CONVERTIBLE CARTON GAME SYSTEM

Abstract

A convertible carton game system may include a carton including a plurality of panels comprising a top panel and a bottom panel. At least one of the plurality of panels includes perforations that when broken form a target and that which form a projectile for being propelled at the target as part of a game.

Description

BACKGROUND

Cartons are frequently used to contain products or ship various articles. Such cartons, sometimes referred to as boxes, are often rectangular or square in shape. The use of such cartons for shipping articles has proliferated with the recent advent of online shopping. Such cartons/boxes often end up in landfills which is wasteful and destructive for the environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view illustrating portions of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a top view illustrating portions of an example sheet for forming an example carton of the convertible carton game system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a top view illustrating an example sheet or template for forming a carton that is convertible to a game of cornhole or bags.

FIG. 3C is a top view illustrating an example sheet or template for forming a carton, an example cereal box, that is convertible to a game of cornhole or bags.

FIG. 3D the top view illustrating an example sheet or template for forming a carton, an example cereal box, that is convertible to a game of cornhole or bags.

FIG. 3E the top view illustrating an example sheet or template for forming a carton, an example snack pack carton, that is convertible to a game of cornhole or bags.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view illustrating conversion of the convertible carton game system of FIG. 1 to example game components.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view illustrating conversion of the convertible carton game system of FIG. 2 to the example game components.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 1 converted to the example game components.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an example game projectile of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an example game projectile of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view illustrating the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 9 converted to example game components.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view illustrating an example convertible carton game system comprising a carton following conversion of the carton into a game of bags or corn hole.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view illustrating portions of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the example convertible carton game system of FIGS. 11 and 12 converted to example game components.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view illustrating portions of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the example convertible carton game system of FIGS. 14 and 15 converted to example game components.

FIG. 17A is a rear perspective view illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 17B plan view of an example sheet or template for forming a carton, a cereal box, for forming a convertible carton game system for a game of football.

FIG. 17C is a plan view of an example sheet or template for forming a carton, a mailer box, for forming a convertible carton game system for a game of football.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view illustrating portions of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the example convertible carton game system of FIGS. 17 and 18 converted to example game components.

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 20 converted to an example game component.

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 22 converted to an example game component.

FIG. 24 is a front perspective view illustrating an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view illustrating the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating the example convertible carton game system of FIGS. 24 and 25 converted into game components.

FIG. 27 is a plan view of an example template or sheet for forming an example carton of the example game system of FIG. 24.

FIG. 28 is an end view illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 29 is a side view of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a front perspective view illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of the convertible carton game system of FIGS. 30 and 31 converted into a game having game components.

FIG. 33 is an end view illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 34 is a front perspective view illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 35 is a rear perspective view of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a top perspective view of the convertible carton game system of FIGS. 34 and 35 following conversion to an example foosball game.

FIG. 37 is a plan view illustrating an example panel template for an example carton of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 38 is a top perspective view of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 37 following conversion to an example shuffleboard game.

FIG. 39 is a top perspective illustrating portions of an example implementation of the convertible carton game system of FIG. 37 following conversion to an example shuffleboard game.

FIG. 40 is a plan view illustrating an example panel template for an example carton of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 41 is a fragmentary top perspective view illustrating the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 40 following conversion to an example hockey game.

FIG. 42 is a front perspective view illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 43 is a rear perspective view of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view illustrating the example convertible carton game system of FIGS. 42-43 following conversion to an example ring toss game.

FIG. 45 is a front perspective view illustrating an example convertible carton system having punch outs for forming coasters.

FIG. 46 is a rear perspective view of the example convertible carton system of FIG. 45 illustrating additional punch outs for forming coasters.

FIG. 47A the front perspective view of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 47B is a sectional view of example punch outs of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 48A taken along line 48B-48B.

FIG. 47C is a sectional view of an alternative layered arrangement for the example punch outs of the convertible carton game system of FIG. 48A taken along line 48B-48B.

FIG. 47D is a sectional view of an alternative layered arrangement for the example punch outs of the convertible carton game system of FIG. 48A taken along line 48B-48B.

FIG. 47E is a sectional view of an alternative layered arrangement for the example punch outs of the convertible carton game system of FIG. 48A taken along line 48B-48B.

FIG. 47F is a sectional view of an alternative layered arrangement for the example punch outs of the convertible carton game system of FIG. 48A taken along line 48B-48B.

FIG. 48 is a plan view illustrating an example panel template for an example carton of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 47A.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view illustrating removal of the punch outs of the convertible carton game system of FIG. 47A.

FIG. 50A is a perspective example convertible carton game system comprising a cereal box, and conversion of the convertible carton game system into a game of horseshoes.

FIG. 50B is a top perspective view of the convertible carton game system of FIGS. 48A and 49 following conversion to an example horseshoe game.

FIG. 51 is a top perspective view of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 52 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the example for convertible carton game system of FIG. 51, the convertible carton game system including punch outs.

FIG. 53 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the portion of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 52 illustrating removal of a portion of the punch outs.

FIG. 54 is an enlarged plan view illustrating the punch outs shown removed in FIG. 52.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view illustrating the punch outs of FIG. 54 oriented for assembly.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view illustrating the punch outs of FIG. 55 following assembly into a game component, a jack.

FIG. 57 the perspective view illustrating an example game of jacks comprising multiple jacks formed by punch outs from the convertible carton game system of FIG. 51.

FIG. 58 is a top perspective view illustrating an example convertible carton system.

FIG. 59 is a plan view illustrating an example panel template for an example carton of the example convertible carton system of FIG. 59.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view illustrating the example convertible carton system of FIG. 58 following removal of a punch out.

FIG. 61 is a perspective view illustrating folding of a portion of the punchout.

FIG. 62 is a perspective view illustrating further folding of the punch out of FIG. 61 to form an example drink rack or flight.

FIG. 63 is a refresh view illustrating the drink rack or flight formed from the convertible carton system of FIG. 58.

FIG. 64 is a perspective view illustrating force of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the convertible carton game system of FIG. 64 illustrating removal of punch out.

FIG. 66 is a perspective view illustrating assembly of the punch outs of FIG. 65 to form an example polygon body in the form of a cube.

FIG. 67 is a top perspective view of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 68 is a perspective view illustrating the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 67 following removal of punch outs comprising puzzle pieces.

FIG. 69 is a top perspective view of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 70 is a top perspective view of the convertible carton game system of FIG. 69 following removal of punch outs to form pieces for assembly as a track.

FIG. 71 is a top perspective view of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 72 is a plan view of an example template for the convertible carton game system of FIG. 71.

FIG. 73 is a top perspective view of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 71 following removal of punch outs to form components of an example tic-tac-toe game.

FIG. 74 is a top perspective view of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 75 is a plan view of an example template for the convertible carton game system of FIG. 74.

FIG. 76 is a perspective view of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 74 following removal of punch outs to form Jenga game components.

FIG. 77 is a perspective view illustrating portions of an example individual game component formed by an example punch out from the convertible carton game system of FIG. 74.

FIG. 78 is a perspective view illustrating folding of the punch out of FIG. 77 into an example game component.

FIG. 79 is a top perspective view illustrating use of the game components as part of the game of Jenga.

FIG. 80 is a top perspective view of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 81 is a plan view of an example template for the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 80.

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 80 following removal of punch outs to form game components.

FIG. 83 is a plan view illustrating the game components of FIG. 82.

FIG. 84 is a perspective view illustrating assembly of the game component to form an example mini golf game.

FIG. 85 is a top perspective view of an example convertible carton game system.

FIG. 86 is a top perspective view of the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 85 following removal of punch out to form game components.

FIG. 87A is a plan view of an example template for the example convertible carton game system of FIG. 85.

FIG. 87B is a plan view of an example template for a carton, a cereal box, for forming an example convertible carton game system for a game of basketball.

FIG. 88 is a perspective view illustrating the example punch out assembled and converted to form an example basketball game.

FIG. 89 is a plan view of an example template for an example convertible carton game system having punch outs of forming an example game of Tetris.

FIG. 90 is a perspective view illustrating an example convertible carton game system form from a carton, a snack pack, with removed punch out to form an example box slam game.

Throughout the drawings, broken or dashed lines are employed Some of the dashed lines illustrate perforations, through one or more layers or panels. Such perforations may be utilized to form slits, may be utilized to facilitate the separation or tearing apart of panels or components or may be utilized to form punch outs. Other dashed lines illustrate objects or articles on an interior of a carton. Some broken or dashed lines may be utilized to identify components that are optional.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

Disclosed are example cartons which are configured for being converted and repurposed as a game, such as a tabletop or desktop game for single players or multiple players. Such cartons include perforations that form one or more punch outs, wherein the perforations facilitate manual removal or separation of the punch out from the remainder of the carton. In some implementations, the punch out facilitate manual removal of such punch outs without any tools; the removal may be achieved by simply manually pressing against the punch out until the material along the perforations is torn. In other implementations, such punch outs facilitate manual removal of such punch outs with the assistance of a scissors or knife. In both cases, perforations define the shape of the punch out to facilitate conversion of the carton into a game component.

In some implementations, the removal of the punch out facilitates use of remaining portions of the carton as a game component. Removal of one or more punch outs may facilitate use of a panel of the carton as a playing surface for a game. In some implementations, the panel itself may include printed indicia, markings or graphics that facilitate use the surface of the panel as a playing surface for the game. The printed markings may designate one or more targets for a projectile (such as a ball or bag) and/or may assign point values for such targets. In some implementations, the printed markings may depict an associated real-world playing surface on the panel. For example, the printed markings may depict yardage markers of a football field, a baseline, dividing line or service line for a racket/paddle based sport such as pickle ball, tennis or ping-pong.

In some implementations, the punch outs themselves may alternatively or additionally serve as a component for the game. In some implementations, a punch out may have a shape and size so as to form a handheld component, such as a paddle/racket. In some implementations, a punch out may have a shape and size so as to be mounted to a remainder of the carton in an upright fashion to provide a three-dimensional playing surface for the game. For example, a punch out may have shape and size so as to serve as a net, that when mounted to a remainder to of the carton, rises from the playing surface for a game such as pickle ball, tennis or ping-pong. A punch out may also have shape and size so as to serve as a goalpost (an American football goalpost) that when mounted to a remainder of the carton, rises up from the playing surface for a game such as a field-goal football game. In such implementations, another punch out may be in the form of a triangle or shape for being folded into a triangle along a fold line so as to serve as a projectile (representing a football) for the field-goal football game. In each of such implementations, the punch out may include printed markings or graphics. For example, the punch out may include the depiction of a handle, a racket or paddle face, a net, or a football, such as with lacings.

In some implementations, the carton may include preformed slits for receiving portions of punch outs to mount the punch outs to the remainder of the carton in an upright fashion. In some implementations, the carton may include a series of perforations or punch outs that form openings for receiving portions of other punch outs to mount the other punch outs to the remainder of the carton in an upright fashion.

In some implementations, the carton facilitates packaging or shipping of articles unrelated to the game to which the carton is convertible. Such articles may be entirely unrelated to the game. In some implementations, the carton may be part of a system (a kit) that also contains, in addition to non-game articles being shipped, other game components. For example, such other game components may comprise particle filled bags (full or miniature sized bags full of particles or particulate material such as beans, beads, corn, rice or the like), wherein such bags are sized and/or sufficiently bendable/deformable for passage through openings formed by the punch out. The inclusion of such bags may facility use of the carton, with appropriate punch outs, for forming a game sometimes referred to as bags or corn hole. Such bags may also be used for a target game wherein multiple punch outs provide multiple openings, the same or different sizes, wherein the different openings have different assigned point values. The bags may be affixed to an interior of the carton so as to reduce consumption of valuable space within the carton for the actual articles being shipped. In some implementations, the bags may alternatively be loose inside the carton or placed inside an article being shipped inside the carton. In some implementation, the bags include selectively openable and closable closing mechanism such as zippers, hook and loop fasteners, ZIPLOC (male-and-female track or singletrack zipper) closing mechanisms or other closing mechanisms, wherein the bags may be subsequently filled by the end user with such particles or particulate material, reducing the volume and weight of such bags during use of the carton as a shipping container.

In some implementations, the system or kit may additionally include stickers which may be applied to surfaces of the panel that are to serve as a playing surface for the game or that are to be punched out so as to form a projectile or handheld component of the game. The stickers may be separate components contained within the carton or may be peelable away from at least one surface of one or more panels of the carton. Such stickers may include graphics or printed indicia that further facilitate use of a panel surface as a playing surface for the game or use of a punch out as a mobile game component such as a projectile (triangular American football or the like) or paddle/racket.

In some implementations, the punch outs may facility conversion of the entire carton as a game component/game piece. For example, in some implementations, such as where the carton is a six sided cube, each of the six faces or panels of the box may include different punch out of different number and orientations so as to form a cube that resembles and may be used as a die, wherein a pair of such boxes may form a pair of dice. In some implementations, the punch outs may be arranged in columns and rows, wherein a person may select a particular individual punch outs to form a particular numbered domino, wherein a set of such rectangular cartons or boxes may form a set of dominoes.

In each of the systems disclosed in this application where two pieces are to be glued or bonded together, such as when forming a puck, football or ring, the interior surface of the panel of the carton or portions thereof may be coated with an adhesive film or other material. In some implementations, the adhesive film or other material may have applied thereto a non-adhesive film or sheet which may be peeled away to expose the adhesive film or layer to facilitate the bonding of multiple punch outs together to form a multi-punchout puck, ring or football.

In each of the systems disclosed in this application, where to punch outs are to be secured to one another, such securement may be made in any of a variety of different fashions. In some implementations, punch outs may provide with tabs or hooks that are received within a corresponding slits within a remainder of the carton for joining the punch out to the carton. In some implementations, the punch out may include a slit, wherein the carton includes a tab or hook for reception within the slits of the punch out. In some implementations, the punch out may include an adhesive layer which may be bonded to a surface of a remainder of the carton. In some implementations, the adhesive layer may be temporarily covered by a non-adhesive film that may be peeled away when the punch out is to be joined to the remainder of the carton when the game is being constructed. In some implementations, portions of the carton may include the adhesive layer with or without the non-adhesive film for joining the remainder of the carton to a punch out. In some implementations, the system may comprise a two-sided adhesive tape or film for joining a punch out with the remainder of the carton or other punch outs.

In some implementations, selected portions of the panels formed from cellulose-based material may include additional layers or coatings of polymer or rubber materials to provide additional weight, thickness or a desired surface texture or smoothness. In some implementations, the polymer or rubber/synthetic rubber materials may be open or closed celled foam materials, providing a degree of elasticity and/or compressibility. In some implementations, the polymer or rubber/synthetic rubber materials may not be foamed. In some implementations, the coating may have a thickness greater than the thickness of any text or print performed on the carton for the purpose of identifying the recipient, identifying the shipper or identifying the trademark or brand of the product being shipped within the carton. In some implementations, the coating may have a thickness of at least 1 mm, and in some implementations, a thickness of at least 1.5 mm or at least 2 mm.

In some implementations, selected portions of the panels forming the carton may be additionally coated with such additional layers or coatings of a polymer or rubber materials. The additional layers or coatings of the polymer, rubber/synthetic rubber material (foamed or un-foamed) may be provided on one or both of the inner and outer surfaces of the panel forming the carton.

For example, in some implementations, the template of cellulose-based material which is to be folded to form the carton may be coated upon inner surface and/or outer surface by placing a mask over the template/carton panel, wherein the mask has openings corresponding to and aligned with regions within the perforations which are to form the punch outs. The polymer or plastic may be applied by spraying, painting or lamination over or through the mask so as to only coat those portions of the cellulose-based panels that form the punch outs. Separate masking and spraying/coating/painting processes may be carried out for the inner face and outer face of the panel if such punch outs are to be coated on both faces. In some implementations, in lieu of using a mask, other techniques may be utilized to precisely control the application of a liquid or spray coating of the polymer or rubber/synthetic rubber material (foamed or un-foamed) to one or both faces of the panel which is to be folded to form the carton. For example, a servo controlled sprayer and nozzle may be utilized to otherwise apply the coating to selected portions of the panel or panels that are to be folded and joined to form the carton for shipping.

As described above, in some implementations, a first face of the panel or template may have such a polymer coating while a second face of the panel or template may be provided with an adhesive layer which may or may not be temporarily covered by a non-adhesive peel away film. The application of the adhesive layer may be applied to selected portions of the cellulose-based panel by similar masking techniques as described with respect to the polymer coatings. In some implementations, such components may be applied to other regions of the panels forming the carton, or the other regions that are not to form punch outs but are to form playing surfaces for the game created by conversion of the carton. Such coatings on the punch outs or on the remainder of the carton (forming the playing surfaces) may have different colors, textures and thicknesses best suited for the particular game and function in the game of such services. Such coatings may additionally be patterns so as to form graphics, text or the like on such surfaces.

In some implementations, one or more coatings of the same or different polymer, rubber or synthetic rubber (foamed or un-foamed) materials may be applied to or coated upon a face of panel followed by application of an adhesive coating or layer on top of the one or more polymer, rubber or synthetic rubber (foamed or un-foamed) coatings or layers. In some implementations, the adhesive coating or layer may be covered with a removable non-adhesive film and may be peeled away to expose the adhesive layer for joining the portions of the panel of the carton (a punch out portion or a game playing surface portion of the carton) to other portions of the carton. This stack of polymer, rubber and/or synthetic rubber (foamed or un-foamed) coatings may provide different thicknesses to different portions, services or pieces of the game and may provide selected portions with an adhesive surface to assist in joining pieces to form the converted game.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. The term “operably coupled” shall mean that two members are directly or indirectly joined such that motion may be transmitted from one member to the other member directly or via intermediate members.

For purposes of this disclosure, the phrase “configured to” denotes an actual state of configuration that fundamentally ties the stated function/use to the physical characteristics of the feature proceeding the phrase “configured to”.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “releasably” or “removably” with respect to an attachment or coupling of two structures means that the two structures may be repeatedly connected and disconnected to and from one another without material damage to either of the two structures or their functioning.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system 20. System 20 comprises a shipping box or package that is configured for being converted and repurposed as a game, such as a tabletop or desktop game for single players or multiple players. System 20 comprises carton 24, non-game articles 26-1, 26-2 (collectively referred to as articles 26), protective filling 28, shipping label 30, surface markings 32-1, 32-2 (collectively referred to as surface markings 32), sticker sheet 34, and game projectile sets 36-1 and 36-2 (collectively referred to as sets 36).

Carton 24 comprises a box or other container sized and shaped so as to contain one or more non-game articles 26. Carton 24 may be formed from a plurality of panels which are molded or folded into shape so as to form an enclosure having an interior volume for containing such non-game articles 26. In some implementations, carton 24 is formed from a cellulose-based material. In some implementations, carton 24 is formed from a cardboard or paperboard material. In some implementations, carton 24 may be formed from a sustainable or recycled material. Carton 24 may have a rectangular shape of any of various proportions for its length, width and height. In some implementations, carton 24 may comprise a cube. In the example illustrated, carton 24 comprises a plurality of panels including a front panel 40-1, a rear panel 40-2, side panels 40-3, 40-4, and top and bottom panels 40-5, 40-6, respectively (all such panels collectively referred to as panels 40). In some implementations, the various panels 40 may be formed from a single integral unitary sheet which is folded or bent to provide the cube or rectangular shape for carton 24.

As schematically illustrated by FIG. 2, carton 24 encloses or contains non-game articles 26 (each of which is schematically represented). Non-game articles 26 may comprise any of a variety of different articles, natural or manufactured, having a variety of different shapes and sizes. Articles 26 are non-game articles in that articles 26 are not configured for use of or as part of the game into which system 20 is convertible. In some implementations, the primary purpose of system 20 is to contain such articles 26 for their shipment to an end user or recipient, wherein such articles are to be removed from carton 24 for separate use. Examples of such non-game articles include, but are not limited to, drinkware, clothing, shoes, novelties, dishware, utensils, tools, separate games, and the like.

As further shown by FIG. 2, system 20 may additionally comprise protective filling 28 within the interior of carton 24 and about such articles 26 or against sides of articles 26. Protective filling 28 may space articles 26 from one another. Protective filling 28 may further insulate articles 26 and/or protect articles 26 against any forces encountered during shipping. Examples of protective filling 28 include, but is not limited to, particulate material such as Styrofoam packing peanuts or sawdust, or various bubble wrap fillings that generally comprise polymer films forming one or more interior air filled bubbles or pockets. In some implementations, protective filling 28 may comprise a recycled paper shred, tissue or the like. In some implementations, system 20 may include a single non-game article 26. In some implementations, protective filling 28 may be omitted.

As noted above, in some implementations, the primary purpose of system 20 is for shipment of the non-game articles 26. To this end, system 20 may additionally comprise shipping label 30. Shipping label 30 may comprise a recipient's name 42, an address of the recipient 44, a return address 46, and one or more scannable codes 47 such as QR codes or barcodes to facilitate identification and tracking of system 20 during shipment. Shipping label 30 comprises a sticker bonded to an exterior surface of one of panels 40 or may be printed upon one of panels 40. In the example illustrated, shipping label 30 is provided on ide panel 40-5 of carton 24. In such a location, shipping label 30 does not interfere with the use of other portions of carton 24 as a playing surface or performing a game component following conversion as described hereafter. In some implementations, system 20 may be provided to a shipper without shipping label 30, wherein shipping label 30 may be subsequently added to facilitate such shipping. In some implementations, shipping label 30 may be provided at other locations may be omitted.

Although the primary purpose of system 20 may be to facilitate the shipment of non-game articles 26, system 20 is specifically configured for conversion into a game component for a game. System 20 facilitates the repurposing of cartons or boxes to provide the added benefit/value of a fun educational tabletop, desktop or other game for multiple players, providing entertainment value as well as potentially reducing environmental waste. To facilitate its conversion into a game component, at least one of the plurality of panels 40 comprises perforations for at least one punch out, wherein the at least one punch out is configured such that complete or partial removal of the at least one punch out converts the carton or portions of the carton into a game component. Partial removal of a punch out may occur when the punch out is allowed to dangle or hang from the panel.

In the example illustrated, carton 24 comprises carton dividing perforations 48-1, 48-2, 48-3 and 48-4 (collectively referred to as perforations 48) and punch out perforations 50-1, 50-2 (collectively referred to as perforations 50). In some implementations, perforations 48, 50 are configured to facilitate manual removal or separation without the use of tools, tearing along such perforations in response to mere pushing or pulling of adjacent portions by a person's hands. In some implementations, perforations are configured to facilitate removal and/or separation with the use of a tool, such as a scissors or knife. In either of such circumstances, the perforations 48, 50 defined separation and removal lines for predefined shapes.

Dividing perforations 48-1 extend diagonally across panel 40-3 while perforations 48-2 extends diagonally across panel 40-4. Perforations 48-3 extend along a juncture of panel 40-1 and panel 40-6, connecting perforations 48-1 and 48-2. Perforations 48-4 extends along a junction of panel 40-2 and panel 40-5, connecting perforations 48-1 and 48-2. In the example illustrated, perforations 48 are configured to symmetrically split carton 24 into two equally sized triangular prisms. In other implementations, rather than perforations 48-3 and 48-4 extending along a corner or junction of adjacent perpendicular panels, perforations 48-3 and 48-4 may alternatively extend across panels 40-6 and 40-5 along lines parallel to and inwardly spaced from such corners or junctions (the junctions of panels 40-1, 40-6, and the junction of panels 40-2 and 40-5).

Punch out perforations 50 comprise a line or multiple lines of perforations configured to form a punch out, a portion of a panel that is to be completely removed or which is to be folded or bent out of plane with the remainder of the panel (a partial removal). Punch out perforations 50-1 are configured to form a first punch out 54-1 in panel 40-1 that is closer to panel 40-5 than panel 40-6. Likewise, punch out perforations 50-2 are configured to form a second punch out 54-2 in panel 40-2 that is closer to panel 40-6 than panel 40-5. In the example illustrated, punch outs 54-1 and 54-2 (collectively referred to as punch out 54) are identical in size and shape, each being circular and having a diameter of at least 2 inches. In other implementations, punch outs 54 may have other sizes and other shapes.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example sheet 60 of material configured to form the example carton 24 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As described above, the sheet 60 may be formed from a cellulose base material. In some implementations, sheet 60 may be formed from cardboard or paperboard. In the example illustrated, sheet 60 comprises folding junctures 62-1, 62-2, and 62-3 to facilitate folding between panel 40-1, 408-3, 40-2 and 40-4. In some implementations, such folding junctures may be pre-scored to facilitate folding.

In the example illustrated, sheet 60 further comprises a connection flap 64 extending from panel 40-4 along a fold line 62-4. Flap 64 is configured to be bonded to an interior face of panel 40-1 when forming carton 24. Sheet 60 further comprises end flaps 66-1, 66-2, 66-3 and 66-4 which extend from opposite sides of panels 40-1, 40-2, 40-3 and 40-4, respectively, along fold lines 62-5, 62-6, 62-7, 62-8, 62-9, 62-10, 62-11 and 62-12. Fold lines 62-5 through 62-12 facilitate folding of flap 66-1 through 66-4 to form panels 48-5 and 40-6. In the example illustrated, each of panels 40-1 through 40-4 have a length of at least 11 inches and a width of at least 5 inches, wherein flap 66 each have a width of at least 2 inches while flap 64 has a width of at least 1 inch. In one example implementation, each of panels 40 has a length of 11.75 inches and a width of 5 inches, each of flaps 66 a length of 2.5 inches, and flap 64 has a width of 1.375 inches. In other implementations, such panels may have different dimensions and different proportionalities. In other implementations, carton 24 may be formed from a single sheet having an alternative configuration with a different set of fold lines.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example sheet 60′ of material configured to form the example carton similar to the carton 24 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As described above, the sheet 60′ may be formed from a cellulose base material. In some implementations, sheet 60′ may be formed from cardboard or paperboard. In the example illustrated, sheet 60′ comprises folding junctures 62-1 to 62-7 to facilitate folding between panels 40-1, 40-3, 40-2 and 40-4. In some implementations, such folding junctures may be pre-scored to facilitate folding.

Sheet 60′ further comprises perforations 48-1, 48-2, 48-3 and 48-4. Perforations 48-1 and 40-2 formed the lower edge of a first ramp having the ramp surface 40-2 when the sheet is folded and bonded to form a carton and subsequently divided or torn along perforations 40-1 and 40-2. Perforations 48-3 and 40-3 formed the lower edge of a first ramp having the ramp surface 40-1 when the sheet is folded and bonded to form a carton and subsequently divided or torn along perforations 40-3 and 40-4. In the example illustrated, the perforations may be provided with skip cuts to make the perforations less dense and to strengthen the carton for use when shipping. In the example illustrated, the perforations 48 terminate at least 0.25 inch and preferably at least 0.5 inch from the corners for enhanced strength.

As further shown by FIG. 3B, sheet 60′ further comprises target opening perforations 80-1, 80-2 (collectively referred to as target opening perforations 80) and projectile perforations 82-1, 82-2, 82-3, 82-4, 82-5 and 82-6 (collectively referred to as projectile perforations 82). Target opening perforations 80 are configured to form a target opening in each of the panels or ramp surface 40-1 and 40-2 when punched out and withdrawn/separated from such panels. In one implementation, such target openings have a diameter of at least 2 inches.

Projectile perforations 82-1, 80-2 and 82-3 are formed in the punch out 85-1 resulting from the breaking or separation of target opening perforations 80-1. Similarly, projectile perforations 82-4, 82-5 and 82-6 are formed in the punch out 85-2 resulting from the breaking or separation of target opening perforations 80-2. Each of such reject out perforations 82 is circular in shape, will have other shapes. Each of such perforations forms a plurality of projectiles or pieces that may be combined to form a projectile for being tossed or otherwise projected towards the target opening 83-1 or 83-2 which we formed when the punch outs 85-1 and 85-2 are removed. In one implementation, the game may involve six projectiles wherein each of the projectiles are provided by the perforations provided in the punch outs 85. In other implementations, the punch outs 89 formed by perforations 82 may be bonded or otherwise secured to one another to form a thicker and heavier projectile for being tossed at and passing through the target openings. Because the projectiles defined, outlined was performed by perforations 82 are contained within the punch outs 85, the extent to which the integrity of the panels forming the carton are degraded due to cuts or openings is reduced. In addition, when the carton is converted to a game, the strength of the sidewalls may be greater as the number of punch outs in the carton or panels of the carton is smaller. In other implementations, the punch outs forming the projectiles, and their associated outlining perforations, may be provided in other portions are panels of the carton.

FIG. 3C illustrates an example sheet 60″ of material configured to form the example carton similar to the carton 24 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As described above, the sheet 60″ may be formed from a cellulose base material. In some implementations, sheet 60″ may be formed from cardboard or paperboard. Sheet 60″ is similar to sheet 60′ except that sheet 60″ is configured to form a slightly differently shaped carton having shorter side panels 40-3, 40-4 and having correspondingly shorter and panels 40-5. As result, side panels 40-3 and 40-4 are provided with a single perforation line 48-1, 48-2 which diagonally bifurcate sets aside panels to form the supporting sidewalls of the ramp once the sheet is folded and joined or bonded (by pretaped or adhesive regions 41) to form the carton and subsequently separated along perforation lines 48-1 and 48-2.

As with sheet 60′ and the carton formed by sheet 60, sheet 60″ further comprises target opening perforations 80-1, 80-2 (collectively referred to as target opening perforations 80) and projectile perforations 82-1, 82-2, 82-3, 82-4, 82-5 and 82-6 (collectively referred to as projectile perforations 82). Target opening perforations 80 are configured to form a punch out 81 which when removed, forms a target opening 83-1, 83-2 in the panels or ramp surfaces 40-1 and 40-2, respectively. In one implementation, such target openings 83 have a diameter of at least 2 inches.

Projectile perforations 82-1, 82-2 and 82-3 are formed in the punch outs 81 resulting from the breaking or separation of target opening perforations 80-1. Similarly, projectile perforations 82-4, 82-5 and 82-6 are formed in the punch outs 81 resulting from the breaking or separation of target opening perforations 80-2. Each of such projectile perforations 82 is circular in shape, but may have other shapes. Perforations 82 form a plurality of punch outs 85 that serve as projectiles or pieces that may be combined to form a projectile for being tossed or otherwise propelled towards the target opening 83-1 or 83-2 which are formed when the punch outs 85-1 and 85-2 are removed. In one implementation, the game may involve six projectiles wherein each of the projectiles are provided by the perforations provided in the punch outs 85. In other implementations, the punch outs 85 formed by perforations 82 may be bonded or otherwise secured to one another to form a thicker and heavier projectile for being tossed at and passing through the target openings. Because the projectiles formed by punch outs 85 and defined, outlined or otherwise formed by perforations 82 are contained within the punch outs 83, the extent to which the integrity of the panels forming the carton are degraded due to cuts or openings is reduced. In addition, when the carton is converted to a game, the strength of the sidewalls may be greater as the number of punch outs in the carton or panels of the carton is smaller. In other implementations, the punch outs forming the projectiles, and their associated outlining perforations, may be provided in other portions are panels of the carton, or other portions of sheet 60″.

FIG. 3D illustrate sheet 60′″. Sheet 60′″ is similar to sheet 60′ except that sheet 60′″ includes projectile perforations 82 in regions of the sidewalls or side panels 40-3, 40-4 between perforations 48-1 and 40-2 in between perforations 48-3 and 48-4. As result, panel 60′″ may provide a larger surface area for providing an even larger number of punch outs 85 that serve as projectiles for being tossed at and passing through the target openings 83. Moreover, because the punch outs 85 are defined in those sidewall portions of the carton that are to be discarded once the carton is broken apart or separate into the two corn hole ramps, the provision of such punch outs 85/projectiles 85 is not impair the structural integrity of the two ramps converted to the corn hole or bags game.

In each of the carnal games shown and described above with respect to FIGS. 3A-3D. The carton is formed by the folded and glued panels may contain articles that are not for use as part of the game. Such articles may be surrounded by a packing material, such as Styrofoam pellets or packing peanuts. Such cartons may contain stickers and other accessories for such panels when the cards have been converted into a corn hole or bags game. In some implementations, the number of target openings in each of the panels 40-1, 40-2 may be greater than one opening, such as where multiple differently sized openings are provided, each of such different size openings having different point assignments. In some implementations, the panels may be configured to form a cereal box from paper board or another card from corrugated cardboard.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the dividing of carton 24 along dividing perforations 48 and the removal of punch out 54 along punch out perforations 50. As shown by FIG. 6, separation along perforations 48 bifurcates carton 24 into a pair of equally sized rectangular ramps 70-1 and 70-2. Removal of punch outs 54 forms a first opening 72-1 and a second opening 72-2 in the top playing surfaces 73-1 and 73-2 provided by panels 40-1 and 40-2 of carton 24, respectively. Opening 72-1 is located proximate to panel 40-5, toward the top of the ramp 70-1, while opening 72-2 is located proximate to panel 40-6, the toward the top of ramp 70-2. In some implementations, rather than punch outs 54 being completely removed to form openings 72, the punch out perforations 50 may alternatively be configured such that punch outs 54 are sufficiently detached from their respective panels 40 such that punch outs 54 may be bent out of the plane of the respective panels 40, dangling or hanging below the respective panels 40 from a side portion of such openings 72.

FIG. 6 illustrates ramps 70-1 and 70-2 laid out and arranged for forming a game sometimes referred to as bags or corn hole. Ramps 70-1 and 70-2 may be aligned with one another but are spaced from one another at a predetermined spacing or distance. Each of ramps 70 forms a component of a bags or corn hole game. During the bags or corn hole game, opposing parties toss projectiles, in the form of filled bags, towards the opposing ramp 70 with the objective of landing individual bags on the playing surfaces 73-1 and 73-2 and preferably through openings 72-1 and 72-2.

As shown by each of FIGS. 1-6, system 20 may additionally comprise printed surface markings 32. Printed surface markings 32 may provide on any outer surface of any of panels 40. In the example illustrated, surface markings 32 are provided on the playing surfaces 73 of the ramps 70 provided by panels 40-1 and 40-2. Such surface markings may be formed by painting, printing or otherwise marking such surfaces of panels 40. Such markings may be specifically configured for facilitating use of carton 24 as a game. For example, such markings may indicate or point to targets or objectives of the game, may identify point values associated particular targets or may outline particular rules or warnings/cautions for the game. In the example illustrated, markings 32 comprise arrows pointing to the target objective, opening 72. In some implementations, such markings may be provided for decoration. For example, such markings may be licensed logos, trademarks, designs or the like associated with businesses, amateur and professional sports teams and the like. In some implementations, such markings may be customized based upon the recipient of carton 24, the sender of carton 24 or the contents of carton 24. In some implementations, markings 32 may be omitted.

As shown by FIG. 1, system 20 may additionally comprise sticker sheet 34. Sticker sheet 34 comprises one or more sheets containing any of a variety of different stickers 76-1, 76-2, 76-3. Sticker sheet 34 may be loose within the interior of carton 24, may be affixed to an exterior of one or more of panels 40 of carton 24 or may be affixed to an interior surface of one of panels 40 within carton 24. Each of stickers 76 is configured to be peelable from sticker sheet 34 for re-adherence to an exterior of one of panels 40, such as for adherence to playing surfaces 73 of ramps 70 as well as the sides or rear surfaces of ramps 70. As with surface markings 32, such stickers 76 may indicate or point to targets or objectives of the game, may identify point values associated particular targets or may outline particular rules or warnings/cautions for the game. The provision of sticker sheet 34 allows a person to customize, to his or her preferences, the playing surfaces 73 for the game. Moreover, in those implementations in which sticker sheet 34 is within carton 24 or is affixed to an interior surface of one or more of panels 40, the integrity of such stickers 76 is protected and preserved during shipping. In some implementations, sticker sheet 34 may be omitted.

As shown by FIGS. 1 and 2, system 20 may additionally comprise game projectiles. In the example illustrated, system 20 comprises set 36 of game projectiles. Such game projectiles may be in the form of bags. Set 36-1 comprises bags 80-1, 80-2, 80-3 and 80-4 (collectively referred to as bags 80). Set 36-2 comprises bags 82-1, 82-2, 82-3 and 82-4 (collectively referred to as bags 82). Each of bags 80 and 82 may be rectangular or square in shape. Each of bags 80 and 82 may contain or may be configured to receive particles or particulate material, wherein once at least partially filled with such particles or particulate material, each of bags 80, 82 is dimensioned and sufficiently deformable for passage through either of openings 72 formed by the removal of punch outs 54.

As shown by FIG. 7, in some implementations, each of bags 80, 82 may comprise an outer enclosure 86 containing a particulate material 88. The enclosure 86 may be formed from cloth/fabric, a polymer or the like, wherein opposing panels of enclosure 86 are joined by stitching, adhesives, welds or the like. Each of bags 80, 82 is configured to be manually held and tossed towards opposing ramp 70 so as to land upon one of playing surfaces 73 or preferably, through one of openings 72.

As shown by FIG. 8, in some implementations, each of bags 80, 82 may alternatively comprise an enclosure 96 having a mouth 97 which is selectively openable and closable with a closing mechanism 98. Enclosure 96 may be formed from cloth/fabric, a polymer or the like, wherein the opposing panels of enclosure 96 are joined by stitching, adhesives, welds or the like, but wherein a mouth 97 is formed and is selectively openable and closable by closing mechanism 98. Examples of closing mechanism 98, include, but are not limited to, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, ZIPLOC (male-and-female track or singletrack zipper) closing mechanisms or other closing mechanisms. The provision of mouth 97 and closing mechanism 98 enables the bags to be contained and shipped in an empty state to reduce the volume and weight of system 20 during shipping, wherein the bags 80, 82 may be subsequently filled by the end user or recipient with particles or particulate material (rice, corn, beans or the like).

In the example illustrated in which system 20 is to be converted into a game of bags or corn hole, bags 80 and 82 have the same individual size and preferably approximately same individual weight (amount of particulate material). However, bags 80, 82 are visually distinguishable from one another. For example, bags 80 and 82 may have different patterns, colors, markings or the like on their exterior surfaces.

In some implementations, bags 80 and 80 (whether prefilled as shown in FIG. 7 or empty as shown in FIG. 8) are loosely contained within carton 24 during shipping, mixed amongst the nongame articles 26 and/or protective filling 28. In some implementations, bags 80 and 82 (whether prefilled as shown in FIG. 7 or empty as shown in FIG. 8) are adhered or clipped to an interior surface of one of panels 40, wherein such bags 80, 82 may be separated from such panels upon the bifurcation of carton 24 into the ramps 70 as shown in FIG. 6. The securement of bags 80, 82 to an interior panel of carton 24 may prevent collisions or interaction of such bags with the articles 26 during shipping, may preserve valuable interior volume or space within carton 24 for shipping and may provide easier location of bags 80, 82 when then recipient desires to convert system 20 into a game. In some implementations, system 20 may omit bags 80, 82.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example convertible carton game system 120. FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative game of “target toss” to which a shipping carton or box may be converted. Game system 120 is similar to game system 20 described above except that system 120 comprising carton 124 instead of carton 24. Carton 124 is similar to carton 24 except that each of panels 40-1, 40-2 comprises punch out perforations 150-1, 150-2 and 150-3 forming punch outs 154-1, 154-2, 154-3 (collectively referred to as punch outs 154). Those remaining portion of carton 24 as well as the remaining components or pieces of system 120 which correspond to components of system 20 are numbered similarly and such or are shown in FIGS. 1-5, 7 and 8. In some implementations, carton 124, like carton 24, may contain non-game articles 26 and protective filling 28. Likewise, carton 124 may contain or support surface markings 32, sticker sheet 34 and/or projectile sets 36 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

Punch out perforations 150 are similar to punch out perforations 50 described above. Punch outs 154 are spaced along panels 40-1 and 40-2. In the example illustrated, punch outs 154-1 are provided in panels 40-1 and 40-2 located proximate to panels 40-5 and 40-6. Punch outs 154-3 are provided in panels 40-1 and 40-2 and are located proximate to panels 40-5 and 40-6, proximate to what will be the lower end of ramps 170-1, 170-2 (shown in FIG. 10). Punch outs 154-2 are situated in panels 40-1 and 40-2 between punch outs 154-1 and 154-3. In the example illustrated, each of punch outs 154-1, 154-2 and 154-3 have different configurations. In the example illustrated, each of punch outs 154-1, 154-2 and 154-3 is circular, but has a different diameter. In other implementations, each of punch outs 154-1, 154-2 and 154-3 may have a different shape and the same opening area or a different shape and a different opening area. Although punch outs 154 are illustrated as being arranged series, in a row along the longitudinal length of each of panels 40-1 and 40-2, in other implementations, punch outs 154 may alternatively have other patterns or arrangements. For example, punch outs 154 may alternatively be offset from one another, may form a plurality of rows extending along the longitudinal axis of panels 40-1, 40-2 or may be arranged in a concentric-eccentric relationship such as with smaller punch outs orbiting a larger punch out (similar to a dartboard). In some implementations, rather than punch outs 154 being completely removed to form openings 172, the punch out perforations 150 may alternatively be configured such that punch outs 154 are sufficiently detached from their respective panels 40 such that punch outs 154 may be bent out of the plane of the respective panels 140, dangling or hanging below the respective panels 140 from a side portion of such openings 172.

FIG. 10A illustrates carton 124 following bifurcation of carton 124 in a fashion similar to the above-described bifurcation of carton 24 in FIGS. 4 and 5. As with carton 24, carton 124 is bifurcated into a pair of ramps 170-1 and 170-2. Removal of punch outs 154 forms openings 172-1, 172-2 and 172-3 (collectively referred to as openings 172) along a ramp playing surface 173. In the example illustrated, landing a projectile 80, 82 in one of openings 172 scores points. Openings 172-1, 172-2 and 172-3 may be assigned different point values given the relative positionings as well as the relative sizes and/or shapes.

In the example illustrated, playing surfaces 173 each additionally comprise either surface markings 132 or stickers 176 proximate to associated openings 172 identifying the point assigned to each of openings 172. Markings 132 may be similar to markings 32 described above. Likewise, stickers 176 may be similar to stickers 76 described above. Stickers 176 may be provided as part of a sticker sheet 34 as described above.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view illustrating an example convertible carton game system 120′, both as a carton and after conversion into a game. System 120′ may be in the form of a cereal box 124. For purposes of illustration, portions of the cereal box/carton 124 are broken away to illustrate the internal contents (not related to the converted game formed by the carton). In the example illustrated, the outer carton or box serving as a cereal box contains a flexible inner bag 127 sealed about and containing a food item 129 (cereal). In other implementations, carton 124 may be formed from paperboard and may house or provide structural support for an inner bag 127 containing other food pieces other than cereal, such as chips, crackers, cookies, powder mixes (flour, baking mixes of the like) or other foodstuffs. In still other implementations, carton 124 may contain other non-food items sealed within bag 127 which is given structural support by the paperboard of the carton 124.

As with the cartons to be formed from sheets 60′, 60″ and 60′″, carton 124 is perforated such that the perforations may be broken, cut or torn to form two ramped bodies having respective target openings and at least one projectile shaped and sized to pass through the target openings. Each of the two ramped bodies has a main ramp surface including at least one target opening, opposite triangular sidewalls and a rear wall downwardly extending from a top of the ramped surface. The carton 124 is perforated such that the at least one projectile is provided by at least one punch out formed by the perforations, wherein the punch out(s) providing the at least one projectile is not taken or removed from the triangular sidewalls, the rear wall or the main ramp panel or surface about the at least one target opening. In other words, other than the holes or openings in the main ramp surfaces that serve as target openings, there are no other holes in the ramped body that resulted from the withdrawal of a punch out or more than one punch out form the projectiles.

The perforations are located and configured (1) such that the carton may be separated into two ramped bodies, each of the ramped bodies having a main ramp platform having a target opening, triangular sidewalls and a rear wall extending downward from a top end of the main ramp platform, and (2) such that the projectile is smaller than the target opening and is formed from portions of the carton not forming the ramped bodies. As result, the ramped body has greater structural integrity.

The punch outs, serving as the projectiles, are smaller than the target openings in that the punch outs do not simply have sizes and shapes corresponding to the size and shape of the target openings. In other words, the projectiles are not simply the same punch out used to form the target openings. Each punch out serving as project out for the game is removed from another punch out used to form a target opening or is removed from a portion of the carton that is not used to form either of the two ramped bodies. In the illustrated examples, the diameter of the circular projectile perforations is less than the target opening perforations. In some implementations circular projectile perforations is at least 10% less than the diameter of the target perforations, facilitating passage of the projectiles through the target openings as part of the game. In some implementations, non-circular projectiles may be formed by punch out defined by the projectile perforations. In some implementations, one or both of the target openings and the object outs may be noncircular.

In the examples of the cartons formed by sheets 60′, 60″ and the carton 124 of FIG. 10B, the projectiles are formed by perforations provided in the punch out that forms a target opening. The punch out that forms a target opening is not part of the final bag/corn hole ramped body. Thus, the provision of the projectiles from this punch out does not otherwise weaken the structural integrity of the remaining panels that form the ramped platform of the corn hole/bags game.

The carton formed by sheet 60′″ in FIG. 3D comprises projectile perforations 82 that form punch outs 85 that are taken from regions of the sidewalls between the perforations 48-1 and 40-3 in between perforations 48-2 and 48-3. As the perforations 48 define the edges of the triangular sidewalls of the corn hole/bags ramped bodies, the punch outs 85 are taken from those portions of the original carton that would otherwise be discarded and not used for the bag/corn hole game. Because the projectiles are provided from portions of the carton that are not used to form the cornhole/bags ramped bodies, the punch outs 85 serving as the projectiles do not detrimentally impact the integrity or structural strength of the ramped bodies.

Carton 124 comprises diagonal perforations 48 on either side panel, target opening perforations 80 on each ramp panel 40-1, 40-2 and projectile perforations 82 one, 82-2, 82-3. Similar to the carton that is formed by sheets 60′, 60″ and 60′″ (described above), the target opening perforations 80 form a punch out 81 which may be removed to form a target opening 83. Each of the punch outs 81 includes the projectile perforations 82 which define punch outs 85 which may serve as projectiles for the game resulting from the conversion of carton 124. In the example illustrated, the projectile perforations 80 define or circumscribe a projectile that a smaller than the target opening punch out 81. In the example illustrated, the projectile perforations a define or circumscribe multiple projectiles in the target opening punch out 81. In one example, carton 124 is formed from paperboard similar to sheet 60″.

As shown in broken lines, in some implementations, additional target openings 83′ may be formed in panel 40-1 and 40-2, such openings 83′ being defined by corresponding perforations formed in the corresponding panels of carton 124. Each of such additional target openings may be formed by perforations defining punch outs. Each of the individual punch outs may itself include projectile perforations 82 to form additional projectiles. Although each of such openings is illustrated as being circular, such openings may be different in size and size or shape and may be assigned different point values. In other implementations, such additional openings 83′ may be omitted, such as where the game is to be a corn hole or bags game.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate portions of an example convertible carton game system 220. FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an example of how a shipping carton may be converted for reuse as a game wherein the carton provides game components in the form of a three-dimensional playing surface and handheld racket/paddles for the game. System 220 comprises carton 224, non-game articles 26 (shown in and described with respect to FIG. 2), protective filling 28 (shown in described with respect to FIG. 2), shipping label 30, surface markings 232, sticker sheet 34 and game projectile 236.

Carton 224 comprises panels 240-1, 240-2, 240-3, 240-4, 240-5 and 240-6 (collectively referred to as panels 240). Similar cartons 24 and 124, carton 224 may be formed a cellulose based material, such as a cardboard or a paperboard material. Panel 240-1 has an exterior surface serving as playing surface 273 for the game. Panel 240-1 comprises slit perforations 248 while panel 240-2 comprises punch out perforations 250 and 251-1, 251-2.

Slit perforations 1248 comprise two series of perforations extending through panel 240-1 at a longitudinal center point of panel 240-1 and in relief from opposite transfer sides of panel 240-1. Slit perforations 248 facility cutting, breaking or tearing of the material between such perforations to form a pair of elongate slits receiving the game component formed by punch out perforations 250. In some implementations, slit perforations 248 comprise single individual lines of perforations. In other implementations, slit perforations 248 each comprise a pair of parallel closely spaced rows of perforations for forming a wider opening for the reception of the game component provided by punch out perforations 250.

Punch out perforations 250 comprise a series of perforations that outline a punch out 254 in the shape of a net 255 having a pair of posts or tabs 256. Tabs 256 are sized and located for being received within the slits formed by slit perforations 248. Punch out perforations 251-1 and 251-2 each comprise a series of perforations that outline punch outs 257-1, 257-2 (collectively referred to as punch out 254) in the shapes of handheld rackets or paddles, each racket or paddle comprising a handle portion 258 and a head portion 259.

FIG. 13 illustrates system 220 following the cutting, severing, tearing or breaking of slit perforations 248 and the punching out of punch outs 254 and 257. FIG. 13 further illustrates assembling of system 220 to form the game, game of paddle ball, pickle ball or another paddle-based game with a net. As shown by FIG. 13, the punch out 254 is mounted playing surface 273 provided by panel 240-1 by inserting tabs 256 into the slits formed by slit perforations 248. This provides a playing surface 273 with a net and a three dimensional configuration. As further shown by FIG. 13, punch outs 257 serve as paddles or rackets for the game.

In the example illustrated, the playing surface 273 may be additionally provided with line markings corresponding to line markings of the game. For example, for a game of “pickle ball”, playing surface 273 may be provided with lines 280 to define the “kitchen”. Such lines 280 may be provided by surface markings 232. In other implementations, lines 280 may be formed by stickers provided on sticker sheet 34. In yet other implementations, lines 280 may be omitted. In other implementations, lines or other graphics may be provided on playing surface 273.

In the example illustrated, sticker sheet 34 may additionally provide stickers for ornamentation of the game provided by system 220. For example, sticker sheet 34 may comprise a sticker having graphics depicting the crisscrossing lines of a net, wherein the sticker may be applied to both faces of the punch out 254. Sticker sheet 34 may comprise graphics depicting a leather or polymer wrap of a handle and depicting the surface of a paddle, wherein such stickers may be applied to handle portion 258 and heads 259, respectively, of punch outs 257. In some implementations, sticker sheet 34 may include a peelable stickers configured for being applied to the heads 259, wherein such peelable stickers have an enhanced degree of tackiness or roughness as compared to the surface of heads 259 without such stickers. As a result, such stickers may be applied to provide the paddles/rackets provided by punch outs 257 with an enhanced level of friction for facilitating spin on a projectile during use of the game provided by system 220.

Game project projectile 236 comprises a spherical projectile or ball weighted and sized for impact by the paddle/rackets provided by punch outs 257 and for bouncing off of playing surface 273. In some implementations, game projectile 236 may have a configuration similar to that of a pickle ball or wiffleball, having an array of openings or perforations about circumferential body. In other implementations, game projectile 236 may lack openings and may be smooth. In yet other implementations, projectile 236 may have a surface texture. Game projectile 236 may have a color and appearance to that of the projectile used in real life games. For example, game projectile 236 may have an appearance as that of a pickle ball, a tennis ball or a ping-pong ball. In some implementations, game projectile 226 may comprise a real-life ping-pong/table tennis ball. In some implementations, game projectile 236 may comprise the ball formed from an elastic material, such as a rubber or rubber-like material to facilitate bounds. Game projectile 236 may be loosely contained within the interior of carton 224 during shipping, may be affixed to an interior surface of one of panel, may be contained inside an article 26 being shipped within the carton 224, or may be retained within a shaped or molded tray contained within carton 224 during shipment. In some implementations, game projectile 236 may be omitted.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are perspective views illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system 320. System 320 is similar to system 220 described above and except for that panel 240-1 additionally comprises rebound wall perforations 252 and fold line 253. System 320 is also slightly different from system 220 in that punch outs 257 have slightly different shapes with rounded heads or head portions 259. Those remaining components of system 320 that correspond to components of system 220 are numbered similarly and/or are shown and described above with respect to system 220.

Rebound wall perforations 252 comprises series of perforations extending along an end portion of panel 240-1 along one side of slit perforations 248. Rebound wall perforations 252 extend along a junction of panel 240-1 and panel 240-4, along a juncture of panel 240-1 and panel 240-5 and along a juncture panel 240-1 and panel 240-3. Fold line 253 extends across panel 240-1 between the ends of perforations 252, parallel to slit perforations 248 and proximate to slit perforations 248. In some implementations, fold line 253 may comprise a scoring line to facilitate folding of those portions of panel 240-1 outlined by perforations 252. Rebound wall perforations 252 and fold line 253 define a rebound wall 257 for facilitating individual play.

FIG. 16 illustrates system 320 following the cutting, severing, tearing or breaking of slit perforations 248 and rebound wall perforations 252, and the punching out of punch outs 254 and 255. FIG. 13 further illustrates assembling of system 220 to form the game, game of paddle ball, pickle ball or another paddle-based game with a net. As shown by FIG. 16, the punch out 254 is mounted playing surface 273 provided by panel 240-1 by inserting tabs 256 into the slits formed by slit perforations 248. This provides a playing surface 273 with a net and a three dimensional configuration. As further shown by FIG. 16, punch outs 257 serve as paddles or rackets for the game.

As further shown by FIG. 16, rebound wall 257 is folded upwardly along fold line 253 so as to project upright from playing surface 273, behind the net formed by punch out 254. In some implementations, rebound wall 257 may extend in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the net provided by punch out 254. As with playing surface 273, punch out 254 and punch outs 257, rebound wall 257 may include surface markings 32 or may have stickers from sticker sheet 34 applied thereto. In circumstances where rebound wall 257 is not desired, rebound wall 257 may be pivoted back to the state shown in FIG. 14, some substantially planar with playing surface 273. In some implementations, perforations 252 may not be torn or severed, resulting in a similar configuration to that shown in FIG. 13. In some implementations, fold line 253 may be replaced with a line of perforations such that rebound wall 257 may be in the form of a punch out having tabs (similar to tabs 256) for insertion into appropriately provided slits in panel 40-1.

In the example illustrated, the playing surface 273 may be additionally provided with line markings corresponding to line markings of the game. For example, for a game of “pickle ball”, playing surface 273 may be provided with lines 282 define the “kitchen”. Such lines 280 may be provided by surface markings 232. In other implementations, lines 280 may be formed by stickers provided on sticker sheet 34. In yet other implementations, lines 280 may be omitted. In other implementations, lines or other graphics may be provided on playing surface 273.

In the example illustrated, sticker sheet 34 may additionally provide stickers for ornamentation of the game provided by system 320. For example, sticker sheet 34 may comprise a sticker having graphics depicting the crisscrossing lines of a net, wherein the sticker may be applied to both faces of the punch out 254. Sticker sheet 34 may comprise graphics depicting a leather or polymer wrap of a handle and depicting the surface of a paddle, wherein such stickers may be applied to handle portion 258 and heads 259, respectively, of punch outs 257. In some implementations, sticker sheet 34 may include a peelable stickers configured for being applied to the heads 259, wherein such peelable stickers have an enhanced degree of tackiness or roughness as compared to the surface of heads 259 without such stickers. As a result, such stickers may be applied to provide the paddles/rackets provided by punch outs 257 with an enhanced level of friction for facilitating spin on a projectile during use of the game provided by system 320.

FIGS. 17A and 18 are perspective views illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system 420. FIGS. 17A and 18 illustrate an example of how a shipping carton may be converted to a game, wherein the shipping carton provides both a playing surface and at least one game projectile. System 420 is similar to system 220 except that the plurality of panels 40 of carton 224 comprise goalpost perforations 454, goalpost support perforations 455 and projectile perforations 456-1, 456-2 in place of perforations 248, 250 and 251. Those remaining components of system 420 which correspond to components of system 220 are numbered similarly and/are shown in FIGS. 14-16 and described above with respect to system 220. In the example illustrated, system 420 may omit game projectile 236 in that game projectile 436 is provided by carton 224. As with the cartons of systems 120, 220 and 320, carton 224 contains nongame articles 26 and protective filling 28. As with systems 20, 120, 220 and 320, system 420 comprises shipping label 30, surface markings 32 and sticker sheet 34 as described above and shown in FIG. 1. As with respect to systems 120, 220 and 320, system 420, in some implementations, system 420 may omit the nongame articles 26, the protective filling 28, the shipping label 30, the surface markings 32 and/or sticker sheet 34.

Goalpost perforations 454 comprises a series of perforations formed in panel 40-2, wherein perforations 454 are configured to form a punch out 465 in the shape of an American football goalpost having a central post portion 466, a crossbar 467 and a pair of spaced upright posts 468. Goalpost support perforations 455 are formed in panel 40-1 and comprise a series of perforations outlining a punch out 457 configured to remain attached to panel 40-1 while engaging punch out 465 to support punch out 465 in an upright orientation, projecting from the playing surface 473 provided by panel 40-1. In the example illustrated, the punch out 457 has a general L-shape with a base 475 that remains attached to carton 224 and a hook portion 477 that pivots away from base 475 for hooking and wrapping about the punch out 465 when it is in an upright orientation. In other implementations, goalpost support perforations 455 may define other goal post supports having other configurations for assisting in the support of the punch out 465 which provides a goalpost. In some implementations, perforations 455 may be replaced with a single row of perforations or multiple rows of perforations configured to be torn or severed so as to form a slit into which the post portion 466 of punch out 465 may be inserted so as to support punch out 465 in an upright orientation.

Projectile perforations 456 comprise a series of perforations formed in panel 40-2 that outline punch outs 436 which are in the shape of triangles so as to serve as projectiles representing footballs. In the example illustrated, system 420 provides a pair of punch outs serving as game projectiles 436, providing a pair of “footballs”. In other implementations, system 420 may provide a single triangular punch out 436 in panel 40-1. In still other implementations, the identified diagonal perforation line 481 may be replaced with a fold line, such as a pre-scored line, wherein two diagonally opposite corners of the illustrated square or rectangle may be folded about the fold line 481 to form a single double-walled triangular “football” game projectile 436. In such implementations, the projectile 436, formed by a folded panel may have an increased thickness and weight to better facilitate its use as a football game projectile.

FIG. 17B is a plan view of a template, panel or sheet 460 that is perforated such of the carton performed by the sheet for 60 may be converted into a game of football. Sheet 460 may be formed from corrugated cardboard, cardboard or paperboard. As described above, sheet 460 may be folded and secured by an adhesive or taped flaps for 61 to form a carton. The carton may contain articles not related to the game of football, such as food, or other articles being transported or shipped. The carton may contain a sealed bag containing the food or may contain a protective filling, such as packing peanuts. The carton may include a mailing label, stickers for application when the carton is converted into a game or other contents. In some implementations, the carton formed by sheet 460 may comprise a cereal box.

In the example illustrated, sheet 460 comprises goalpost perforations 480 and projectile perforations 482. Goalpost perforations 480 define the shape of a you-shaped goalpost portion 484 and wing portions 486 which extend along opposite sides of an upright portion of portion 484 and are configured for folding so as to extend in planes oblique to the plane of the post portion 484. In one implementation, creases 487 are preformed in the panel between the vertical portion of post for and wings 486 to facilitate such folding. After being punched or removed from the panel of carton formed by sheet 460 wings 486, when folded, serve to support post portion 484 in an upright orientation.

Projectile perforations 482 outline or define projectiles for the game of football. In one implementation, projectile perforations 482 are oval-shaped, corresponding to the shape of a football.

FIG. 17C is a plan view of a sheet 460′ that may be used to form a carton, such as a mailer box. The sheet comprises goalpost perforations 484′ and projectile perforations 482′. Goalpost perforations 44 outline or define an American-style football goalpost having a U-shaped target. Projectile perforations 482′ outline or define a projectile in the shape of a football. In the example illustrated, perforations 482′ form a single punch out having the shape of a plurality of side-to-side football shapes. The football shapes, when punched from the panel, remain connected to one another along their sides such that the shapes may be folded relative to one another into a stack, wherein the stack may be held by tape, adhesives or the like, providing a single football projectile having a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the plurality of individual football shape pieces. The additional weight and thickness of the resulting projectile may provide enhanced playability. In other implementations, the perforations 482′ may define separate and individual punch outs providing multiple individual projectiles for the game.

In the example illustrated, sheet 460 further comprises a post opening 457′. Opening 457′ is sized and shaped based upon the size and shape of the vertical portion 489 of post portion 484′ such that the vertical portion 489 may be passed through opening 457′ and may be held in an upright orientation relative to the plane of the panel through which opening 457′ extends. As result, the carton formed by sheet 460 serves as a platform or base for supporting the goalpost portion 484′ in an upright orientation. As shown by FIG. 17C, the sheet 460′ may include other openings, such as openings 491 which are configured to receive corresponding tabs 493 to facilitate retention of the sheet and a folded state as a carton or box. In other implementations, the goal post portion 484′ may alternatively held in an upright orientation with tape or with a hook 457 (similar to that shown in FIG. 19).

As with the other example cartons or boxes, the boxer carton formed by sheet 460′ may be used to contain items to be mailed and may include a shipping label. The carton may contain shipped items or articles not to be used as part of the game of football. The carton or box may contain protective shipping material or may contain an internal bag sealed about contents. The sheet 460′ may be formed from cardboard or paperboard.

FIG. 19 illustrates system 420 following the cutting, severing, tearing or breaking of perforations 454, 455 and 456, and the punching out of punch outs 465, 457 and 436. FIG. 19 further illustrates assembling of system 420 to form the football field goal game. As shown by FIG. 19, the punch out 465 is mounted playing surface 473 provided by panel 40-1 by bending hook portion 477 of punch out 457 about base 457 and by positioning post portion 466 along panel 40-5 with hook portion 477 hooked about post portion 466. This provides a playing surface 473 with an upright goalpost.

As shown by FIG. 18, the playing surface 473 may be provided with graphics depicting a football field with yard markers. The yard markers may be utilized to designate different point values for different kicks from different spots on the playing surface 473. In some implementations, such graphics may be provided by surface markings 32 as described above. In some implementations, such graphics may additionally or alternatively be provided by stickers provided on sticker sheet 34. In some implementations, such surface markings or stickers may be omitted. In some implementations, different sticker sheets or surface markings may be provided as part of system 420 depending upon the geographic location of the destination for the shipping carton. For example, licensed amateur or professional football team logos or the like may be provided as stickers for customizing system 420 based upon the preferences of the recipient or the geographic location of the recipient.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are perspective views illustrating portions of an example of a convertible carton game system 520. FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate an example of how the entire carton may be converted to a game component. In the example illustrated, system 520 comprises a shipping carton 524 in the form of a cube having six faces. Each of the faces has a unique set of punch outs 554 which form a game die as shown in FIG. 20 (providing faces having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 dots or circles). Carton 524 may be formed from a cellular based material, such as a cardboard or paperboard material. Punch outs 554 are formed by a series of perforations configured to be torn, bent, or severed.

As shown may FIG. 21, removal of the punch out 554 (or sufficient bending of the punch shouts into the interior of the cube while remaining dangling from the panels of the cube) forms a large game die which may be used as part of a game or for amusement. Multiple cartons 524 may be provided and converted for fire forming a set of dies. In some implementations, some of the punchouts may be marked with dots and cut out or removed.

As with systems 120, 220 and 320, carton 524 in system 520 contains nongame articles 26 and protective fillings 28. As with systems 20, 120, 220 and 320, system 520 comprises shipping label 30, surface markings 32 and sticker sheet 34 as described above and shown in FIG. 1. As with respect to systems 120, 220 and 320, system 520, in some implementations, may omit the nongame articles 26, the protective filling 28, the shipping label 30, the surface markings 32 and/or sticker sheet 34.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate portions of an example convertible carton game system 620. System 620 is similar to system 520 except that system 620 comprises a rectangular carton 624 having punch outs 654 as shown in FIG. 22. Although punchout 654 are illustrated on particular surfaces, it should be appreciative that punchouts 654 may be formed on any of the various surfaces of carton 624. Carton 624 may be formed from a cellular based material, such as a cardboard or paperboard material. Punch outs 654 are formed by a series of perforations configured to be torn, bent, or severed.

As shown by FIG. 23, the punch outs 654 may be selectively removed (or bent inwardly) to form a large domino having a point value depending upon which punch outs 654 are removed or bent. In such a fashion, multiple cartons 624 may have different punch outs 654 removed or bent inwardly to form a set of large dominoes for forming a game, for stacking, or for forming a chain of serially collapsible dominoes. In other implementations may have other shapes, sizes and layouts.

As with systems 120, 220 and 320, carton 624 in system 620 contains nongame articles 26 and protective fillings 28. As with systems 20, 120, 220 and 320, system 620 comprises shipping label 30, surface markings 32 and sticker sheet 34 as described above and shown in FIG. 1. As with respect to systems 120, 220 and 320, system 620, in some implementations, may omit the nongame articles 26, the protective filling 28, the shipping label 30, the surface markings 32 and/or sticker sheet 34.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are perspective views illustrate portions of an example convertible carton game system 720. As with the above-described systems, system 720 facilitates reuse of a shipping or storage carton as a game component or as part of an entire game. In the example illustrated, system 20 facilitates the reuse of carton as a “sling hockey” or “sling puck” game. System 720 comprises carton 724, non-game articles 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 2), protective filling 28 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 2), shipping label 30 (described above), sticker sheet 34 (described above), and elastic bands 735.

Carton 724 comprises a box or other container sized and shaped so as to contain one or more non-game articles 26. Carton 724 may be formed from a plurality of panels which are molded or folded into shape so as to form an enclosure having an interior volume for containing such non-game articles 26. In some implementations, carton 724 is formed from a cellulose-based material. In some implementations, carton 724 is formed from a cardboard or paperboard material. Carton 724 may have a rectangular shape of any of various proportions for its length, width and height. In some implementations, carton 724 may comprise a cube. In the example illustrated, carton 724 comprises a plurality of panels including a front panel 740-1, a rear panel 740-2, side panels 740-3, 740-4, and top and bottom panels 740-5, 740-6, respectively (all such panels collectively referred to as panels 740). In some implementations, the various panels 740 may be formed from a single integral unitary sheet which is folded or bent to provide the cube or rectangular shape for carton 724.

Although the primary purpose of system 720 may be to facilitate the shipment of non-game articles 26, system 720 is specifically configured for conversion into a game component for a game. System 720 facilitates the repurposing of cartons or boxes to provide the added benefit/value of a fun educational tabletop, desktop or other game for multiple players, providing entertainment value as well as potentially reducing environmental waste. To facilitate its conversion into a game component, at least one of the plurality of panels 740 comprises perforations for at least one punch out, wherein the at least one punch out is configured such that complete or partial removal of the at least one punch out converts the carton or portions of the carton into a game component. Partial removal of a punch out may occur when the punch out is allowed to dangle or hang from the panel.

In the example illustrated, carton 724 comprises carton dividing perforations 748-1, 748-2, 748-3 and 748-4 (collectively referred to as perforations 748), slit perforations 749, gate perforations 750-1, 750-2 (collectively referred to as gate perforations 750) and game piece perforations 751. In some implementations, perforations 748, 749, 750 and 751 are configured to facilitate manual removal or separation without the use of tools, tearing along such perforations in response to mere pushing or pulling of adjacent portions by a person's hands. In some implementations, perforations are configured to facilitate removal and/or separation with the use of a tool, such as a scissors or knife. In either of such circumstances, the perforations 748, 749, 750 and 61 define separation and removal lines for predefined slits or punch out shapes.

Dividing perforations 748 extend in a plane parallel to the plane of panel 740-1. The location of perforations 748 define a depth so as to form a shallow pan or tray 749 (shown in FIG. 26). Slit perforations 749 perpendicularly extend from perforations 748-1 and 748-2 proximate to panel 740-5, 740-6. Slit perforations 749 are configured to facilitate securement of bands 735 across an interior face of panel 740-1 so as to form slings or slingshots when carton 724 is converted to a game. In some implementations, slit perforations 749 may be replaced with apertures through which bands 735 may extend and be knotted or otherwise secured. In some implementations, slit perforations 749 may be omitted.

Gate perforations 750-1 are formed in panel 740-3 while gate perforations 750-2 are formed in panel 740-4. Gate perforations 750 comprise a line or multiple lines of perforations configured to form a punch out, a portion of a panel that is to be completely removed from the remainder of the panel. Gate perforations 750-1 are configured to form a first gate punch out 754-1 in panel 740-3 while gate perforations 750-2 are configured to form a second gate punch out 754-2 in panel 740-4. Each of such punch outs 754 comprises a pair of slit perforations 755 which may be separated to form a pair of corresponding slits for the reception of the sidewalls 758 of the resulting tray 749. Each of such punch outs 754 has a length such that the gate extends completely across the transverse width of the tray 749 with the slits formed by slit perforations 755 receiving the sidewalls 758 of the tray 749 as shown in FIG. 26.

The punch outs 754 are configured to serve as two alternative gates for the game. Punch out 754-1 has a single generally centered puck passage 787. The punch out 754-2 has a pair of puck passages 788 equally spaced from a center formed by punch out 750-2. Puck passages 787 and 788 facilitates passage of pucks as part of the game as will be described hereafter. In some implementations, carton 724 may include only one of the two described punch out perforations 750-1, 750-2.

Game piece perforations 751 are formed in panel 740-2. Game piece perforations 751 form game piece punch outs 761 which are to serve as game projectiles in the form of “pucks”. In the example illustrated, each of such punch outs 761 are circular, forming discs. In other implementations, each of such punch out 761 may have other shapes. Each of such punch outs 761 is dimensioned so as to have a diameter or maximum width slightly less than the width of each of puck passages 757 such that each of such punch out 761, with precise aiming, may be slung through one of punch out passages 787, 788. In some implementations, system 720 may additionally comprise double-sided tape, sticker glue dots (schematically represented by reference numeral 790) inside carton 724 to facilitate the bonding or joining of multiple puck punchouts 761 together to form a thicker and/or heavier puck.

In some implementations, punch outs 761 comprise two sets 763-1, 763-2 of such pucks, each set 763 having a different visual appearance. In some implementations, the two sets 763 may be differently colored, shaded, marked or may be provided with different graphics or text. For example, in some implementations, each of the punch out of set 763-1 may have a color red while each of the punch out of set 763-2 has a color black. In some implementations, the punch out 761 may have surface markings 32 (as described above) through printing or the like. In some implementations, visually distinguishable stickers, from sticker sheet 34, may be applied to such punch out 761 to form the two visually distinguishable sets 763. In some implementations, the punch outs 761 may not be visually distinguishable.

As shown in FIG. 24, in some implementations, system 720 may additionally or alternatively comprise an internal pouch 765 containing pre-manufactured are formed game pieces or pucks 767. Such pucks 767 may comprise circular wafers formed from a polymer or circular wafers formed from wood. As with punch outs 761, such pucks 767 may have different surface markings 32 or may have surfaces to which are applied visually distinct stickers from sticker sheet 34. In some implementations, the punch outs 761 may not be visually distinguishable. In some implementations, perforations 751 may be omitted. In other implementations, pouch 765 with pucks 767 may be omitted.

Elastic bands 735 comprise bands of elastic material, such as rubber or rubber-like material, which are provided within the interior of carton 724. Such bands 735 are schematically represented. It should be appreciated that system 720 may comprise a pair of bands or any number of bands having various dimensions. In some implementations, system 720 may additionally comprise a pair of slingshot pads or pouches 770 within the interior of carton 724. In some implementations, pouches 770 may be omitted.

FIG. 26 illustrates system 720 converted to a game. FIG. 26 illustrates the separation of perforations 748 to form the tray 749 with sidewall 758 and with end walls 759. FIG. 26 further illustrates the slits formed by slit perforations 755 receiving sidewalls 758 such that punch out 750-1 forms a gate separating the interior of tray 749 into two opposite sides. Lastly, FIG. 26 illustrates bands 735 stretched across the interior tray 749 proximate opposite ends or end walls 759 so as to form slingshot 769. In the example illustrated, slingshot 769 are formed by one or more bands 735 without pouches 770. In other implementations, pouches 770 may be added.

Bands 735 have a length and elasticity so as to form a puck slingshot 769 on each of the two ends of tray 729. In some implementations, each slingshot 769 is formed by a single band 735 having a length so as to extend through opposing slits 748 so as to extend across the formed tray 749. Securing of the bands to the wall 758 may be achieved in various fashions. For example, opposite ends of the band may be knotted with the knotted ends on exterior sides of wall 758. In some implementations, the single band may be wrapped along the bottom or end wall of the tray 749. Each of such bands has a height greater than the thickness of punch out 761 and/or pucks 767. The height of such bands is sufficient so as to be positioned against a rear edge of a punch out 761/puck 767 and be stretched and released to propel the punch out 761/puck 767 towards one of puck passages 767, 769 in a gate formed by one of punch outs 750.

In some implementations, each slingshot 769 may be formed from multiple bands 735. In some implementations, each of slingshot 769 may be formed by a projectile pad or pocket 770 (included as part of system 720) which is resiliently held in place by one or more band 735. In some implementations, one or more bands may be threaded through pocket 770 or one or more bands 735 may extend from a first side of tray 749 to a first side of a pocket 770 and one or more bands 735 may extend from a second side of tray 749 to a second side of the pocket 770. Such bands have a first end that is tied or otherwise affixed to the pocket 770, may be passed through the slits formed by slit perforations 749, and may have a second end knotted end on the exterior side of a respective wall 758.

As further shown by FIG. 26, any of the surfaces of tray 749 or that of the gate formed by either of punch out 750 may provide with surface markings 32 or stickers from stickers sheet 34. The sling hockey or sling puck game formed by system 720 in FIG. 26 has the objective of a player clearing all of the individual punch outs 761 or pucks 767 from the players side of the tray 749 to the opponent's side of tray 749. This is generally done by propelling such punch outs 761, pucks 767 towards and through the puck passage 787 (or one of puck passages 788) to the opponent's side using the slingshot 769. The game may be modified by replacing the punch out 750-1 with the punch out 750-2, offering a pair of puck passages 759.

FIG. 27 illustrates an example template or sheet 860 of material configured to form the example carton 724 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As described above, the sheet 860 may be formed from a cellulose base material. In some implementations, sheet 860 may be formed from cardboard or paperboard. In the example illustrated, sheet 860 comprises folding junctures 862. In some implementations, such folding junctures may be pre-scored to facilitate folding.

Sheet 860 comprises end flaps 866-1, 866-2 which extend from opposite sides of panels 740-3, 740-4, respectively, along fold lines 862. Fold lines 862 facilitate folding of flaps 866-1 and 866-2 such as a flaps 866-1 overlap one another to form panel 740-5 and such flaps 866-2 overlap one another to form panel 740-6. In the example illustrated, sheet 860 further comprises connection flaps 867-1, 867-2, and 869. Connection flaps 867 transversely extend from opposite sides of panels 740-1 and 740-2 while connection flap 869 projects longitudinally from an end of panel 740-4. Flaps 867 and 869 are exterior flaps to be folded over the end as interior or exterior flaps, with custom dimensions so the box may be perforated apart to form the tray. In other implementations, such panels may have different dimensions and different proportionalities. In other implementations, carton 724 may be formed from a single sheet having an alternative configuration with a different set of fold lines.

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate portions of convertible carton game system 920. FIG. 28 is an end view while configured 29 is a side view of system 920. System 920 is similar to system 720 except that system 920 comprises carton 924 in place of carton 724. Carton 924 comprises a two-piece carton including a lower box 926 having a top opening 927 and a lid 928 extending over top opening 927 and along the sides of lower box 926. In some implementations, carton 926 comprises a “banker's box” or has the configuration of a banker's box.

In the example illustrated, carton 924 is similar to carton 724 except that carton 924 omits carton dividing perforations 748, whereas the tray 749 of the game shown in FIG. 26 is provided by the inverted lid 928 of carton 924. Similar to carton 724, carton 924 comprises slit perforations 749, and gate perforations 750-1 (shown in FIG. 24) and 750-2 which are provided on the opposite longitudinal sides of lower box 926. In the example illustrated, lid 928 of carton 924 further comprises an additional slit perforation 753 which facilitates the positioning of gate 750-1 or 750-2 across interior of pan 749 as shown in FIG. 26. In implementations where slit perforation 753 is provided, slit perforations 755 in the gates may be omitted. In other implementations, the additional slit perforation 753 may be omitted.

As further shown by Figure system 920 may comprise the additional game components described above with respect to system 720. System 920 may additionally comprise bands 735, stickers sheet 34, pouch 765 containing pucks 767. The bottom panel of lower box 924 may comprise the game piece perforations 751 which may form punch outs 761 as shown in FIG. 25. As noted above, in some implementations, one or both of pouch 765, with its pucks 767, and game piece perforations 751 may be omitted.

FIGS. 30 and 31 are perspective views illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system 1020. As with the above-described systems, system 1020 facilitates reuse of a shipping or storage carton as a game component or as part of an entire game. In the example illustrated, system 820 facilitates the reuse of a carton as a checkers game. System 1020 comprises carton 1024, non-game articles 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 2), protective filling 28 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 2), shipping label 30 (described above), and sticker sheet 34 (described above.

Carton 1024 is similar to carton 724 but omits slit perforations 749, gate perforations 750 and game piece perforations 751. Carton 1024 comprises divider perforations 748 and additionally comprises checker piece perforations 1051. As shown by FIG. 30, panel 740-1 supports surface markings 32 in the form of a checkerboard. In some other implementations, rather than being printed onto the exterior face of panel 40-1, the checkerboard provided by surface markings 32 may be performed on the inside of panel 740-1. In some implementations, the surface markings 32 in the form of the checkerboard may be omitted where sticker sheet 34 comprises a sticker in the form of a checkerboard or the interior of carton 1024 contains a large sticker for forming the checkerboard.

Checker piece perforations 1051 are formed in panel 740-2. Checker piece perforations 1051 form game piece punch outs 1061 which are to serve as checker pieces. In the example illustrated, each of such punch outs 1061 are circular, forming discs. In other implementations, each of such punch outs 1060 may have other shapes. Punch outs 1061 comprise two sets 1063-1, 1063-2 of such checker pieces, each of sets 1063 having a different visual appearance. In some implementations, the two sets 1063 may be differently colored, shaded, marked or may be provided with different graphics or text. For example, in some implementations, each of the punch out of set 1063-1 may have a color red while each of the punch outs of set 1063-2 has a color black. In some implementations, the punch outs 1061 may have surface markings 32 (as described above) through printing or the like. In some implementations, visually distinguishable stickers, from sticker sheet 34, may be applied to such punch outs 1061 to form the two visually distinguishable sets 1063. In some implementations, the punch outs 1061 may not be visually distinguishable.

As shown in FIG. 31, in some implementations, system 1020 may additionally or alternatively comprise an internal pouch 1065 containing manufactured checker pieces 1067. Such checker pieces 1067 may comprise circular wafers formed from a polymer or circular wafers formed from wood. As with punch outs 1061, such checker pieces 1067 may have different surface markings 32 or may have surfaces to which are applied visually distinct stickers from sticker sheet 34.

In some implementations, pouch 1065 may contain manufactured chess pieces for use on the checkerboard. In some implementations, perforations 1051 may be omitted. In other implementations, pouch 1065 checkers pieces 1067 may be omitted. In some implementations, punch outs 1061 may be provided, whereas pouch 1065 contains chess pieces, enabling system 1020 to convert the carton 1024 to a game component for two different games: chess and checkers.

FIG. 32 illustrates portions of carton 1024 severed or separated along divider perforations 748 and punch outs 1061 removed and placed upon the checkerboard fried by surface markings 32.

FIG. 33 is an end view illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system 1120. System 1120 is similar to system 1020 described above except that system 1120 comprises carton 1124 in place of carton 1024. Carton 1124 is similar to carton 924 described above. Carton 1124 comprises an open top lower box 1126 and a lid 1128 which are similar to box 926 and lid 928, respectively, as described above. In the example illustrated, the checkerboard provided by surface markings 32 is formed on the top surface of lid 1128. In some implementations, the checkerboard formed by surface markings 32 may be formed on an inner surface of lid 1128. As noted above, in some implementations, rather than the checkerboard being formed by surface markings 32, the checkerboard may be provided by one or more stickers provided by a sticker sheet 34 or contained within carton 1124.

In the example illustrated, lid 1128 forms a checkerboard platform while lower box 1126 may include checker piece perforations 1051 on its bottom most panel 1170 which may have the same game piece perforations 1051 as shown on panel 740-2 in FIG. 31. The lower box 1126 may contain non-game articles 26 and protective filling 28. As described above with respect to system 1020, in some implementations, the lower box 1126 may further contain pouch 1065 including manufactured checkerboard pieces 1067 or manufactured chess pieces.

FIGS. 28-29 and 33 illustrate example cartons employing a lower box having a top opening which is covered by a lid. Each of the game systems 220, 320 and 420 described above may likewise alternatively comprise a carton having the configuration of a “banker's box”. In systems 220, 320 and 420, the top surface of the lid may provide the playing surfaces for such games. The sides, ends or bottom surfaces of the lower box of the “banker's box” may include the above-described perforations for forming the net punch out 254, the paddle punch out 257, or the goalpost punch out 465. The perforations for forming the slits or partial punch out for mounting the net punch out 254 or the goalpost punch out 465 may be provided in the lid.

FIGS. 34 and 35 are perspective views illustrating portions of an example convertible carton game system 1220. As with the above-described systems, system 1220 facilitates reuse of a shipping or storage carton as a game component or as part of an entire game. In the example illustrated, system 1220 facilitates the reuse of carton as a “foosball” game. System 1220 comprises carton 1224, non-game articles 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 2), protective filling 28 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 2), shipping label 30 (described above), sticker sheet 34 (described above), and rods 1235-1, 1235-2 (collectively were as rods 1235) and ball 1236. Rods 1235 and ball 1236 are provided within the interior of carton 1224 during shipping.

Carton 1224 comprises a box or other container sized and shaped so as to contain one or more non-game articles 26. Carton 1224 may be formed from a plurality of panels which are molded or folded into shape so as to form an enclosure having an interior volume for containing such non-game articles 26. In some implementations, carton 1224 is formed from a cellulose-based material. In some implementations, carton 1224 is formed from a cardboard or paperboard material. Carton 1224 may have a rectangular shape of any of various proportions for its length, width and height. In some implementations, carton 1224 may comprise a cube. In the example illustrated, carton 1224 comprises a plurality of panels including a front panel 1240-1, a rear panel 1240-2, side panels 1240-3, 1240-4, and top and bottom panels 1240-5, 1240-6, respectively (all such panels collectively referred to as panels 1240). In some implementations, the various panels 1240 may be formed from a single integral unitary sheet which is folded or bent to provide the cube or rectangular shape for carton 1224. As described above, carton 1224 may have a configuration similar to carton 924 described above, wherein the lid 928 may form the tray 1249 shown in FIG. 36 when carton 1224 is converted into the foosball game.

In the example illustrated, system 1220 comprises slit perforations 1255, goal perforations 1256 and player perforations 1258. Goal perforations 1256 are formed in panel 1240-2 and when punched out, form goal pieces 1266 which fold about four lines 1267 to form the goals 1276 which are mounted to the interior opposite ends of the tray 1249 using slits 1255. Player perforations 1258 are also formed in panel 1240-2 and when punched out form player pieces 1268 having slits 1269 through which rods 1235 are passable. As shown by FIG. 36, rods 1235 are passed through slits 1269 and through side openings 1271 in tray 1249 to rotatably support and slidably support the players 1278 for the foosball game thus formed. The players 1278 are configured to engage the ball 1236 as part of the foosball game. In some implementations, additional player pieces 1278 may be formed in carton 1224, wherein the pieces may be glued or otherwise bonded to one another to provide stiffer players 1278 for the foosball game shown in FIG. 36.

As should be appreciated, in other implementations, system 1220 may be defined with additional rods 1235 and additional player punch outs 1268 as well as additional openings 1271 to provide additional “rose” of players 1278. For example, an additional row of players may be provided between the two illustrated rows. Moreover, each row may provide with a differing number of players other than the two players per row as shown.

FIGS. 37-38 illustrate an example convertible carton game system 1320. System 1320 comprises carton 1324, non-game articles 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 2), protective filling 28 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 2), shipping label 30 (shown and described above), sticker sheet 34 (shown and described above), and rubber or other elastic bands 1335-1, 1335-2, 1335-3 (collectively referred to as bands 1235) bands 1335 are provided within the interior of carton 1324 during shipping.

FIG. 37 illustrates carton 1324 in an expanded state prior to being formed into the three-dimensional shipping carton 1324. FIG. 37 is a template of a single continuous panel that may be folded into a shipping carton 1324, similar to carton 1224 shown above, and that may be subsequently converted into the shuffleboard game shown in FIG. 38. Carton 1324 comprises a box or other container sized and shaped so as to contain one or more non-game articles 26. Carton 1324 may be formed from a plurality of panels which are molded or folded into shape so as to form an enclosure having an interior volume for containing such non-game articles 26. In some implementations, carton 1324 is formed from a cellulose-based material. In some implementations, carton 1324 is formed from a cardboard or paperboard material. Carton 1324 may have a rectangular shape of any of various proportions for its length, width and height. In some implementations, carton 1324 may comprise a cube. In the example illustrated, carton 1324 comprises a plurality of panels including a front panel 1240-1, a rear panel 1240-2, side panels 1240-3, 1240-4, and top and bottom panels 1240-5, 1240-6, respectively (all such panels collectively referred to as panels 1340). In some implementations, the various panels 1340 may be formed from a single integral unitary sheet which is folded or bent to provide the cube or rectangular shape for carton 1324. As described above, carton 1324 may have a configuration similar to carton 924 described above, wherein the lid 928 may form the tray 1349 shown in FIG. 38 when carton 1224 is converted into the foosball game.

In the example illustrated, system 1320 comprises elastic band mounting opening perforations 1355, 1356, divider perforations 1358 and puck perforations 1359. Band mounting opening perforations 1355, 1356 are configured to be punched out for the reception or mounting of bands 1355-1, 1355-2 and 1355-3 (shown in FIG. 38).

As shown in FIG. 38, each of bands 1355 comprises an enlarged bar or toggle 1357 on each of its ends. The toggle 1357 has a diameter less than the diameter of openings formed by perforations 1355, 1356 and a length larger than the diameter of the openings formed by perforations 1355, 1356 so as to retain the ends of each of bands 1355 in place. The band 1355 has a length and elasticity so as to retain the toggle 1357 against the outer sides of the thus formed tray 1349. Each of the various convertible carton game systems disclosed in this application that employ rubber or elastic bands may likewise include the illustrated toggles 1357 at opposite ends for securement to the carton in a similar fashion following conversion to the associated game.

In some implementations, each of bands 1355 may comprise a single wide band. In other implementations, each of bands 13 fit five may be formed from a plurality of individual smaller bands which are positioned against one another extend in parallel to one another. When converted to the game shown in FIG. 38, bands 1355-1 and 1355-2 are configured to provide a rebound surface against which the pucks rebound after being propelled by band 1355-3. In some implementations, the perforations 1355, 1356 may be omitted, wherein the template of the carton 1324 include preformed openings or holes without such perforations.

Divider perforations 1358 form a punch out 1368 which is to form the divider 1378 shown in FIG. 38. Punchout 1368 comprises a mounting slit 1369 and elastic band passage 1370. Such 1369 receives an end wall of the tray 1349. Passage 1370 allows passage of band 1355-3 between the two aligned openings 1356. Best 1370 is sufficiently wide to permit band 13 fit five to be pulled and stretched rearwardly (in the direction indicated by arrow 1373) and subsequently released to propel one of pucks 1379 towards bands 1355-1, 1350-2 and the scoring surface 1380. FIG. 39 illustrates an example of markings provided on the internal floor of trait 1349 for the depicted shuffleboard game. Such markings may be preprinted on the interior of the carton 1324 or may be provided by stickers sheet as described above.

Puck perforations 1359 are formed in one of the panels of carton 1324. Perforations 1359 form puck punch outs 1369 which may be glued, bonded otherwise secured to one another to form the pucks 1379. In some implementations, the material forming the panels of carton 1324 and may be sufficiently thick such that the joining of multiple punch outs 1369 to form an individual pucks 1379 may be avoided. During play, band 1355-3 is retracted within passage 1372 and released to propel an individual puck 1379 against bands 1355-2 and 1355-3, wherein the propelled puck rebounds and moves into one of the scoring zones of scoring surface 1380.

FIGS. 40-41 illustrate portions of an example convertible carton game system 1420. System 1420 is an example implementation of system 720 described above. Those components of system 1420 which correspond to components of system 720 are numbered similarly.

FIG. 40 illustrates an example template of a single panel for forming the carton 724. As indicated above, in some implementations, the panel comprises perforations lines indicating where the carton should be torn or separated to form the tray 749. In other implementations, markings may be utilized to identify where the carton should be cut with a knife or scissors to form the example tray 749 shown in FIG. 41. As shown by FIG. 40, the exterior the carton 1424 comprises instructions 1425 illustrating how the carton may be converted into the sling hockey game shown in FIG. 41. As shown by FIG. 41, the elastic bands 735 each include toggles 1357 which are passed through openings or punchout openings 1449 for securing the opposite ends of the bands 735 in place relative to the sides of the tray 749.

FIGS. 42-44 illustrate portions of an example convertible carton game system 1520. System 1520 comprises carton 1524 which may be converted into the example ring toss game shown in FIG. 44. As with the above-described systems, system 1520 facilitates reuse of a shipping or storage carton as a game component or as part of an entire game. In the example illustrated, system 1520 facilitates the reuse of carton as a “ring toss” game. System 1520 comprises carton 1524, non-game articles 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 2), protective filling 28 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 2), shipping label 30 (shown and described above), sticker sheet 34 (shown and described above). The nongame articles 26, protective filling 28 and sticker sheet 34 may be provided within the interior of carton 1524 during shipping.

Carton 1224 comprises a box or other container sized and shaped so as to contain one or more non-game articles 26. Carton 1524 may be formed from a plurality of panels which are molded or folded into shape so as to form an enclosure having an interior volume for containing such non-game articles 26. In some implementations, carton 1524 is formed from a cellulose-based material. In some implementations, carton 1524 is formed from a cardboard or paperboard material. Carton 1524 may have a rectangular shape of any of various proportions for its length, width and height. In some implementations, carton 1524 may comprise a cube. In the example illustrated, carton 1524 comprises a plurality of panels including a front panel 1240-1, a rear panel 1540-2, side panels 1540-3, 1540-4, and top and bottom panels 1540-5, 1540-6, respectively (all such panels collectively referred to as panels 1540). In some implementations, the various panels 1540 may be formed from a single integral unitary sheet which is folded or bent to provide the cube or rectangular shape for carton 1524.

In the example illustrated, system 1520 comprises post perforations 1556 and ring perforations 1558. Post perforations 1556 extend along each of the four corners of carton 1524 along top panel 1540-5. When punched out and folded along fold or scored lines 1557, the remaining portions of carton 1524 form three dimensional posts 1566 having triangular cross-sections as shown in FIG. 44.

Ring perforations 50 form punch outs 1568 that serve as rings 1578 shown in FIG. 44. As shown by Figure 4470 may be tossed with the objective of the throne ring receiving one of the upstanding posts 1566. In some implementations, additional rings may be provided by perforations 1558 and punch outs 1568 on the bottom panel 1540-6. In some implementations, the rings may be provided as to different sets having different colors or other indicia. In some implementations, multiple punch outs 1558 may be glued or bonded together to form stiffer and heavier rings 1578. In each of the systems disclosed in this application where two pieces are to be glued or bonded together, such as when forming a puck, football or ring, the interior surface of the panel of the carton or portions thereof may be coated with an adhesive film or other material. In some implementations, the adhesive film or other material may have applied thereto a non-adhesive film or sheet which may be peeled away to expose the adhesive film or layer to facilitate the bonding of multiple punch outs together to form a multi-punchout puck, ring or football.

FIGS. 45 and 46 illustrate portions of an example convertible carton system 1620 having a carton 1624 having perforations 1656 and 1658 which form punch outs 1666 and 1668, respectively, which may serve as coasters for drinks. Carton 1624 may contain non-game articles 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 2), protective filling 28 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 2), and sticker sheet 34 (shown and described above). Carton 1624 may have an outer shipping label 30 (shown and described above).

FIGS. 47-50A illustrate portions of an example convertible carton game system 1720. As with the above-described systems, system 1720 facilitates reuse of a shipping or storage carton 1724 as a game component or as part of an entire game. In the example illustrated, system 1720 facilitates the reuse of carton as a “horseshoe” game. System 1720 comprises carton 1724, non-game articles 26 (schematically represented), protective filling 28 (schematically represented), shipping label 30 (schematically represented), sticker sheet 34 (schematically represented). The nongame articles 26, protective filling 28 and sticker sheet 34 may be provided within the interior of carton 1724 during shipping.

As schematically illustrated by FIG. 47A, carton 1724 encloses or contains non-game articles 26 (each of which is schematically represented). Non-game articles 26 may comprise any of a variety of different articles, natural or manufactured, having a variety of different shapes and sizes. Articles 26 are non-game articles in that articles 26 are not configured for use of or as part of the game into which system 1720 is convertible. In some implementations, the primary purpose of system 1720 is to contain such articles 26 for their shipment to an end user or recipient, wherein such articles are to be removed from carton 24 for separate use. Examples of such non-game articles include, but are not limited to, drinkware, clothing, shoes, novelties, dishware, utensils, tools, separate games, and the like.

As further shown by FIG. 47A, system 1720 may additionally comprise protective filling 28 within the interior of carton 24 and about such articles 26 or against sides of articles 26. Protective filling 28 may space articles 26 from one another. Protective filling 28 may further insulate articles 26 and/or protect articles 26 against any forces encountered during shipping. Examples of protective filling 28 include, but is not limited to, particulate material such as Styrofoam packing peanuts or sawdust, or various bubble wrap fillings that generally comprise polymer films forming one or more interior air filled bubbles or pockets. In some implementations, protective filling 28 may comprise a recycled paper shred, tissue or the like. In some implementations, system 20 may include a single non-game article 26. In some implementations, protective filling 28 may be omitted.

As noted above, in some implementations, the primary purpose of system 1720 is for shipment of the non-game articles 26. To this end, system 1720 may additionally comprise shipping label 30. Shipping label 30 may comprise a recipient's name, an address of the recipient, a return address, and one or more scannable codes such as QR codes or barcodes to facilitate identification and tracking of system 1720 during shipment. Shipping label 30 comprises a sticker bonded to an exterior surface of one of panels 1740 or may be printed upon one of panels 1740. In some implementations, system 1720 may be provided to a shipper without shipping label 30, wherein shipping label 30 may be subsequently added to facilitate such shipping. In some implementations, shipping label 30 may be provided at other locations may be omitted.

Although the primary purpose of system 20 may be to facilitate the shipment of non-game articles 26, system 1720 is specifically configured for conversion into a game component for a game. System 1720 facilitates the repurposing of cartons or boxes to provide the added benefit/value of a fun educational tabletop, desktop or other game for multiple players, providing entertainment value as well as potentially reducing environmental waste. To facilitate its conversion into a game component, at least one of the plurality of panels 1740 comprises perforations for at least one punch out, wherein the at least one punch out is configured such that complete or partial removal of the at least one punch out converts the carton or portions of the carton into a game component. Partial removal of a punch out may occur when the punch out is allowed to dangle or hang from the panel.

As shown by FIG. 47A, system 1720 may additionally comprise sticker sheet 34. Sticker sheet 34 comprises one or more sheets containing any of a variety of different stickers. Sticker sheet 34 may be loose within the interior of carton 1724, may be affixed to an exterior of one or more of panels 40 of carton 1724 or may be affixed to an interior surface of one of panels 40 within carton 1724. Each of stickers 76 is configured to be peelable from sticker sheet 34 for re-adherence to an exterior of one of panels 1740, such as for adherence to playing surfaces or game pieces. The provision of sticker sheet 34 allows a person to customize, to his or her preferences, the playing surfaces for the game. Moreover, in those implementations in which sticker sheet 34 is within carton 1724 or is affixed to an interior surface of one or more of panels 1740, the integrity of such stickers is protected and preserved during shipping. In some implementations, sticker sheet 34 may be omitted.

As shown by FIGS. 47A and 48, carton 1724 comprises a box or other container sized and shaped so as to contain one or more non-game articles 26. Carton 1724 may be formed from a plurality of panels which are molded or folded into shape so as to form an enclosure having an interior volume for containing such non-game articles 26. FIG. 48 illustrates a template for a single panel that may be folded to form carton 1724. In some implementations, carton 1724 is formed from a cellulose-based material. In some implementations, carton 1724 is formed from a cardboard or paperboard material. Carton 1724 may have a rectangular shape of any of various proportions for its length, width and height. In some implementations, carton 1724 may comprise a cube. In the example illustrated, carton 1724 comprises a plurality of panels including various panels 1740. In some implementations, the various panels 1740 may be formed from a single integral unitary sheet which is folded or bent to provide the cube or rectangular shape for carton 1724.

As shown by FIGS. 47A and 48, system 1720 comprises base perforations 1756, post perforations 1758 and horseshoe perforations 1760. As shown by Figures, perforations 1756, 1758 and 1760 define base punch out 1766, post punchout 1768 and horseshoe punch outs 1770. Post punchout 1768 comprises a series of scores 1772 to define locations where punch out 760 is to be folded to form the horseshoe post.

FIG. 4 illustrates the completed conversion of carton 1724 into the horseshoe game. As shown by FIG. 4, punchout 1768 is folded along scored line 1772 to form a generally cylindrical tube or post which may pass through an opening 1774 formed by perforations 1757 (shown in FIG. 47A). For the conventional game of horseshoes, the horseshoe punchout 1770 may be tossed towards the post 1776, formed by punch out 1768 and standing upright from the base punchout 1766.

As should be appreciated, in some implementations, a fewer greater number of horseshoe punch outs 1770 may be provided in the panels of carton 1724. Such portion punch outs may have different colors, graphics or the like to distinguish between different portions. In some implementations, each of punch outs 1770 may be formed by the material that forms of panel 1740 from which punch outs 1770 are removed.

In some implementations, selected interior surfaces of panel 1740 containing the punch outs, those portions of the inner side of such punch outs 1775 with an additional coating provide additional thickness, stiffness, color surface texture coating may be deposited upon selected portions of panel 1740 that face the interior of carton 1724, protecting the coating and preventing the exterior carton 1724 from catching on external objects during shipping. FIG. 47B is a sectional view taken along line 47B-47B of FIG. 47A. In the example illustrated, system 720 comprises a coating 1773 deposited upon and contained within the boundary of punchout 1770. The coating seven a polymer, a rubber, or a synthetic rubber. In some implementations, coating 1773 may be unfound. In other implementations, the coating 1773 may be foamed, closed or open celled. In some implementations, coating 1773 has a thickness of at least 1 mm in some implementations, at least 1.5 mm or at least 2 mm. In some implementations, coating 1773 may alternatively be formed on an exterior of carton 1724. In such implementations where the exterior carton 1724 comprises other printing, coating 1773 may have a thickness which is at least 1 mm greater than the thickness that of any printing on the exterior carton 1724. In some implementations, such thicknesses may be at least 1.5 mm or at least 2 mm.

FIG. 47C is a sectional view of an alternative layered arrangement for the punch outs of system 1720. FIG. 47C is a sectional taken along line 47B-47B of FIG. 1A. As compared to the layered arrangement for punchout 1770 shown in FIG. 47B, the later Ranger shown in FIG. 47C edition comprise an adhesive layer, coating or film 1770 which is temporarily covered by a non-adhesive film 1776. As shown by FIG. 47D, upon separation of multiple punch outs 1770 from panel 1740, the non-adhesive film 1776 may be peeled away to expose the adhesive layer 1775. In the example illustrated, two punchout 1770 are stacked in joint to one another by at least one adhesive layer 1775 therebetween to provide a game piece, such as the horseshoe game pieces, with a greater thickness in some implementations, a greater degree of stiffness.

As shown by FIG. 47E, in some implementations, some of the punch outs 1770 may have a surface coated with an adhesive layer 1775 which may or may not be covered with a non-adhesive peelable film. The film 1776 may be peeled away to expose the adhesive surface or layer 1775 of the punchout 1770. The adhesive surface or layer 1775 may be located within the interior of carton 1724 prior to the punch out 1770 being separated from its panel 1740. As shown by FIG. 47F, upon separation of punchout 1770 from the remaining panel 1740, the adhesive layer 1775 on the particular horseshoe punch out 770 may be used to overlap and join multiple portion punchouts 1770 to provide a thicker or heavier horseshoe game piece.

In some implementations, horseshoe punchouts 1770 may be omitted where separate horseshoe game pieces are packaged within carton 1724. Such horseshoe game pieces may be formed from a molded polymer, wood or the like. In some implementations, post punchout 1768 where a separate rod or bowel is packaged within carton 1724 for use as the horseshoe post.

FIG. 50B illustrates an example convertible carton game system 1720′. System 1720′ is similar to system 1720 except that system 1720′ utilizes the box itself as a base 1766 for the post 1776 system 1720′ comprise a carton 1724′ in the form of a cereal box. The cereal boxes form from paperboard and has a thickness dimension T that is less than the length L and width W of the box. For purposes of this disclosure, a cereal box is a box formed from paperboard and may have a thickness of at least 1.75 inches and no greater than 4 inches, a width of at least 7 inches and no greater than 10 inches, and a length of at least 10 inches and no greater than 14 inches. The cereal box 1724′ has perforations 1757 defining a punchout that may be removed to form an opening 1774 for receiving post 1776. Each of the horseshoes 1770 as well as post 1776 are formed from punchout provided on a backside of the illustrated cereal box 1724′. The punchout 1768 provided on the backside of the cereal box 1724′ may be rolled (facilitated by a ration 1772) into the post 1776 and then inserted into the opening 1774.

FIGS. 51-57 illustrate portions of an example convertible carton game system 1820. As with the above-described systems, system 1820 facilitates reuse of a shipping or storage carton 1824 as a game component or as part of an entire game. In the example illustrated, system 1820 facilitates the reuse of carton as a “horseshoe” game. System 1820 comprises carton 1824, non-game articles 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), protective filling 28 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), shipping label 30 (shown and described above), sticker sheet 34 (shown and described above). The nongame articles 26, protective filling 28 and sticker sheet 34 may be provided within the interior of carton 1724 during shipping.

As shown by FIG. 51, carton 1824 comprises a box or other container sized and shaped so as to contain one or more non-game articles 26. Carton 1824 may be formed from a plurality of panels which are molded or folded into shape so as to form an enclosure having an interior volume for containing such non-game articles 26. FIG. 52 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary portion of carton 1824. In some implementations, carton 1824 is formed from a cellulose-based material. In some implementations, carton 1824 is formed from a cardboard or paperboard material. Carton 1824 may have a rectangular shape of any of various proportions for its length, width and height. In some implementations, carton 1824 may comprise a cube. In the example illustrated, carton 1824 comprises a plurality of panels including various panels 1840. In some implementations, the various panels 1840 may be formed from a single integral unitary sheet which is folded or bent to provide the cube or rectangular shape for carton 1824. As described above, as with every system disclosed in this application, particular portions of individual panels 1840 may include additional polymer and/or rubber/synthetic rubber coatings (foamed run foamed) applied to particular portions of the panels forming carton 1824, such as those portions which are to form punchouts.

As shown by FIGS. 51 and 52, system 1820 comprises wing perforations 1856 and point perforations 1858. Wing perforations 1856 form wing punch outs 1866 while point perforations 1858 form point punch outs 1868. FIG. 53 illustrates such punch outs after removal or separation from the remainder of a panel 1840 of carton 1824. As shown by FIG. 53, wing punch outs 1866 each include slits 1867 while point punch outs 1868 include slits 1869. FIG. 54 is an enlarged view of a set of wing punch outs 1866 and point punch outs 1868 ready for assembly into an individual “jack” for the game of jacks. In some implementations, provide such punch out with a more rigid nature, and enhanced sickness, or a desired texture, such punch outs may be coated on one side or both sides with a polymer or rubber/synthetic rubber coating.

In some implementations, the coating may be elastic or resilient, wherein the thickness of the punch out and width of the slits 1867, 1869 are sized to provide a tight mating fit when the points and wings are joined or mated, as shown in FIGS. 55 and 56, to form an individual jack 1890. The resilient or elastic nature of the coatings provides the constructed jack with enhanced integrity which is less likely to break or separate into the individual wings and points when dropped or picked up. In some implementations, at least portions of the wings and points, special portions along the slits 1867, 1869 may be provided with a compressible or foam coating, wherein such compression of the wings and points when assembled as shown in FIGS. 55 and 56 provides a more stable jack with enhanced integrity. In other implementations, such additional coatings may be omitted or only applied to selected portions of the individual cut outs.

FIG. 57 illustrates the assembly of 10 jacks using the punch outs from panel 1840 of carton 1824. In the example illustrated, the carton 1824 may contain rubber or synthetic rubber balls 1870 are completing the game of jacks. As conventionally known, an example game of jacks may be played with 10 “jacks” and a small bouncing ball. On each player's alternating turn, he or she must first throw the jacks onto the floor. If any of the jacks land so that they are stacked on top of each other, he or she loses his or her turn. Otherwise, he or she begins to pick the jacks up in groups. He or she throws the ball up in the air and must pick up a group and catch the ball after exactly one bounce. A player must first succeed in picking up all 10 jacks one at a time in a single turn. Then he attempts to pick up the jacks two at a time, then in groups of three, and continuing on until he or she picks up all 10 jacks in one group. If at any time, the player picks up an incorrect number of jacks, touches any jacks not in the group, or fails to catch the ball, his or her turn is over. On his or her next turn, he or she will try again, starting with the same grouping.

FIGS. 58-63 illustrate portions of an example convertible carton drink tasting rack or flight system 1920. As with the above-described systems, system 1920 facilitates reuse of a shipping or storage carton 1724 for other recreational purposes. In the example illustrated, system 1920 facilitates the reuse of carton as a drink tasting rack or flight. System 1920 comprises carton 1924, non-game articles 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), protective filling 28 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), shipping label 30 (shown and described above), sticker sheet 34 (shown and described above). The nongame articles 26, protective filling 28 and sticker sheet 34 may be provided within the interior of carton 1724 during shipping.

As shown by FIGS. 58 and 59, carton 1924 comprises a box or other container sized and shaped so as to contain one or more non-game articles 26. Carton 1924 may be formed from a plurality of panels which are molded or folded into shape so as to form an enclosure having an interior volume for containing such non-game articles 26. FIG. 59 illustrates a template for a single panel that may be folded to form carton 1924. In some implementations, carton 1924 is formed from a cellulose-based material. In some implementations, carton 1924 is formed from a cardboard or paperboard material. Carton 1924 may have a rectangular shape of any of various proportions for its length, width and height. In some implementations, carton 1924 may comprise a cube. In the example illustrated, carton 1924 comprises a plurality of panels including various panels 1940. In some implementations, the various panels 1940 may be formed from a single integral unitary sheet which is folded or bent to provide the cube or rectangular shape for carton 1924.

As further shown by FIGS. 58 and 59, one of panels 1940 of carton 1924 comprises flight perforations 1956 and drink opening perforations 1958. Flight perforations 1956 outline the general shape of the punch out 1966, which when folded, forms the drink tasting rack or flight 1997 shown in FIG. 63. Drink opening perforations 1958 form punch outs 1968 which are to be removed to form openings in punch out 1966 for the reception of drink containers, glasses, shots, bottles or the like.

FIG. 60 illustrates punch out 1966 removed from panel 1940 of carton 1924 and further illustrates the removal of punch outs 1968 to form drinkware openings 1969. As shown by FIG. 60, punch out 1966 additionally comprises score lines 1970 to facilitate folding of particular portions of punch out 1966 along predefined lines as shown in FIGS. 61 and 62. In the example illustrated, score lines 1970 define main panel portion 1972, stiffening panel portions 1974-1, 1974-2 and leg panel portions 1976-1, 1976-2 and 1976-3 on each end of main panel portion 1972.

As indicated by arrow 1978 shown by FIG. 61, stiffening panel portion 1974-2 is folded to underlie main panel portion 1972. This results in drinkware openings 1969 of panel portion 1974-1 being aligned with corresponding drinkware openings 1969 of main panel portion 1972. As indicated by arrow 1979 in FIG. 61, stiffening panel portion 1974-2 is then folded beneath an option to stiffening panel portion 1974-1. This results in drinkware openings 1969 of stiffening panel portion 1974-2 also being aligned with corresponding drinkware openings 1969 of both stiffening panel portion 1974-1 and main panel portion 1972. This forms a three-ply panel having enhanced thickness first ably and securely supporting drinkware containers in openings 1969. In some implementations, one or both of those surfaces of panel portions 1972, 1974-1 and 1974-2 that mutually face one another in the folded state shown in FIG. 62 may be pre-coated an adhesive coating to further facilitate their securement to one another in the folded state. In some implementations, a peelable non-adhesive film may cover the adhesive coatings on such faces, wherein the film may be peeled away to expose the adhesive coatings when the carton is being converted to the slight shown in FIG. 63.

As indicated by arrows 1980 in FIG. 62, leg portions 1976 are folded along their adjacent score lines 1970 to form legs 1982 for the flight 1997. Leg portion 1976-3 of each of the left right legs secured to a lower surface of stiffening panel portion 1974-2. In some implementations, one or both of those surfaces of panel portions 1974-2 and leg portion 1976-3 that mutually face one another in the folded state shown in FIG. 62 may be pre-coated an adhesive coating to further facilitate their securement to one another in the folded state. In some implementations, a peelable non-adhesive film may cover the adhesive coatings on such faces, wherein the film may be peeled away to expose the adhesive coatings when the carton is being converted to the slight shown in FIG. 63. In some implementations, the score lines 1970 may be omitted or may be replaced with perforations to facilitate folding or surface markings to indicate where such portions are to be folded.

In the example illustrated, main panel 1972 may additionally comprise drink identifying regions 1990. Three identifying regions 1990 are associated with each of the drink openings 1969. In the example illustrated, main panel 1972 comprises a row for drink openings 1969 and a row of four corresponding drink identifying regions 1990. In some implementations, each drink identifying regions 1990 may be a graphic printed upon the surface of main panel 1972 in the form of a square, circle or other shape to indicate where type of the drink to be received within the particular drink opening 1969 is to be identified.

In some implementations, each of the drink identifying regions 1990 may be formed by an additional coating formed on the surface of main panel 1972 in the defined shape across from the associated drink opening 1969. The coating may be in the form of a polymer, similar to a dry erase material, such that the type of drink may be temporally identified by writing on the coating and subsequently wiped away or erased for receiving a new identifier for a different type of drink that is to be received within the corresponding drink opening 1969. In some implementations, the coating may be in the form of a polymer or other material that forms an erasable chalkboard surface on which the type of drink contained within the associated drink opening 1969 may identified with a chalked instrument or similar writing instruments. The coatings forming the drink identifying regions 1990 may be sprayed, paid onto the upper surface of main panel portion 1972 using masking or using servo controlled deposition instruments, such as a servo controlled nozzle or other applicator. Such components may be applied on the surface of panel 1940 that is to face the interior of carton 1924 during shipping, protecting such coatings from damage during use of carton 1924 as a shipping carton.

FIG. 63 illustrates the completed or assembled drink rack or flight 1997 formed from carton 1924 and receiving drinkware 1998. Although the main panel 1970 buttressed and strengthened by the folded stiffening panel portion 1976, in other implementations, flight 1997 may omit one or both of stiffening panel portions 1974, depending upon the thickness and stiffness of main panel portion 1972. In some implementations, one or both of leg portions 1976-2 and 1976-3 may be omitted depending upon the stiffness of leg portion 1976-1. In yet other implementations, flight 1997 may have other four another panel portions performing alternatively configured legs for the flight. In some implementations, the flight may include score lines or full markings such that the flight includes left right handles facilitate carrying of the flight.

In some implementations, main panel portion 1972, one or more of stiffening panel portions 1974 (when provided) and/or leg portions 1976 may be formed from a cellulose base material (cardboard or paperboard for example) and may additionally be combined with coating of a polymer, rubber/synthetic rubber (foamed or un-foamed) so as to enhance the strength and stiffness of such panels. The coating may be applied to one or both opposite faces of each panel. In implementations where a coating is formed on a single face of such panels, the coating may be applied to a surface that faces the interior of carton 1924 protect such surfaces during shipping. In some implementations, a softer or foam-like coating may be applied on services of main panel 1972 around the perimeter of drink openings 1969 to enhance retention of drinkware 1998 and such or to protect drinkware 1998. In some implementations, the drinkware 1998 may be contained within the shipping carton. In some implementations, bottles other containers of the fluid drinks to a place within the drinkware 1998 may also be contained in the shipping carton 1924 when shipped.

FIGS. 64-66 illustrate portions of an example convertible carton game system 2020. As with the above-described systems, system 2020 facilitates reuse of a shipping or storage carton 2024 for other recreational purposes or game purposes. In the example illustrated, system 2020 facilitates conversion of the carton 2024 to a game or other structure in the form of a three-dimensional puzzle that is to form a cube. In some implementations, the cube may have graphics so as to serve as a die or may be used to support photos or other drawings/stickers on its various faces. System 1920 comprises carton 1924, non-game articles 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), protective filling 28 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), shipping label 30 (shown and described above), sticker sheet 34 (shown and described above). The nongame articles 26, protective filling 28 and sticker sheet 34 may be provided within the interior of carton 2024 during shipping.

As shown by FIG. 64, carton 2024 comprises a box or other container sized and shaped so as to contain one or more non-game articles 26. Carton 2024 may be formed from a plurality of panels which are molded or folded into shape so as to form an enclosure having an interior volume for containing such non-game articles 26. In some implementations, carton 2024 is formed from a cellulose-based material. In some implementations, carton 2024 is formed from a cardboard or paperboard material. Carton 2024 may have a rectangular shape of any of various proportions for its length, width and height. In some implementations, carton 2024 may comprise a cube. In the example illustrated, carton 2024 comprises a plurality of panels including various panels 2040. In some implementations, the various panels 2040 may be formed from a single integral unitary sheet which is folded or bent to provide the cube or rectangular shape for carton 2024.

As further shown by FIG. 64, one of panels 1940 of carton 2024 comprises perforations 2056 which form punch outs 2066-12066-2, 2066-3, 2066-4, 2066-5 and 2066-6 (collectively referred to as punch outs 2066). Punch outs 2068 form a set of differently shaped punch outs which may be removed as shown in FIG. 19 in which may be assembled as shown in FIG. 66 to form the illustrated cube 2090. Each of the punch outs 2066 of the illustrated sets are differently shaped to serve interlocking tabs 2068. In the example illustrated, each punchout 2066 is differently shaped with the different perimeter formed by tabs 2068. Although carton 2024 is illustrated as having a single set of punch outs 2066 performed on a single one of his panels 2040, in other implementations, carton 2024 may comprise additional sentence 2066 on other panels 2040 of carton 2024. In some implementations, each of the punch outs 2066 has an outer face (which faces the interior of carton 2024 during shipping) which is coated with an adhesive to facilitate securement of photos or other objects to individual faces of the formed cube 2090. In some implementations, the adhesive coating is temporarily covered by a non-adhesive film which maybe peeled away after cube 2090 has been formed to facilitate securement of photos or other structures to the exterior face of the formed cube 2090. In some implementations carton 2024 may include the aforementioned stickers for securement to the exterior face of the formed cube 2090. Such stickers may comprise different numbers of dots (1-6) for each of the faces, facilitating use of the cube as a die.

FIGS. 67 and 68 illustrate an example convertible carton game system 2120. As with the above-described systems, system 2120 facilitates reuse of a shipping or storage carton 2124 for other recreational purposes or game purposes. In the example illustrated, system 2120 facilitates conversion of the carton 2124 to a game or puzzle. System 2120 comprises carton 2124, non-game articles 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), protective filling 28 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), shipping label 30 (shown and described above), sticker sheet 34 (shown and described above). The nongame articles 26, protective filling 28 and sticker sheet 34 may be provided within the interior of carton 2024 during shipping.

As shown by FIG. 67, carton 2124 comprises a box or other container sized and shaped so as to contain one or more non-game articles 26. Carton 2124 may be formed from a plurality of panels which are molded or folded into shape so as to form an enclosure having an interior volume for containing such non-game articles 26. In some implementations, carton 2124 is formed from a cellulose-based material. In some implementations, carton 2124 is formed from a cardboard or paperboard material. Carton 2124 may have a rectangular shape of any of various proportions for its length, width and height. In some implementations, carton 2124 may comprise a cube. In the example illustrated, carton 2124 comprises a plurality of panels including various panels 2040. In some implementations, the various panels 2140 may be formed from a single integral unitary sheet which is folded or bent to provide the cube or rectangular shape for carton 2024.

Panel 2140 comprises an arrangement of puzzle piece perforations 2158. As shown by FIG. 22, separation of those portions of panel 2140 defined by perforations 2158 forms punch outs in the form of puzzle pieces 2168. In some implementations, the face of panel 2140 which faces the interior of carton 2124 during shipping, may be provided with a picture or a graphic which is to be performed by the assembly of the puzzle pieces 2168. In some implementations, the exterior face of panel 2140, facing away from the interior of card 212040 and shipping, may provide with the picture or the graphic which is to be performed by the assembly of the puzzle pieces 2168.

FIGS. 69 and 7 illustrate portions of an example convertible carton game system 2220. As with the above-described systems, system 2220 facilitates reuse of a shipping or storage carton 2124 for other recreational purposes or game purposes. In the example illustrated, system 2120 facilitates conversion of the carton 2124 to a game in the form of a toy having an oval track upon which game pieces that in some implementations are contained in carton 2224, may move. The game pieces may be in the form of train pieces, cars/trucks, horses or the like. System 2120 comprises carton 2124, non-game articles 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), protective filling 28 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), shipping label 30 (shown and described above), sticker sheet 34 (shown and described above). The nongame articles 26, protective filling 28 and sticker sheet 34 may be provided within the interior of carton 2224 during shipping.

As shown by FIG. 67, carton 2224 comprises a box or other container sized and shaped so as to contain one or more non-game articles 26. Carton 2224 may be formed from a plurality of panels which are molded or folded into shape so as to form an enclosure having an interior volume for containing such non-game articles 26. In some implementations, carton 2224 is formed from a cellulose-based material. In some implementations, carton 2224 is formed from a cardboard or paperboard material. Carton 2224 may have a rectangular shape of any of various proportions for its length, width and height. In some implementations, carton 2224 may comprise a cube. In the example illustrated, carton 2224 comprises a plurality of panels including various panels 2040. In some implementations, the various panels 2240 may be formed from a single integral unitary sheet which is folded or bent to provide the cube or rectangular shape for carton 2224.

Panel 2240 comprises an arrangement of track piece perforations 2258. Perforations 2258 former define punch outs in the form of track pieces 2268. Pieces 2268 may comprise straight pieces or pieces that are interconnected to form a curve. Each of such punch outs or track piece 2268 include a female opening 2270 and a male projection 2272 that is to be received and mate with the female opening 2270.

FIG. 70 illustrates the separation of punch outs along the perforations 2258 to form the track pieces 2068. FIG. 70 further illustrates the assembly are connection of the various track pieces to form an oval track. Although system 2220 is illustrated as having such perforations 2258 and track pieces 2268 provided in a single panel 2240 of carton 2224, it should be appreciated that additional perforations 2258 and additional track pieces 2268 may be provided on other panels of carton 2224. The different track pieces 2268 may be selectively combined by a person to form different track layouts. In some implementations, the other panels of card 2224 may have templates with perforations for forming tunnels, buildings or other player toy pieces for use with the assembled track formed by the various track pieces 2268.

In some implementations, those portions of carton 2224 that are to form the track pieces 2268 may include graphics or printing depicting road divider lines, side rails (such as with a horse track) or train tracks. In some implementations, such portions may be coded with a coating having a thickness of at least 1 mm, in some implementations at least 1.5 mm to provide a three-dimensional feel to the surface of the track pieces. For example, a coating may be foamed or provided with sufficient thickness so as to form train track rails. The coating may provide on a surface of panel 2240 facing the interior of carton 2224 to protect such coatings during use of carton 2224 for shipping. In some implementations, the track pieces 2268 provided by multiple cartons 2224 may be combined to form different track arrangements or layouts.

FIGS. 71-73 illustrate portions of an example convertible carton game system 2320. As with the above-described systems, system 2320 facilitates reuse of a shipping or storage carton 2324 for other recreational purposes or game purposes. In the example illustrated, system 2320 facilitates conversion of the carton 2324 to a game in the form of tic-tac-toe. System 2320 comprises carton 2324, non-game articles 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), protective filling 28 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), shipping label 30 (shown and described above), sticker sheet 34 (shown and described above). The nongame articles 26, protective filling 28 and sticker sheet 34 may be provided within the interior of carton 2324 during shipping.

As shown by FIG. 71, carton 2324 comprises a box or other container sized and shaped so as to contain one or more non-game articles 26. Carton 2324 may be formed from a plurality of panels which are molded or folded into shape so as to form an enclosure having an interior volume for containing such non-game articles 26. In some implementations, carton 2324 is formed from a cellulose-based material. In some implementations, carton 2324 is formed from a cardboard or paperboard material. Carton 2324 may have a rectangular shape of any of various proportions for its length, width and height. In some implementations, carton 2324 may comprise a cube. In the example illustrated, carton 2324 comprises a plurality of panels including various panels 2340. In some implementations, the various panels 2340 may be formed from a single integral unitary sheet which is folded or bent to provide the cube or rectangular shape for carton 2324.

Panel 2340-1 comprises gameboard perforations 2358 while panel 2340-2 comprises game piece perforations 2360-1, 2360-2. Gameboard perforations 2358 form a generally square playing board punch out 2368. Perforations 2360-1 form game piece punch outs 2370-1 having the shape of an “X”. Perforations 2360-2 form game piece punch outs 2370-2 having the shape of an “O”. FIG. 26 illustrates a single integral or continuous panel configured to be folded to form the carton 2324.

FIG. 73 illustrates the separation of punch outs 2368, 2370-1 and 2370-2 from carton 2324. In the example illustrated, punch out 2368 includes graphics in the form of a matrix or grid 2372 which forms three rows and three columns of tic-tac-toe locations 2374. FIG. 73 illustrates the form tic-tac-toe game 2390 during a game of tic-tac-toe. In some implementations, punch outs 2370-1 and 23 seven-maybe omitted where separate correspondingly shaped game piece are packaged are provided in carton 2324. In some implementations, punch outs 2370 may be coated with a polymer, or rubber/synthetic rubber (foamed or un-foamed) layer on one or both sides provide enhanced stiffness, sickness or feel. In some implementations, the grid 2372 may be formed by a layer coating of a polymer or rubber/synthetic rubber (foamed or unsold) layer provide the playing surface of punch out 2368 with a three dimensional feel. In some implementations, the coating may have a thickness of at least 1 mm, in some implementations at least 1.5 mm or at least 2 mm. In some implementations, the coating may be five money surface that face the interior of carton 2324 during use of carton 2324.

FIGS. 74-76 illustrate portions of an example convertible carton game system 2420. As with the above-described systems, system 2420 facilitates reuse of a shipping or storage carton 2424 for other recreational purposes or game purposes. In the example illustrated, system 2420 facilitates conversion of the carton 2424 to a game in the form of Jenga. System 2420 comprises carton 2424, non-game articles 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), protective filling 28 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), shipping label 30 (shown and described above), sticker sheet 34 (shown and described above). The nongame articles 26, protective filling 28 and sticker sheet 34 may be provided within the interior of carton 2424 during shipping.

As shown by FIG. 74, carton 2424 comprises a box or other container sized and shaped so as to contain one or more non-game articles 26. Carton 2424 may be formed from a plurality of panels which are molded or folded into shape so as to form an enclosure having an interior volume for containing such non-game articles 26. In some implementations, carton 2424 is formed from a cellulose-based material. In some implementations, carton 2424 is formed from a cardboard or paperboard material. Carton 2424 may have a rectangular shape of any of various proportions for its length, width and height. In some implementations, carton 2324 may comprise a cube. In the example illustrated, carton 2424 comprises a plurality of panels including various panels 2440. In some implementations, the various panels 2440 may be formed from a single integral unitary sheet which is folded or bent to provide the cube or rectangular shape for carton 2424. FIG. 29 illustrates an example of a single panel which may be folded with portions secured to one another so as to form carton 2424.

As shown by FIGS. 74 and 75, carton 2424 comprises corner piece perforations 2458 and Jenga piece perforations 2460. Corner piece perforations 2458 extend along a corner of carton 2424, along at least two adjacent panels 2440 which extend at 90° relative to one another. Corner piece perforations 2458 are to form a three-dimensional right angle punch out 2468 which is used for stacking the later formed Jenga blocks are pieces. Jenga piece perforations 2460 define punch outs 2470 which are to form individual Jenga blocks or pieces.

FIG. 76 illustrates the separation or removal of punch outs 2468 and 2470 from carton 2424. In the example illustrated, each of punch outs 2470 may comprise score lines 2472 which divide the punch out 2470 into three portions 2474-1, 2474-2 and 2474-3 (collectively referred to as portions 2474). Score lines 2472 assistants folding of portions 2474. In other implementations, score lines 2472 may be omitted, may include a series of perforations or may include preprinted graphic lines picked where the punch out 2470 should be folded.

FIGS. 77 and 78 illustrate the conversion of an individual punch out 2470 into an individual Jenga piece 2498. As shown may FIG. 31, in the example illustrated, each of punch out 2470 may have a backside coated with an adhesive layer 2478 which is covered by a removal war peelable non-adhesive film or layer 2480. As indicated by arrow 2481, the film 2480 may be peeled away to expose the adhesive layer 2478.

As shown by FIG. 78, the individual Jenga piece 2498 is formed by folding the portions 2474 about the score lines 2472 (or about line markings). In some implementations, portion 2474-1 is folded and retained against portion 2474-2. Portion 2474-3 is folded against an obstacle or an opposite face of portion 2474-2 as portion 2474-1. The adhesive layer 2478 retains the folded state of portions 2474 to form the game piece 2498. In other implementations, giga pieces 2498 may be formed by a greater or fewer of the illustrated three portions 2474. In other implementations, each Jenga piece 2498 may be formed by bonding individual separate rectangular pieces to one another without folding. In some implementations, the Jenga piece 2498 may be formed by a single layer (rather than three layers of a folded punch out). In such implementations, each portion 2474 may form an individual piece 2498. In such implementations, each of the portions 2474 may be additionally coated with a polymer or rubber/synthetic rubber (foamed or unfolded) coding or layer provide a hand stiffness and sickness to the individual giga piece 2498. In some implementations, each of punch outs 2470 may be provided with such a coating and then folded as shown to form an even thicker Jenga piece 2498. In such implementations, a coating may be formed on an inner face of panel 2440-2 so as to face an interior of the carton 2424 during use of carton 2424 for shipping. In some implementations, the coating may be formed on both faces of panel 2440-2. In some implementations, the coating has a thickness of at least 1 mm and in some implementations at least 1.5 mm or at least 2 mm. The coating may be foamed or comprise a foamed layer to provide enhanced thickness.

FIG. 79 illustrates the completed Jenga game 2490 transformed from the carton 2424 shown in FIG. 74. As shown by FIG. 79, the series or sets of individual junk a piece 2498 may be stacked in alternating directions against an interior 2473 of the punch out 2468 to form the pillar of giga pieces 2498, with three pieces forming each layer of the pillar. Thereafter, the guide provided by punch out 2468 may be removed and especially known game of Jenga may be enjoyed.

FIGS. 80-84 illustrate portions of an example convertible carton game system 2520. As with the above-described systems, system 2520 facilitates reuse of a shipping or storage carton 2424 for other recreational purposes or game purposes. In the example illustrated, system 2520 facilitates conversion of the carton 2524 to a miniature golf or putting game. System 2520 comprises carton 2524, non-game articles 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), protective filling 28 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), shipping label 30 (shown and described above), and sticker sheet 34 (shown and described above). The non-game articles 26, protective filling 28 and sticker sheet 34 may be provided within the interior of carton 2524 during shipping.

As shown by FIG. 80, carton 2524 comprises a box or other container sized and shaped so as to contain one or more non-game articles 26. Carton 2424 may be formed from a plurality of panels which are molded or folded into shape so as to form an enclosure having an interior volume for containing such non-game articles 26. In some implementations, carton 2424 is formed from a cellulose-based material. In some implementations, carton 2424 is formed from a cardboard or paperboard material. Carton 2424 may have a rectangular shape of any of various proportions for its length, width and height. In some implementations, carton 2324 may comprise a cube. In the example illustrated, carton 2424 comprises a plurality of panels including various panels 2440. In some implementations, the various panels 2440 may be formed from a single integral unitary sheet which is folded or bent to provide the cube or rectangular shape for carton 2424. FIG. 29 illustrates an example of a single panel which may be folded with portions secured to one another so as to form carton 2424.

As shown by FIG. 80, carton 2524 has an interior pouch 2526 containing game pieces 2527 in the form of balls. Such balls may simulate golf balls, having secured dimples. In some implementations, such balls may be in the form of marbles. Such balls may be formed from wood, one or more polymers or the like. In some implementations, such balls may be solid. In other implementations, such balls 2527 may be hollow. In other implementations, such balls may be formed from other materials or of other configurations.

As shown by FIGS. 80 and 81, carton 2424 comprises enclosure perforations 2556, ramp perforations 2558, barrier perforations 2560, decorative item perforations 2562 and club perforations 2564 (shown only in FIG. 80 for ease of illustration). Enclosure perforations 2556 outline and form an enclosure punch out 2656. Ramp perforations 2558 outline the perimeter of a ramp punch out 2658. Barrier perforations 2560 outline the perimeter of a barrier punch out 2660. Decorative item perforations 2562 outline the perimeter of decorative item punch outs 2662. Club perforations 2564 outline the perimeter of club punch outs 2664. Each of the punch outs 2068, 2660 and 26 are shown separated from carton 2524 in FIG. 80.

As shown by FIG. 83 which illustrates the separated punch outs, enclosure punch out 2656 comprises score lines 2670 which define fold lines for sidewall portions 2672 and rear wall 2674. One of sidewall portions 2656 includes a ball retrieval opening 2678.

Ramp punch out 2658 comprises a score line 2680 and an aperture 2682. Score line 2680 separates a ramp portion 2688 and a stand portion 2689. Barrier punch out 2660 comprises a wall or panel having a pair of slits 2684 and a doorway 2686.

FIG. 84 illustrates the completed miniature golf or putting game 2690 converted or transformed from carton 2524. As shown by FIG. 84, sidewall portions 2672 rise up from the floor panel 2675 (shown in FIG. 37) form the sides. Rear wall 2674 rises up from the floor panel 2675. Ramp portion 2658 is vision between sidewall portions 2672 in front of rear wall 2674 with stand 2689 vertically supporting one end of ramp or in 2688. In some implementations, stand portion 2689 may be provided with an adhesive coating covered by temporary peelable non-adhesive film to facilitate the securement of and 2689 against rear wall 2674.

Barrier punch out 2068 the surface of ramp portion 2658 with slits 2684 receiving portions of sidewall portions 2672. Doorway 2686 extends above ramp portion 2658 between the lower base or end of ramp portion 2658 and aperture 2682. In the example illustrated, decorative punch outs 2662 are mounted to barrier punch out 2660 as shown about doorway 2686. In some implementations, at least end portions of the punch outs 2662 may have surfaces coated with an adhesive covered by a peelable field, wherein removal of the film permits the punch outs 2662 to be mounted to barrier punch out 2660. In the example illustrated, punch outs 2662 represent or depict the wings of a windmill. In some implementations, rather than four individual punch outs 2662 being used to depict a windmill, a single punch out in the shape of all four punch outs 2662 may be provided in carton 2524. In some implementations, decorative punch outs 2662 may be omitted or of other shapes.

Club punch outs 2664 (shown in FIG. 80) are used to provide clubs for the miniature golf game 2690. In some implementations, each punch out 2664 provides a distinct putter or golf club. As described above, in some implementations, one or both surfaces of carton 24 may be provided with a coating formed from a polymer, rubber, synthetic rubber (foamed run foamed. In some implementations, the coating is limited so as to be contained within the perimeter of each of punch outs 2664 on carton 2524. In other implementations, coating may cover those portions of carton 2524 which form punch outs 2664 and extend beyond such punch outs 2664. In some implementations, the coating may have a thickness of at least 1 mm, and in some implementations, at least 1.5 mm or at least 2 mm.

In some the two punch outs 2664 figured to be stacked and bonded otherwise joined to one another to form a thicker and potentially more rigid putter. For example, each punch out 2664 may be joined by an adhesive coating formed on the inside surface of carton 2554. The adhesive surface may be covered with a temporary removable or peelable film. In such a manner, the two club punch outs 2664 may be stacked and joined in a fashion similar to that shown in FIG. 47F respect to the horseshoe game pieces. In some implementations, the golf club punch outs 2664 may be coated and may include an adhesive layer, wherein the two club punch outs 2664 may be joined in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 47D with respect to the golf club punch outs.

Upon the formation of game 2690 player may attempt to strike and roll a ball 2527 up the ramp portion 2658, through doorway 2686 and into aperture 2682. Success results in the ball falling to aperture when the 682, where it may be removed through opening 2678. In some implementations, system 2520 may comprise multiple different cartons having different miniature golf or putting designs, facility golf course with multiple different layouts or holes. In some implementations, club punch outs 2664 may be omitted, wherein molded or otherwise manufactured miniature putters may be packaged within carton 2524.

FIGS. 85-88 illustrate portions of an example convertible carton game system 2720. As with the above-described systems, system 2720 facilitates reuse of a shipping or storage carton 2724 for other recreational purposes or game purposes. In the example illustrated, system 2720 facilitates conversion of the carton 2724 to a miniature basketball game. System 2720 comprises carton 2724, non-game articles 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), protective filling 28 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), shipping label 30 (shown and described above), and sticker sheet 34 (shown and described above). The non-game articles 26, protective filling 28 and sticker sheet 34 may be provided within the interior of carton 2524 during shipping.

As shown by FIG. 85, carton 2724 comprises a box or other container sized and shaped so as to contain one or more non-game articles 26. Carton 2724 may be formed from a plurality of panels which are molded or folded into shape so as to form an enclosure having an interior volume for containing such non-game articles 26. In some implementations, carton 2724 is formed from a cellulose-based material. In some implementations, carton 2724 is formed from a cardboard or paperboard material. Carton 2724 may have a rectangular shape of any of various proportions for its length, width and height. In some implementations, carton 2724 may comprise a cube. In the example illustrated, carton 2724 comprises a plurality of panels including various panels 2740. In some implementations, the various panels 2740 may be formed from a single integral unitary sheet which is folded or bent to provide the cube or rectangular shape for carton 2724. FIG. 87 illustrates an example of a single panel which may be folded with portions secured to one another so as to form carton 2724.

FIG. 87A illustrates a sheet, panel or template for forming carton 2724 having the preformed perforations facilitating conversion of the carton 2724 into a game of basketball. FIG. 87B illustrates a sheet, panel or template of a convertible carton game system 2720′ for forming a cereal box having the preformed perforations facilitating conversion of the cereal box into a basketball game. In the template shown in FIG. 87B, the perforations are indicated by a “--” line style while the creases are indicated by a “-.-” Line style. The crisscrossing illustrates pre-taping or adhesive.

As shown by FIG. 85, carton 2724 has an interior pouch 2726 containing game pieces 2727 in the form of a miniature basketball. Ball 2727 may be formed from wood, one or more polymers or the like. In some implementations, such balls may be solid. In other implementations, ball 2727 may be hollow. In other implementations, such balls may be formed from other materials or of other configurations.

As shown by FIGS. 85 and 87, carton 2724 comprises rim perforations 2758, hoop perforations 2760 and shooter perforations 2762. As shown by FIG. 86, rim perforations 2758 facilitates the 27602768-2 which are folded about a folded or score line 2771. The rim of punch out 2768-1 remains connected to panel 2740 by a living hinge or fold line. Hoop perforations 2760 facilitate removal of circular portions or discs to form hoop openings 2770. As shown by FIG. 88, the folding of rim punch outs 2768 results in such portions extending in a horizontal plane with the alignment of hoop openings 2770. Although FIG. 88 illustrates portions of panel 2740 being separated by perforations or the like to form the illustrated stand shown in FIG. 42, in some implementations, the folded hoop or rim formed by the portions are punch outs 2768 may alternatively supported by or along a side of the carton 2724 when in an upright resting position.

As shown by FIG. 86, shooter perforations 2762 outlines the perimeter defining a shooter punch out 2772. Punchout 2772 has a base 780 and a shooting arm 2782 which comprises an aperture 2784 (formed by a punchout). Shooting arm 2782 is pivotably connected to base 2772 by living hinge or fold line 2786. Aperture 2784 is sized to partially receive a circumference of ball 2727.

Upon transformation of carton 2724 to the basketball shooting game 2790 shown in FIG. 42, a player may place the ball 2727 partially within aperture 2784. The person may then downwardly pivot or bend shooting arm 2782 and release shooting arm 2782 which resiliently springs upward, propelling ball 2727 towards the basketball hoop formed by the aligned openings 2770.

As shown in FIG. 88, in some implementations, portions of shooter punchout 2772 may include a coating 2786, rubber or synthetic rubber left from former fund foamed) on a surface of punchout 2727 that is to be pinched between base 2770 shooting arm 2782. The coating may provide an enhanced degree of springlike resiliency to shooting arm 2782, facilitating easier propelling of ball 2727. In other implementations, coating 2786 may be omitted.

FIG. 89 illustrates an example template for a convertible carton game system 2820. As with the above-described systems, system 2820 facilitates reuse of a shipping or storage carton 2824 (formed from the folding of the single panel or template shown in FIG. 89) for other recreational purposes or game purposes. In the example illustrated, system 2820 facilitates conversion of the carton 2824 to a Tetris game. System 2820 comprises carton 2824 (formed by the folding of the shown template), non-game articles 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), protective filling 28 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 47A), shipping label 30 (shown and described above), and sticker sheet 34 (shown and described above). The non-game articles 26, protective filling 28 and sticker sheet 34 may be provided within the interior of carton 2824 during shipping.

Upon being folded and constructed, carton 2824 comprises a box or other container sized and shaped so as to contain one or more non-game articles 26. Carton 2824 may be formed from a plurality of panels which are molded or folded into shape so as to form an enclosure having an interior volume for containing such non-game articles 26. In some implementations, carton 2824 is formed from a cellulose-based material. In some implementations, carton 2824 is formed from a cardboard or paperboard material. Carton 2824 may have a rectangular shape of any of various proportions for its length, width and height. In some implementations, carton 2824 may comprise a cube. In the example illustrated, carton 2824 comprises a plurality of panels including various panels 2840. In some implementations, the various panels 2440 may be formed from a single integral unitary sheet which is folded or bent to provide the cube or rectangular shape for carton 2424.

In the example illustrated, the single sheet which is to form carton 2824 comprises a first panel 2840-1 upon which is printed in a grid of squares. This playing surface may be bordered on opposite sides by a wall formed by folded sidewall 2827 forming a channel. The single sheet further comprises panel 2840-2 having Tetris piece perforations 2858 which form various Tetris piece punch outs 2868. The sheet further comprising panel 2040-3 which comprises a level barrier perforations 2868 which form a level barrier punchout 2870. The barrier punchout 2870 comprise a pair of slits 2872 which are to receive the sidewalls formed by portions 2827 such that barrier punchout 2870 may be stand upright across the playing field or surface provided by panel 2840-1. A player may attempt to oriented position the various Tetris game piece punch outs 2868 over playing surface provided by panel 2840-1 and over the printed grid.

FIG. 90 is a perspective view illustrating an example convertible carton game system 2920. System 2920 comprise a carton 2924 four from paperboard or cardboard having preformed perforations 2962-1, 2962-2 which facilitate the removal of punch outs, such as punchout 2971 to form target openings 2972-1, 2972-2 in a common faith 2973 of the carton 2924. Target openings 2972-1 and 2970 heights and widths to provide different degrees of difficulty (and potentially different scoring). The back face of carton 2924 facilitate removing the circular punchout 2976 which serves as a projectile for the game. The punchout 2976 is in the form of a disk which may be thrown, similar to a frisbee, towards either of the target openings 2972. As a result, system 2920 facilitates conversion of a shipping container box (as described above) into a box Jam game. As should be appreciated, the back face of card 2924 may include additional perforations for forming additional punchout 2976 which serve as projectiles for the game. In yet other implementations, the punch outs for forming the projectile game component to 976 may be omitted, wherein small disk, Frisbees or the like may be separately purchased or are packaged in carton 2924 with the primary product being shipped.

Although each of the above-described “punch outs” are described as being defined by perforations to facilitate manual separation of such punch outs, in each of the above-described systems, such perforations may alternatively be replaced with score lines to facilitate tearing or may be replaced with markings to guide the use of a knife or scissors to cut out such “punch outs”. Each of the above systems convert a carton having a shipping label 30 and containing non-game articles 26 into another recreational article such as a game, toy, drink holder of the like. Each of the above systems may additionally contain protective filling 28 and a sticker sheet 34. As noted above, each of the above systems may provide punchout or certain portions of the carton with one or more coatings right enhanced thickness, resilient compressibility, springlike resiliency or desire surface texture. Each of the above systems may further include adhesive films or layers which may or not be temporarily covered with a peelable non-adhesive film. Such adhesive films or layers may be used to join multiple punch outs provide a game piece with enhanced thickness and stiffness or to facilitate the connection of various portions of the carton to form the three-dimensional game, toy or recreational article.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example implementations may have been described as including features providing benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example implementations or in other alternative implementations. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example implementations and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements. The terms “first”, “second”, “third” and so on in the claims merely distinguish different elements and, unless otherwise stated, are not to be specifically associated with a particular order or particular numbering of elements in the disclosure.

Claims

1. A convertible carton game system comprising: a carton comprising a plurality of panels comprising a top panel and a bottom panel, wherein at least one of the plurality of panels comprises perforations that when broken form a target and that which form a projectile for being propelled at the target as part of a game.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the perforations form a punchout forming the projectile.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the punchout is configured to be separated from the carton to form a target opening.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the punch out comprises second perforations that outline a perimeter of each of a plurality of pieces which when combined form the projectile.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of pieces comprises a circular piece which when stacked form the projectile.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein the target opening is circular and wherein the projectile is configured to pass through the target opening.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the projectile is circular.

8. The system of claim 3, wherein the target opening is rectangular.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the perforations outlining a second target opening, the second target opening being rectangular and larger than the target opening, and wherein the projectile is circular.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the perforations form a punch out, the punchout comprising second perforations that outline a perimeter of each of a plurality of pieces which when combined form the projectile.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the target comprises a goalpost.

12. The system of claim number one, or the target comprises a post and wherein the projectile is horseshoe shaped.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the carton comprises an opening and wherein the post is configured to be received within the opening so as to stand upright.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the target comprises a wall having an opening and wherein the projectile comprises a disk for being propelled through the opening.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the carton comprises a punchout for securement of a rubber band to propel the projectile.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the carton comprises a cereal box.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the carton is formed from a paperboard material.

18. The system of claim 1 further comprising a bag within the carton and sealed about food items.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the perforations are located and configured (1) such that the carton may be separated into two ramped bodies, each of the ramped bodies having a main ramp platform having a target opening, triangular sidewalls and a rear wall extending downward from a top end of the main ramp platform, and (2) such that the projectile is smaller than the target opening and is formed from portions of the carton not forming the ramped bodies.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the target is configured to stand upright relative to a remainder of the carton when the carton is converted to the game.