CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Whether at house parties, tailgates, or just a family cookout, lawn-style games are a popular way to spend time outdoors. Lawn-style games (or games that are generally played outdoor on a flat yard or lawn) come in a variety of styles, but many lawn games include some sort of ball, bag, or other object to be tossed, thrown, or rolled. One popular lawn game, called cornhole or baggo, utilizes two angled platforms positioned at a distance apart, with the top of the platforms facing one another. The angled platforms generally have a single hole near the top center portion of the platform. The object of the game is to stand at one platform and toss bags toward the platform at the opposite end, particularly aiming to have your bags land in the hole or on the platform, with points awarded based on where the bag lands.
While cornhole is popular, the game does have its limitations. For example, it uses only one type of tossing game piece, which can lead to the game become repetitive over time. A new and exciting lawn game is therefore desirable.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally speaking, the present invention is directed to a gaming kit including components used for a block-rolling and bag-tossing combination game.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and appended claims in conjunction with the drawings as described following:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the various components of the gaming kit of the present invention, including the target zone markers, the rolling pieces, the tossing pieces, and a set of instructions outlining the particular method for gameplay.
FIG. 2 shows an upward perspective view of one embodiment of a rolling piece of the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows a top view of one embodiment of the rolling piece of the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of gameplay setup for the present invention, showing a starting position in one target zone marker and gameplay direction toward the other target zone marker.
FIG. 5 shows an example of rolling pieces and tossing pieces positioned in various scoring and non-scoring positions at the gaming assembly.
FIG. 6 shows a second example of rolling pieces and tossing pieces positioned in various scoring and non-scoring positions at the gaming assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Generally speaking, the present invention is directed to a gaming kit and a method of game play for a novel lawn game that includes rolling and tossing various gaming pieces toward target zones. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is directed to a gaming kit 1 including a number of rolling pieces 2, a number of tossing pieces 4, and a number of target zone markers 6, and a set of instructions 8 providing steps for gameplay, each of these components being utilized by two or more players (the players being divided into teams) to score points based on where and in what position the rolling pieces 2 and tossing pieces 4 land with relation to one another and with relation to the target zones defined by the target zone markers 6. Each of the various components and the preferred method of gameplay are described more fully below with regard to the figures.
With regard to FIGS. 2-3, the preferred embodiment of the rolling pieces 2 included in the gaming kit 1 of the present invention may be described. In the preferred embodiment, as shown, the rolling pieces 2 of the gaming kit of the present invention are generally cube-shaped rolling pieces 2 with a six sides 10 (similar to but much larger than a standard gaming die), each of the sides 10 having a face surface 12. In the preferred embodiment, each of the side surfaces 12 includes a recessed portion 14 of sufficient size for receiving one or more of the tossing pieces 4 during gameplay. The recessed portion 14 preferably extends in a generally conical shape (see FIG. 2) with a large circular opening at the upper end of the recessed portion and a smaller circular face at the lower end of the recessed portion (see FIG. 3), with side surfaces of gradually smaller diameter size being positioned therebetween. For gameplay purposes, each side of the rolling pieces 2 has a scoring number 16 corresponding to the particular side 10 of the rolling piece 2 (i.e., a first side of the rolling piece has the number 1, a second side has the number 2, and so on). The scoring number 16 is positioned inside the recess 14 of the side 10 and displayed for the game players to see. It is preferable for game play purposes that two rolling pieces 2 be included in the gaming kit 1, with each of the rolling pieces 2 having a different color, pattern, or other identifying characteristic such that each of the rolling pieces 2 is associated with a different player (or different team of players). Each rolling piece 2 is configured to be rolled across the gaming surface until it reaches a resting place, as described more fully below with regard to the preferred method of gameplay. In one embodiment, the rolling pieces 2 are substantially cube shaped with each side 10 being approximately 12.5″ in height and width, with the recessed portion 14 having a maximum diameter (upper end) of approximately 8″ and a minimum diameter (lower end) of approximately 3.96″.
In addition to the rolling pieces 2, the gaming kit 1 of the present invention also includes a number of tossing pieces 4, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5-6. While in the preferred embodiment the tossing pieces 4 are lightweight bags made of durable material with internal weighted constituents (such as a bean bag), any tossing piece 4 may be utilized such as bags, washers, etc. The tossing pieces 4 are intended to be used during gameplay, as described more fully below, to be thrown toward the rolling pieces 2 positioned at their resting positions with respect to a number of target zones defined by the target zone markers 6, with points being awarded to the tossing player depending on where the tossing pieces 4 land in relation to the rolling piece 2 corresponding to that player or team. In the preferred embodiment, the gaming kit 1 includes six tossing pieces 4, with the tossing pieces 4 being divided into two groups of three. Each group of tossing pieces 4 is preferably marked by a different color, pattern, or other identifying characteristic (with each group corresponding to a different player or different team of players) such that during gameplay players are easily able to identify the tossing pieces 4 they have thrown. It is preferred that the color, pattern, or other identifying characteristic of each group of tossing pieces 4 matches the color, pattern, or other identifying characteristic of each of the rolling pieces 2, such that it is easy to determine which rolling piece 2 corresponds to which tossing pieces 4 of the same player or team. While the tossing pieces 4 may take any shape or form so long as they are capable of being tossed easily by the user, it is necessary that the tossing pieces 4 be no larger than the size of the recess portion 14 in the sides 10 of the rolling pieces 2, as the tossing pieces 4 must be capable of landing in (and coming to rest in) the recessed portions 14 of the rolling pieces 2.
Finally, in addition to the rolling pieces 2 and tossing pieces 4, the gaming kit 1 of the present invention includes one or more target zone markers 6, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4-6. Each of the target zone markers 6 is to be used during gameplay for marking a specific area 18 on the gaming surface that will be deemed the “target zone.” The target zone's 18 purpose during gameplay is described in more detail below with regard to the preferred method of game play. In the preferred embodiment, each target zone marker 6 is a large circular hoop that is configured to be placed flat on the gaming surface. While the target zone marker 6 may be a number of shapes and sizes, it is necessary that the target zone marker 6 be of sufficient size such that the target zone area 18 within the target zone marker 6 is sufficiently large to allow space for the rolling pieces 2 and tossing pieces 4 to land within the target zone 18. As such, one possible size of the target zone marker 6 is approximately 60 inches in diameter. In one embodiment the gaming kit 1 of the present invention includes two target zone markers 6, which are configured to be placed a certain distance apart on the gaming surface depending on desired gameplay (as shown in FIG. 4). Still, the game may also be played with only one target zone marker 6 or with more than two with only slight modifications to the game play.
Having described the components included in the gaming kit 1 of the present invention, the preferred method of gameplay may now be described. Set-up and preparation for gameplay utilizing the instructions 8 included in the gaming kit 1 of the present invention is minimal. All that is required is an open area (preferably substantially flat) large enough to handle a fairly large field of play (hereinafter referred to as the “gaming surface”). A field, yard, parking lot, or other large flat area is preferable. The most preferable gaming surface would have an area of approximately 60 feet by 30 feet for game play. The only step for set-up requires that the target zone markers 6 to be placed a certain distance apart on the gaming surface (with the distance varying by desired gameplay and game experience), an example of which is shown in FIG. 4. For example, a beginner level game might have the target zone markers 6 placed at approximately 15 feet apart, intermediate may place the markers 6 approximately 24 feet apart, and advanced may place the markers 6 approximately 30 feet apart. Of course, the distance can be modified by the particular game players to better obtain a distance that works with their skill level. The game could even be played indoors, provided that a sufficiently large area is available for safe play.
Once the target zone markers 6 are placed on the gaming surface at an appropriate distance according to the skill level of the players, gameplay is ready to begin. For example purposes, the method of gameplay may be described with reference to a “player” taking an action; however, gameplay may also occur with teams of players. Each player selects a rolling piece 2 and the tossing pieces 4 corresponding to that rolling piece 2. Each player then rolls his or her rolling piece 2 to determine who starts gameplay. The player who rolls the highest number (i.e. their rolling piece 2 lands with the highest number 16 face up) goes first. Play starts with the players standing at one end of the gaming surface, with the direction of play being toward the target zone 18 at the opposite end. The first player stands at a starting position 20 inside the target zone marker 6b at the starting end of the gaming surface and rolls their rolling piece 2 toward the other target zone marker 6b (the direction of play for the first round is shown in FIG. 4). The rolling player must stay inside the starting target zone marker 6b or else their roll will be considered a foul (which is scored as a zero and counts as a non-scoring roll). Depending on where the rolling piece 2 comes to rest on the gaming surface, the player's roll is considered either a “scoring roll” or a “non-scoring roll.” A “scoring roll” is a roll by which the rolling piece 2 makes it at least half way between the two target zone markers 6a, 6b. A roll where the rolling piece 2 does not make it at least half way between the two target zone markers 6a, 6b is considered a “non-scoring roll” and the player (or team) associated with that rolling piece 2 loses their turn. The “scoring roll” category can be broken down into two sub-categories: a “qualified roll” and “a non-qualified roll.” A qualified roll is a scoring roll where the rolling piece 2 has come to rest inside the target zone marker 6 (see FIG. 5), while a non-qualified roll is a scoring roll where the rolling piece 2a has come to a rest outside of the target zone marker 6 (see, for example, rolling piece 2d in FIG. 6). Scoring for a roll is dependent upon whether the roll is qualified or non-qualified, as described more fully below.
Once the players have rolled, for each player that has rolled a “scoring roll” (whether qualified or non-qualified), the player continues their turn by tossing their tossing pieces 4 toward their rolling piece 2, with the object being to have their tossing pieces 4 come to rest at one of several target positions: (a) inside the recess portion of the top surface on their particular rolling piece (see, for example, tossing piece 4a in FIG. 5), (b) on the gaming surface but leaning against their particular rolling piece (see, for example, tossing pieces 4b and 4d in FIG. 5), (c) on the gaming surface within a certain distance (such as a bags width or approximately 6 inches) of the rolling piece but not touching the rolling piece (see, for example, tossing piece 4e in FIG. 5), or (d) on the gaming surface but not within a certain distance of the rolling piece (see, for example, tossing pieces 4c and 4f in FIG. 5). As described more fully below, scoring is dependent upon in which of these target positions the tossing pieces 4 land. Furthermore, tossing pieces 4 that land inside the top recess portion 14 of the player's rolling piece 2 fall into one of two-categories: “qualified toss” or a “non-qualified toss.” A qualified toss is a toss where the tossing piece 4 lands in the recess 14 of a rolling piece 2 considered a qualified roll (see, for example, tossing piece 4a in FIG. 5, where the tossing piece 4a has landed in the recess portion 14 of a rolling piece 2a inside of the target zone 18), whereas a non-qualified toss is a toss where the tossing piece 4 lands in the recess 14 of a rolling piece 2 considered a non-qualified roll (see, for example, tossing piece 4j in FIG. 6, where the tossing piece 4j has landed in the recess 14 of a rolling piece 2d outside of the target zone 18). The score for a particular toss is dependent upon where the tossing piece 4 lands and if it is a qualified or non-qualified toss. Once all rolling pieces 2 have been rolled and all tossing pieces 4 have been tossed, the round is over and scores are calculated. Once scores are calculated, the players begin another round, this time starting at the second target zone 6a and rolling/tossing pieces back toward the original starting target zone 6b. Play continues, alternating between target zones 18, until a desired winning score is reached.
Scoring for gameplay utilizing the gaming kit and components of the present invention is fairly simple. As noted above, play begins by rolling the rolling pieces 2 toward the appropriate target zone marker 6. A rolling piece 2 can either be considered a “scoring roll” or a “non-scoring roll” and a scoring roll can be broken down further into a “qualified roll” and a “non-qualified roll.” A qualified roll, as mentioned above, is a rolling piece 2 that comes to rest inside the target zone marker (see, for example, rolling pieces 2a and 2b of FIG. 5). A qualified roll awards the rolling player points corresponding to the number 16 positioned on the face-up side 10 of the rolling piece 2 when the rolling piece 2 comes to rest (i.e., a number between 1 and 6). A non-qualified roll, or a rolling piece 2 that comes to rest outside the target zone 18 (see, for example, rolling piece 2d in FIG. 6) awards no points to the rolling player. Once the rolling pieces 2 have come to a rest, players take turns tossing their tossing pieces 4 toward the rolling pieces 2. As indicated above, tossing pieces 4 can come to rest in a number of target locations. First, a tossing piece 4 could come to rest on or in the recess portion 14 of the face-up surface 10 of a rolling piece 2 (tossing pieces 4a of FIGS. 5 and 4j of FIG. 6, for example). If the rolling piece 2 is a qualified roll (rolling piece 2a in FIG. 5), the tossing piece 4a falling into the recess 14 is deemed a qualified toss and is awarded a higher amount of points (in one embodiment, four points is awarded). If the tossing piece 4 falls into the recess 14 portion of a non-qualified rolling piece 2 (see, for example, rolling piece 4j in non-qualified rolling piece 2d of FIG. 6), the player who threw the tossing piece 4j is awarded a non-qualified tossing score, which is a score slightly lower than the qualified tossing score (in one embodiment, three points is awarded). A tossing piece 4 could, instead of landing in the recessed portion of the rolling piece 2, land in a position such that it is in contact with the rolling piece 2 (which may be referred to as a “leaner”). Examples of “leaners” are shown with tossing pieces 4b and 4d in FIG. 5, where the tossing pieces 4b, 4d have landed in a position touching rolling pieces 2a, 2b but not in the recess 14 of the rolling pieces 2a, 2b. In such a case, the player(s) associated with the particular tossing piece 4b, 4d is awarded a lower point amount (such as two points). Alternatively, the tossing piece 4 could land in a position such that it is close to the rolling piece 2 (within a few inches, for example) but is not in contact with the rolling piece 2. Such a tossing piece may be referred to as a “bagger” and awards the tossing player the lowest amount of points (for example, one point). Example scoring positions for “baggers” are shown by tossing piece 4e in FIG. 5 and tossing piece 4h in FIG. 6. Finally, a tossing piece 4 could land in a position such that it is neither in contact with a rolling piece 2 nor in close proximity to the rolling piece 2. Examples include tossing pieces 4c, 4f, 4i, and 4l. Such a tossing piece 4 is awarded zero points. Once all rolling pieces 2 have been rolled and all tossing pieces 4 have been tossed, points are calculated for each player and play continues to the next round. In one embodiment, play continues until a player reaches twenty-one points.
Unless otherwise stated, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the exemplary methods and materials are described herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein.
All terms used herein should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. When a Markush group or other grouping is used herein, all individual members of the group and all combinations and subcombinations possible of the group are intended to be individually included. All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the extent that there is no inconsistency with the disclosure of this specification. When a range is stated herein, the range is intended to include all sub-ranges within the range, as well as all individual points within the range. When “about,” “approximately,” or like terms are used herein, they are intended to include amounts, measurements, or the like that do not depart significantly from the expressly stated amount, measurement, or the like, such that the stated purpose of the apparatus or process is not lost.
The present invention has been described with reference to certain preferred and alternative embodiments that are intended to be exemplary only and not limiting to the full scope of the present invention, as set forth in the appended claims.
Patent Grant
10112106
