Patent Application
20250205572
The present invention pertains to the field of recreational sports and, more specifically, introduces an innovative ball game that combines elements of strategy, skill, and dynamic gameplay. This inventive ball game is designed to provide an engaging and exciting experience for players of various ages and skill levels.
Traditional ball games have been a source of entertainment and physical activity for centuries. The field of recreational games and sports has seen a significant evolution over the years, with a variety of games being developed to cater to different age groups, skill levels, and interests. These games often require a combination of skill, strategy, and physical agility, making them popular among a wide range of players. However, traditional games of this nature often have limitations in terms of the design and functionality of the game apparatus, which can impact the overall gameplay experience. These games often involve a ball and a goal or target, and the objective is to score points by getting the ball into the goal or hitting the target. The design and structure of the game apparatus can greatly influence the gameplay, and the skills required to excel in the game. Recognizing the popularity of existing sports and recreational activities, a new inventive ball game offers a fresh perspective by introducing unique rules, scoring mechanisms, and gameplay dynamics.
For instance, many existing game systems involve a stationary target, which can limit the level of challenge and excitement in the game. Furthermore, the height of the target is often fixed, which may not be suitable for players of different heights or skill levels. The stability of the game apparatus is another common issue, as it can be easily tipped over during intense gameplay, disrupting the game and potentially causing safety concerns. Additionally, the assembly and disassembly of the game apparatus can be cumbersome and time-consuming, which can deter players from using the game system.
For example, popular ball games usually include some varying size ball that can be hit, thrown, dunked, or kicked. These games usually require large areas to play in or require expensive equipment to the play the game. Most of the games were designed either for indoor or outdoor use and cannot seamlessly transition from one to the other, which limits the flexibility of play with weather conditions or space limitations.
Furthermore, indoor or outdoor games usually cater to specific ages, leaving a void of comprehensive and inclusive entertainment solution that could engage children, teenagers and adults alike. For example, games such as basketball cannot engage both children and adults because it requires the child to be able to throw a ball at a ten-foot basket which may not be possible for a smaller child, or football requires a big field to throw the ball around and play with very large teams.
Therefore, there is a need for an improved game system that addresses these limitations. Such a game system would ideally have a stand with an adjustable height to cater to different players, and a stable base to prevent the apparatus from tipping over. The game system should also be easy to assemble and disassemble and include an electronic scoring mechanism to enhance the gameplay experience. Furthermore, the game system should be designed to encourage team play and strategic planning, and be constructed from durable, lightweight materials for improved performance.
The octagon ball game apparatus and method thereof provide a unique game system that incorporates a ring, a stand, a base, and at least one ball. The game system can comprise a ring having a front surface, a back surface, an inner surface, and an outer surface, wherein the inner and outer surfaces each have at least one side. The ring can be coupled to a front member comprising the front surface and a back member comprising the back surface.
The octagon ball game apparatus can include a stand having a top portion and a bottom portion, and a connector that fixes the ring to the top portion of the stand. A base can be configured to be affixed to the bottom portion of the stand. The at least one side of the ring can form an octagon. The ring can be composed of four segments, each segment defining two sides of the octagon. Each segment has a first end and a second end wherein the first end has a female slot having a tab hole and the second end has a male end and a tab. The male end can be configured to be inserted into the female slot of an adjacent segment and lock into place with the tab in the tab hole.
The base can be a tripod, and the stand is configured to place the connector at a fixed height or an adjustable height. The maximum height of the connector may be at least 62 inches. The stand can be configured to have an adjustable height and comprises a telescoping mechanism for adjusting the height of the ring when the game system is assembled. The base can include a weight compartment to enhance stability during use. The connector can allow the ring to rotate or be stationary during gameplay. The ring can be made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, aluminum, and composite materials. The stand can include a suction base or clamps to secure the apparatus to the ground or another surface. The ball may be a light weight padded ball or made of light weight padded material or rubber filled with air. The apparatus can further comprise markings or sensors on the ring to record successful ball passages electronically.
The octagon ball game can also be a method for providing a game to be played by a plurality of users. The method can include providing a plurality of ring segments configured to be assembled into a ring, each ring segment having a front member and a back member, providing a ball and a stand configured to support the ring at a desired height, fixing the front member to the back member in each ring segment, and instructing the users to form at least two opposing teams on opposite sides of the ring standing at a distance from the ring, serve the ball from a specified distance from the ring through the ring to the opposing team, prevent the ball from hitting the ground and hit the served ball back through the ring to the opposing players, and award a point to a team when the opposing team allows the ball to hit the ground when the ball has passed to their side of the ring. The desired height can be the approximate height of the players. The users may be instructed to avoid hitting the ball through the ring from an area within a specified distance from the ring. The specified distance from the ring can be three feet. The users can be instructed that a team receives a point when an opposing player touches the ring.
It is an object of the invention that the game apparatus should have a simple and robust design, and it should be easy to assemble and disassemble.
It is another object of the invention that the game apparatus should provide a method for playing the game that is engaging and challenging.
It is another object of the invention that the game apparatus should provide a game that is for all ages for both indoor and outdoor play.
Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors' intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims. Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention.
The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.
Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of . . . ”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.
A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.
Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.
In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.
Referring initially to
In embodiments, the ring 11 can be characterized by having one or more sides forming an octagon, but in other embodiments the ring can be a polygon, hexagon, pentagon, triangle, rectangle, square, or the like. The ring 11 can be made from such as, for example, plastic, metal, ceramic, composite, or the like. The ring 11 can be such as, for example, at least 6 inches to 48 inches in diameter, but still more preferably 12 inches to 36 inches and still more preferably 32 inches. When determining the diameter of a non-circular ring, the diameter is measured from the center of the ring to the inner surface of portion of the ring that is furthest from the center of the ring. The ring 11 can have a thickness and the thickness can be such as, for example, for example, at least 0.5 inch to 6 inches, but still more preferably 0.75 inch to 3 inches and still more preferably 1.5 inches.
The ring 11 can be composed of four segments each segment defining two side of the octagon wherein the two sides can be the front member 15 and the back member 13. Each segment can have a first end 25 and a second end 27 wherein the first end has a female slot 36 having a tab hole 37 and a second end have a male end 34 that can be configured to be inserted into the female slot of an adjacent segment and locked into place with the tab in the tab hole. The front member 15 can have at least four front members, namely a first front member 14, second front member 18, third front member 22, and fourth front member 26. Each of these members can form at least one front surface 19 of the octagon and at least one female slot 26, as shown in
In embodiments, the back member 13 of the ring 11 can have at least four back members, namely a first back member 12, second back member 16, third back member 20, and fourth back member 24 which can form at least one back surface 21 and at least one side and at least one of the male end 34. In certain embodiments, the ring 11 can have more than four members or less than four members forming the front member 15 and the back member 13. Each member of the front member 15 and of the back member 13 can be assembled and can have a first end 25 and a second end 27. The male end 34 can be inserted into the female slot 36 and locked into place with the tab 35 and the tab hole 37. The tab 35 and tab hole 37 can be located on the outer surface 30 of the ring 11. In other embodiments, the tab 35 and the tab hole 37 can be replaced with such as, for example, snap-fit connections, mechanical fasteners, magnetic coupling, clips, adhesive bonding, interference fit or the like.
Referring to
In embodiments, the stand 42 can be coupled to the base 32 wherein the base can be configured to be affixed to the bottom portion 43 of the stand 42 wherein the stand can be configured to place the connector at a fixed height or an adjustable height wherein the base can be coupled to the stand by such as, for example, female and male hole, fasteners, rivets, clamp, interference or loose fit, or the like. The stand 42 can be configured to have an adjustable height and comprises a telescoping mechanism for adjusting the height of the ring when the game system is assembled. The base 44 can include a suction base or clamps to secure the apparatus to the ground or another surface or can have anti-skid material that keeps the apparatus 10 in place during game play.
The stand 42 can be such as, for example, a tripod, monopod, or the like which can be extended to such as, for example, at least 0.5 inch to 72 inches in diameter, but still more preferably 5 inched to 68 inches and still more preferably 62 inches. The stand 42 can be made from such as, for example, at least one of plastic, metal, composite, ceramics, or the like. The stand 42 once set at a certain height can be locked 40 at that height by such as, for example, clamp lock, collar lock, set screw lock, quick release clamps, or the like. In certain embodiments, the ring 11 can pivot on a joint or can be stationary to allow for different angle of game play. The game system can also include markings or sensors on the ring to record successful ball passages electronically which can allow the user to real-time keep track of the user's points and the number of times the ball goes back and forth through the ring 11. The sensor can be placed in the ring and can be such as, for example, infrared sensor, photoelectric sensor, ultrasonic sensor, inductive proximity sensor or the like.
The ball 50 used in the game apparatus can be such as, for example, a lightweight padded ball, made of lightweight padded material or rubber filled with air. The ball 50 can be such as, for example, custom ball, volleyball, balloons, soccer ball, or the like.
The octagon ball game 10 can include a method for playing the octagon ball game apparatus. The method can comprise providing a plurality of ring segments configured to be assembled into a ring, each ring segment having a front member and a back member. Providing a ball and a stand configured to support the ring at a desired height. Fixing the front member to the back member in each ring segment. Instructing the users to form at least two opposing teams on opposite sides of the ring standing at a distance from the ring. Serving the ball from a specified distance from the ring through the ring to the opposing team. Preventing the ball from hitting the ground and hit the served ball back through the ring to the opposing players. Awarding a point to a team when the opposing team allows the ball to hit the ground when the ball has passed to their side of the ring. The desired height can be the approximate height of the players. Instructing the users to avoid hitting the ball through the ring from an area within a specified distance from the ring. The specified distance is three feet. Instructing the users that a team receives a point when an opposing player touches the ring.
The shape of the ring 11, the height of the stand 42, and the material of the ball 50 can all affect the difficulty level of the game. The stand 42 can be of different heights, and it can be adjustable or fixed. The ball 50 can be of different materials, such as rubber, plastic, or fabric, and it can be filled with air or other materials to adjust its weight and bounce. The portability of the octagon ball game apparatus 10 can be easily assembly and disassembly by the players. The components can be securely coupled to each other to ensure the stability of the game apparatus and can be easily detachable for storage and transportation. Moreover, the ball can be light weight and easy for the player to hit to ensure a fair and enjoyable game.
In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.
Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
This application claims benefit from currently pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/612,407 titled “OCTAGON BALL GAME APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF” and having a filing date of Dec. 20, 2023, all of which is incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63612407 | Dec 2023 | US |
