GAME SYSTEM WITH SPINNING TARGET ELEMENT AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A game system which includes a spinning assembly made up of a spinner and a spinner wheel. The spinner wheel may include a number of targets, such as holes, which players attempt to hit as the spinning wheel spins about the spinner. The game elements may include several pins which the players use to score points by piercing the holes of varying sizes acting as targets through the wheel. A rules guide may be referenced to determine a target's point value.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a game system and method for use thereof, and more specifically to a game system with a spinning element acting as a target for dexterous game play.

2. Description of the Related Art

Game systems provide varying tasks aimed at scoring points and advancing in play of the game. Some game systems incorporate targets requiring dexterous skill to score points. What is desired is a new game system with varying degrees of difficulty utilizing a player's dexterity to advance and score points in the game.

Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for a game system with the advantages and features of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a game system which includes a game box capable of storing the game elements. The game elements include a spinner with multiple, varying targets. The game elements also include several pins which the players use to score points. The game box can double in function as a game deck, preventing the spinner from leaving the playing area and to protect surfaces beneath the deck.

Play of the game consists of spinning the spinner within the game deck. The spinner element is spun, and the multiple, varyingly-shaped targets spin as well. The player attempts to stop the spinner by inserting a pin into one of the targets of the spinner within a specified time limit (e.g. 3 seconds of spinning). The players could collectively countdown for the player to attempt to score their point.

The different targets will have differently-applied point values based on the size of the target, which in a preferred embodiment is a hole through the spinner. Points can also be assigned if the player doesn't score within the time frame as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another three-dimensional isometric view thereof from a lower angle.

FIG. 3 is an exploded three-dimensional isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view thereof.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a spinner element thereof.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view thereof.

FIG. 12 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a scoring guide element thereof.

FIG. 13 is a front plan view thereof.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart diagramming the steps taken in practicing an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Game System 2

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the present invention is a game system 2 which includes a spinning wheel 4 joined with a spinner 6 element affixed at the center of the spinning wheel 4. The spinner 6 and wheel 4 may be deployed within a game deck, such as within a box or box lid turned upside down, whereby the edges of the box lid prevent the spinner from leaving the boundaries of the game deck, or which may simply be deployed and spun on a flat surface. The wheel can spin in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1 or in the opposite direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the spinner 6 element includes a top half 5 and a bottom half 7. The top half 5 of the spinner 6 includes a handle portion 12 which can be used to grip the spinner 6 for spinning the wheel 4 and spinner 6. As shown, the handle element 12 can be ergonomic to facilitate a spin. The spinner 6 bottom half 7 includes a spinner point 14 portion which is designed to form the point about which the spinner spins. The spinner 6 element could include conical point, a ball, or any suitable spinner point 14 element. FIGS. 7-11 show the spinner 6 in more detail.

The spinner disk 4 has several targets 10 of varying sizes. In a preferred embodiment, the targets are holes of varying size passing through the spinner 4. There may be as many as four or more different sizes of the targets 10, each providing a score depending on the size of the target, which may be indicated on a scoring guide 20, which has corresponding holes 22 to the targets 10, and an indication of how much each target is worth. Any suitable number of holes could be included. In a preferred embodiment, the hole sizing, spacing, and location are designed and engineered to improve spin and balance and to prevent wobble.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one or more pins 8, which may be golf tees, pegs, pins, stakes, or similar devices in shape and size, or any suitable shape and size to pass through the target holes, are provided to the players. Each player will attempt to place a respective pin 8 through one of the various targets 10 of the wheel 4 as it spins about the spinner 6. This results in the player scoring a predetermined value of points. Play continues until all players have attempted and a winner is declared.

FIG. 14 shows the steps taken in practicing the present invention in a very basic manner. The process begins at 50 and the spinning disk 4 is provided at 52. The spinner 6 is provided at 54, and the two elements are assembled at 56, with the top half 5 of the spinner 6 and the bottom half 7 of the spinner 6 being joined within the center hole of the spinning wheel 4. The top half 5 of the spinner 6 has a central portion 11 which connects to the central portion 13 of the bottom half 7 of the spinner 6. These two elements can be threaded together, snapped together, or connected by any suitable means.

Next, the spinner deck or appropriate spinning surface is selected or obtained at 58. The assembly of the spinner 6 and wheel 4 is spun by a player at 60. The same or another player will attempt to score a point by inserting a pin 8 through a target 10 on the wheel 4 at 62. If the player hit the target at 63, the scoring guide may be referenced at 64 and points are awarded, after which the players have the option to continue the game at 68. Alternatively, if no target is hit at 62, the players have the option to continue the game at 68.

If the game is continued at 68, the next player will be up at 66. The assembly is again spun at 60, and the process completes itself until the players choose at 68 not to continue the game, after which the game ends at 70.

In lieu of (or in combination with) the scoring guide 20, each target 10 ring may include a border of a different color depending upon the size, and those colors may directly refer to the point value of that target.

Instructions for how to play an embodiment of the present game is as follows:

How to Win: to win the game, the players select one of the following options:

• • Most points in set time
  • Or most points in set number of spins
  • Or play to a point total
  • Or first to get one of each hole
  • Or first to get the smallest hole
  • Or make up your own

For a single player game where the single player plays against the “spinner”: Spin the spinner 6 and wheel 4 on the spinner deck or flat surface and then use a pin 8 to stop the spinner 6 and wheel 4 by inserting the pin 8 into a target hole 10 within an allotted time period, such as within three seconds. In the example of a three-second time limit, the player may count down three seconds as soon as the spinner 6 and wheel 4 are in motion. Record the score based on the size of the target 10 hole that the pin 8 was inserted through, if any, referring to the scoring guide if needed. Additional points could be awarded to the “spinner” if the player fails to insert a pin 8 into a target 10 hole of the wheel 4. Additionally, points could be removed from the player, including allowing the player to have a negative score, if they miss the targets 10. Scores should be tabulated as the game progresses.

For a multiplayer game, the users must first determine the order of players, either alphabetically by first name, by age, or some other means of organization. The first player spins the spinner 6 and wheel 4 on the spinner deck or chosen surface and the second player then uses a pin 8 to stop the spinner 6 and wheel 4 by inserting the pin 8 in a target 10 hole within the allotted time period. All players may track the time. The score is determined by referencing the scoring guide 20. The player inserting the pin is awarded points if a target 10 is hit, otherwise the spinning player may be allotted points.

After the points are recorded, the spinner goes to the next person in order. The rotation continues until all players have spun and all players have attempted to score points, ending the first round. The number of rounds of the game may vary, and the winner is the player with the most points at the end. In the event of a tie, the tied players can take alternating turns spinning the spinner 6 and wheel 4 and attempting to score points via the pin 8 and targets 10 until a clear winner is determined.

The game could be further modified with other features. Scores could be multiplied by a number chosen by rolling a die or drawing a card. Cards could also present challenges, such as a card drawn prior to trying to score a point, which may require you to only score a point in a specifically-sized target 10.

The present invention could also be embodied in an electronic game, where the spinning wheel is located on an interactive user interface, such as a touch screen or computer screen. The targets could be touched using a stylus, mouse pointer, or a finger to represent the pin 8. This version could automatically award points without the need to quickly reference and perform the math steps. Such a game could be used by any number of players.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.

Claims

1. A game system comprising: a spinning assembly comprising a disk-shaped spinner wheel and a spinner comprising a spinning point;said spinner wheel comprising a plurality of targets of varying size, each of said plurality of targets comprises a value;at least one scoring element configured to strike at said spinner wheel while said spinner wheel is spinning about said spinner, said at least one scoring element further configured to strike one of said plurality of targets, the attempted strike comprising an attempt; anda score based upon said attempt.

2. The game system of claim 1, wherein said surface comprises a game deck comprising a floor and four walls.

3. The game system of claim 2, wherein said game deck comprises a box portion.

4. The game system of claim 1, wherein each said one of said plurality of targets comprises a hole through said disk.

5. The game system of claim 4, wherein each of said targets comprises a size selected from a set of four, distinguishable predetermined sizes.

6. The game system of claim 4, wherein said at least one scoring element comprises an elongated body with a tip configured to be received within said plurality of targets.

7. The game system of claim 1, further comprising: said spinner comprising a top half and a bottom half;said top half and said bottom half being selectively separable; andsaid top half and said bottom half configured to be joined together within a center hole of said spinning wheel.

8. The game system of claim 7, wherein said top half of said spinner comprises a handle element.

9. The game system of claim 7, wherein said bottom half of said spinner comprises a spinner point.

10. The game system of claim 1, further comprising: a random number generator configured to produce a random value; andwherein said score may be modified based upon said random value.

11. The game system of claim 10, wherein said random number generated is selected from a list comprising: a die; a deck of cards; and a second spinner.

12. A method of playing a game, the method comprising the steps: providing a spinning assembly comprising a disk-shaped spinner wheel and a spinner comprising a spinning point;wherein said spinner wheel comprising a plurality of targets of varying size;spinning said spinner and thereby spinning said spinner wheel;striking at said spinner wheel with a scoring element;attempting to strike one of said plurality of targets with said scoring element, thereby performing an attempt; andassigning a score based upon the result of said attempt.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: assembling said spinner about said spinning wheel by connecting a top half of said spinner with a bottom half of said spinner through a central hole of said spinning wheel.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said top half of said spinner comprises a handle element.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein said bottom half of said spinner comprises a spinner point.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein each said one of said plurality of targets comprises a hole through said disk.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein each of said targets comprises a size selected from a set of four, distinguishable predetermined sizes.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein said at least one scoring element comprises an elongated body with a tip configured to be received within said plurality of targets.