Dartboard Practice Aids

Abstract

A practice aid for the game of darts comprises a shaped foam body that is configured for placement over a front face of a dartboard. The shaped foam body has at least one preformed cutout that defines an opening through which a target region of the underlying dartboard is visible.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to dart games and more specifically to a dartboard practice aid that is formed of a foam body that is constructed in a defined way to provide the dart thrower with a tool for practicing precision dart throwing (i.e., a dartboard practice aid).

BACKGROUND

Dart games have been in use of a long time. The conventional form of such a dart game employs a dartboard that is usually made of cork or paper and a plurality of sharp pointed darts. These darts are propelled through the air so that the sharp points of the darts penetrate the dartboard. The layout of a dartboard is a circle cut into 20 equal arcs, with an inner and outer bullseye at the center, and two rings, one halfway and one on the outer rim of the circle, representing treble and double scores respectively. The throwing of a dart to land in a target location of the dartboard thus requires skill and precision. Like most sports of skill, practice is key.

There is therefore a need for an accessory that can alter the appearance of the dartboard during a training session and act as a training aid for improving the precision of the player.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view a dartboard practice aid according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure and for use with a conventional (bristle) dartboard;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view a dartboard practice aid according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure and for use with a conventional (bristle) dartboard;

FIG. 3A is a rear view of the dartboard practice aid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a rear view of the dartboard practice aid of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dartboard practice aid according to the first embodiment attached to the dartboard;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the dartboard practice aid according to the second embodiment attached to the dartboard;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view a dartboard practice aid according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure and for use with an electronic dartboard;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view a dartboard practice aid according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure and for use with an electronic dartboard;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the dartboard practice aid according to the third embodiment attached to the electronic dartboard;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the dartboard practice aid according to the fourth embodiment attached to the electronic dartboard;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a fastener for attaching the dartboard practice aid to the electronic dartboard;

FIG. 11 is a close-up of a section of the electronic dartboard that receives the fastener;

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of an alternative bristle dartboard with a magnetic ring;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the dartboard practice aid according to a fifth embodiment; and

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the dartboard practice aid according to a sixth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the attached FIGS. 13A, 13B and 1, a dartboard practice aid (accessory) 100 is provided for use with a dartboard 10 (FIG. 1). Dartboard 10 can have a conventional (bristle dartboard) construction and layout. FIG. 13A shows an aid having one pattern, while FIG. 13B shows another pattern.

The dartboard practice aid 100 comprises a foam body 110 that can be thought of as a foam pad or foam board. The thickness of the foam body 110 is selected so that a properly thrown dart enters into the foam body 110 and stays embedded therein and embedded in the dartboard itself. For example, the thickness of the foam body 110 can be between 2 mm and 7 mm, e.g., 2 mm to 4 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness is 2 mm. Unlike paper and other similar materials, foam provides a durable material for the body and holds up against dart piercing actions, etc. Applicant has discovered that foam provided an optimal material for the intended use.

The shape of the foam body 110 is complementary to the shape of the dartboard 10 and therefore, can have a generally circular shape. The outer perimeter of the foam body 110 can have discrete protruding tabs 112 that define anchor points of the foam body 110. These tabs 112 define areas at which fasteners, such as pins, nails, etc., that pass through the foam body 110 into the dartboard. Alternatively, other fastening techniques can be used such as double sided adhesive tape on the rear surface of the foam body 110 (i.e., use of repositionable adhesive).

The foam body 110 is cut in a defined manner to provide targeted and specific practice for the dart thrower. More specifically, the foam body 110 lies along the adorned front face of the dartboard 10 within the outer perimeter of the dartboard 10. The surface coverage of the foam pad over the dartboard can vary as shown in that in some embodiments, the foam body 110 can be sized to occupy less than 50% of the surface area of the dartboard 10, while in other embodiments, it can occupy more than 75% (or can occupy between 50% and 75%). The foam body 110 has one or more openings (cutouts) 120 that outline various positions on the dartboard 10 to provide targets for the thrower. In other words, the exposed area within the cutout 120 is a target for the thrower who attempts to land the dart in this exposed area of the dartboard. The color of the foam body 110 can vary; however, as shown, it can be colored white or gray so that the exposed area of the dartboard is prominent and colored compared to the surrounding white color of the foam body 110. The attached photos show that the cutouts can be located in different areas and can have different shapes and different sizes. In this embodiment, the product is supplied to the end user with the cutouts in the form of holes in the foam body.

In another embodiment, the foam body 110 can include a plurality of cutouts 120 that are die cut but the die cut areas are not removed from the foam body 110. The user can thus poke out select die cut areas to customize the cutout pattern of the foam body 110. This allows different target patterns to be formed. Thus, in an initial state, the practice aid has no exposed openings (cutouts) but rather has a plurality of bounded die cut pieces and the user then strategically pokes out the desired number of die cut pieces to create the cutouts 120 that expose the underlying regions of the dartboard. In this embodiment, the cutouts 120 can be described as being preformed cutouts, while non-preformed cutouts can be used to describe holes formed in the shaped foam body that require no removal of the cut foam material to create and define the hole. This is much like a children's foam puzzle in which the puzzle pieces are pushed out from the board.

If the foam body 110 has preformed cutouts 120 or if the product is provided with the exposed cutouts (through holes) 120 already formed, the areas around each cutout can be decorated, such as with a colored perimeter line or border.

Using specific cutouts 120 aid the thrower in the development of muscle memory.

Each foam body 110 has cutouts 120 that vary in size to address the needs of players at a variety of levels.

FIGS. 1-2 show different cutout layouts formed in the corresponding foam bodies 110. It will be appreciated that many different cutout patterns can be formed and provided in the foam bodies. For example, a foam body can include a square shaped cutout that gives the player the opportunity to score one point. Alternatively, the foam body can have the identical cutout however it is scaled down 25% for the advanced dart thrower. When the player is ready to move on to the other numbers on the board, the player simply rotates the foam body 110. The foam body can have smaller pierced cutouts that a player could practice to achieve a higher point value. The same cutouts can be scaled down 25% for the advanced player. The foam body can have a circular shaped pierced cutout around the bullseye.

In addition, the consumer can be provided with a kit of various foam bodies 110 such as in a common envelope or box. The consumer can then select and use the various practice aids of interest to sharpen various skills.

It will be appreciated that any type of foam layer suitable for this intended use can be used. In one embodiment, the foam board is formed of ethylene-vinyl acetate foam; however, others can be equally used. This material can also be a printable material and thus, the front surface of the foam can receive print to allow the user to customize the surface with print, such as a name or other indicia.

As also described herein, the foam body can be formed of multiple layers of foam. In addition, the multiple foam layers can be different colors and can be offset from one another and have different shapes. For example, an inner layer of foam can have a first color and a first cutout of first dimensions and an outer layer of foam that is disposed over the inner layer can have a second color and a second cutout of second dimensions that are greater than the first dimensions. This results in the first cutout being visible inside of the second cutout and the different colors are visible. For example, a border around the first cutout is visible in the second cutout. Alternatively, the inner layer can be solid (no first cutout) and is completely visible through and occupies the entire second cutout.

In one embodiment, the shaped foam body described herein can be attached to the bristle dartboard with conventional tacks, that include a pointed stem or needle and an enlarged head.

In yet another embodiment, magnetic attraction can be used to attach the shaped foam body to the dartboard. This construction is shown in FIGS. 1-5.

As previously mentioned, dartboard 10 can have a conventional construction and layout. For example, the dartboard 10 includes a cork body that is carried in a metal frame. As is known, a conventional dartboard has 20 equal segments with a separate region known as bull's-eye. Further, the sections and the bull's-eye are divided into various parts. The distributed areas of the dartboard are regarded as beds. The segments are further divided into skinny inner division and fat outer singles division. The inner ring present in the dartboard dividing the inner and outer singles segments is known as the “triples area”. The outer ring on the dartboard that divides the outer singles section from the board is known as “doubles”. The dartboard is thus circular in shape with 20 segments divided on an entire 360 degrees board. The center lines of each section bisect both the horizontal and vertical axes of the circle. The boards are usually dyed after manufacturing. Typically, a black color dye is preferred with silver wire. The beds or segments divide the dartboard with the aid of spider which is basically metal or plastic dividers that help in isolating the beds from their neighboring regions.

Similar to the dartboard practice aid 100, the dartboard practice aid 200 preferably comprises a foam body 210 that can be thought of as a foam pad or foam board. The thickness of the foam body 210 is selected so that a properly thrown dart enters into the foam body 210 and stays embedded therein. For example, the thickness of the foam body 210 can be between 2 mm and 7 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness is 2 mm to 3 mm (e.g., 3 mm) or can be 6 mm or 7 mm. The foam body 210 can be formed of the same material described relative to the foam body 110.

The shape of the foam body 210 is complementary to the shape of the dartboard 10 and therefore, can have a generally circular shape. The outer perimeter of the foam body 210 can have discrete protruding tabs 212 that define anchor points of the foam body 210. These tabs 212 define areas at which the foam body 210 can be attached to the underlying dartboard 10.

In this embodiment, the means for attaching the foam body 210 to the dartboard 10 is magnetic attraction. More specifically, the foam body 210 can carry one or more magnets 215 and preferably, a plurality of magnets 215. The magnets 215 are preferably spaced apart from one another and are arranged in a circumferential manner about the foam body 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets 215 are located in some or all of the tabs 212. It will also be understood that the magnets 215 can be entirely contained within the tab outside of the circular perimeter of the gameboard. The magnets 215 can be secured to the foam body 210 using conventional techniques, such as bonding agents or the like. For example, an adhesive can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the foam body 210 includes one or more and preferably a plurality of cutouts or holes 211 (FIG. 3) that are configured to receive the magnets 215. In the illustrated embodiment, recessed areas that are shaped and sized to receive the magnets 215 are formed in the backside of the foam body. In other words, the hole 211 can be a blind hole or circular depression formed in the foam body.

The magnets 215 are inserted into the holes 211 so that at least the inner faces of the magnets 215 are exposed along the rear surface of the foam body 210. The depth of the hole 211 is selected in view of the thickness of the magnet 215 so that when the magnet 215 is received in the hole 211, the magnet 215 is generally flush with the rear surface of the foam body 210. For example, the recess can be 2-3 mm in depth and the magnet is 2-3 mm thickness and the overall foam body can be 5-7 mm.

The magnets 215 can be inserted into the holes 211 and then be permanently bonded to the foam body 210 using an adhesive, such as a suitable glue. In the illustrated embodiment, there are eight magnets 215. The magnets 215 comprises strong magnets, such as neodymium magnets, that are magnetically attracted to the metal frame of the dartboard 10 resulting in the foam body 210 being securely, yet detachably, attached to the dartboard at a desired location and in a desired orientation. The magnets 215 contact the metal frame of the dartboard and are magnetically coupled thereto or as described herein, the magnets 215 can be attracted to fasteners that are inserted into the dartboard as shown in the figures. To remove the aid 200, the user simply lifts the aid away from the metal frame or fasteners to decouple the aid 200 from the metal frame of the dartboard.

The foam body 210 is cut in a defined manner to provide targeted and specific practice for the dart thrower. More specifically, the foam body 210 lies along the adorned front face of the dartboard 10 within the outer perimeter of the dartboard 10. The surface coverage of the foam pad over the dartboard can vary as shown in that in some embodiments, the foam body 210 can be sized to occupy less than 50% of the surface area of the dartboard 10, while in other embodiments, it can occupy more than 75%, or can be between 50% and 75%. The foam body 210 has one or more openings (cutouts) 220 that outline various positions on the dartboard 10 to provide targets for the thrower. In other words, the exposed area within the cutout 220 is a target for the thrower who attempts to land the dart in this exposed area of the dartboard. The cutouts 220 can be located in different areas and can have different shapes and different sizes.

Thus, the foam body 210 can have any number of different hole patterns depending upon the skill that is being practiced and in particular, depending upon the one or more regions of the dartboard 10 that are being targeted to develop a skill and precision throwing. As mentioned, multiple dartboard practice aids can be provided as a kit and provided to the consumer in a single box.

As mentioned previously, the foam body 210 can use fasteners, such as pins, tacks, nails, etc., that pass through the foam body 210 into the underlying dartboard. Alternatively, other fastening techniques can be used such as double sided adhesive tape on the rear surface of the foam body 210 (i.e., use of repositionable adhesive).

In yet another aspect, the foam body 210 can include a plurality of raised regions of increased thickness generally indicated at 219. These structures 219 overlie and cover the location of the magnets 215 and act to protect the magnets 215 that are recessed along the rear of the foam body. The structures 219 can be formed of the same material as the foam body 210 and it can be formed integral thereto or it can be a separate element that is attached to the front of the foam body 210. These structures 219 thus selectively add foam thickness to the local regions that overlie the magnets 215 since it is not desired for a sharp pointed tip of the dart to contact the metal magnet 215 through the thin main foam body. These structures 219 can be considered to be bumpers. The structures 219 can take any number of different shapes with each, in one embodiment, being generally round with the illustrated embodiment having a truncated (flat) inner edge 221. The structure 219 preferably completely covers the magnet 215. Thus, the structure 219 preferably has greater dimensions than the magnet 215. The structures 219 once again lie outside the perimeter of the game area and thus, don't interfere with play.

In one embodiment, within the region of the structures 219, the foam body can have a thickness of between 8 mm to 16 mm which is greater than the other surrounding regions of the foam body. For example, the foam body can have a thickness between 4 mm to 8 mm (e.g., 5-6 mm) and the bumper can have a thickness between 2 mm to 10 mm (on top of the thickness of the foam body).

As mentioned, one means for attaching the foam body to the bristle dartboard 10 is the use of magnetic attraction using magnets 215 and fasteners 55. In this case, oversized fasteners 55 are used. Each oversized fastener 55 has a pointed stem 59 and an oversized head 57. The head 57 is sized in view of the size of magnet 215 since the two are to be magnetically coupled to one another. The head 57 can thus be formed of metal and have a diameter (width) that is similar to, the same as, or larger than the diameter of the magnet 215 (which is not limited to having a circular shape). Initially, the player uses the locations and spacings of the magnets 215 as a guide for placing and inserting the fasteners 55 into the cork dartboard 10 (within the outer area outside scoring area). When inserted, the heads 57 are located along the surface of the dartboard 10 and provide a large surface against which the magnets 215 are placed to magnetically attach the foam body 215 to the board 10. In a kit, the locations of the magnets 215 is preferably uniform from one foam body to another and therefore, once the player initially inserts the fasteners 55, the player can easily remove one foam body 210 from attachment and replace with another different one.

FIGS. 6-11 illustrate an electronic dartboard 50. As is known, an electronic dartboard is a specialist dartboard measuring 15.5 inches in diameter that is made from a plastic casing and has a segmented section with plastic molded holes 51 (FIG. 11). The holes 51 are connected to a wired receiver which transmits the score for each dart to an LCD scoreboard display.

FIG. 6 shows a dartboard practice aid 300 that is similar to the aids 100, 200 and comprises a foam body 310 that can be thought of as a foam pad or foam board. In one embodiment, the thickness is 2 mm to 3 mm (e.g., 3 mm). The foam body 310 can be formed of the same material described relative to the foam body 310.

The shape of the foam body 310 is complementary to the shape of the dartboard 50 and therefore, can have a generally circular shape. The outer perimeter of the foam body 310 can have discrete protruding tabs, similar to the tabs 212, that define anchor points of the foam body 310. These tabs can define areas at which the foam body 310 can be attached to the underlying dartboard 50. Alternatively, as shown, the foam body 310 can have no tabs (and the attachment points are within the circular perimeter border).

As with the other embodiments, the foam body 310 has one or more openings (cutouts) 320 that outline various positions on the dartboard 50 to provide targets for the thrower. In other words, the exposed area within the cutout 320 is a target for the thrower who attempts to land the dart in this exposed area of the dartboard. The cutouts 320 can be located in different areas and can have different shapes and different sizes.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative foam body 310 having a different cutout pattern.

In this embodiment, the means for attaching the foam body 310 to the dartboard 50 is by a plurality of specifically designed fasteners 400 as shown in the figures. The fasteners 400 have dart shapes and in particular, each fastener 400 has a point or tip 412, a barrel 415, a shaft 410 and a flight 420. Thus, the tip 412 is at one end and the flight 420 is at the other end. The tip 412 is specifically configured to be received and held securely within one of the holes 51 of the dartboard 50. Thus, the tip 412 is not pointed but more rounded and blunt since no piercing is used to attach the fastener 400 to the dartboard 50. As shown, the user uses a plurality of fasteners 400 to attach the foam body 310 with the tips 412 being pressed through the foam body 310. The foam body 310 can easily be pierced and therefore, does not require preformed holes for the fasteners 400; however, it is equally possible for preformed holes to be formed through the foam body 310 through which the fasteners 400 pass into the holes 51 of the dartboard 50.

By having a dart shape, the fasteners 400 are aesthetically pleasing in view of their intended use to attach the foam body 310 to the electronic dartboard 50. The fasteners thus carry the theme of the sport. However, the fasteners 400 can have other shapes so long as they have the tips 412 that allow them to be secured within holes 51.

It will be appreciated, as mentioned herein, the foam body 310 can have a circular shape with no tabs and the magnets or fasteners 400 can be installed within the circular boundary of the foam body.

Now referring to FIG. 12 in which dartboard 10 is shown. The dartboard 10 has a bullseye 11 and a scoring area 13 which includes the segmented sections (not shown). Outside of the outer ring (double ring), there is an outer area 15 in which numbers (1-20) are displayed and reflect the amount of points scored. In one embodiment, there is magnetic coupling ring 17 for coupling to magnets 215 for attaching the foam body 210 to the board. The ring 17 is thus formed of a material that is magnetically attracted to magnets 215 and in one embodiment, the ring 17 is formed of a magnetically receptive rubber material. The ring 17 provides a surface to which the magnets 215 can be attached for attaching the foam body 210 to the dartboard 10. The foam body 210 can easily be adjusted as well relative to the ring 17. The ring 17 can be attached to the dartboard 10 using conventional techniques, such as use of adhesives (e.g., double-sided tape) or by using fasteners, such as tacks. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the ring 17 can have a barbs or tack-like structures that permit the ring 17 to be pressed into the cork of the dartboard 10 for securely attaching the ring 17 to the dartboard 10. The ring 17 can be provided in a kit along with the other parts.

In addition, while ring 17 is shown as a continuous ring, it will be appreciated that the ring 17 can be noncontinuous and be formed of two or more discrete arcuate segments. In addition, in another embodiment, the ring 17 can comprise a magnet and the members 215 associated with the foam body 210 can comprise members formed of a magnetically receptive material.

It will be appreciated that while the shaped bodies 110, 210, 310 are described as being formed of a foam material (one preferred material), the shaped bodies 110, 210, 310 can be formed of other materials so long as they perform the intended function described herein, such as allowing a sharp tipped dart to pass therethrough into the underlying board.

Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.

Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.

Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.

Claims

1. A practice aid for the game of darts comprising: a shaped foam body that is configured for placement over a front face of a dartboard, the shaped foam body having at least one opening through which a target region of the underlying dartboard is visible; anda plurality of magnets exposed along a rear surface of the foam body for magnetically coupling the foam body to a metal object associated with the dartboard.

2. The practice aid of claim 1, wherein the shaped foam body has a circular shaped perimeter edge with a plurality of tabs that are integral to the shaped foam body and protrude outwardly from the perimeter edge and define fastening locations for attaching the shaped foam body to the dartboard.

3. The practice aid of claim 1, wherein the plurality of magnets are disposed within holes or recesses formed in rear faces of the plurality of tabs.

4. The practice aid of claim 1, wherein an adhesive permanently attaches the plurality of magnets to the shaped foam body.

5. The practice aid of claim 1, wherein the plurality of magnets comprise neodymium magnets.

6. The practice aid of claim 1, wherein the metal object comprises one of a metal frame of the dartboard or a metal head of a fastener that is configured to be removably embedded in the dartboard.

7. The practice aid of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening comprises a preformed cutout formed in the foam body.

8. The practice aid of claim 1, wherein the shaped foam body comprises a plurality of discrete stacked foam layers, wherein two or more layers of the plurality discrete stacked foam layers have different colors.

9. The practice aid of claim 8, wherein the two or more layers comprise an underlying layer and a top layer, wherein one opening formed in the underlying layer has dimensions less than an overlying opening of the top layer such that a border around the one opening is visible within the overlying opening.

10. The practice aid of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening comprises a plurality of openings with at least two different shapes.

11. The practice aid of claim 10, wherein plurality of openings comprises a first ring of openings and a second ring of openings located radially outside of the first ring of openings.

12. The practice aid of claim 1, wherein the shaped foam body has a greater thickness in regions in which the plurality of magnets are located compared to surrounding regions of the shaped foam body.

13. The practice aid of claim 12, further including foam bumpers that are attached to or formed integral to the shaped foam body and are located along a front surface thereof overlying the regions in which the plurality of magnets are located.

14. The practice aid of claim 13, wherein the regions in which the plurality of magnets are located comprise tabs that protrude radially outward from a circumferential perimeter edge of the shaped foam body.

15. The practice aid of claim 14, wherein the plurality of magnets are disposed in recesses formed along the rear surfaces of the tabs and are located radially outward from the circumferential perimeter edge.

16. The practice aid of claim 15, wherein the bumpers are attached to or formed integral to the tabs.

17. A practice aid for the game of darts comprising: a shaped foam body that is configured for placement over a front face of an electronic dartboard, the shaped foam body having at least one preformed cutout that defines an opening through which a target region of the underlying electronic dartboard is visible; anda plurality of fasteners for passing through the shaped foam body and for insertion into selected holes formed along the front face of the electronic dartboard for coupling the shaped foam body to the electronic dartboard;wherein each fastener has a tip that is configured to be inserted and frictionally held within one hole along the front face of the electronic dartboard.

18. The practice aid of claim 17, wherein each fastener has a dart shape.

19. A practice aid for the game of darts comprising: a shaped foam body that is configured for placement over a front face of a dartboard, the shaped foam body having at least one preformed cutout that defines an opening through which a target region of the underlying dartboard is visible;a plurality of first magnetic elements disposed along the shaped foam body and exposed along an inner surface of the shaped foam body; andone or more second magnetic elements for disposition along the front face of the dartboard outside a scoring area thereof.

20. The practice aid of claim 19, wherein the plurality of first magnetic elements comprises magnets and the one or more second magnetic elements are formed of a magnetically receptive material.

21. The practice aid of claim 20, wherein the one or more second magnetic elements comprises a ring formed of the magnetically receptive material.

22. The practice aid of claim 19, wherein the one or more second magnetic elements comprise a plurality of metal fasteners, each metal fastener having a pointed stem and a head against which the magnet seats for magnetically coupling the shaped body to the plurality of metal fasteners.

23. The practice aid kit of claim 22, wherein the head has a width that is equal to or greater than a width of the magnet.

24. A practice aid for the game of darts comprising: a shaped foam body that is configured for placement over a front face of a dartboard, the shaped foam body having at least one preformed cutout that defines an opening through which a target region of the underlying dartboard is visible.

25. The practice aid of claim 24, wherein the shaped foam body has a thickness between 2 mm and 4 mm.

26. The practice aid of claim 24, wherein the shaped foam body has a circular shaped perimeter edge with a plurality of tabs that protrude outwardly from the perimeter edge and define fastening locations for attaching the shaped foam body to the dartboard.

27. The practice aid of claim 24, wherein the at least cutout comprises a plurality of cutouts.

28. The practice aid of claim 24, wherein the plurality of cutouts have the same shape.

29. The practice aid of claim 24, wherein the plurality of cutouts have different shapes.

30. The practice aid of claim 24, wherein the plurality of cutouts are arranged circumferentially.

31. The practice aid of claim 24, wherein the plurality of cutouts are formed along a first annular shaped region of the foam body.