SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR FLUID INDICATION OF KINETIC ACTUATION OF A TARGET

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and system for fluid indication of kinetic actuation of a target. The apparatus comprises a fluid housing and a lever arm coupled to a target. The apparatus includes a bracket assembly operatively coupled to the fluid housing and the lever arm. The bracket assembly includes a release. The release is configured for causing movement of the fluid housing about an off-center axis of the fluid housing.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a system and apparatus for fluid indication of kinetic actuation of a target for facilitating an outdoor game.

BACKGROUND

Apparatus and systems for facilitating outdoor games utilizing fluid for indication of kinetic actuation are known (i.e., indication of a projectile striking the target). For example, dunk games having a lever arm mechanically coupled to a water source are known. However, conventional dunk games with fluid indication of kinetic actuation are unable to provide a stimulating mechanism that increases manufacturing efficiency and user enjoyment while simultaneously preventing potential for injury from moving objects.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,770,586 to Kody et al., attempts to mitigate potential injury from moving parts by including a frame from which a container of fluid is suspended. The release of the fluid is controlled by a valve in the bottom of the container that is located in an opening in the bottom of the container. However, this reduces user satisfaction by eliminating the exciting visual cues of a tipping bucket. The valve is also prone to leakage, which further reduces user satisfaction. Other implementations including a tipping bucket led to the potential of user injury from uncontrolled rotational velocity of the tipping bucket.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for fluid indication of kinetic actuation of a target. The apparatus comprises a fluid housing and a lever arm coupled to a target. The apparatus includes a bracket assembly operatively coupled to the fluid housing and the lever arm. The bracket assembly includes a release. The release is configured for causing movement of the fluid housing about an off-center axis of the fluid housing.

Some embodiments relate to a bracket assembly apparatus for implementing a game. The apparatus includes a bracket having a release arm access and a trigger shaft extending radially outward from the release arm access. The apparatus includes a release pin. The trigger shaft is operatively coupled to the release pin. The trigger shaft and release pin are configured for causing movement of a fluid housing about an off-center axis of the fluid housing. In some embodiments, the off-center coupling is horizontally off-center and/or vertically off-center. In some embodiments, the release pin engages with at least one pin guide.

In some embodiments, the bracket assembly is configured to be coupled with the fluid housing via an off-center coupling. In some embodiments, the off-center coupling is vertically off-center. In some embodiments, the off-center coupling is horizontally off-center. In some embodiments, the release pin includes a tube spacer. In some embodiments, the release pin engages with the at least one pin guide. In some embodiments, the lever arm is configured to rotate about an axis in response to a kinetic actuation of the target. In some embodiments, rotating the lever arm triggers disengages the release pin from the at least one pin guide.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a game system. The game system includes fluid housing and a lever arm coupled to a target. The game system includes a bracket assembly operatively coupled to the fluid housing and the lever arm. In some embodiments, the bracket assembly includes a release. The release is configured for causing movement of the fluid housing about an off-center axis of the fluid housing.

In some embodiments, the game system includes a release arm access, a release wire guide, and a trigger shaft. In some embodiments the trigger shaft extends radially outward from the release arm access and is coupled to a release pin. In some embodiments, the release pin is configured to release the fluid housing from at least a portion of the bracket assembly via kinetic actuation of the target. In some embodiments, the off-center axis corresponds to an off-center coupling of the fluid housing to the bracket assembly. In some embodiments, the system the release pin engages with the at least one pin guide. In some embodiments, the lever arm is configured to rotate about an axis in response to a kinetic actuation of the target. In some embodiments, rotating the lever arm triggers disengages the release pin from the at least one pin guide.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a game system, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic of a lever arm for the game system shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a target for the game system shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a schematic of a lever arm bracket and connectors for the game system shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a bracket assembly for the game system shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments; and

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a fluid housing for the game system shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the invention to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Notably, the figures and examples below are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention to a single embodiment, but other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all the described or illustrated elements.

Moreover, where certain elements of the present invention can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present invention will be described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components will be omitted so as not to obscure the invention. As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs).

Embodiments described as being implemented in hardware should not be limited thereto, but can include embodiments implemented in software, or combinations of software and hardware, and vice-versa, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, unless otherwise specified herein. In the exemplary embodiments described herein, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting; rather, the invention is intended to encompass other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, applicants do not intend for any term in the specification or claims to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. As used herein, “operatively coupled” means that two elements are coupled in such a way that the two elements function together. It is to be understood that two elements “operatively coupled” does not require a direct connection or a permanent connection between them.

As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body. As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that the parts exert a force against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components. As employed herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). As employed herein, the term “substantially” shall mean that the difference is negligible. Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example and without limitation, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, back, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

One or more embodiments described herein pertain to a system and apparatus for operating an outdoor projectile game utilizing fluid for indication of kinetic actuation. Outdoor projectile games provide healthy and fun recreational activities for all. Finding ways for increasing recreational activity while maintain user enjoyment encourages health and well-being. Thus, the embodiments herein provide for increasing physical activity and promoting health and wellbeing in a manner that increases user enjoyment while reducing the potential for injury and increasing manufacturing efficiency.

Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary game 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments game 100 may include frame 102, bracket assembly 104, lever arm 106, and fluid housing 112. Frame 102 provides a platform for suspending fluid housing 112 above a user (not shown). In some embodiments, frame 102 includes horizontal, vertical and/or sloped segments. Connectors 103 provide a connection means for frame 102 segments. Connectors 103 may include right angle elbow connectors, right angle T -connectors and straight connectors, which are discussed in further detail below.

In some embodiments, frame 102 includes three (3) horizontal base segments, four (4) vertical segments, and one (1) horizontal top segment. As shown in FIG. 1, the horizontal top segment is positioned about a mid-point of the base segment, so as to provide a means for suspending fluid housing 112 above a user. In some embodiments, components of game 100 are bonded with one another utilizing sonic welding.

For example, in some embodiments, frame 102 components include interior ridges (not shown in FIG. 1) for connecting to connectors 103 via sonic welding. Connectors 103 include complimentary grooves that correspond to the interior ridges of frame 102. Sonic welding is known in the art and the discussion of the particular requirements and usages for thermoplastics is omitted herein for clarity. Accordingly, on some embodiments, frame 102 is made from thermoplastics that are configured for sonic welding, which is discussed in detail below.

In some embodiments, frame 102 includes metals such as copper, brass, aluminum, and/or alloys of these metals. Embodiments utilizing these metals may be interconnected utilizing sonic welding or traditional welding (e.g., MIG, TIG, GTAW, SMAW, and the like). In yet another embodiment, frame 102 includes plastics that may not be applicable for sonic welding, such as PVC piping and the like.

In some embodiments, lever arm bracket 108 facilitates coupling of lever arm 106 to bracket assembly 104 via frame 102. In some embodiments, lever arm 106 is operatively coupled to bracket assembly 104. Rotation of lever arm 106 causes bracket assembly 104 to release fluid housing 112.

In some embodiments, lever arm 106 actuates when a force is applied against target 110. Rotation of lever arm 106 actuates bracket assembly 104. Upon actuation, lever arm bracket 108 simultaneously allows for lever arm 106 to engage with bracket assembly 104 in a manner that provides free rotation of lever arm 106. Thus, a user (not shown) sitting or standing underneath fluid housing 112, may be dunked by fluid. Fluid housing 112 may store fluids with varying degrees of viscosity such as water, slime, honey or other liquids. In some embodiments, releasing fluid housing 112 is performed in an off-center manner such that the force caused by the angular rotation of fluid housing 112 is significantly reduced, which is discussed in further detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 2 depicts lever arm 106 utilized in game 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, lever arm 106 may include two segments joined by an angle of 110 degrees. In some embodiments, lever arm includes more than two segments. In some embodiments, lever arm 106 may be a unitary, monolithic structure. Lever arm 106 includes target 110. As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, target 110 may include a disc shaped target. In other embodiments, target 110 may encompass shapes including polygons and non-polygons (e.g., triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, ellipses, and splatter-shape amoebas).

As shown in FIG. 3, target 110 includes front side 302 and back side 304. Dimensions shown in FIG. 3 are exemplary for an embodiment. In some embodiments, dimension of target 110 may be more or less than what is shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, front side 302 provides a planar projectile striking surface and may include a visual cue (not shown). In some embodiments, front side 302 may include a visual cue of a target (i.e., concentric circles alternating between red and white). In some embodiments, front side 302 may include various types of graphics (e.g., shapes, animals, words, and the like), which increase user enjoyment.

In some embodiments, back side 304 includes slot 306. Slot 306 provides a means for coupling target 110 to lever arm 106. In some embodiments, slot 306 includes grooves (not shown) that correspond to ridges on lever arm 106. The grooves and ridges provide a means for coupling target 110 to lever arm 106, for example, via sonic welding, which is discussed in detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, in some embodiments, frame components 102 are affixed to one another utilizing connectors (e.g., 401, 404, 406, 408), which are configured for sonic welding. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4A, lever arm bracket 108 may be configured for sonic welding. In other embodiments, frame 102 may be fixed to components utilizing other means for affixing plastic and/or metal materials such as welding, gluing, and/or connection with nuts and bolts.

As discussed above, lever arm bracket 108 provides a means for fixing lever arm 106 to frame 102 while allowing free rotational movement of lever arm 106. As shown in FIG. Fig4B, game 100 may include various types of connectors that are coupled with frame 102 and game 100 components (e.g., components 106, 104, 108, 110). In some embodiments, sonic welding connectors may include straight connector 402, cap connector 404, elbow connectors 406, tee connectors 408. Other types of connectors may be employed without diverting from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiments described herein and have been fully contemplated.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, game 100 may include a method of manufacturing a game utilizing sonic welding. Sonic welding is an industrial process whereby high-frequency vibrations are locally applied to components being held together under pressure to create a solid-state weld. Sonic welding is known in the art for plastics and metals, and especially for joining dissimilar materials. Because in sonic welding there are no connective bolts, nails, soldering materials, or adhesives necessary to bind the materials together manufacturing efficiencies are increased in this manner. For example, a notable characteristic of this method is that the temperature stays well below the melting point of the involved materials thus preventing any unwanted properties which may arise from high temperature exposure of the materials such as warping and loss of structural integrity.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4B, in some embodiments frame 102 may include ridges 422 configured for sonic welding. Connectors 402, 404, 406, 408 may include one or more grooves 420 configured for sonic welding. Grooves 420 correspond to ridges 422. Ridges 422 slide into grooves 420 and are fused together via sonic welding. In this manner, frame 102 components may be coupled to various connectors (e.g., connectors 402, 404, 406, 420) and components (e.g., components 110, 108, 106, 104).

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5B, game 100 includes bracket assembly 104. Bracket assembly 104 is configured for allowing free rotation of lever arm 106, while providing a means for managing the stored potential energy of fluid housing 112. Because fluid housing 112 is coupled to bracket assembly 104 via an off-center coupling, the off-center coupling combined with the force of gravity creates a moment arm about an axis corresponding to the off-center coupling. The moment arm generated by gravity is stored as potential energy, which is held back by a release of bracket assembly 104, which is described in further detail below. When bracket assembly 104 engages the release, the release releasees the stored potential angular momentum of fluid housing 112, causing fluid housing 112 to tip over and spill any contained fluid on a user (not shown) positioned under fluid housing 112.

As shown in FIG. 5A, in some embodiments, bracket assembly 104 may include frame connectors 501, lever arm access 502, bracket housing 503, release trigger 504, release trigger access 506, release wire 514, release wire guide 508, release pin 515, and release pin guide 510. Bracket assembly provides a user-friendly mechanism for providing a visually appealing tipping effect, in a manner that prevents potential injury to the user during kinetic actuation. For example, kinetic actuation may occur when a user launches a projectile (not shown) at target 110.

Upon impact, the kinetic force of the projectile transfers from target 110 to lever arm 106 thereby actuating lever arm 106. In some embodiments, actuation of lever arm 106 causes a rotation of lever arm 106 within lever arm recess 502. lever arm 106 is coupled to trigger release 504. Trigger shaft 512 extends radially outward from release arm access 506 and is coupled a release pin 515.

FIG. 5C depicts release trigger 504 in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, in FIG. 5C, in some embodiments release trigger 504 includes trigger pin 518, trigger shaft 520 and spacer 519. Rotation of lever arm 106 causes trigger shaft 512 to pull upon the release cable thereby pulling pin 515 up, away from the top of fluid housing 512, thereby disengaging release pin 515 from release pin guide 510. When engaged, release pin 515 extends downward and contacts fluid housing 112 in a manner that prevents forward rotation (i.e., tipping) of fluid housing 112. Disengaging release pin 515 causes fluid housing 112 to tip frontward toward the user, which is described in further detail below.

In some embodiments, trigger shaft 520 includes a threaded body. The threaded body may not be visually appealing to all users. Thus, spacer 519 may be utilized for preserving the aesthetical appearance of a smooth surface. The smooth and streamlined look of release trigger 504 is visually appealing, thus increasing the enjoyment for the user.

In some embodiments, trigger pin 518 may include an inside thread depth. The inside thread depth corresponds to a depth configured for optimizing the tipping of fluid housing 112. For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, in some embodiments, the optimized depth may include 12.7 mm. In other embodiments, the optimized depth may be more or less than 12.7 mm (e.g., 11.7 mm, 13.7 mm, 10 mm, 14 mm).

As further shown in FIG. 5C, trigger pin 518 may be coupled to release pin 515 via wire 514. Wire 514 may include a coated wire rope with a diameter of ⅟16”. In some embodiments, wire 514 may be coupled to release pin 515 utilizing a crimped collar to close a loop of wire as close to pin 515 as possible thereby preventing wire 514 from coming into contact with guides 508, 510. In some embodiments, trigger 504 may extend radially outward from bracket 104 via access 506 at a predetermined angle configured for optimizing the tipping of fluid housing 112 in a manner that prevents user injury. Trigger 504 may be coupled to wire 514 via a crimped collar. For clarity, trigger 504 is shown with wire 513 adjacent to trigger 504. It is understood that wire 514 loops through eye nut of trigger pin 518, similar to pin 515.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6B, FIGS. 6A-6B depict fluid housing 112 in accordance with one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, fluid housing 112 may comprise a bucket or other bucket-type container capable of storing water. In some embodiments, fluid housing may be transparent. In other embodiments, fluid housing 112 may be partially transparent or opaque. In yet another embodiment, fluid housing is 30% transparent, or substantially 30% transparent.

In some embodiments, fluid housing 112 may include mounting brackets 602 and housing body 604. In some embodiments, brackets 602 and housing body 604 comprise a unitary, monolithic structure. In other embodiments, mounting brackets 602 are fixedly coupled to housing body 604. In some embodiments, mounting brackets 602 are sonic welded to housing body 604.

In some embodiments, mounting brackets 602 are coupled to bracket assembly mount 513 via bolts 511. In some embodiments, fluid housing 112 includes mounting brackets 602 that are mounted off-center to fluid housing 112. The off-center mounting may, in some embodiments, be placed vertically off center in relation to a center of gravity of fluid housing 112. In some embodiments, the off-center brackets may be placed horizontally off-center in relation to a center of gravity of fluid housing 112. In other embodiments, the off-center mounting brackets are placed vertically off-center and horizontally off-center.

For example, off center means that the coupling position where mount 602 is coupled to bracket mount 513, is not the center of gravity of fluid housing 112 when full. Due to the off-center coupling, fluid housing is off balance and tends to tip over, which is otherwise prevented by pin 515 when engaged. For example, horizontally off-center means that mount 602 is coupled with mount 513 towards the rear of fluid housing 112. The rear means the opposite side of the tipping direction. The tipping direction being the direction that fluid housing 112 tips when actuated. Vertically off-center means that mount 602 is coupled with mount 513 above the vertical midpoint of fluid housing 112.

The off-center positioning of bracket mounts 602 with respect to body 604 provides increased user friendliness that is outside the scope of any prior art. Off-center placement of fluid housing 112 is an advantage compared to prior art devices because if the bucket mounts are positioned on the bottom and center of the bucket, the force of gravity exerted by the fluid onto the tipping bucket may greatly increase the velocity of the bucket and the direction of tipping cannot be predetermined. For example, slight movement of fluid or wind pushing on the housing 112 may cause tipping in either direction. Moreover, because fluids such as water do not compress and are heavy, it is desirable to mitigate the rotational acceleration of fluid housing 112 when tipping.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, trigger shaft 520 is operatively coupled to the release pin 515 and configured for causing movement of fluid housing 112 about an off-center axis of fluid housing 112. In some embodiments, the off-center coupling is horizontally off-center. In some embodiments, the off-center coupling is vertically off-center. In other embodiments, the off-center coupling is vertically and horizontally off-center.

Because the horizontal off-center mount 602 is positioned closer to frame 102, upon actuation of lever arm 106, fluid housing 112 will always tip over in the front direction. Moreover, the rotational acceleration force of fluid housing 112 when tipping may be managed by the placement of the off-center mounting placement. Thus, the off-center position of the mounting brackets 602, provide the additional advantage of reducing the rotational velocity of the bucket during actuation of lever arm 106.

This may lead to user injury if the force of the bucket meets the head of a user positioned underneath the rotating fluid housing. Moreover, for some users that are very tall, the height of the suspended bucket may not be enough to prevent collision of the bucket with the users’ head. Vertical off-center placement for fluid housing 112 provides additional headspace for preventing injury to tall users. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein provide an outdoor dunk game having increased user satisfaction by mitigating the potential for injury while increasing manufacturing efficiency

Dimensions shown in the figures are for exemplary purposes only and are not meant to be limiting, unless specifically claimed. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word “comprising” or “including” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In any device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination.

Although the description provided above provides detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the disclosure is not limited to the expressly disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. An apparatus for fluid indication of kinetic actuation of a target, the apparatus comprising: a fluid housing;a lever arm coupled to a target; anda bracket assembly operatively coupled to the fluid housing and the lever arm,wherein the bracket assembly includes a release, the release configured for causing movement of the fluid housing about an off-center axis of the fluid housing.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the release comprises: a release arm access;a release wire guide; anda trigger shaft extending radially outward from the release arm access and coupled to a release pin.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the release pin is configured to release the fluid housing from at least a portion of the bracket assembly via actuation of the target.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the off-center axis corresponds to an off-center coupling of the fluid housing to the bracket assembly.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the off-center coupling is horizontally off-center.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the off-center coupling is vertically off-center.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the release pin engages with the at least one pin guide.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lever arm is configured to rotate about an axis in response to actuation of the target.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein rotating the lever arm triggers disengages the release pin from the at least one pin guide.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid housing is at least partially transparent.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least partially transparent corresponds to substantially 30% transparent.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the release pin includes a tube spacer.

13. A game system, the system comprising: a fluid housing;a lever arm coupled to a target; anda bracket assembly operatively coupled to the fluid housing and the lever arm,wherein the bracket assembly includes a release, the release configured for causing movement of the fluid housing about an off-center axis of the fluid housing.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the release comprises: a release arm access;a release wire guide; anda trigger shaft extending radially outward from the release arm access and coupled to a release pin.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the release pin is configured to release the fluid housing from at least a portion of the bracket assembly via actuation of the target.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the off-center axis corresponds to an off-center coupling of the fluid housing to the bracket assembly.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the off-center coupling is horizontally off-center.

18. The system of claim 13, wherein the off-center coupling is vertically off-center.

19. The system of claim 13, wherein the release pin engages with the at least one pin guide.

20. The system of claim 13, wherein the lever arm is configured to rotate about an axis in response to a actuation of the target.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein rotating the lever arm triggers disengages the release pin from the at least one pin guide.

22. A bracket assembly apparatus for implementing a game, the apparatus comprising: a bracket housing having a release arm access;a trigger shaft extending radially outward from the release arm access; anda release pin,wherein the trigger shaft is operatively coupled to the release pin and configured for causing movement of a fluid housing about an off-center axis of the fluid housing.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the off-center coupling is horizontally off-center and vertically off-center.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the release pin engages with the at least one pin guide.