached arm 505 that makes contact with the game field 103 when the target 105 rotates into a horizontal position. This arm 505 causes the game targets 105 to come to rest in a horizontal orientation above the surface of the game field 103. This structure makes it easier to grasp and return the target 105 to an upright position in order to reset the game between contests. Additionally, in some variations the target 105 might have an optional notch 510 in its top. The notch 510 would be especially useful in a version of the game that requires each target 105 too be rotated downward and then subsequently snagged by a lure and drawn back up into a vertical orientation by the player as a prerequisite to being able to catch the designated target 120. That is, in this version of the game the player would be required to knock down all of the standing targets 105 and then catch and return the targets to an upright orientation as part of the same game. The notch 510, which might include a patch of hook-and-loop material complementary to that on the lure, would make the task of catching and returning the target to verticality using the provided lure a more readily accomplished task. Lures suitable for use with this embodiment will be discussed below.

Turning now to the game pieces 110 and 120, in some embodiments these games pieces will take the shapes of fish although that is certainly not a requirement. For purposes of the clarity in the text that follows the game pieces 110 and 120 will be described as “fish” although that term should be broadly interpreted to refer to any form that allows them to be caught by lures of the type illustrated in FIG. 3. In FIGS. 1 and 2, each fish 110/120 is resting on a platform 115 that is inclined with respect to the vertical. This keeps the catching structure 440 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) suspended above the game field 103. As was the case with the arm 505 of the game targets 104, the function of the platforms 115 is to keep the catching structure 440 of each fish 110/120 elevated with respect to the game filed 103 to that it can be more readily snagged by a lure.

The fish 110/120 are designed to be “caught” or “snagged” and pulled away from their position on their platforms 115 using lures (discussed below) that are provided to the players. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, there are optional elastic tethers 130 that connect each fish 110 with the bar 135 on the opposite side of the game field 103. The purpose of the elastic tethers 130 is to allow a player to pull a fish 110 away from its position on the platform 115 and, upon its release, the tether 130 will cause the fish to return to that same platform, albeit likely in a different orientation. That arrangement is especially useful when it is necessary to restock the fish 110 (i.e., reposition each fish on its platform) after a game has been ended and the tether acts further to keep the fish 110 from being carried off by a contestant. Note that in this example each tether 130 extends from the opposite bar 135 up through a hole in the platform 115 (not shown) and through a hole in the fish 110. In the arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2, the tether 130 is terminated by attachment to bead 112 on the upward side of the fish 110. As noted previously, the use of the tether 130 and its associated structure is completely optional. Further, there are many different ways of attaching the tether 130 to the fish and those of ordinary skill in the art will be able to readily devise them. Finally, although the preferred tether 130 in this embodiment is elastic that is not a requirement. Other configurations might involve a retraction mechanism comprising an inelastic line (e.g., a fishing line) that is attached at one end to the fish and attached at the other end to a free hanging weight.

Turning next to designated target 120 as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 6, this fish 120 is similar in general appearance and structure to the other game fish 110. Like the other fish, it is situated on a platform 115 and it has a catching structure 640 that extends past the end of the platform 115, thereby making it subject to being caught using the lure provided. As described previously, preferably the cord 140 will put the designated target fish 120 that are on opposite sides of the game field in mechanical communication with each other. In some embodiments, snagging one designated fish 120 with a lure and pulling it toward one contestant will pull the opponent's designated fish 120 off of its platform 115 and away from the opponent, thereby signaling the end of the game. In other embodiments, and as is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cord 140 connected the two designated fish 120 might be elastic (or not) and cord 140 might contain a bell 145 or other signaling indicia attached thereto so that when the designated fish caught and pulled away the cord 140 tightens and the signaling indicia is activated, thereby signaling the end of the game.

In various embodiments, the user plays the game by using a short rod, pole or other instrumentality of the sort generally indicated in FIG. 3 to cast or otherwise position an artificial lure toward a target 105, a fish 110 or a designated fish 120. In some embodiments the fish 120 might be held in a vertical orientation but the general mode of operation would be the same.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show, respectively, a generalized representation of the top side and reverse side of a fish 110 or 120 suitable for use with an embodiment. Note that affixed to the midsection of the example fish 110 is an attachment member 112 which provides a means of securing the tether 130 to the fish. This may be an item such as a button, or a bead, staple, etc., that secures the cord 130 after it passes through the fish or it may be just a knot in the end of the tether 130. Obviously, many other arrangements are possible including affixing the tether with glue, magnets, etc. All that is required is that the tether 130 be affixed to the fish in some way, preferably proximate to the attachment member 410. The intent is that this should be a permanently or semi-permanently attachment, although removably attaching the cord 130 to the fish 110 is certainly possible so long as the attachment is strong enough to hold against the restoring force exerted by the tether 130 against the fish 110.

The attachment member 410 in some embodiments is one-half of a hook-and-loop material, with the other/mating half being installed on the platform 115 on which the fish 110 is initially placed. This sort of arrangement will help keep the fish in place while the player attempts to snag them with a lure.

Each fish 110 will have a guide surface 440 and guide slot 420 at the head of the fish 110 and proximate to hook-and-loop material 415 (the “catching member”, hereinafter) on the underside of the fish 110. The guide surface 440 has been provided to make it easier for the user to maneuver a lure into the guide slot 420 and engage the catching member 415 on the underside of the fish 110 with a lure. Note that hook-and-loop material is just one example of the sort of attachment that could be used. Another example would be a magnet and steel (or other ferromagnetic material) combination. More generally, all that is required is that the lure be removably attached to its platform 115 by the complementary material on the back of the fish so that the fish may be easily caught and pulled from its resting place.

The artificial fishing pole (“pole”) and lure combination that is used to catch the fish and knock down the upright targets might take many forms as is generally shown in FIGS. 3A-3D. Each of the fishing pole examples of FIG. 3 has a handle 301, 321, 331, and 341 to which is attached a line 318 of some sort. In some embodiments the line 318 might be attached to a cord of a different type which is then attached to the handle. FIG. 3B contains one such example (e.g., cord 328). That being said, for purposes of the instant disclosure unless otherwise indicated it will be assumed that when the term “line” is used to describe the connecting material between a lure and a handle that material might comprise one or more different flexible cords which are attached together in a way that connects the lure to the handle.

At the remote terminus of each of the lines 318 is the lure that can be used to knock down the upright targets 105 and optionally pull them back into an upright orientation. Additionally, the pole will contain at its free end some mechanism for catching the fish 110/120.

As is shown in FIG. 3A, the fishing pole device 310 is provided to the player to use in knocking down and catching game targets. In some cases the handle 301 might include a reel 314 from which the line 318 extends. At the terminus of the line is a piece of hook and loop material 315 that has been chosen to be complimentary to the hook and look material 415 on the underside of the fish. Additionally, a weight of some sort 312 has been included to give lure sufficient mass to knock over the upright targets.

FIG. 3B contains another example of a fishing pole apparatus 320 suitable for use with an embodiment. In this case, the handle 321 is a simple rod and the line terminates in a hook-and-loop material 325 and associated weight 326 as described previously in connection with FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C contains an example artificial pole 330 where the handle 331 has a line 318 attached that terminates in a fishing bobber 335. This arrangement is conventionally referred to as a Japanese kendama-type toy. Additionally, a patch of hook-and-loop material 332 is slidably attached to the line 318 and would typically be allowed to slide closer to the bobber 335 before the combination is used to try to snag or catch one of the game fish.

Finally, the artificial fishing pole embodiment 340 of FIG. 3D is similar to a conventional paddle and ball combination. The face of the handle 341 is flat and allows the user to strike the ball 345 that is attached to the end of the line 318 and aim that ball 345 toward the targets. In this case, the line 318 might be elastic so that the ball 345 rebounds toward the paddle 341 after it has been stretched to its maximum length. As was the case with the other game instruments in FIGS. 3A-3C, this embodiment is also equipped with a patch of hook-and-loop material 342 which has been chosen to make it possible to snag one of the game fish and pull it from its platform.

FIGS. 4A and 4B contain a more detailed illustration of one embodiment of a game piece, e.g., fish 110, that is suitable for use with the instant invention. Preferably each of the plurality of fish 110 in FIG. 1 will have the silhouette and markings of a real fish although, as has been discussed previously, that target configuration is used for purposes of illustration only and any shape that has an accompanying guide slot of the sort illustrated in this figure could be used. Each “fish” 110 in this embodiment is provided with a releasable mounting mechanism 410 on its back or underside which is designed to mate with a complementary hanger which is affixed to the platform 115 (not shown). In one embodiment, Velcro® or a similar hook-and-loop material will be used. Other embodiments might use magnets, clips, etc. What is important, though, is that however the fish is mounted on the platform 115 it needs to be held securely enough to keep it in place but it should be readily released when snagged by a lure that is wielded by a contestant.

In some embodiments, a guide slot 420 will be provided to aid the user in snaring a fish. In this case, the user might try to position the lure so that the line 318 from the pole passes over the guide surface 440 of the fish 110. Once that is done, it will then be relatively easy to maneuver the line into the slot 420 where it can be then pulled toward the user to draw the lure up against lure engaging member 415 For purposes of the instant disclosure, the term “guide member” will generally refer to any structure provided on the engageable end of the fish that assists a user in maneuvering a lure into a position where it can become engaged with the fish. By way of example only, the guide member of the embodiment of FIG. 4 comprises the guide slot 420 and guide surface 440.

In practice, after the line 318 is seated within the guide slot 420, the lure will be in a position to snare the fish 110 by engaging the fish's engaging member 415 with the complementary lure engaging member at the end of the line 318. After the lure has become engaged with the fish, the user will be able to tug on the pole, thereby removably attaching the lure to the fish 110 and disengaging the fish 110 from the support surface.

In practice, this apparatus might be used as follows. One embodiment employs optional game action rules that are set before an eye/hand speed drill tournament starts. Preferably, no action sequence rule can be changed after a tournament has begun. For example, the following rules/parameters might be modified depending on the circumstances:

• • 1. Configuration of the targets/fish and order of knockdown/catching in various embodiments might be modified as follows.
    • a. Number of targets in use can be varied.
    • b. Number of times each target is to be knocked down and/or uplifted, i.e., snagged and drawn back to an upright position can be changed.
    • C. Number of fish in use and the sequence of their catch and restock action can be varied.
    • d. The sequence of target knock down/uplift and fish catch/restock action can be modified.
    • e. The action sequence rule can be alternating fish and target or vice versa, e.g., all fish then all targets or vice versa and with or without fish restocking and target uplifting.
    • f. The number of fish in use and their sequence of catch and restock can be varied. The use of a bungie cord to restock each fish is an optional feature.
    • g. The final time each fish is caught its restocking may or may not be required as determined by the game rules established at the start of each tournament.
  • 2. The participants could be two individual contestants or two-player teams.
  • 3. The conditions for winning can be modified.
    • a. After completing the sequence of game rules prescribed above, the first to finish will try to catch the middle-positioned fish.
    • b. This final uncaught fish is preferably positioned at the midpoint of the lineup of each contestant's action objects.
    • c. The final fish can be interconnected by a slack inelastic tether line. When a slack inelastic tether line is used, it is suggested to allow a minimum of an inch or two of slack to limit the caught fish retrieval movement.
    • d. If the tether between them is not elastic, the final fish catch/line pulling action pins down the opponent's final fish, thus designating the winner/champ.
  • 4. Final winner signaling options could include any of the following examples.
    • a. A sound emitting device attached to the interconnecting tether between the final/designated fish (such as a jingle bell) can be used to signal that a contestant has caught a game winning final fish.
    • b. Optional game rules can allow all contestants to win a champ timed drill ranking position by, for example, requiring that each final fish caught be immediately released to allow the other contestant to also catch their final fish.
    • c. An optional game timed improvement ranking for each contestant could be implemented by having an assistant call out elapsed time as each contestant hooks a final fish.
    • d. This feature will allow fundraiser raffle ticket drawings for sponsor products and discounts by, for example, awarding a raffle ticket each time a contestant improves his or her prior time score. Then, when the raffle tickets are drawn the winning tickets could award a sponsor prize and/or product discount, etc.

As noted previously, the final or designated fish are preferably slack line or bungee line interconnected. The line passes in some embodiments through each fish's mounting platform and is attached to the opposing final fish. Therefore, the line pulling action of catching a final fish will pin down the opposing fish to its mounting platform, i.e., this prevents catching/movement action of the opponent's fish. In other embodiments, e.g., if the final fish are directly connected and the connecting line does not pass through a hole in the final fish mounting platform, catching the designated target will simultaneously pull the other player's designated target away from its mounted location on the opposite side of the game field, thereby signaling the end of a game.

Turning next to FIGS. 7 through 9, these figures illustrate another variation of the invention which allows as many as four players to compete simultaneously. In FIG. 7 the upright knock-down target 705 has the same structure and function as that described in target 105FIG. 1, i.e., it is available to be knocked down and then optionally returned by the player to an upright location by “catching” it via the notch in its upper edge. The fish 710/711 are mounted on platforms 715 and are eligible to be “caught’ in the same manner discussed previously. Additionally, fish 711 on opposite sides of the game field are both interconnected to a central signaling device/bell 145 of the sort illustrated in FIG. 1 and also to each other so that when a player catches the fish 711 and pulls it from its platform 715 that will cause the bell 145 to ring and, in some embodiments, that would fix the fish 711 on the opposite side of the playing field and prevent the other fish from being caught and drawn away from its platform.

As can best be seen in FIG. 9, connecting line 740 is attached to fish 711 through a hole 744 in the platform 715. The line 740 passes from the fish 711 and through two eye bolts 742 and, in some embodiments, terminates at the bell 145. In some embodiments, the line 740 is attached to the bell 145 but then continues on past the bell 145 to the support bar on the other side of the game field where it is redirected by similar eye bolts (not shown) and terminates in a connection to the fish 711 that is on the other player's side. One advantage of the later configuration is that when one player pulls his fish 711 away from its platform 715 that will ring the bell 145 and, if the line 740 is elastic, tend to hold the other fish 711 against its platform 715 which, as described previously, will keep the opposing player from catching his own fish 711.

With respect to the other platform-mounted fish 710, these fish are each connected by its own line 730, which is preferably elastic, to the support structure on the opposite side of the game field so that when the fish 710 is drawn away from its platform 715 the line 730 will tend to draw the fish 710 back to its platform 715 when the fish is released.

Additional objects provided in this game include one or more knock-down targets 705 and some number of hanging targets 708. As can be seen, the hanging targets 708 will preferably be mounted on the support frame 735 so that they can easily be made to swing to-and-fro which can be used as a signal that the player has struck that target. Additionally, in this embodiment are provided digital timers 755 that can be used to end the game if it is to be a time-limited game.

Turning next to FIG. 8, this figure shows the embodiment of FIG. 7 rotated 90°. In this embodiment, two players face each other across a game field that contains only fish 810 that are situated along the edge of the game field. Note that the targets 708 and their support arms 735 have also been rotated 90°. In some embodiments, the targets 708 will extend way from the playing surface at an angle of about 45° so that players on each side have the same view of the target.

As can be seen, each of the fish 810 is arranged so that its catching structure 640 extends over the edge of the game field which will make those fish easier to catch using the sorts of lures that are preferably provided to the players. Additionally, each fish 810 has a retracting line 835 which is attached at one end to the fish 810 and at the other end to a eight 830. The retracting line 835 preferably passes through a hole in the game filed so that after a fish 810 is caught and drawn away from the game board the weight will tend to draw the fish back to its original position on the game field. Although in this case all of the fish 815 are connected to the same weight 830, that was done for convenience in transportation only and each fish 815 might have a separate weight instead. Additionally, the center fish 815 on each side of the game field are connected together by line 820 which might be elastic or not. Either way, the connecting line 820 is in mechanical communication with the signaling device 740 at the center of the game field.

As should be clear, in the configuration of FIGS. 7-9 it is possible for four players to play simultaneously with players that are across from each other having the same game goals. Either way, when a player catches the target fish 711 or 820 the signaling device 740 will sound, potentially ending the game for all players.

Note that for purposes of the instant application, when the term “platform” is used that term should be broadly construed to include any arrangement where the fish are removably attached to a support member in a way that makes the guide surface 440 and guide slot 420 of the fish available to be engaged by a lure and pulled away from the platform by a user.

Note also that although connecting line 740 and chord 140 are discussed herein as though they stretch continuously across the game field, it is certainly possible that each actually consists of two pieces with one end attached to the fish 112 and fish 711 and at the other end to the bell/signaling device 145. As such, when these sorts of lines are discussed herein it should be understood that they need not be a single line but instead more might be two or more lines that fulfill the function of interconnecting the game pieces with the signaling device and with each other.

Turning next to FIGS. 10A and 10B, in these figures are two further examples of artificial lures 1010 and 1020. Unlike previous embodiments, these devices 1010 and 1020 do not require rods to be connected to the lines 1014 and 1024. In the arrangement of FIG. 10A, provided at the one end of the line 1014 is a ball 1012 which is encircled by a band of hook-and-loop material 1013. Additionally, at the opposite the end of the line 1014 from the ball 1012 is a loop 1016 which is preferably sized to accommodate a player's finger. Then, when the game is in progress the player can insert a finger into that loop 1016 and swing the ball 1010 at one of the knockdown targets 105 or attempt to use it to catch one of the fish 110 or 120 by engaging the hook-and-loop material with the catching material 415 on the underside of each fish.

The embodiment 1020 of FIG. 10B is similarly provided without a rod. In this case, a section of hook and loop material 1026 is provided which can be sized to encircle a player's finger, hand, or wrist. As before, the line 1024 is attached at the other end to a ball 1022 which has a band of hook-and-loop material 1023 wrapped around its midsection. The ball/lure 1022 can be used to strike the knockdown targets 105 or snag one of the fish 110 or 120.

For purposes of the instant disclosure, the loop 1016 and the section of hook and loop material 1026 shall collectively be referred to as graspable members.

It should be noted that for purposes herein some of the game pieces that are utilized in the game will generally be referred to as “fish,” “fish shaped”, fish figures, etc. However, it should be clear that any sort of figure might be used in the same way as the fish figures are used herein. Also, the fish game pieces are typically flat and relatively thin. In some embodiments, each fish game piece bears the image of a fish on its front, back or both. In some instances, a plurality of fish game pieces will be provided and each will bear the image of a different type of fish. Thus, when this document refers to “fish” (e.g., “fish shaped”, “fish game piece”, “fish figure”, etc.) that text should not be limited to its literal meaning but instead it should be broadly construed to include any sort of game piece that is suitable for use with the support surface, tether, and lures discussed hereinafter and which includes the specialized structures discussed herein.

It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps, or integers.

If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not to be construed that there is only one of that element.

It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiment, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.

Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks.

The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

For purposes of the instant disclosure, the term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. Terms of approximation (e.g., “about”, substantially”, “approximately”, etc.) should be interpreted according to their ordinary and customary meanings as used in the associated art unless indicated otherwise. Absent a specific definition and absent ordinary and customary usage in the associated art, such terms should be interpreted to be ±10% of the base value.

When, in this document, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number)”, this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 should be interpreted to mean a range whose lower limit is 25 and whose upper limit is 100. Additionally, it should be noted that where a range is given, every possible subrange or interval within that range is also specifically intended unless the context indicates to the contrary. For example, if the specification indicates a range of 25 to 100 such range is also intended to include subranges such as 26-100, 27-100, etc., 25-99, 25-98, etc., as well as any other possible combination of lower and upper values within the stated range, e.g., 33-47, 60-97, 41-45, 28-96, etc. Note that integer range values have been used in this paragraph for purposes of illustration only and decimal and fractional values (e.g., 46.7-91.3) should also be understood to be intended as possible subrange endpoints unless specifically excluded.

It should be noted that where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where context excludes that possibility), and the method can also include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all of the defined steps (except where context excludes that possibility).

Further, it should be noted that terms of approximation (e.g., “about”, “substantially”, “approximately”, etc.) are to be interpreted according to their ordinary and customary meanings as used in the associated art unless indicated otherwise herein. Absent a specific definition within this disclosure, and absent ordinary and customary usage in the associated art, such terms should be interpreted to be plus or minus 10% of the base value.

Still further, additional aspects of the instant invention may be found in one or more appendices attached hereto and/or filed herewith, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference as is fully set out at this point.

CONCLUSIONS

Of course, many modifications and extensions could be made to the instant invention by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While the inventive device has been described and illustrated herein by reference to certain preferred embodiments in relation to the drawings attached thereto, various changes and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made therein by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A fishing game apparatus, wherein is provided a flat game field, comprising: (a) a first support bar situated on said game field;(b) a second support bar spaced apart from said first support bar on said game field and oriented to be parallel to said first support bar;(d) a one or more first targets rotatably mounted on said first support bar and a same number of second targets rotatably mounted on said second support bar, wherein, (d1) each of said at least one first targets and at least one second targets has a front side and a back side, with said back side of said first targets facing said back side of said second targets across said game field,(d2) each of said first targets is rotatable backward toward said second support bar, and(d3) each of said second targets is rotatable backward toward said first support bar;(e) a first platform attached to said first bar and a second platform attached to said second bar;(f) a first designated target mounted on said first platform and a second designated target mounted on said second platform, wherein said first and second designated targets both have an upper surface and a lower surface, said lower surface having an engaging member affixed thereto;(g) a line attached at a first end to said first designated target and at a second end to said second designated target; and(h) at least two player poles, each of said at least two poles being connected by a line to a lure, said lure, (h1) being suitable for engaging with said engaging member on said back side of said first and second designated targets with sufficient attaching force to allow said rod to pull said an engaged designated first or second target away from its support member, and(h2) being heavy enough to strike said at least one first target and said at least one second target to rotate them from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation.

2. The fishing game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: (i) a plurality of first fish game pieces and an equal number of second fish game pieces, each of said fish game pieces having a front side and a back side, each of said first fish game pieces being removably attached on said first fish game piece back side to a first platform mounted on said first bar,each of said second fish game pieces being removably attached on said second fish game piece back side to a second platform on said second bar, andeach of said first and second fish game pieces(i1) having an outwardly flaring upper terminus, said upper terminus having an angled guide surface leading to a guide slot in said upper terminus,(i2) having a lure engaging member affixed to said back side of each of said first and second game pieces proximate to said guide slot,(i3) having a tether attached thereto, said tether providing a restoring force tending to draw said associated fish game piece toward its associated platform when said associated fish game piece is drawn away from said associated platform by said lure.

3. A fishing game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of fish game pieces is a flat cutout with an outline of a type of fish and a representation of said type of fish printed on said front side of said fish game piece.

4. A fishing game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said tether attached to each of said first fish game pieces is elastic and is connected at a first end to one of said first fish game pieces and at a second end to said second support bar.

5. A fishing game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said tether attached to each of said second fish game pieces is elastic and is connected at a first end to one of said second fish game pieces and at a second end to said first support bar.

6. A fishing game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each platform has hole therein through which the tether passes.

7. A fishing game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said player poles has a handle that is a paddle and a lure that is a rubber ball attached to said handle by an elastic cord.

8. A fishing game apparatus according to claim 6, wherein each of said tethers is attached at a first end to one of said first or second fish game pieces and at a second end to a weight that hangs below said game field.

9. A fishing game apparatus, wherein is provided a flat game field, comprising: (a) a first support bar situated on said game field;(b) a second support bar spaced apart from said first support bar on said game field and oriented to be parallel to said first support bar;(d) a one or more first targets rotatably mounted on said first support bar and a same number of second targets rotatably mounted on said second support bar, wherein, (d1) each of said at least one first targets and at least one second targets has a front side and a back side, with said back side of said first targets facing said back side of said second targets across said game field,(d2) each of said first targets is rotatable backward toward said second support bar, and(d3) each of said second targets is rotatable backward toward said first support bar;(e) a first platform attached to said first bar and a second platform attached to said second bar;(f) a first designated target mounted on said first platform and a second designated target mounted on said second platform, wherein said first and second designated targets both have an upper surface and a lower surface, said lower surface having an engaging member affixed thereto, and,(g) a line attached at a first end to said first designated target and at a second end to said second designated target.

10. The fishing game apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: (h) at least two fishing rods, each of said at least two fishing rods connected by a line to a lure, said lure (h1) being suitable for engaging with said engaging member on said back side of said first and second designated targets with sufficient attaching force to allow said rod to pull said an engaged designated first or second target away from its support member, and(h2) being heavy enough to strike said at least one first target and said at least one second target to rotate them from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation.

11. The fishing game apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: (h) a plurality of first fish game pieces and an equal number of second fish game pieces, each of said fish game pieces having a front side and a back side, each of said first fish game pieces being removably attached on said first fish game piece back side to a first platform mounted on said first bar,each of said second fish game pieces being removably attached on said second fish game piece back side to a second platform on said second bar, andeach of said first and second fish game pieces(h1) having an outwardly flaring upper terminus, said upper terminus having an angled guide surface leading to a guide slot in said upper terminus,(h2) having a lure engaging member affixed to said back side of each of said first and second game pieces proximate to said guide slot,(h3) having a tether attached thereto, said tether providing a restoring force tending to draw said associated first or second fish game piece toward its associated platform when said associated first or second fish game piece is drawn away from said associated platform by said lure.

12. The fishing game apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: (h) at least two fishing lines, each of said at least fishing lines having a graspable member at one end and a lure and at a graspable member at an opposite end, said lure (h1) being suitable for engaging with said engaging member on said back side of said first and second designated targets with sufficient attaching force to allow said rod to pull said an engaged designated first or second target away from its support member, and(h2) being heavy enough to strike said at least one first target and said at least one second target to rotate them from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation.

13. A fishing game apparatus according to claim 11, wherein each of said plurality of first and second fish game pieces is a flat cutout with an outline of a type of fish and a representation of said type of fish printed on said front side of said fish game piece.

14. A fishing game apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said tether attached to each of said first fish game pieces is elastic and is connected at a first end to one of said first fish game pieces and at a second end to said second support bar.

15. A fishing game apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said tether attached to each of said second fish game pieces is elastic and is connected at a first end to one of said second fish game pieces and at a second end to said first support bar.

16. A fishing game apparatus according to claim 11, wherein each first platform has a hole therein through which the tether connected to said first fish game piece mounted thereon passes.

17. A fishing game apparatus according to claim 11, wherein each second platform has a hole therein through which the tether connected to said second fish game piece mounted thereon passes.

18. A fishing game apparatus according to claim 11, wherein each of said tethers is attached at a first end to one of said first or second fish game pieces and at a second end to a weight that hangs below said game field.