Patent Application
20250153034
The present invention relates generally to the field of amusement games. More specifically, the present invention relates to a ring-toss game device that provides a multi-player game for users of all ages and physical abilities. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
People may enjoy playing a wide variety of indoor and outdoor games with their friends and family, finding joy in the friendly competition and bonding time that these activities provide. Indoor games like board games, card games, or puzzle challenges can be great ways to spend time together, especially when the weather isn't suitable for outdoor activities. These games often foster critical thinking and strategy skills, but some may find that they can become repetitive or less engaging over time, especially after being played multiple times. This can lead to a search for new and exciting games to keep everyone entertained.
On the other hand, outdoor games, such as soccer, basketball, or even simple activities like tag or frisbee, offer a chance to get some fresh air and enjoy physical exercise. These games can be particularly exhilarating and provide a great way to stay active while having fun. However, they often require a certain level of physical exertion, making them less accessible to everyone. People recovering from recent injuries, those with mobility limitations, or older adults might struggle to participate in these physically demanding activities. This can sometimes leave them feeling excluded or unable to join in the enjoyment shared by others, creating a desire for games or activities that can bridge the gap between the indoors and outdoors, and cater to different levels of physical ability.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved amusement device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a ring-toss game device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a ring-toss game device that can be played outdoors. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a ring-toss game device that can be played outdoors and wherein the device can be used by multiple users of multiple ages and physical abilities.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a ring-toss game device. The device is designed for a ring-toss game, comprising a base that can be shaped in various configurations and constructed from materials such as plastic, wood, or metal. A vertical member attaches securely to the base using fasteners and is further equipped with horizontal members connected through hinges. The horizontal member is designed to fold for compact storage and is equipped with a locking mechanism for secure positioning. A string with an attached ring is connected to the horizontal member using adjustable fasteners, allowing for customization in length and ease of replacement. During gameplay, users attempt to swing the ring onto a fastener on the vertical member, scoring points when successful. The device is portable, with features such as ergonomic handles and can include indicia for branding or aesthetic customization. The method of using the device involves assembling the components, positioning the base, and engaging in the ring-toss game, making it suitable for both solo and competitive play.
In this manner, the ring-toss game device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides an improved amusement device. More specifically, the device can be played outdoors. In addition, the device can be used by multiple users of multiple ages and physical abilities.
The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a ring-toss game device. The device comprises a base, which may be rectangular, square, circular, oval, or polygonal to accommodate different design and stability needs. The base can be made from materials such as plastic, wood, metal, or composites, offering variations in durability and appearance.
A vertical member attaches to the base and extends upward from the base's top surface. It can be positioned centrally or offset based on balance needs. The vertical member is secured to the base using compatible fasteners, which may include threaded connectors, magnetic couplings, or snap-fit connections. These fasteners facilitate secure assembly, with options for screw-in or magnetic connections for easy attachment and removal.
The vertical member includes at least one horizontal member, connected via a hinge. This hinge allows the horizontal member to fold outwards to a parallel position with the top surface or fold back for compact storage. Various hinge types, such as pivot or ball-and-socket, may be used based on motion range needs. Certain embodiments use a locking hinge with a ratcheting mechanism or a locking mechanism, like a spring-loaded button, for secure positioning.
The horizontal member incorporates a string, to which at least one ring is attached. The string can be made from materials like nylon or synthetic fibers, offering adjustable lengths for different user needs. The ring may vary in weight and texture, using materials such as plastic, metal, or rubber to modify gameplay.
The string and ring are attached using fasteners, such as quick-release mechanisms or clasps, allowing for easy changes if the ring or string needs replacement or adjustment.
In use, the user swings the ring to attempt to catch it on a fastener on the vertical member, scoring a point upon success. The fastener may have differently shaped ends to adjust to the challenge. Additionally, the vertical member can include a handle for portability, designed for ergonomic handling.
The device may include indicia for branding or decorative purposes, applied through methods like printing or embossing. The invention also includes a method of use, involving assembling the device, positioning it on a surface, and using the ring and fastener for gameplay.
Accordingly, the ring-toss game device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved amusement device. More specifically, the device can be played outdoors. In addition, the device can be used by multiple users of multiple ages and physical abilities. In this manner, the ring-toss game device overcomes the limitations of existing amusement games known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved amusement device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a ring-toss game device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a ring-toss game device that can be played outdoors. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a ring-toss game device that can be played outdoors and wherein the device can be used by multiple users of multiple ages and physical abilities.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a ring-toss game device. The device is comprised of a base, which may be rectangular, square, circular, oval, or polygonal, to meet different design and stability requirements. The base can be constructed from materials such as plastic, wood, metal, or composites, providing options for durability and aesthetics.
A vertical member is attached to the base and extends upward from its top surface. It can be positioned centrally or offset, depending on balance requirements. The vertical member is secured to the base using compatible fasteners, including threaded connectors, magnetic couplings, or snap-fit connections. These fasteners allow for secure assembly, with options like screw-in or magnetic connections for ease of attachment and removal.
The vertical member includes at least one horizontal member, connected by a hinge. The hinge allows the horizontal member to fold outward into a parallel position with the top surface or fold back for compact storage. Various hinge types, such as pivot or ball-and-socket, may be selected based on the desired motion range. Some versions use a locking hinge with a ratcheting mechanism or a locking mechanism, such as a spring-loaded button, for secure positioning.
The horizontal member features a string, to which at least one ring is attached. The string can be made from materials like nylon or synthetic fibers, with adjustable lengths to accommodate user preferences. The ring may vary in weight and texture, using materials such as plastic, metal, or rubber to alter gameplay. The string and ring are secured using fasteners, such as quick-release mechanisms or clasps, facilitating easy replacement or adjustment if needed.
During use, the user swings the ring to attempt to catch it on a fastener on the vertical member, earning a point when successful. The fastener may have differently shaped ends to adjust difficulty. Additionally, the vertical member may include an ergonomic handle for portability.
The device may feature indicia for branding or decorative purposes, applied using methods like printing or embossing. The invention also includes a method of use, involving assembling the device, positioning it on a surface, and engaging in gameplay with the ring and fastener.
Therefore, the ring-toss game device offers an improved amusement option. It is suitable for outdoor use and can be enjoyed by users of various ages and physical abilities, addressing the limitations of existing amusement games.
Referring initially to the drawings,
At least one vertical member 120 attaches to the base 110 and extends upwards from a top surface 111 of the base 110. The vertical member 120 can be positioned at any location on the top surface 111, either centrally or offset to one side, depending on the intended use or balance considerations. The vertical member 120 is comprised of at least one fastener 122 that attaches to a fastener 112 of the top surface 111 to enable the vertical member 120 to attach to the base 110 securely. The fasteners 112, 122 may be any type of reciprocating fastener types known in the art, including but not limited to male and female connectors, tongue and groove joints, threaded connectors, magnetic couplings, or snap-fit connections. In one embodiment, the fasteners 112, 122 are threaded, allowing the vertical member 120 to be screwed into the base 110, while in another embodiment, magnets are used to facilitate quick assembly and disassembly of the vertical member 120.
The vertical member 120 is further comprised of at least one (but preferably two) horizontal member(s) 130. The horizontal member 130 attaches to the vertical member 120 via at least one hinge 132. The hinge 132 may be any hinge type known in the art, such as a pivot hinge, ball-and-socket hinge, or concealed hinge, depending on the desired range of motion and aesthetic appearance. The hinge 132 allows the member 130 to fold outwards and lock in a position parallel to the top surface 111 as seen in
In one embodiment, the hinge 132 is comprised of a locking hinge with an internal ratcheting mechanism that enables precise positioning of the horizontal member 130 at various angles relative to the vertical member 120. In another embodiment, the hinge 132 is comprised of at least one locking mechanism 134, such as but not limited to a spring-loaded locking button or a sliding latch, that can be engaged and disengaged to lock/unlock the hinge. The locking mechanism 134 may include tactile feedback for the user, such as a click sound, to indicate successful engagement of the lock.
The horizontal member 130 is comprised of at least one string 140, wherein at least one ring 142 is attached to the string 140. The string 140 may be composed of materials such as nylon, cotton, or synthetic fibers to provide durability and flexibility during use. It may be attached to the member 130 using adjustable fasteners, allowing the length of the string 140 to be modified for different user preferences or skill levels. The ring 142 may be composed of plastic, metal, or rubber, offering variations in weight and texture that affect the difficulty and style of gameplay.
The string 140 may attach to the member 130 and the string 140 may attach to the ring 142 via at least one fastener 150 such as but not limited to a quick-release fastener, carabiner, or clasp mechanism. This allows for easy detachment and replacement of the ring 142 or string 140 if damaged or if different ring sizes are desired for varying gameplay difficulty.
During use, a user can release the ring 142 from their hand in order to attempt to capture the ring 142 by swinging it onto at least one fastener 124 of the vertical member 120, such as but not limited to a peg or hook. As a result, a user scores a point. The fastener 124 may include different shaped ends, such as rounded, pointed, or hook-shaped, to alter the challenge of capturing the ring 142. The vertical member 120 may also be comprised of at least one handle 126 for carrying the device 100. The handle 126 may be ergonomically designed with a padded or contoured grip to facilitate comfortable transport.
Any portion of the device 100 may be comprised of at least one indicia 160. The indicia 160 includes but is not limited to a logo, an emblem, a picture, decorative patterns, or text, and can be applied using printing, embossing, or adhesive stickers. The indicia 160 may be used for branding, instructional markings, or aesthetic customization by the user.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “ring-toss game device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the ring-toss game device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the ring-toss game device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the ring-toss game device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the ring-toss game device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the ring-toss game device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the ring-toss game device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/598,737, which was filed on Nov. 14, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63598737 | Nov 2023 | US |
