Systems and Devices for a Game Utilizing a Projectile

BACKGROUND

Beginning with a few rackets, a ball, and a wall, racquet sports have grown widely popular throughout the world. Dozens of racquet sports have developed over time, each offering unique play styles, settings, and equipment. In 2022, hundreds of millions of people participate in racquet sports regularly. Among some of the most popular of these sports are tennis, badminton, squash, paddleball, and table tennis. Depending on the sport, a racquet's face may be composed of stringing or of a solid material. These sports generally use a net that is pinned to the ground or a hard wall. The balls vary as some use a rubber ball, a tennis ball, or in badminton's case, a shuttlecock.

Examining each of the variety of racquet-based sports, there are a few constants that remain throughout. Each requires a tremendous amount of hand-eye coordination, as well as one or more objects that are either immovable or difficult to move. Racquet sports are among the most difficult sports to play due to the great amount of skill that is needed. Hitting small objects with a racket is not easy, especially for younger children and older adults, often excluding these types of individuals all-together from participating. Participating in racquet sports requires power in hitting and speed as you move about, to return a ball over a net or against a wall.

For most racquet sports, a court is created surrounding a net or wall that marks the boundaries of the game. The combination of the net or wall with these boundaries generally makes the sport immovable and requires individuals to travel towards the game with their racquets to play. Additionally, these sports are troublesome for families or groups that wish to participate in a racquet sport while at a place that does not include the proper setup for the game. Moreover, the immovable nature of racquet sports prevents people from bringing them to different locations, forcing individuals to specifically travel to play the sport.

To date, families and friends cannot rely on racquet sports to provide a fun and inclusive experience in any environment. Rather, racquet sports require a skill level and an environment that not inclusive of everyone at any time. Other sports and games have been developed outside of racquet sports that have successfully navigated around these barriers, while racquet sports continue to lag behind. For example, tennis requires a large terrain (78 ft. in length, 36 ft wide) and a large net that is anchored to the ground with metal posts. While the court required in racquetball is not as large, it requires 3-4 walls to play, significantly limiting the locations where it can be enjoyed. These racquet sports continue to be nonportable and difficult to access.

Other types of sports have developed ways to navigate the hurdles associated with limited access, allowing individuals to play them anywhere at any time. One example of such is roundnet, which is a sport involving a small trampoline and a ball. The trampoline-like net is incredibly mobile and can be set up on almost any flat terrain. Like volleyball, this portable sport has enabled friends and family to bring the game with them to a variety of locations. The difficulty for racquet sports is discovering a way to create a playing field that is large enough to sufficiently host the sport while remaining portable and easy to set up. To date, this has yet to be achieved.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

What is needed is a game system that creates a playing field for multiple players that can be played in various locations. It is an object of the present disclosure to solve this problem. The present disclosure provides for a diverse and portable projectile-based game system and associated devices that utilizes a plurality of players, a plurality of contacting elements, and at least one projectile. Unlike ball games that require features of a fixed location, the present disclosure can be placed on any substantially flat surface in any location. In some aspects, projectile-based game system of the present disclosure may utilize a wide variety of potential base structures, each comprising one or more partitioning elements, as well as a variety of potential processes for utilizing the projectile-based game system.

The present disclosure provides generally for systems and devices for a game utilizing at least one projectile. According to the present disclosure, the projectile-based game system may comprise multiple components including at least one projectile, a plurality of contacting elements, a plurality of players, and a base structure comprising one or more internal and external partitioning elements. The projectile-based game system may include a base structure with various components and designs. For example, the projectile-based game system may include one or more detachable sections of partitioning elements, one or more weighted elements, one or more detachable inner partitioning elements, or one or more partitioning elements fillable with at least one external substance, as non-limiting examples. As another non-limiting example, the projectile-based game system may utilize software, hardware, one or more mobile computing devices, or any combination thereof, to enhance one or more aspects of playability. Additionally, the present disclosure may include at least one process for utilizing a projectile-based game system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings that are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate several embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary projectile-based game system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary projectile-based game system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an exemplary projectile-based game system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of an exemplary projectile-based game system comprising an exemplary connecting mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of an exemplary projectile-based game system comprising an exemplary connecting mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary projectile-based game system comprising a plurality of weighted internal partitioning elements, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of an exemplary projectile-based game system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary projectile-based game system in a folded position for transport, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary projectile-based game system in a folded position for transport, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary projectile-based game system in a folded position for transport, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary projectile-based game system in a folded position for transport, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8C illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary projectile-based game system in a folded position for transport, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of an exemplary projectile-based game system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary projectile-based game system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of an exemplary projectile-based game system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary projectile-based game system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of an exemplary projectile-based game system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary process for utilizing a projectile-based game system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary process for utilizing a projectile-based game system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides generally for systems and devices for a game utilizing at least one projectile. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the projectile-based game system may comprise multiple components including at least one projectile, a plurality of contacting elements, a plurality of players, and a base structure comprising internal and external partitioning elements. In some implementations, the projectile-based game system of the present disclosure may include a base structure with various components and designs. Additionally, the projectile-based game system of the present disclosure may include processes for utilizing the projectile-based game system.

In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methods of the disclosure will be given. The descriptions of both preferred and alternative examples, though thorough, are exemplary only, and it is understood to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspects of the underlying disclosure as defined by the claims.

Glossary

- Occupancy region: as used herein refers to any shape formed by the internal and external partitioning elements of a projectile-based game system that may define an area where a player may be positioned. In some aspects, an occupancy region may be shaped as a square, triangle, or wedge, as non-limiting examples.
- Connecting mechanism: as used herein refers to any mechanism used to connect the partitioning elements of a projectile-based game system.
- Base structure: as used herein refers to a playing area formed by the internal and external partitioning elements of a projectile-based game system, wherein the base structure may comprise one or more object occupancy regions.
- Projectile-based game system: as used herein refers to a configuration of a sport or game that utilizes one or more waves occupancy regions within a base structure on a surface wherein each of a plurality of players may use one or more contacting elements to engage with at least one projectile.
- Projectile: as used herein refers to any object that may be exchanged between players using a contacting element within a projectile-based game system. As illustrative non-limiting examples, a projectile may comprise a ball, shuttlecock, or soft darts.
- Player: as used herein refers to a user of a projectile-based game system. In some aspects, a player may participate in a game using a projectile-based game system.

The present disclosure describes an exemplary projectile-based game system that may comprise multiple components including at least one projectile, a plurality of contacting elements, and a plurality of players, and a base structure comprising internal and external partitioning elements. In some aspects, the projectile-based game system may comprise a base structure with various components and designs. In some implementations, the projectile-based game system of the present disclosure may comprise at least one process for utilizing the projectile-based game system.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a top view of an exemplary projectile-based game system 100 is illustrated. In some implementations, the projectile-based game system 100 may comprise a base structure that comprises one or more external partitioning elements 110 and one or more internal partitioning elements 130. In some aspects, the base structure may further comprise one or more weighted elements 120. In some embodiments, each weighted element 120 may be attachable to or integrated with at least one portion of the base structure. In some aspects, each weighted element 120 may be configured at a corner or other portion of the outer perimeter of the base structure and/or at one or more junctions or intersections formed by two or more external partitioning elements 110 and/or internal partitioning elements 130.

In some implementations, each weighted element 120 may comprise a heaviness that is greater than each of the other portions of the projectile-based game system 100. In some embodiments, each weighted element 120 may at least partially comprise an amount of metal, rubber, sand, dirt, or water, as non-limiting examples. In some aspects, each weighted element 120 may be configured as at least one opening comprising a fillable structure, such as, for example and not limitation, a pocket or pouch, configured to hold an amount of a weighted substance, such as sand, dirt, or water, as non-limiting examples.

In some implementations, the at least one opening may be at least partially closable or sealable via one or more sealing elements, such as one or more snaps, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, or buttons, as non-limiting examples, as well as any combination thereof. In some embodiments, each of the external partitioning elements 110 and the internal partitioning elements 130 may be made of a substantially soft material, such as cloth or rubber, as non-liming examples, with the intention of the soft material reducing the likelihood of injury when interacting with one or more portions of a player's body, such as a player's bare feet.

In some embodiments, one or more external partitioning elements 110 and/or one or more internal partitioning elements 130 may be configured to be arranged on a substantially flat surface. In some implementations, one or more portions of one or more internal partitioning elements 130 may be configured be at least temporarily connected to one or more internal portions of one or more external partitioning elements 110 to form two or more occupancy regions, wherein each occupancy region may be occupied by a player while utilizing the projectile-based game system 100.

In some aspects, at least one of the occupancy regions may comprise a king's box 140. As a non-limiting example, the king's box 140 may be used in a process of utilizing the projectile-based game system 100 to allow the player positioned in said king's box 140 to score 20) points. In some embodiments, at least one of the occupancy regions formed by the internal partitioning elements 130 and the external partitioning elements 110 may comprise a restart box 150. As a non-limiting example, the restart box 150 may be used in the process of utilizing the projectile-based system 100 to allow a player to wait for an open occupancy region to join the process, e.g., a player waits to restart entry into an ongoing game.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of an exemplary projectile-based game system 200 is illustrated. In some aspects, a plurality of players 270 may engage with the projectile-based game system 200. In some embodiments, one or more internal partitioning elements 230 and one or more external partitioning elements 210 may intersect to form one or more occupancy regions, wherein one player 270 may occupy each of the occupancy regions. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of players 270 may use at least one contacting element 280 to hit or otherwise interact with at least one projectile 260. In some implementations, the at least one projectile 260 may comprise a ball, shuttlecock, or soft dart, as non-limiting examples.

By way of example and not limitation, in embodiments wherein the at least one projectile may comprise a ball, the ball may comprise rubber, plastic, leather, cloth, or any similar material, as well as any combination thereof. In some aspects, each contacting element 280 may comprise any device used to hit or otherwise interact with the at least one projectile 260 to change the trajectory of the projectile 260. In some embodiments, each contacting element 280 may comprise any shape, size, or material. By way of example and not limitation, each contacting element 280 may comprise a paddle, racquet, bat, mallet, or similar implement, wherein each contacting element 280 may comprise one or more plastics, metals, rubber, strings, other polymers, or similar materials, as well as any combination thereof.

In some implementations, at least one occupancy region formed by the internal partitioning elements 230 and the external partitioning elements 210 may comprise a king's box 240. As a non-limiting example, the king's box 240 may be used in a process of utilizing the projectile-based game system 200 to allow a player 270 positioned in said king's box 240 to score points. In some embodiments, at least one occupancy region formed by the internal partitioning elements 230 and the external partitioning elements 210 may comprise a restart box 250. In some aspects, the restart box 250 may be used in a process of utilizing the projectile-based game system 200 to allow a player 270 to wait for an open occupancy region to join the process, e.g., a player 270 waits to restart entry into an ongoing game.

As a non-limiting example, a player 270 in the king's box 240 may use a contacting element 280 to hit a projectile 260 in an upward motion toward the occupancy region of any other player 270, and if the receiving player 270 fails to hit the projectile 260 with contacting element 280, the player 270 in the king's box 240 may score a point. Accordingly, the player 270 who missed the projectile 260 will move to the restart box 250 to await to rejoin the process associated with the projectile-based game system 200.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a top view of an exemplary projectile-based game system 300 is illustrated. In some aspects, the projectile-based game system 300 may comprise one or more external partitioning elements 310, one or more internal partitioning elements 330, at least one occupancy region that comprises a king's box 340, and at least one occupancy region that comprises a restart box 350. According to some embodiments, a projectile-based game system 300 may comprise at least one material 315 internally that is configured to unite the occupancy regions formed by the external partitioning elements 310 and the internal partitioning elements 330. In some implementations, the material 315 may comprise mesh, cloth, or silk, as non-limiting examples. In some aspects, the material 315 may be permanently attached to the internal partitioning elements 330 and the external partitioning elements 310. As non-limiting examples, the material 315 may be sown into or adhered to the internal partitioning elements 330 and the external partitioning elements 310. In some embodiments, the material 315 may be at least partially detachable from the internal partitioning elements 330 and the external partitioning elements 310. As an illustrative example, the material 315 may be attached by one or more hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, clasps, or similar elements, as non-limiting examples, as well as any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, at least one occupancy region formed by the internal partitioning elements 330 and the external partitioning elements 310 may comprise a king's box 340. In some aspects, the king's box 340 may be used in a process of utilizing the projectile-based game system 300 to allow a player positioned in said king's box 340 to score points. In some embodiments, at least one occupancy region formed by the internal partitioning elements 330 and the external partitioning elements 310 may comprise a restart box 350. In some implementations, the restart box 350 may be used in a process of utilizing the projectile-based game system 300 to 20) allow a player to wait for an open occupancy region to join the process, e.g., a player waits to restart entry into an ongoing game.

Referring now to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, top views of an exemplary projectile-based game system 400 comprising an exemplary connecting mechanism 412, 413, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, are illustrated. In some embodiments, the projectile-based game system 400 may comprise one or more internal partitioning elements 430 and one or more external partitioning elements 410 configured to intersect at one or more locations to form one or more occupancy regions. In some implementations, said occupancy regions may be at least partially detachable via one or more connecting mechanisms 412, 413 located on one or more portions thereof, and each occupancy region may be reattached in any orientation. According to some non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the connecting mechanism 412 may comprise one or more hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or similar elements, as well as any combination thereof. In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the connecting mechanism 413 may comprise one or more clasps, clips, clamps, snaps, or similar elements, as well as any combination thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of an exemplary projectile-based game system 500 comprising a plurality of weighted internal partitioning elements 530, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the projectile-based game system 500 may comprise one or more internal partitioning elements 530 and one or more external partitioning elements 510 configured to intersect at one or more locations to form one or more occupancy regions. In some embodiments, the projectile-based game system 500 may comprise two internal partitioning elements 530 that intersect perpendicularly to form four occupancy regions that each comprise a substantially square shape within a larger substantially square shape formed by external partitioning elements 510. In some embodiments, the internal partitioning elements 530 may be weighted to help prevent unintentional movement of the base structure of the projectile-based game system 500.

In some embodiments, the internal partitioning elements 530 and the external partitioning elements 510 may be arranged on a substantially planar game board 525 to form one or more occupancy regions in the shape of squares, including a king's box 540 and a restart box 550. As a non-limiting example, the king's box 540 may be used in a process of utilizing the projectile-based game system 500 to allow a player positioned in said king's box 540 to score points. As a non-limiting example, the restart box 550 may be used in a process of utilizing the projectile-based game system 500 to allow a player to wait for an open occupancy region to join the process, e.g., a player waits to restart entry into an ongoing game.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a top view of an exemplary projectile-based game system 600, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some implementations, the projectile-based game system 600 may comprise one or more external partitioning elements 610, one or more internal partitioning elements 630, at least one king's box 640, and at least one restart box 650. In some embodiments, one or more internal and/or external junctions, intersections, or corners formed by the internal partitioning elements 630 and/or the external partitioning elements 610 may comprise at least one substantially hard or rigid material, such as metal or hard rubber, as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, one or more internal and/or external junctions, intersections, or corners formed by the internal partitioning elements 630 and/or the external partitioning elements 610 may comprise at least one cover 620. In some aspects, the cover 620 may comprise a substantially soft material, such as cloth or rubber, as non-liming examples, to reduce the risk of injury if the cover 620 interacts with one or more portions of a player's body, such as a player's bare feet. In some embodiments, the cover 620 may be used to at least partially cover one or more stabilizing elements 660.

As a non-limiting example, in some implementations the stabilizing elements 660 may comprise stakes, pins, poles, posts, nails, screws, bars, disks, or similar elements that may be used to hold the base structure of the projectile-based game system 600 in substantially stationary configuration. In some embodiments, each of the stabilizing elements 660 may comprise one or more materials in the form of rubber, wood, plastic, or metal, as non-limiting examples.

Referring now to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, a perspective view of an exemplary projectile-based game system 700 in a folded position for transport, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the projectile-based game system 700 may comprise a foldable game board 710 that folds or collapses into itself to create a transportable apparatus 720. In some embodiments, the transportable apparatus 720 may comprise at least one handle 730 to facilitate transporting. As a non-limiting example, the handle 730 may be located on the underside of the restart box 750. In some embodiments, at least one clasp may be configured on one or more portions of the restart box 750, or elsewhere on the projectile-based game system 700, to securely close the transportable apparatus 720 when the projectile-based game system is in a folder state. In some embodiments, one or more hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or similar elements may be configured on one or more portions of the restart box 750, or elsewhere on the projectile-based game system 700, to securely close the transportable apparatus 720.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8C, perspective views of an exemplary projectile-based game system 800 in a folded position for transport, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the projectile-based game system 800 may comprise a foldable base structure 810 that may fold or collapse into itself to create a transportable apparatus 820. In some embodiments, at least one clasp may be configured on one or more portions of at least one occupancy region in the form of a restart box 850 to securely close the transportable apparatus 820. In some embodiments, one or more hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or similar elements may be configured on one or more portions of the restart box 850, or anywhere else on projectile-based game system 800 to securely close the transportable apparatus 820.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 820, a plurality of contacting elements 840, and at least one projectile 830 may fit into a carrying case 880. In some implementations, the carrying case 880 may comprise one or more soft and/or flexible materials, such as mesh, cloth, or leather, as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, the carrying case 880 may comprise at least one closing mechanism, such as, for example and not limitation a zipper, clasp, clamp, buckle, or any similar element, as well as any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the carrying case 880 may comprise at least one handle 890 to facilitate transportation.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a top view of a projectile-based game system 900 is illustrated. In some aspects, the projectile-based game system 900 may comprise one or more external partitioning elements 910, one or more internal partitioning elements 930, at least one occupancy region in the form of a king's box 940, and at least one occupancy region in the form of a restart box 950. In some embodiments, the external partitioning elements 910 and the internal partitioning elements 930 may comprise an amount of material with a substantially hollow center. In some embodiments, one or more elongated members, such as, for example and not limitation, rods 960, may be at least partially inserted into one or more portions of the external partitioning elements 910 and/or one or more portions of the internal partitioning elements 930 in a removable fashion.

As a non-limiting example, the rods 960 may at least partially comprise one or more metals and may provide structure to the base structure of the projectile-based game system 900. In some embodiments, the external partitioning elements 910 and the internal partitioning elements 930 may at least partially comprise a substantially soft material, such as cloth or rubber, as non-liming examples, to reduce the risk of injury if the external partitioning elements 910 or internal partitioning elements 930 interact with one or more portions of a player's body, such as a player's bare feet.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a perspective view of an exemplary projectile-based game system 1000, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, each of a plurality of players 1070 may use at least one contacting element 1080 to hit or otherwise interact with at least one projectile 1060. As a nonlimiting example, the projectile 1060 may comprise a ball, shuttlecock, or soft dart. Additionally, in some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, each contacting element 1080 may comprise any device that may be used to hit or otherwise change the trajectory of the projectile 1060. In some aspects, each contacting element 1080 may comprise any shape, size, or material. By way of example and not limitation, each contacting element 1080 may comprise a paddle, racquet, bat, or similar implement.

In some embodiments, the projectile-based game system 1000 may comprise one or more sensors 1015 configured to transmit the location of each the plurality of players 1070 or the location, speed, or trajectory of the projectile 1060, as non-limiting examples. In some implementations, one or more sensors 1015 may be attached to or integrated with one or more portions of a base structure 1010 of the projectile-based game system and/or the projectile 1060. As a non-limiting example, the plurality of players 1070 may use at least one mobile computing device 1025 configured to receive player 1070 location information; a location, speed, or trajectory of the projectile 1060; or to keep score. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of players 1070 may use one or more pieces of wearable technology, such as a smartwatch, smart glasses, or a fitness tracker, as non-limiting examples, to transmit or receive player 1070 location information; the location, speed, or trajectory of the projectile 1060; or to keep score, as non-limiting examples.

In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, each sensor 1015 may comprise one or more of: a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, a motion sensor, an accelerometer, or any similar device. By way of example and not limitation, the mobile computing device 1025 may comprise a laptop computing device, a tablet computing device, a smartphone, or any similar device.

In some embodiments, a software application comprising various computing instructions, or code, may be utilized by the mobile computing device 1025 to receive interpret information (data) received from the sensor(s) 1015 to determine or track the location of each player 1070; the location, speed, or trajectory of the projectile 1060; or to keep score, as non-limiting examples. In some implementations, each of the plurality of players 1070 may create a user profile via the software application, wherein the user profile may be associated with at least one storage medium, such as a user database, wherein each player 1070 may upload performance data or similar information to the user database to track the player's progress or scores over time, as non-limiting examples.

In some aspects, the software application associated with the profile-based game system may be configured to be integrated with one or more third-party software applications, such as, for example and not limitation, to fitness tracking software. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of players 1070 may use the software application associated with the profile-based game system 1000 to a network, such as the global, public Internet, to upload and share player 1070 scores or progress, as non-limiting examples.

In some embodiments, the projectile 1060 may contain software and hardware to determine or track the location of the projectile, determine or track the speed or trajectory of the projectile 1060, determine or track physical contact between each of the contacting elements 1080 and the projectile 1060, or keep score. In some embodiments, each contacting element 1080 may comprise software and hardware to determine or track the location of the projectile 1060, determine or track physical contact between the contacting element 1080 and the projectile 1060, or keep score. By way of example and not limitation, hardware attached to or integrated with each contacting element 1080 or the projectile 1060 may comprise one or more sensors substantially similar to sensors 1015.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a top view of an exemplary projectile-based game system 1100, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the projectile-based game system 1100 may comprise a base structure 1110, wherein at least one portion of the base structure 1100 may be fillable with one or more external substances, such as an amount of water 1112, sand, or dirt, as non-limiting examples. In some implementations, the base structure 1110 may comprise at least one entry point 1111 in the form of an opening or aperture for receiving the external substance(s). In some aspects, the entry point 1111 may be configured to receive a hose or similar substance delivery apparatus for delivering the one or more external substances to the base structure.

In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the entry point 1111 may comprise a screw cap, suction top, plug, or any similar element. Additionally, in some embodiments the material of the base structure 1110 may comprise plastic, rubber, or any similar at least partially flexible material, as well as any combination thereof. In some embodiments, each occupancy region may comprise a unique entry point 1111. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the occupancy regions of the base structure 1110 may comprise an amount of material configured to connect the occupancy regions together internally. As non-limiting examples, the material may comprise mesh, cloth, or plastic, or any similar material(s), as well as any combination thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a top view of an exemplary projectile-based game system 1200, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the projectile-based game system 1200 may comprise a base structure 1210 that may comprise at least one dividing apparatus 1211 configured to protrude upwardly from one or more external orations of the base structure 1210. By way of example and not limitation, the dividing apparatus 1211 may comprise one or more of an amount of netting material, a foam or plastic wall, one or more segments of rope or string, or any similar material(s) or configuration(s).

As a non-limiting example, the dividing apparatus 1211 may be connected to the base structure 1210 via one or more magnets, clips, clasps, or similar connecting elements. In some embodiments, the dividing apparatus 1211 may be connected to the base structure 1210 in a central portion of the base structure 1210 via one or more a stakes, nails, pins, posts, screws, or similar fasteners, as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, the dividing apparatus 1211 may connect to a device in a middle portion of the base structure 1210 that may allow for each of a plurality of segments of the dividing apparatus 1211 to be added or removed individually.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a top view of an exemplary projectile-based game system 1300, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the projectile-based game system 1300 may comprise one or more external partitioning elements 1310 and one or more internal partitioning elements 1330. In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the projectile-based game system 1300 may comprise substantially any shape or size, such as a circle, hexagon, or pentagon, as non-limiting examples. In some aspects, the projectile-based game system 1300 may comprise a plurality of occupancy regions in the shape of squares.

Referring now to FIG. 14, an exemplary process 1400 for utilizing a projectile-based game system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some aspects, at 1410, a plurality of players may be arranged such that one player is positioned within each occupancy region of the base structure of the projectile-based game system. In some implementations, at 1420, one or more of the plurality of players may designate one of the occupancy regions as the king's box and one of the occupancy regions as a restart box. In some embodiments, the player in the king's box may be designated as the king at 1430. In some aspects, at 1440, the king may serve the projectile using a contacting element towards another player. In some implementations, at 1450, the receiving player may either successfully interact with the serve via a contacting element by hitting the projectile towards another player before the projectile touches the ground, or unsuccessfully interact with the projectile with the contacting element by hitting the projectile such that the projectile is not directed towards another player or miss the serve entirely.

In some embodiments, at 1460, if the receiving player misses the serve, that player may be at least temporarily out of the game and that player may be required to move to the restart box to await reentry. In some aspects, at 1470, the king may receive at least one point for causing a player to be out of the game. In some implementations, at 1480, the remaining plurality of players may move in a clockwise position to fill the newly-vacated occupancy region. In some embodiments, 1490, the first player who reaches at least 20 total points (or another designated threshold amount) may be designated as the winner of the game.

In some embodiments, the process for utilizing a projectile-based game system 1400 may comprise an aspect wherein a player who hits the projectile in a downward motion is at least temporarily out of the game. In some additional non-limiting exemplary embodiments, a player who hits the projectile more than once may be at least temporarily out of the game. In some implementations, if a disagreement regarding gameplay occurs among the plurality of players, the plurality of players may enter a democratic vote to determine an outcome for the disagreement. If a vote results in a tie, the players may redo the last play that prompted the disagreement.

Referring now to FIG. 15, an exemplary process 1500 for utilizing a projectile-based game system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some aspects, at 1510, a projectile-based game system may be provided, wherein the projectile-based game system may comprise: at least one projectile; a plurality of contacting elements, wherein each of the plurality of contacting elements is configured to allow a user, such as a player, of the projectile-based game system to interact with the at least one projectile; and a base structure, wherein the base structure comprises: one or more external partitioning elements configured to be arranged on a substantially flat surface, and one or more internal partitioning elements configured to be connected to one or more internal portions of the one or more external partitioning elements, wherein connecting the one or more external partitioning elements and the one or more internal partitioning elements forms two or more occupancy regions.

In some implementations, at 1520, the base structure of the projectile-based game system may be arranged on a substantially flat surface, such as a grassy area, a portion of a beach, a hard-top court (e.g., a basketball court, a tennis court, racquetball court, or similar surface), a parking lot, or a driveway, as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, at 1530, a plurality of players may be positioned within the base structure, wherein at least one player may be positioned within each occupancy region of the base structure.

In some aspects, at 1540, each of the plurality of players may, one at a time, interact with the at least one projectile using one or more of the plurality of contacting elements. By way of example and not limitation, the at least one projectile may comprise a ball that the players may hit using contacting elements in the form of paddles. In some implementations, a receiving player may be required to hit the at least one projectile before the projectile is no longer airborne. In some embodiments, the receiving player may be required to hit the projectile only once using an upward motion.

In some aspects, at 1550, the base structure of the projectile-based game system may be secured. In some implementations, securing the base structure may comprise one or more of: filling at least one portion of the base structure with at least one external substance, inserting at least one elongated member into at least one of the one or more external partitioning elements or the one or more internal partitioning elements of the base structure, and anchoring at least one portion of the base structure to the at least one substantially flat surface using one or more stabilizing elements, such as stakes, pins, poles, posts, nails, or screws, as non-limiting examples.

CONCLUSION

A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination or in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in combination in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure.

Systems and Devices for a Game Utilizing a Projectile

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