Patent Application
20230066198
Embodiments of the invention relate to games and more particularly to a recreational yard game having multiple playing devices and methods of play.
A flying disc (e.g., FrisbeeR) is a gliding/flying toy that have been long used for recreational enjoyment from basic throw-and-catch games to disc golf to Ultimate Frisbee™. These flying discs are often constructed using injection-molded plastic and are roughly 8-10 inches in diameter. However, various sizes and configurations exist. Similarly, many games include one or more balls, goals, and other implements that provide an interactive and competitive format for players to play against one another.
This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is disclosed further in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The embodiments provided herein relate to a recreational game, including at least one flying disc, wherein a player on one of a set of two or more competing teams throws the flying disc towards a set of goals comprising multiple rings or hoops (e.g. one to three rings or hoops) positioned on opposite ends of a playing field. The players attempt to throw the flying disc through their team's assigned set of rings when on offense to obtain a score with a specific point value. Additionally, a defensive ball can be thrown by an opposing team member player while on defense and utilized as a defensive element to prevent or block the flying disc from travelling through the ring(s) to prevent the team from scoring.
The game can be played with various numbers of players on each team in different embodiments. Players can alternate throwing the flying disc (e.g. when passing or attempting to score), and scoring is calculated by addition or subtratction/elimination. Scores are tracked in a series of “frames.” For each “frame,” scores are totaled and play continues until a pre-determined threshold is reached (e.g., 21 points, 100 points). Each ring can provide a varying degree of difficulty, depending on specific variable(s) (e.g. a diameter of the ring). Scoring (by throwing the flying disc through one of the rings) may correspond to a point value, which may change based on the difficulty of throwing the flying disc through each ring. The size of the rings may be changed to provide further gameplay customization. Note: the word “ring” is used interchangeably herein with the word “hoop.” In various embodiments, the goal “rings'” shapes can alternatively be triangular, square, diamond, round, or oval shaped, regular or irregular shapes or combinations thereof (e.g., one round ring, one square ring, and one diamond ring per goal set]. Further, dimensions of a playing area may be standardized, or modular, and may be set to accommodate players of various skill levels.
In one aspect, each ring may be in monitored and/or operable communication with an optional electronic scoring system to allow for automated or semi-automated scoring of a match. For example, the scoring system may include one or more sensors positioned on, near, within, around, or remotely from each ring to sense when a flying disc passes through the ring. Once the flying disc passes through a ring, the score can be updated or otherwise changed via a scoring module program stored in computer executable memory and executed by a computer processor or otherwise in operable communication with a computing system.
In another aspect, one or more lighting elements can be positioned on, near, or at each goal ring. Once a flying disc passes through the ring, a state of the lighting elements can be modified such that the lighting elements are turned on (steady or flashing) or off to indicate that a goal has been scored. Additionally, scoring a goal can be coupled with activation of an audible alarm bell or electronic signal/sound. Combinations of audio and visual indicators can also be used.
Alternatively, rings can be made of a transparent plastic material, and include one or more LED lights fastened or coupled to or otherwise located within the inside of the ring that lights up the ring at nighttime to enable night play and/or play within dimly lit areas. An internally located battery can be charged via a USB power supply port, the disc/goals can use a replaceable battery, induction charging can be used, plugs to power supplies, or others in various embodiments. In some embodiments, flying discs can include a battery that powers integrated or removable LED lights that are ON or flashing during nighttime play The flying disc can comprise a motion-sensitive integrated chip, so that the LED lights are only ON or flashing when being thrown (to save or conserve battery power).
In some embodiments, the flying disc can make an intermittent or continuous electronic “whirring” or “buzzing” or “beeping” sound when thrown and/or being held or carried. Alternatively, the discs can emit a constant and/or variable sound whose frequency (pitch) depends on a speed at which the disc is flying or being carried as sensed by a gyroscope or other sensor of the flying disc. Players may not carry a broom during play. The game can also integrate use of a flying drone instead of a flying disc, and/or players can use a flying drone as the defensive ball. In some embodiments, players can use a bean bag in place of a flying disc. Such a bean bag can be approximately 11 inches in circumference that weighs around 14 ounces. Such a bean bag can have a colorful tail. The game can be played on grass or wood or concrete flooring; indoors or outdoors. In many embodiments, the game is a non-contact game, similar to Ultimate Frisbee™.
A more complete understanding of the embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by references to the following detailed description, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set for in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom.
Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to the system. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by convention symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments o the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
Game Equipment
In general, the embodiments described herein relate to a recreational game kit that includes multiple playing devices, including at least one flying disc (preferably 2 discs), at least one defensive striker ball (preferably two striker balls), and at least one set of goals (with preferably three rings per set of goals). The game kit can comprise an even number of flying discs, wherein one-half of those discs are selected to have one color corresponding to one team, and the other one-half of those discs are selected to have a different color than the ones in the first one-half, corresponding to the other team. In particular, the recreational game kit can include two flying discs (e.g., one red and the other green) and two sets of goals (wherein each set of goals comprises 3 same-sized goal rings). The objective of the game is to score points by throwing the flying disc through one of an opposing team's set of goals in order to score points. Two striker balls can be used, which can be identically colored or different. Either striker ball can be used by the opposing (defending) team to knock the incoming flying disc out of the air before it passes through their goal.
In one embodiment, same-sized goal rings can be a standard 27 inches in diameter, and the flying discs can be 21 centimeters in diameter and weigh no more than 175 g. Alternatively, three goal discs can have different diameters, ranging from 21″ to 24″ to 27″. Passing though the smallest diameter rings affords a greater point score than a larger diameter ring.
The game kit can further comprise goal ring support means for holding each goal ring in a fixed, vertically-oriented, elevated position above the ground. A variety of goal ring support means are described later herein.
The height from ground to the top of each goal ring 10 depends on the ring's diameter and the number of H-shaped brackets 20 that are used, so that smaller diameter rings can be located closer to the ground, and larger diameter rings can be located farther away from the ground. (See
In another embodiment, the goal ring 10 can be rotated, and then clamped tight, about the fixed support stand 26 to provide a different configuration of rings pointing in different directions. However, a preferred configuration is that all of the multiple goal rings are pointing in the same direction.
In
In some embodiments, game matches can be played with at least two flying discs, two sets of goals (three rings in each set of goals) at least two striker balls, and at least four players. Each game set can include two flying discs. Each flying disc can be distinguishable from the other, such as by using different colors for each disc or set of discs. The discs can be regulation size flying discs (e.g., 8 to 10 inches in diameter and no more than 175 g in weight). One skilled in the arts will readily understand that various sizes and configurations of flying discs may be utilized.
In some embodiments, each set of goal rings can consist of three goal rings. The rings (which may also be referred to herein as “hoops”) can have standard sizes of 30 inches, 25 inches, and 20 inches in diameter, respectively. The smallest diameter (e.g., 20-in) hoop can be attached to the tallest pole (e.g., 6 feet in height), the medium diameter hoop (e.g., 25-inch) can be attached to a medium height pole (e.g., 4.5 feet in height), and the largest diameter hoop (e.g., 30-inch) can be attached to a shortest pole (e.g., 3 feet in height). Each pole can be spaced apart a set distance, (e.g., S=36 inches), apart from each other. One skilled in the arts will readily understand that the aforementioned dimensions are for exemplary purposes only and may be changed to vary the degree of difficulty and general dynamics of the game. For example, the number of rings in a goal set can range from 1 to 3 rings per goal set, or more.
Each different diameter ring provides a varying degree of difficulty. The act of scoring (e.g., such as by throwing the flying disc through one of the rings) corresponds to a point value. Point values may change based on the difficulty of throwing the flying disc through each ring. Alternatively, depending on the field's setup, discs can be thrown through a goal ring in either direction (uni-directional or bi-directional) through the front side or the backside of the ring. This alternative feature could be used, for example, in conjunction with a circular playing area.
In some embodiments, the defensive striker balls may be constructed of a soft material (e.g., leather) and may be about 12 inches in circumference (Diameter=3-4 inches). Alternatively, the striker ball and the flying disc could be both, or either, made of bean bags. Since bean bags don't “fly”, the field's pitch may need be shrunk considerably (i.e., to a “backyard” size).
In some embodiments, the playing area can have a standard distance of 40-feet between the sets of goals (i.e., each set of goal rings are positioned 40-feet apart). In some embodiments, shorter distances and heights can be used when younger players are participating, or if there is not sufficient room for a “standard” field of play.
In some embodiments, the flying discs 28 are tossed from a designated region 86 within the playing area. A “throwing box” 86 may be defined within the designated region wherein the players must stand within while throwing the flying discs. Players cannot block the throwing of the flying disc by an opposing player (as is done in Ultimate Frisbee™). In some embodiments, each box 86 may be located directly to the left or right of a platform 41 (which is a rectangular area that surrounds the set of goal rings, and which can be raised up 2-4″ in a permanent playing area). On defense, these throwing boxes 86 define a defensive player's standing area wherein they must throw the striker ball(s) from. The baseline of the goals forms a foul line 84.
Playing Rules
In some embodiments, the game may be known as “Backyard Quidditch”, and matches can be broken down into frames of play. During each frame, every player throws their discs or bean bags. The team that scored last will have honors and throw first on each turn. A player must throw the discs from either the left or right Chaser's Box and remain in that designated box for the duration of the match in doubles or crew. This rule also applies to the tossing of the defensive striker balls or bags in defense of the goals. They are to be tossed from the designated box for the duration of the match. In singles play, a player will throw from both the right and left Chaser's Box during the game as the players walk down to retrieve their discs/bags in their designated lane, At no time will opponents throw from the same pitcher's box during a frame.
Players may not step over the foul line or outside of the Chaser's Box while throwing. The penalty for a first foul is the loss of one defensive striker turn. A second offense is the loss of two striker turns, third offense, three striker turns. Any additional fouls for a single team will continue to be a three-turn penalty for the defensive strikers, Note: a foul can occur in throwing the disc or the striker. Both count towards the team penalty.
The player who scored in the preceding frame throws first in the next frame. If neither player scores, the player who threw first in the preceding frame throws first in the next frame. Note: No foot can land past the front of the goals until the disc leaves the hand, otherwise the point does not count.
“Backyard Quidditch” can be played as singles, doubles, or crew format (4 players to a team). In doubles play, four players split into two teams. One member from each team throws from one goal set and the other members throw from the other. In singles play, two players play against each other and there is no defensive component to the game. Delivery is handled in the same manner as doubles play. Both players throw from the same goal set to complete the frame.
In crew format, each end of the pitch consists of two players from each team, with eight total players (4 per team). Players will each throw one disc/bag per frame in alternating fashion. In this configuration, there are four discs or bean bags per frame being thrown at the goal sets—two for each team, one by each player. There are also four defensive “strikers” being tossed in this format as well—two per team per frame. All members of the crew must toss the striker balls—they may not “double up” simply because a player may be better than another.
In order to score in the standard format, the discs/bags must be tossed through one of the three goal hoops at either end of the pitch. A disc/bag; that flies through any hoop is worth 10 points. If a disc/bag touches the goal and goes through the hoop, it counts for that corresponding hoop point total. If a team on defense is able to connect with a disc/bag when tossing a defensive striker ball, they will receive an additional 5 points for their total score even if the affected disc/bag then goes through the hoop for the offensive team.
When using the varied sized hoops, a disc/bag that flies through the smallest hoop is worth 15 points, through the mid-sized hoop is worth 10 points, and through the largest hoop is 5 points. Defensive scoring remains the same.
Standard scoring is done by simply totaling the team's points for each turn, including defensive points, until the first team reaches 150 points. The second method for those who prefer it is done by cancellation (e.g., if Team A scores 15 points in the frame and Team B scores 5 points in the frame, Team A is awarded 10 points). So it would be understood that only one player/team can register points in a given frame and therefore ties are not a possibility. Play continues until a player or team reaches 100 points in this format. The winning team must reach exactly 100 points. If, for example, a team has 95 points and throws a disc through the 10 point goal, the points are not allowed and the team remains at 95 points. The winning team does not need to win by any established number of points.
Either of these scoring methods can be used when using the standard hoops or the alternative hoops, the discs or the bags.
In some embodiments, the ring's diameter may be adjustable (e.g., tube-in-tube slip joint), or the set of playing materials may come with various additional rings sizes to make gameplay easier or harder based on preference. The design of the ring support stand ring bracket shown in
In some embodiments, scoring may be maintained on an automated scoring board via an automated scoring system. The scoring system may be in communication with one or more sensors positioned on each ring. For example, the sensors may be positioned to sense a disc passing through the ring and emit an output signal to a scoring module in communication with a computing processor.
In some embodiments, each ring can include a lighting element, such as an LED strip placed at least partially around a circumference of a ring. The LED lighting element may be in communication with the sensor(s) such that the scoring light (and/or or an audible scoring sound) turns ON once the flying disc passes through the ring. In such a way, players are alerted to when they have successfully scored. The scoring light (and/or scoring sound) can be intermittent (e.g., flashing), wherein the number of flashes (1, 2, 3) repeats over a period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) is controllable by a controller to indicate which of the three goal rings (small, medium, large) was scored upon. For example, the scoring light quickly flashes 3 times for scoring through the small diameter ring; 2 times for the medium diameter ring; and 1 times for the large diameter ring. The entire flashing sequence repeats itself after about 5 seconds, for a total of 5 cycles, at which point the flashing sequence stops completely. The scoring module can display the total score for each team.
Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/238,375 filed Aug. 30, 2021, entitled “RECREATIONAL GAME AND METHOD OF PLAYING THE SAME,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63238375 | Aug 2021 | US |
