Patent Application
20220233945
The present invention relates to a game that can be played on ice. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus, kit, and method that include a set of discs and instructions for playing the game using the discs.
People who ice fish tend to spend a substantial amount of time waiting for the tip-up to move, confirming a fish has been hooked. One option for passing the time while remaining accessible to the fishing tackle is to play a game on the ice. People play cards, cornhole, hockey, catch, and an array of other customized activities. It is desirable to pass that waiting time in a fun way. Therefore, what is needed is a game that can be played while ice fishing.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a game suited for playing on ice but not necessarily limited thereto. This object is accomplished with the present invention, which is a kit including game pieces and instructions for playing the game. The invention includes the method of playing the game using the game pieces that comprise the apparatus of the invention. The game pieces are discs each of which is configured to slide on the ice, including a perimeter shaped to enable passage of the disc over impediments to sliding that may exist on the ice surface, such as ice chunks and upheavals but not limited thereto. Specifically, the perimeter of each disc is partially or completely tapered on its upper and lower surfaces. The tapering may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The tapering may be characterized as beveling but not limited to that specifically. Each disc is ordinarily round but the invention is not limited to that specific disc shape. The disc may be made of a nonmetallic material such as a viscoelastic material that may be a plastic or a hard rubber material. The discs may be colored to represent two or more different sets of two or more discs, or they may be otherwise designed to represent the at least two sets.
The game is played using instructions provided, but players may alter rules of the game if they wish. The primary instructions for the game include first include creating a first hole in the ice and a second hole in the ice spaced from the first hole. Next, the disc sets are divided evenly among players of the game. There can be one or more players on a team and two or more teams. The players attempt to slide their respective discs into the second hole while positioned near the first hole. Points are awarded for success in sliding discs into the hole and for proximity to the hole. Points can be offset when two or more players have success getting their discs into the hole. Points awarded for proximity to the hole can also be offset. A measuring tape may be included with the game kit to assist the players in determining disc proximity accurately. The method is repeated with a return to the first hole. The number of rounds of the game is selectable. The winner is named based on the total number of points attained.
Each of the first hole and the second hole extends partially into the ice but not completely through the ice. The first hole and the second hole are spaced apart by a desirable distance. For example, they may be spaced apart by about 33 feet but not limited thereto. The holes may be produced using an ice auger of the type used to make ice fishing holes. Other hole formation means may be used. The game pieces including the discs, the measuring tape(s), an optional scorecard, and a set of game instructions may be stored in a kit for easy transport.
A kit 10 of the present invention shown in
The set of instructions 30 describe steps undertaken to play the game using the game pieces. With reference to
The next step of the game is to choose a starting player or team. In any subsequent game, the winner of the prior game may go first. With reference to
Scoring of the game requires the assignment of points for discs in a hole and closest disc proximity to a hole. As an example, three points may be assigned to each disc in a hole, and one point for disc closest to a hole. When each opposing player gets a disc into a hole, their scores cancel out. The same canceling exists when the disc proximities are equal. A player with all discs in a hole and none in from the opposing player gets three points per disc in. Alternative scoring options are possible with consent of the players. Scores may be recorded using the optional scorecard 18. The winner is the player with the highest point total after all game rounds have been completed. Optionally, a designated winning score may be assigned to determine the end of the game. Scoring examples are shown in
The number of rounds of play, with a round comprising discs tosses to the second hole 34 and then to the first hole 32, is selectable by the players but should be no less than four. As noted, more than two people may play the game. When there are individual players, all stand at the same hole and toss to the opposing hole. When there are teams, there should be two players per team. One player from each team is positioned at the first hole 32, and the other player of the team is positioned at the second hole 34. The discs 20-26 are alternately tossed back and forth without players moving from their respective ice holes. Optionally, when the game is played as a tournament or there otherwise is interest in making in increasing game difficulty, additional rules can include requiring each player to stand on both feet when tossing a disc, requiring a disc release from above the surface of the ice 28, and restricting forward positioning to not beyond the front edge of the hole where the player is located. Other tournament-type rules may be adopted as desired.
An important aspect of playing the game on the ice 28 is the configuration of the discs 20-26. Referring to
Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described herein, the above description is merely illustrative. Further modification of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
