GAME SET, KIT, AND PLAYSET

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to a game set and playset, and more particularly it is directed to a game set, playset, and kit, for playing a ball and cup game such as, for example, the game of beer pong.

BACKGROUND

Beer pong (sometimes also referred to as Beirut, 6-Cup, or 10-Cup) is a drinking game in which players throw a ball (e.g. a ping pong ball) across a table with the intent of landing the ball in a cup of liquid (e.g. beer) on the other end of the table. The game typically consists of opposing teams of two players per side with 6 or 10 cups set up in a triangle formation on each end of the table. Each team takes turns attempting to throw balls into the opponent's cups. If a ball lands in a cup, the contents of that cup are consumed by the other team and the cup is removed from the table. The first team to eliminate all of the opponent's cups is the winner. Typically, the game is played with disposable plastic cups (e.g. red solo cups) that are thrown away (or recycled) at the end of the game.

Further, during gameplay, traditionally the disposable plastic cups are supported on the table and sometimes during gameplay the cups are knocked over. It is appreciated that the game can be played unrelated to beer or any type of “drinking game,” and can be played simply for amusement.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a game kit for playing a ball and cup game. The game kit can include a placemat, a triangularly shaped magnetic rack coupled to the placemat, and a plurality of cups. Each of the plurality of cups including a magnetically attractable element coupled to a base of each of the plurality of cups, the plurality of cups being adapted to couple to the magnetic rack through the magnetically attractable element.

In one aspect, the game kit further includes at least one magnetic holder separate from the placemat and the magnetic rack, the at least one magnetic holder being positioned adjacent the placemat.

In one aspect, the magnetic holder includes an inner component constructed from a magnetically attractable material and an outer component covering the inner component and constructed from a non-magnetically attractable material.

In one aspect, the inner component is constructed from an alloy steel and the outer component is constructed from a silicone material.

In one aspect, the plurality of cups are adapted to couple to the magnetic holder through the magnetically attractable element of each of the plurality of cups.

In one aspect, the placemat is a rectangularly shaped placemat, and the placemat is constructed from a non-magnetically attractable material.

In one aspect, the placemat is constructed from a silicone material.

In one aspect, the magnetic rack is an equilateral triangle.

In one aspect, the magnetic rack includes a first support member and a second support member, and the first support member is oriented perpendicular to the second support member.

In one aspect, the first support member extends from a flat side to a point of the of the triangularly shaped magnetic rack.

In one aspect, the first support member is oriented perpendicular to the flat side of the triangularly shaped magnetic rack.

In one aspect, the second support member extends from a first angled side to a second angled side of the triangularly shaped magnetic rack.

In one aspect, the second support member is oriented non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the first angled side and the second angled side of the triangularly shaped magnetic rack.

In one aspect, the magnetic rack is positioned between a first layer and a second layer of the placemat.

In one aspect, the magnetic rack is free from direct contact with the plurality of magnetic cups when the plurality of magnetic cups are coupled to the magnetic rack.

In one aspect, the magnetic rack is raised above the first layer or the second layer of the placemat when the magnetic rack is coupled to the placemat between the first layer and the second layer of the placemat.

In one aspect, the magnetic rack is constructed from a magnetically attractable material.

In one aspect, the magnetic rack is constructed from an alloy steel.

In one aspect, the magnetic rack is centered about a width of the placemat, and the magnetic rack is non-centered about a length of the placemat.

In one aspect, the magnetic rack is positioned closer to a first end of the placemat than a second end of the placemat in a lengthwise direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing Summary as well as the following Detailed Description will be best understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a prior art, traditional beer pong game setup.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a beer pong kit according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the beer pong kit of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a placemat of the beer pong kit of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the placemat of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a close-up schematic illustration of a plurality of cups coupled to a magnetic rack of the beer pong kit of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the placemat of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a magnetic rack of the beer pong kit of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the magnetic rack of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 includes views indicating the dimensions of a prior art, traditional beer pong cup and ball.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a cup of the beer pong kit of FIG. 2.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the cup of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a first bottom view of the cup of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a second bottom view of the cup of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a first top view of a magnetic holder of the beer pong kit of FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 16 is a second top view of a magnetic holder of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a table cloth including magnets, according to another embodiment according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a top view of a towel including magnets, according to another embodiment according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a top view of a 10-cup embodiment of a placemat of the beer pong kit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 shows an exemplary kit for the game, set, and kit as disclosed herein, including placemats, magnetic racks, magnetic holders, a plurality of cups, and ping-pong balls.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “front”, “rear”, “upper”, and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions towards and away from parts referenced in the drawings. “Axially” refers to a direction along the axis of a shaft or any other cylindrical member. A reference to a list of items that are cited as “at least one of a, b, or c” (where a, b, and c represent the items being listed) means any single one of the items a, b, or c, or combinations thereof are included. The terms “about” and “approximately” encompass +/−10% of an indicated value unless otherwise noted. The terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

As discussed, there is a need for a game set such as a beer pong kit that can be washed and reused for each beer pong game, reducing the overall amount of waste produced by the game. Further, there is a need for a beer pong kit that can more securely position and hold the cups in place during gameplay, preventing cups from being knocked over and the liquid within the cups from being spilled on the table. In addition, there is a need for a game set for the game of beer pong where the cups are easy to arrange and remain in place during gameplay.

The present invention is an apparatus (game set, playset, or kit) that is used to play, in one aspect, the game of beer pong, although it can also function as a game set to simply toss ping pong balls without any relation to beer or a “drinking game.” In an aspect of the invention, instead of using disposable plastic cups (and generating plastic waste) the present invention is a manufactured premium version beer pong kit in which a user can wash and re-use the cups and silicone placemats. As such, the present invention reduces plastic waste and is a more environmentally friendly solution to the game of beer pong.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a prior art and traditional setup for the game of beer pong. This game usually involves four people, split up into two teams of two. A ping-pong ball is thrown by a player across a table aiming at one of the opponent's cups situated in a pattern on a table or other support surface. The 6 cups on each team's side are to be set up in an equilateral triangle, as shown in FIG. 1. In some examples, there can be one water/wash cup per team to wash the ping-pong balls before the players shoot/throw their balls across the table. When a ball is sunk in a cup, the players from the team scored upon must drink the contents of the cup and remove the empty cup from its position. Once all the other side's cups are empty, that team has won the game.

To decide who shoots first (starts the game), one player from each team shoots the ball while maintaining eye contact with their opponent across the table throughout their shot. If both players miss, or both players make it, their partners now shoot. This goes on until one person makes it and their opponent does not. The hit cup is not removed; the ball is taken out and rolled back to the team that sank the shot. It is now that team's turn to shoot first and start the game. If it is not the first game, the winner of the previous game shoots first. Each person gets 1 shot then the balls are turned over to the opposing team. If both players make their shots in, the balls are returned to those players to keep shooting until they miss.

When shooting, players must not lean over the table. They must keep their elbows behind the edge of the table. Breaking this rule results in the shot not counting. If the shot is made, the infracting player may step back and re-shoot the ball. Each team can request the cups to be rearranged at the start of their turn, twice per game (each player is allowed 1 re-rack per game). Re-racking may take place when you have remaining cups in the amount of 6, 4, 3, or 2. If you get the balls back after making 2 shots in a row, you are not allowed to re-rack in the middle of your turn. Re-racks are only to be done at the start of the team's turn. If requested, the last cup may always be pulled back and centered as a courtesy.

If the ball hits the table, bounces, and then goes into a cup—the cup that the ball goes into is removed, as well as another cup of the defending player's choice. If there are only two cups remaining, the bounce only counts as one cup (it is pretty useless to bounce on the last two cups). Bounce shots may be swatted as a form of defense by the opposing teams. Normal shots may not be swatted. After shooting, if the ball rolls back to the shooter without hitting the floor (you may also grab it mid-air)—the player can shoot it behind the back or using their left hand only. The shot counts as one cup if it is made.

A player that makes 2 consecutive shots in a row can call out “heating up.” On their third shot in a row, they can call “on fire” or “fireman.” Once on fire, that player can continue making shots until he or she misses. Please note—“on fire” cannot be called out unless “heating up” was called out in the previous round.

Each player (once per game) can call a specific cup if it is not touching any other cup (singled out due to surrounding cups being hit, not from the cup sliding away from the other cups on a wet table). If the called cup is hit, the defending team pulls the hit cup along with an additional cup of their choosing. If the shooter calls a specific cup and hits another, the ball is pulled out and the unintentionally hit cup remains on the table.

If the last two cups are made consecutively by the two players in a row, the game is automatically won. The other team cannot tie, or go for redemption and further overtime. In the case that there is one cup left for each team and each team makes it, the game progresses into overtime. For overtime, three cups are placed back into a triangle shape on each teams side. The would-have-been winners shoot first. There are no re-racks permitted in overtime, however the last cup may be pulled back or centered as a courtesy. The team wins when they have successfully hit all of their cups.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a beer pong kit (also referred to as a game set or playset) 10 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a top view of the beer pong kit 10 of the present invention. The beer pong kit 10 includes a placemat 12 (or gaming area), a triangularly shaped magnetic rack 14 coupled to the placemat 12, and a plurality of cups 16. Each of the plurality of cups 16 include a magnetically attractable element 18 (i.e., a magnet, a ferrous metal, etc.) coupled to a base 20 of each of the plurality of cups 16. As such, each of the plurality of cups 16 including the magnetically attractable element 18 can be referred to as a magnetic cup 16. The plurality of cups 16 are adapted to couple, via magnetic attraction, to the magnetic rack 14 through a magnetic connection induced by the magnetically attractable elements 18. The magnetic rack 14 may be positioned on a surface of the placemat 12, or formed within the placemat 12.

In the illustrated example, shown best in FIGS. 2-5, the placemat 12 is a rectangularly shaped placemat 12, although other shapes are contemplated. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the placemat 12 is a thin rectangular shaped placemat 12, with a greater length and width than a thickness of the placemat 12. In other examples, the placemat 12 can be triangular, square, or any other geometric or non-geometric shaped placemat. Further, in the illustrated example, the magnetic rack 14 is centered about a width of the rectangular shaped placemat 12, and the magnetic rack is non-centered about a length of the rectangular shaped placemat 12. More specifically, the magnetic rack 14 is positioned closer to a first end of the placemat 12 than a second end of the placemat 12 in a lengthwise direction. In other examples, the magnetic rack 14 can be centered about both the length and the width of the placemat 12. Further, in some examples, the magnetic rack 14 can be non-centered about both the length and the width of the placemat 12.

The placemat 12 can be constructed from a non-ferrous material, including but not limited to any material that is non-magnetic or it not magnetically attractable. For example, the placemat 12 can be constructed from a silicone material, and the silicone material can be dishwasher safe. In some examples, the placemat 12 can be constructed from a first layer and a second layer that are coupled together, for example through the use of an adhesive. In such examples, the magnetic rack 14 can be positioned between the first layer and the second layer of the placemat 12, such that the magnetic rack 14 is coupled and secured between the first and second layers of the placemat 12. In this arrangement, the magnetic rack 14 could be said to be positioned within the placemat 12, or sandwiched between layers of the placement 14. As such, when each of the plurality of cups 16 are coupled to the magnetic rack 14, the magnetic rack 14 is free from direct contact with each of the plurality of magnetic cups 16. More specifically, one of the first layer or the second layer is positioned between the magnetic rack 14 and the plurality of cups 16, preventing direct contact between the magnetic rack 14 and the plurality of cups 16.

As shown best in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the magnetic rack 14 can be raised above the first layer or the second layer of the placemat 12 when the magnetic rack 14 is coupled to the placemat 12 between the first layer and the second layer of the placemat 12. The magnetic rack 14 being raised above a surface of the placemat 12 can be due to manufacturing purposes and it can also aid in properly aligning each of the plurality of cups 16 about the magnetic rack 14. In the illustrated example, shown best in FIGS. 5 and 8, the magnetic rack 14 is formed in the shape of an equilateral triangle, such that each of the sides of the magnetic rack 14 are equal in length. In other examples, the magnetic rack 14 may not be an equilateral triangle, such that one or more of the sides of the magnetic rack 14 can be longer than the others. But, in each example, the magnetic rack 14 will have a generally triangular shape to aid in forming the desired triangular shape of the cups 16 during gameplay. While a triangular shape is shown, it is contemplated that any other shape can be used, such as a trapezoid, square, ellipsoid, or circle.

The magnetic rack 14 can also include a first support member 22 and a second support member 24. As illustrated, in some examples, the first support member 22 can be oriented perpendicular to the second support member 24. Further, the first support member 22 can extend from a flat side to a point of the triangularly shaped magnetic rack 14, such that the first support member 22 is oriented perpendicular to the flat side of the triangularly shaped magnetic rack 14. In addition, the second support member 24 can extend from a first angled side to a second angled side of the triangularly shaped magnetic rack 14. As illustrated, the second support member 24 is oriented non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the first angled side and the second angled side of the triangularly shaped magnetic rack 14. The first support member 22 and the second support member 24 increase the structural stability of the magnetic rack 14 and provide further locations for the cups 16 to be coupled to the magnetic rack 14.

In addition, the magnetic rack 14 can also include one or more generally circular flats 26. These flats 26 can also be considered cup positioning areas or cup positioning locations. In the illustrated examples, the magnetic rack 14 includes six circular flats 26, with one at each corner of the triangular magnetic rack 14 and one positioned at a midpoint between the corners of the triangular magnetic rack 14 on each of the three sides of the triangular magnetic rack 14. The circular flats 26 provide extra surface area for the plurality of cups 16 to be coupled to the magnetic rack 14, aiding in positioning the plurality of cups 16 about the magnetic rack 14. In some examples, the magnetic rack 14 can be constructed from a ferrous material (i.e., a ferrous metal), such that the magnetic rack 14 has magnetic properties. In some examples, the magnetic rack 14 can be constructed from an alloy steel. In other examples, the magnetic rack 14 can be constructed from a magnet. While a circular shape is shown, it is contemplated that any other shape can be used, such as a triangle, trapezoid, square, or ellipsoid.

In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic rack 14 is configured to secure six cups 16 to the magnetic rack 14, with three cups 16 being aligned in the rearmost row, two cups 16 being aligned in the middle row, and a single cup 16 being positioned in the forwardmost row (based on the orientation during gameplay). In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the magnetic rack 14 can be configured to secure ten cups 16 to the magnetic rack 14. In such an embodiment, four cups 16 are aligned in the rearmost row, three cups 16 are aligned in the first middle row, two cups 16 are aligned in the second middle row, and a single cup 16 is positioned in the forwardmost row (based on the orientation during gameplay). In further (non-illustrated) embodiments, the magnetic rack 14 can be configured to secure three cups 16 to the magnetic rack 14, in which a rear row includes two cups 16 and front row includes a single cup 16. As such, it is to be understood that the magnetic rack 14 (and overall kit 10) can be scaled in size to include as many cups 16 as desired, as will be appreciated by those having skill in the art.

In either example, the magnetic rack 14 is constructed from a magnetic material, allowing the plurality of cups 16 with the coupled magnetically attractable elements 18 to be securely coupled, via magnetic attraction, to the magnetic rack 14. More specifically, in an example in which the magnetic rack 14 is constructed from a ferrous metal, the magnetically attractable elements 18 coupled to the base of each of the plurality of cups 16 can each be magnets, such that the magnets are attracted to the magnetic rack 14 constructed from the ferrous metal. In addition, in an example in which the magnetic rack 14 is constructed from a magnet, the magnetically attractable elements 18 coupled to the base of each of the plurality of cups 16 can each be constructed from a ferrous metal, such that each of the magnetically attractable elements 18 are attracted to the magnetic rack 14 that is constructed from a magnet. In other examples, both the magnetic rack 14 and each of the magnetically attractable elements 18 can be magnets, with the magnetic rack 14 and the magnetically attractable elements 18 having opposite polarity such that a magnetic attraction is induced between the components to couple the components together via magnetic attraction.

As shown best in FIGS. 13-14, each of the plurality of cups 16 includes a magnetically attractable element 18 coupled to a base 20 of each of the plurality of cups 16. The magnetically attractable element 18 is centered about the circular base 20, such that the magnetically attractable element 18 is equidistance from an outer edge of the base 20 of each of the cups 16. In the illustrated example, the magnetically attractable elements 18 are coupled to an outer surface of the base 20. In other examples, the magnetically attractable elements 18 can be formed within the base 20 of the cups 16. As discussed, the plurality of cups 16 are each adapted to couple to the magnetic rack 14 through the magnetically attractable elements 18 coupled to the base 20 of each of the plurality of cups 16. The magnetically attractable elements 18 aid in securely coupling each of the plurality of cups 16 to the magnetic rack 14 during gameplay of the beer pong game. In some examples, each of the magnetically attractable elements 18 can have a diameter of approximately 30 mm. As discussed, each of the magnetically attractable elements 18 can be constructed from a magnetically attractable material, such as a magnet or a ferrous metal.

FIG. 10 includes views indicating the dimensions of a prior art, traditional beer pong cup and ball. As illustrated, a traditional beer pong ball is approximately 40 mm in diameter. Further, as illustrated, a traditional beer pong cup has a height of approximately 117 mm, a base diameter of approximately 57 mm, and a top diameter (the open end of the cup) of approximately 92 mm. The aforementioned cup dimensions are for a standard disposable plastic cup, such as a red solo cup. In contrast, as illustrated in FIGS. 11-14, each of the plurality of cups 16 of the beer pong kit 10 can have a height of approximately 120 mm, a base diameter of approximately 70 mm, and a top diameter (the open end of the cup) of approximately 100 mm. As such, each of the plurality of cups 16 of the beer pong kit 10 are slightly larger than a traditional or standard disposable plastic cup. The larger sized cups 16 provide a larger target to throw the ball at/into during gameplay, facilitating faster gameplay than traditional beer pong with the smaller cups.

Further, each of the plurality of plastic cups 16 can be constructed from a dishwasher safe material, such that after the beer pong game is over the plurality of cups 16 can be washed and cleaned in the dishwasher (or any other cleaning method). Additionally, each of the plurality of plastic cups 16 can be constructed from a thicker BPA-free plastic material, compared to traditional thin, disposable solo cups. In some examples, each of the plurality of plastic cups 16 can have a wall thickness of about 2.5 millimeters, and each of the plurality of plastic cups 16 can have a rim (on top) thickness of about 4 millimeters, which is thicker than traditional thin, disposable solo cups having a wall thickness of about 0.5 millimeters and a rim thickness of about 3 millimeters.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 15-16, the beer pong kit 10 can further include at least one magnetic holder 28 that is separate from the placemat 12 and the magnetic rack 14. The at least one magnetic holder 28 can be positioned adjacent the placemat 12 during gameplay. In some examples, a first magnetic holder 28 can be used to secure a cup with water in the cup, and the cup on the first magnetic holder 28 can be a ball washing cup that is used to clean the ball off before throwing the ball across the table. In addition, in some examples, a second magnetic holder 28 can be used to secure the cups that have been eliminated or removed during gameplay.

In the illustrated example, the magnetic holder 28 is square in shape about its perimeter. In other examples, the magnetic holder 28 can by any other geometric or non-geometric shape. Further, the magnetic holder 28 includes an outer component and an inner component. The outer component includes the square shape and the inner component includes a generally circular shape. The inner component can be the portion of the magnetic holder 28 that is magnetically attractable, which allows the cups 16 to securely couple to the magnetic holder 28. In some examples, the inner component can be constructed from a ferrous material (e.g., an alloy steel) or a magnet, and the outer component can be constructed from a non-ferrous material (e.g., a silicone material). The outer component covers and surrounds the inner component, such that the magnetically attractable element 18 of the cups 16 does not directly contact the inner component, but rather the non-ferrous or non-magnetically attractable outer component covers the inner component. In the illustrated embodiments, the magnetic holder 28 is included but it is to be understood that in other embodiments the magnetic holder 28 may not be included.

Similar to the discussion regarding to the magnetic rack 14, the inner component of the magnetic holder 28 can be constructed from a ferrous metal, and in such an example each of the magnetically attractable elements 18 would need to be magnets to induce magnetic attraction between the components. In an example in which the magnetic holder 28 is constructed from a magnet, each of the magnetically attractable elements 18 could be constructed from a ferrous metal or a magnet having an opposite polarity are the magnet of the magnetic holder 28. Each of the above examples would result in the desired magnetic attraction between the magnetic holder 28 and the magnetically attractable elements 18 of the plurality of cups 16.

The magnetic beer pong kit 10 of the present invention provides a premium beer pong kit that can be washed and reused for each beer pong game, reducing the overall amount of waste produced by the game. Further, the magnetic beer pong kit 10 of the present invention uses magnets to securely hold the cups 16 in place during gameplay, preventing cups from being knocked over and the liquid within the cups from being spilled on the table. As such, the magnetic beer pong kit 10 of the present invention provides advantages over a traditional beer pong kit and setup, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Although the beer pong/game kit 10 of the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific dimensions and functionality, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to only those specific dimensions and functionality. For example, in some embodiments, the game kit 10 can be scaled-down or reduced in size such that the scaled-down game kit 10 can be used in an airplane, an automobile, or a train, among other options not specifically listed. Further, in other embodiments, the game kit 10 could be scaled-down and/or otherwise attached to a flotation device and used within a pool or other body of water, or along and edge of a pool or other body of water. Therefore, it is to be understood that variations of the game kit 10 are conceivable for other specific scenarios in which the game kit 10 can be utilized.

Additionally, it is to be understood that although the magnetically attractable elements 18 are described as being coupled to the plurality of cups 16, in some embodiments the magnetically attractable elements 18 can be formed within or coupled to a holder such as a koozie that is configured to fit around a base of a standard red solo cup (or other cup). As such, in some embodiments, the magnetically attractable elements 18 can be removably secured to traditional disposable red solo cups (or any other cups) through a cup holder or cylindrical base, such as a koozie, or other similar component. Such a cup holder can be a fabric or foam sleeve that is designed to grasp the base of a beverage container, like a cup, can or bottle. Such a cup holder can be formed with a magnetically attractable element 18 coupled thereto, such as, for example, on a surface or formed therein.

FIG. 20 shows an exemplary kit for the game, set, and kit 10, including placemats 12, magnetic racks 14, magnetic holders 28, a plurality of cups 16, and ping-pong balls 36.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a table cloth 30 including magnetically attractable elements 18, according to another embodiment according to the present disclosure. In such an embodiment, the magnetically attractable elements 18 could be formed within or coupled to a table cloth 30 that is intended to lay flat across an upper surface of a table or other surface. For example, the magnetically attractable elements 18 can be sewn into the fabric of a table cloth. In such an embodiment, the magnetically attractable elements 18 of the table cloth 30 could be used to play the game of beer bong, or the magnetically attractable elements 18 could be used to firmly secure cups 16 from falling or tipping over during outdoor windy conditions, as well as accidently being tipped over from other various causes. It is to be understood that the magnetically attractable elements 18 of the table cloth 30 can include any desired number of magnetically attractable elements 18. Further, it is to be understood that the magnetically attractable elements 18 of the table cloth 30 can be positioned at any desired orientation, location, or pattern about the table cloth 30. As such, the table cloth 30 embodiment is not limited to exactly what is shown in FIG. 17, as will be appreciated by those having skill in the art.

In some examples, the magnetically attractable elements 18 of the table cloth 30 can be magnets that are magnetically attractable to ferrous (magnetically attractable) metals that are separate from the table cloth 30. In other examples, the magnetically attractable elements 18 of the table cloth 30 can be constructed from ferrous (magnetically attractable) metals that are magnetically attractable to magnets separate from the table cloth 30. In further examples, the magnetically attractable elements 18 of the table cloth 30 can be magnets that are magnetically attractable to other magnets separate from the table cloth 30.

FIG. 18 is a top view of a towel 32 including magnets 18, according to further embodiment of the present disclosure. In such an embodiment, the magnetically attractable elements 18 can be positioned at each of the corners of the towel 32. In the illustrated example, the towel 32 includes four corners and therefore there are four magnetically attractable elements 18. In other examples, the towel 32 can include as many magnetically attractable elements 18 as there are corners of the towel 32. In further examples, the towel 32 can include more magnetically attractable elements 18 than there are corners of the towel 32. Each of the magnetically attractable elements 18 can be formed within or coupled to the towel 32. Further, it is to be understood that the towel 32 can be a beach towel or any other desired towel. Moreover, rather than a towel, any type of cloth or fabric can be used, and, for example, a cloth mat could be formed.

As also illustrated in FIG. 18, the towel 32 including the magnetically attractable elements 18 can be used in conjunction with corner weights 34, with the number of corner weights 34 being equal to the number of magnetically attractable elements 18 in the towel 32. In some examples, the magnetically attractable elements 18 can be magnets and the corner weights 34 can be constructed from a magnetically attractable material, such as ferrous metals. In other examples, the corner weights 34 can be constructed from magnets and the magnetically attractable elements 18 can be constructed from a magnetically attractable material, such as ferrous metals. In further examples, both the magnetically attractable elements 18 and the corner weights 34 can be constructed from magnets that are attracted or attractable to each other. In use, a user places a plurality of corner weights 34 in the sand or other ground surface, and then through magnetic attraction the magnetically attractable elements 18 are coupled to the corner weights 34 to secure the towel 32 to the corner weights 34. The towel 32 including the magnetically attractable elements 18 and the plurality of corner weights 34 aids in securing the towel 32 in the desired location and prevents the towel 32 from blowing away on a windy day.

In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the magnetic holder 28 could be used as a magnetic coaster placed under a cup to protect the table or surface underneath. In such an example, a magnetically attractable cup could be used with the magnetic holder 28 to firmly secure cups from falling or tipping over during outdoor windy conditions, as well as accidently being tipped over from other various causes. The small size of the magnetic holder 28 makes the device easily transferable to any desired location. As such, the magnetic holder 28 used in conjunction with a magnetically attractable cup could be used at indoor tables, outdoor tables, poolside, or any other supporting surface in which the magnetic holder 28 can lay or rest in a relatively flat position and orientation. Therefore, it is to be understood that the magnetic holder 28 does not necessary need to only be used while playing the game of beer pong, rather the magnetic holder 28 can be used in a variety of different situations and scenarios in which it is desired to firmly secure cups from falling or tipping over and spilling the contents from within the cup.

Having thus described the present embodiments in detail, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the disclosure, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein.

It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiment and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

- 10 Beer Pong/Game Kit
- 12 Placemat
- 14 Magnetic Rack
- 16 Cups
- 18 Magnets/Magnetically Attractable Element
- 20 Base
- 22 First Support Member
- 24 Second Support Member
- 26 Circular Flat
- 28 Magnetic Holder
- 30 Table Cloth
- 32 Towel
- 34 Corner Weights
- 36 Ball

GAME SET, KIT, AND PLAYSET

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CPC

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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)