Patent Application
20230020053
The present invention in general relates to a ball and pin game system and process of setting up the same, and in particular, to a ball and pin game system that is portable, self-contained, compact, and easy to set up for game play on various surfaces.
Pin games involving the setting up, striking, and knocking down of individual game pins with an object such as a ball often require a game board to delineate the game area relative to the surrounding space and to provide a suitable surface upon which game pins may be set up. Individual game pins are set up on the playing surface in a predetermined orientation prior to beginning the game. A game board may also provide predetermined positioning indicia for individual game pins to make set up easier and to promote fairness, ensuring that each player's individual game pins are set up in the same orientation prior to beginning the game. Depending on the rules of the specific game, the individual game pins can be struck or knocked down with an object thrown or otherwise set in motion by a player. A player's progress can be scored in a variety of ways. For example, a player may be rewarded for the number of pins knocked down per toss of an object thrown or otherwise set in motion, or a player's progress may be scored in a competitive timed fashion. Some games involving the setting up, striking, and knocking down of individual game pins are played recreationally. Such games could also be played more seriously, for example, in a league-play format.
Fowling Enterprises, LLC has pioneered FOWLING™, as a brand for a game that involves throwing an oblong ball, like a football at an array of pins positioned on a game board in order to knock down pins according to the rules of the game. The oblong ball used in a FOWLING™ game is similar to or can include a standard American football. The pins used in a FOWLING™ game are similar to, or can include standard pins used in bowling.
A standard FOWLING™ game board is a forty-two inch by ninety-six inch (42″×96″) rectangle on a platform constructed of half inch plywood fastened to a two inch by four inch (2″×4″) wood frame edge. Typically, a FOWLING™ game set up has two game boards forty-eight feet (48′) apart. Generally, a player or a team of players stands at one of the game boards and throws the football at the pins arranged on the opposing game board. Once the first player or team's throwing turn has ended, another player or team standing at the other game board throws the football at the pins arranged on the first game board.
Given the size and material of standard FOWLING™ game boards, moving or transporting a game board is cumbersome and heavy, thereby limiting playing of a FOWLING™ game to a designated game play space where the game boards are built and/or stored. This prevents players from playing FOWLING™ in a variety of other desirable environments and situations, including, but not limited to, tailgating, camping, in a private backyard, or at the beach. Additionally, given the configuration of the game board and the setup of the pins on the game board, a suitable game play area must be a flat, level, large, open space, further limiting where a FOWLING™ game may be played.
Thus, there exists a need for a ball and pin game board and system that is portable, self-contained, compact, and easy to set up for game play on various surfaces and process of setting up the same that provides for efficient and simplified moving and transport of game equipment and for greater adaptability to play space locations and terrain features.
A portable game system is provided that includes a plurality of target pins, a throwing ball having a deflated state and an inflated state, and two platform sections each formed of a base and a planar playing surface. Each platform section having a handle disposed thereon and having game pin positioning indicia disposed on the planar playing surface thereof, the game pin positioning indicia being a plurality of circles arranged in a triangle shape. The two platform sections being configured to be held in abutting contact via a locking mechanism disposed thereon to hold the platform sections in a collapsed configuration in which the deflated throwing ball and game pins are held within a cavity defined between the two platform sections. The game system further having a game play configuration in which the bottom of the first base is spaced apart from the bottom of the second base, the plurality of target pins are positioned on said first game pin positioning indicia and said second game pin positioning indicia, and the throwing ball is in its inflated state.
A portable game platform for supporting game pins is provided. The portable game platform includes a first platform section and a second platform section. The first platform section is formed of a first base and a first surface board, the first base having a top and a bottom, the first surface board being attached to the top of the first base, the bottom of the first base defining at least two holes at a first end of the first base. The second platform section is formed of a second base and a second surface board, the second base having a top and a bottom, the second surface board being attached to the top of the second base, the bottom of the second base defining at least two holes at a first end of the second base. The first platform section and second platform section are pivotally joined together by a hinge along a second end of the first base and a second end of the second base. A plurality of feet are configured to be removably received by the holes in the first base and the second base. The game platform has a game play configuration in which the first surface board and the second surface board form a continuous game play surface, and a collapsed configuration in which the game platform folds at the hinge and the bottom of the first base abuts the bottom of the second base.
A process for setting up the portable game platform is also provided. The process for setting up the portable game platform includes unfolding the first platform section from the second platform section along the hinge, joining one of the plurality of feet into each of the holes defined in the first base and the second base, and leveling the game platform by adjusting each of the plurality of feet within the holes.
The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
An inventive portable ball and pin game system and process of setting up the same are provided. The present invention has utility as a ball and pin game board and system that is portable, self-contained, compact, and easy to set up for game play on various surfaces and process of setting up the same that provides for efficient and simplified moving and transport of game equipment and for greater adaptability to play space locations and terrain features. Advantageously, the present invention affords storage of game equipment, thereby further enhancing the overall portability of the entire game system. The present invention further affords the stacking and locking together of multiple game platforms for improved storage and transportability given the compact and flat nature of the game platform.
It is to be understood that in instances where a range of values are provided that the range is intended to encompass not only the end point values of the range but also intermediate values of the range as explicitly being included within the range and varying by the last significant figure in the range. By way of example, a recited range from 1 to 4 is intended to include 1-2, 1-3, 2-4, 3-4, and 1-4.
The present invention provides a portable game system 10. As shown in
According to some inventive embodiments, the bases 14, 14′ each additionally include cross bars 15, 15′, as shown in
According to some inventive embodiments, each of the platform sections 12, 12′, inclusive of hardware such as locking mechanisms and handles, has a total weight of 3 to 5 pounds, and preferably a weight of 4 pounds +/−5%. According to some inventive embodiments, each platform section 12, 12′ measures 30 inches by 34 inches in terms of its footprint.
According to some inventive embodiments, the bottom of each base 14, 14′ defines at least two threaded holes 20 at a first end 18, 18′ of each base 14, 14′. The threaded holes 20, shown in phantom lines in
According to some inventive embodiments, the two platform sections 12, 12′ are pivotally joined together by a hinge 19 that is attached to a second end 17 of one base 14 and to a second end 17 of the other base 14′. The hinge 19 allows the bases 14, 14′ to move relative to one another as shown by the arrow in
According to such embodiments, the hinge 19 allows the game platform sections 12, 12′ to be moved between a game play configuration to a collapsed configuration. In the game play configuration, the hinge 19 is closed so the game platform sections 12, 12′ are coplanar and the boards 16, 16′ form a continuous game play surface. In the collapsed configuration, the hinge 19 is open so the game platform sections 12, 12′ are positioned in parallel planes and the bottom of the first base 14 abuts the bottom of the second base 14′. In the collapsed configuration, the two platform sections 12, 12′ define a cavity between the boards 16, 16′ and bound by the bases 14, 14′. Accordingly, in the collapsed configuration, items may be placed within the cavity and retained within the cavity for storage, organization, and transport. Items that may be stored and retained within the cavity include game equipment such as a game ball, game pins, game platform set up tools, score keeping instruments, threaded feet 22, 24 (described below), or a combination thereof.
According to some inventive embodiments, the inventive portable game system 10 further includes feet 22, 24 that may threadably engage the holes 20 of the game platform 10 by a user so the game platform 10 can be set up for use in the game play configuration. It is appreciated that other conventional joinder systems are operative herein to attached feet, these illustratively include bayonet fittings, spring loaded pins that can engage complementary openings in the holes, and friction fits. Each of the feet 22, 24 are individually adjustable by thread rotation or catch selection for a bayonet or pin in each individual foot 22, 24 into a hole 20 to a desired depth within the hole 20. The deeper a foot 22, 24 is inserted into a hole 20, the shorted that particular foot will be. Accordingly, the feet 22, 24 are used to adjust the position and level of the game platform 10. The feet 22, 24 are also removable from the holes 20 when a user wishes to pack up the game platform 10 into the collapsed configuration. According to embodiments, the feet are each independently flat rubber feet 22, spiked feet 24, or a combination thereof. Flat rubber feet 22 being particularly well suited for game play on an impenetrable surface such as wood, concrete, pavement, rocky terrain, or the like. The flat rubber feet 22 also help to prevent the game platform sections 12, 12′ from sliding or bouncing around as it is struck with a game ball during game play as the rubber feet provide grip and help to absorb shock. Spiked feet 24 are well-suited for game play on a penetrable surface such as grass, dirt, mud, gravel, or the like. The spiked feet 24 also help to prevent the game platform from undesirably sinking into the ground and from moving around during game play.
According to some inventive embodiments, the feet 22, 24 are formed of a plastic, rubber, or metal material or a combination thereof. For example, the spiked portion of a spiked foot 24 may be formed of a plastic material while the threaded portion may be formed of a metal material, while the flat portion of a flat foot 22 may be formed of a rubber material or a rubber coated plastic material while the threaded portion is formed of a metal material. Alternatively, the feet 22, 24 may be entirely formed out of metal or entirely formed out of a sufficiently strong and resilient plastic. According to embodiments, the inventive portable game system 10 includes a set of threaded flat feet 22 and a set of spiked feet 24 so that the game platform can be set up for game play on various terrains. The different types of feet 22, 24 may also be used in combination, for example if half of the game platform is on an impenetrable surface while the other half of the game platform is on a penetrable surface.
According to some inventive embodiments, the portable game system 10 includes a bubble level 28, 28′ mounted on at least one platform section 12, 12′. In some inventive embodiments, the bubble level 28, 28′ is attached to at least one of the bases 14, 14′ so that the bubble level 28, 28′ is visible to a user setting up the game platform section 12, 12′ 10 but so that it does not interfere with game play by being positioned on top of the boards 16, 16′ that make up the game surface. In some embodiments, the bubble level 28, 28′ is attached to one of the bases 14, 14′ at the first end 18 so the right to left level of the game platform section 12, 12′ 0 may be checked and adjusted using the feet 22, 24. In other inventive embodiments, the bubble level 28, 28′ is attached to a section of a base 14, 14′ between the first end 18 and the second end 17 of the base 14, 14′ so the back to front level of the game platform 10 may be checked and adjusted using the threaded feet 22, 24. In other inventive embodiments, a first bubble level is attached to one of the bases 14, 14′ at the first end 18 and a second bubble level is attached to a section of a base 14, 14′ between the first end 18, 18′ and the second end 17, 17′ of the base 14, 14′ so the level of the game platform section 12, 12′ 10 may be checked and adjusted in all directions using the feet 22, 24.
Some inventive embodiments of the portable game system 10 further include a handle 26, 26′, disposed on at least one of the platform sections 14, 14′. As shown in
Embodiments of the inventive portable game platform 10 further include a locking mechanism configured to secure one platform section 12 to the other platform section 12 when the game platform 10 is in the collapsed configuration. According to embodiments, the locking mechanism is any of a chest latch, a sliding bolt latch, a hook latch, a sliding door latch, a drawer latch, a gate latch, a rocker latch, a matchbox lock, a sliding latch, a hook and eye latch, a hinge latch, a hasp latch, a door latch, a window latch, a cabinet latch, a toggle latch, a door chain latch, and nay other similar suitable locking mechanism. As shown in
Embodiments of the inventive portable game platform 10 further include game pin positioning indicia 28, 28′ disposed on a top surface of a board 16, 16′ on at least one of the game platform sections 12. As shown in
The inventive game system 10 additionally includes the twenty game target pins 50. The target pins 50 are configured to be set up on the game pin positioning indicia 28, 28′ divided between the two platform sections 12, 12′. According to some inventive embodiments, two of the twenty game target pins 50 are visually distinct in color to enable various aspects of game play. That is, two of the target pins may be provided in a red color while the remaining eighteen pins are provided in a white color. According to some inventive embodiments, the target pins 50 are formed of a composite material. According to some inventive embodiments, the target pins 50 are each shaped as a bowling pin. According to some inventive embodiments, the target pins 50 each have the dimensions of a standard ten pin bowling pin, while according to further embodiments the pins 50 have a height of between 40 and 120% of the standard height of 38 cm and a largest diameter of between 40 and 120% of the standard diameter of 12.1 cm. According to some inventive embodiments, the target pins 50 are standard ten pin bowling pins, while in further embodiments, the target pins 50 are lighter weight than a standard ten pin bowling pin. That is, according to some inventive embodiments, each of the twenty target pins 50 has a weight of between 0.5 to 1.5 pounds, preferably a weight of 1.0 +/−5%. Accordingly, the pins 50 are sufficiently weighted to withstand typical environments in which the game system 10 may be utilized but are light weight enough to ensure the game system 10 is portable by a single user when the pins 50 are stored within the abutted platform sections 12, 12′ in the collapsed configuration.
The inventive game system 10 additionally includes a throwing ball 60 that has a deflated state 62 and an inflated state 64, as shown in
According to some inventive embodiments, the inventive game system 10 additionally includes a measuring device 80 that is configured to facilitate proper spacing between the game platforms 12, 12′ when the game is in game play configuration. According to embodiments, the measuring device 80 has a length D that may be placed between the second ends 17, 17′ of the game platforms 12, 12′ for game set up. According to embodiments, the measuring device is also configured to be stored within the abutted platform sections 12, 12′ in the collapsed configuration.
As shown in
The present disclosure further provides a process for setting up the portable game system 10. The process includes easily carrying the portable game system 10 in its collapsed configuration to a desired location for game play. The system may be carried using any of the handle 26, the rope handles 27, 27′, or the shoulder strap 29. If used, the shoulder strap 29 may be removed. Next, the process includes unlocking the locking mechanism 40 to remove the first game platform section 12 from the second game platform section 12′. Next, the game equipment is removed from the cavity of the game platform section 12 or 12′. Next, the game platform sections 12, 12′ are set up on their bases 14, 14′ and spaced apart a distance D using the measuring device 80. Next, the target pins 50 are arranged on the game platforms 12, 12′, and specifically on the game pin indicia 28, 28′. Next, the throwing ball 60 is inflated to its inflated state 64 using the provided air pump 70. With all of the equipment set up, the game is now in its game play configuration and is ready to be played according to the rules of the game, which including throwing or tossing the throwing ball 60 at the pins 50 set up on one of the game platforms 12, 12′.
According to some inventive embodiments, the process includes unfolding the platform sections 12 along the hinge 19 so that the game platform 10 is in the game play configuration, inserting and threading the threaded feet 22, 24 into the threaded holes 20, and leveling the game platform by adjusting each of the threaded feet 22, 24. According to embodiments, leveling the game platform includes referring to the at least one bubble level that is attached to the game platform 10. According to embodiments, the process includes first carrying the game platform 10 to a desired game playing location using the handle 26. Various embodiments include unlocking the locking mechanism before unfolding the platform sections 12. The process may also include removing any items or game equipment stored within the cavity between the two platform sections 12.
As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of this invention defined in the following claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/299,437, filed Jun. 3, 2021, which in turn claims priority of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2019/064234, filed Dec. 3, 2019, which in turn claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/774,368, filed Dec. 3, 2018, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62774368 | Dec 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17299437 | Jun 2021 | US |
| Child | 17952418 | US |
