Target Structure for Gaming

Abstract

The present invention is generally directed to a target structure for a magnetic toss game. The target structure may include a target surface made from a magnetically engaging material; two side surround panels and a top surround panel connected to the target surface. More specifically, the target structure may include a target surface formed from a magnetically engaging material; two side surround panels, pivotally connected to the target surface via a living hinge such that the two surround panels may be folded over the target surface for storage or transport; a top surround panel connected to the target surface; a support leg pivotally attached to a back surface of the target surface; and a support arm pivotally with a first and second end, the first end attached to the support leg, and the second end configured to be inserted into a cavity in the back of the target surface.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention is generally directed to folding gaming surfaces. More specifically, the present invention is directed to folding gaming services that may (in addition to other uses and/or characteristics) receive and magnetically adhere to objects tossed by a user.

A number of games have been developed which involve the use of game pieces that temporarily adhere to a target surface. The prior art includes structures having surfaces to which magnetically charged game pieces may removably adhere. Such prior art—including U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,605 to Davey, U.S. Pat. No. 4,305,587 to O'Grady, U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,509 to Bishop, U.S. Pat. No. 4,172,597 to Smith, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,876,207 to Jones, U.S. Pat. No. 3,122,684 to Genin, U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,841 to Klick, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,681,325 to Sheem-—fail to disclose a target structure that optimally adapted to enable successful adhesion of the game pieces to a surface of the target structure. It is desirable to provide an improved target structure, method and system that supports more accurate and consistent placement of magnetically charged game pieces by hand tossing towards a surface of a target structure. Moreover, it is desirable to provide an easily deployable, transportable and storable target structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some aspects in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may include a target structure for a magnetic toss game, comprising: a target surface comprised of a magnetically engaging material; two side surround panels, connected to the target surface; and a top surround panel, connected to the target surface.

Other aspects in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may comprise a target structure for a magnetic toss game, comprising: a target surface comprised of a magnetically engaging material; two side surround panels, pivotally connected to the target surface via a living hinge such that the two surround panels may be folded over the target surface for storage or transport; a top surround panel, connected to the target surface; a support leg pivotally attached to a back surface of the target surface; and a support arm pivotally with a first and second end, the first end attached to the support leg, and the second end configured to be inserted into a cavity in the back of the target surface.

Still other aspects in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may comprise a target structure for a magnetic toss game, comprising: a target surface comprised of a magnetically engaging material and corrugated plastic; two side surround panels comprised of corrugated plastic, pivotally connected to the target surface via a living hinge such that the two surround panels may be folded over the target surface for storage or transport; a top surround panel comprised of corrugated plastic, connected to the target surface; a support leg pivotally attached to a back surface of the target surface; a support arm pivotally with a first and second end, the first end attached to the support leg, and the second end configured to be inserted into a cavity in the back of the target surface; and a locking flap comprised of both a portion of the target surface and a portion of each of the side surrounds, wherein the locking flap is differentiated by cuts in the side surrounds and a living hinge substantially perpendicular to the cuts which runs across both the target surface and a portion of each side surround.

These and other aspects will become apparent from the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can be more fully understood by reading the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference indicators are used to designate like elements. The accompanying figures depict certain illustrative embodiments and may aid in understanding the following detailed description. Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments depicted are to be understood as exemplary and in no way limiting of the overall scope of the invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The detailed description will make reference to the following figures, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary front view of a target structure in a deployed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary front view of a target structure in a folded position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary front view of a target structure depicting locking mechanisms, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary plane view of a target structure, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary front view of a target structure, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary front view of a target structure, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary side view of a target structure when deployed on a floor or flat surface, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary side view of a target structure when deployed on a wall or other vertical or near-vertical surface, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a front view of a target structure with exemplary advertisements and branding, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts a front view of a target structure with exemplary advertisements and branding, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of the back of an exemplary target structure, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a close-up view of the back of an exemplary target structure, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a back view of an exemplary target structure, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The matters exemplified in this description are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various exemplary embodiments disclosed with reference to the accompanying figures. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the exemplary embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. Moreover, as used herein, the singular may be interpreted in the plural, and alternately, any term in the plural may be interpreted to be in the singular.

Note that present application a claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/624,917, 13/341,975, and 61/428,951 which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Such applications may provide further disclosure for the magnetic game, game pieces, and methods or manners of playing such magnetic toss games.

In general, the present invention presents a target structure for gaming. Note however that the target structure taught and claimed by the present invention may also be used for other purposes, such as a white board, chalk board, easel, etc. While it is discussed below that the target surface may be magnetically reactive, it is contemplated that the target surface may comprise a metallic element upon which a magnetic game piece may adhere. Such inclusion of a metallic element does not foreclose the uses of the target surface as a white board, chalk board, or easel, as such metallic element may be positioned below the outside surface of the target surface.

With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary target structure 100 in a deployed position is depicted. Target structure 100 may comprise a central target surface 110 and one or more deployable surrounds 121, 122. Central target surface 110 may be magnetically reactive. Deployable surrounds 121, 122 may not be magnetically reactive, although is contemplated that in certain embodiments such surrounds 121, 122 may be magnetically reactive.

Deployable surrounds 121, 122 may be integrally connected to center target surface 110 at 130. In some embodiments, 130 may comprise a living hinge formed from the material which comprises the central target surface 110 and the surrounds 121, 122. Alternatively, element 130 may comprise one or more hinges, such as but not limited to a piano hinge or functional equivalent.

The central target surface 110 and/or surrounds 121, 122 may be comprised of any suitable material that provide sufficient rigidity without unnecessary weight and/or cost. As a non-limiting example, the central target surface 110 and surrounds 121, 122 may be comprised of corrugated plastic sheets (“Coroplast”), from which a living hinge 130 may be easily cut. However, it is contemplated that the central target surface and/or surrounds may be comprised of any other suitable material without deviating from the present invention.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, it can be seen that game pieces 140 may be positioned on the central target surface 110. In addition, game pieces 140 may be positioned partially on the magnetically reactive central target surface 110 and partially on the non-magnetically reactive surround 121, 122. It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the surround significantly increases the area of effective target surface. For example, without the surround, a game piece 140 would generally need to be thrown with over 50% on the central target surface 110 in order to the game piece to adhere to the central target surface 110. However, with the surround it has been found that throws where even a portion of the game piece 140 is on the central target surface 110 may adhere. Because of this impact, the inclusion of the surround 121, 122 may greatly increase the actual effective gaming surface of the central target surface.

In addition, the inclusion of the surround may assist a game player or user by presenting a central aiming (the central target surface), framed by the surround 121, 122. The framing of a target—much like a catcher may frame the target for pitcher in baseball—has been shown to increase the accuracy of a thrower. Accordingly, the inclusion of the surround 121, 122 may assist a player in playing a magnetic toss game by both increasing the effective target surface, and assisting with aiming. Moreover, the surround 121, 122 provides a backstop for errant throws, thereby making retrieving poor throws easier. Upon a poor throw, rather than having a user retrieve a tossed game piece from beyond the game area, the surround 121, 122 may act as a backstop preventing at least a portion of errant throws from sailing beyond the game area.

With reference to FIG. 2 a target structure 200 may be seen in a folded, or non-deployed state. It can be seen in FIG. 2 that surround 221, 222 may fold along living hinge 230 (or functional equivalent), onto the surface of the central target surface 210. Note that while it is illustrated that the surround 221, 222 may fold over the front surface central target surface 210, it is also contemplated that surround 221, 222 may fold over the back of the central target surface 210. Note that it is contemplated that the surround may be otherwise attached to the central target surface in manners other than through a living hinge (or functional equivalent). The present invention presents and discusses the use of a living hinge (or functional equivalent) due to advantages of such component identified by the inventors. However, the specific discussion of such living hinge (or functional equivalent) does not waive or otherwise prevent the invention from covering additional embodiments presenting various attachment mechanisms.

In general, the target structure 200 may be folded for ease of transport, carrying, and/or storage. In accordance with some embodiments, a handle may be formed integrally into the target structure 200, or may be attached along one or more surfaces of target structure 200.

With reference to FIG. 3, a target structure 300 in an open, deployed, and locked position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, will now be discussed. As with embodiments discussed above, target structure 300 may comprise a central target surface 310, and surround 321, 322. Once surround 321, 322 are unfolded, it may be desirable to maintain the central target surface 310 and surround 321, 322 as a single flat, planar surface. Because surround 321, 322 may be attached to the central target surface 310 by a living hinge (or functional equivalent), the surround 321, 322 may be prone to, or tend to, fold against the central target surface 310. Accordingly, it may be desirable to include a mechanism to prevent the surround 321, 322 from folding inward.

One method of preventing the surround 321, 322 from folding inward may be to provide two cuts 332, 333 in each of the surround 321, 322, and an additional living hinge 330 that may span the central target surface 310, and the surround 321, 322. Once the surround 321, 322 are unfolded, the panel 330 may be pulled slightly up, pivoting the panel 330 along the additional living hinge 331, and separating the panel from the surround 321, 322 along cuts 332, 333. The panel 330 may then prevent the surround 321, 322 from folding back in toward the central target surface 310.

With reference to FIG. 4, the locking panel as noted above with regard to FIG. 3 will now be discussed. Target structure 400 may comprise a central target surface 410, and at least two surrounds 421, 422. In order to keep surrounds from folding back against central target surface 410, panel 430 may be pulled up or away from the planar surface of the central target surface 410 and the surrounds 421, 422. In this manner, surrounds 421, 422 may be prevented from folding back against the central target surface 410.

With reference to FIG. 5, a target structure 500 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. Target structure 500 may comprise a central target surface 510, and surround 521, 522. In addition, target structure 500 may also comprise a top surround 530. Top surround 530 may be attached to the target structure in any number of manners. For example, top surround 530 may be attached to the central target surface 510 by a living hinge (or functional equivalent), or may be a separate piece that may be attached to the target structure 500. For example, top surround 530 may be placed on the target structure 500 and pins may be inserted through a portion of the top surround 530 and through a portion of the central target surface 510. If the material used for the top surround 530 and/or the central target surface 510 is corrugated plastic (as noted above), such pins may be inserted into the corrugations or channels in the material, thereby providing an attachment without causing damage to the surfaces.

Alternative, a pin may be inserted into one of the top surround 530 or the central target surface 510, and into a ring, loop, or fastener attached to the other.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the top surround 530 may not be in the same plane as the central target surface 510 or the surround 521, 522. During game play, the central target surface 510 and surround 521, 522 may be presented on an angle to assist game play, while the top surround 530 may be maintained in a vertical position.

The angle presented by the central target surface may greatly assist in game pieces adhering to the central target surface. Anecdotally (and by way of example only), when the central target surface is vertical (or substantially vertical), game pieces thrown from anything but a short distance tend to bounce off of the central target surface rather than adhering. Though any angle of the target structure is contemplated by the present invention, it has been found that for six (6) inch game pieces, an angle of inclination between twenty (20) and thirty (30) degrees appears to be beneficial. Note that this angle and the assistance of such angle in game play is further discussed in the parent applications, U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. Nos. 13/624,917 and 13/341,975.

It is contemplated that in addition to benefits of a surround as discussed above (for example, as a backstop, increasing the effective target surface, and framing the target surface for aiming), the top surround 530 may also be used as a scoreboard, or potentially for branding or advertising purposes. When the top surround 530 is used as a scoreboard, excitement or increased interest in the game may be seen by informing both players and observers of the state of game.

With reference to FIG. 6, it can be seen that a target structure 600 comprised of a central aiming surface 610, surround 621, 622, and top surround 630 may further comprise various channels along the edges of such panels. Top surround 630 may comprise channels 631, 632. Surround 621, 622 may comprise channels 623, 624. Channels may be used to attach various materials to the panels. For example, game boards formed from a planar surface (such as, for example, card stock) may be slid into the channels for retention. Similarly, advertisements, branding, promotional material, or personalization material may be attached.

For example, a target structure may be personalized to reflect on the top surround “SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS,” while the left surround 621 may reflect advertisements such as “COCA-COLA,” while the right surround 622 may be utilized to present a game board for scoring a toss game akin to a football game. The channels may therefore allow multiple games to be played, as well as various modifiable personalization or branding.

Note also that target structure 600 may also comprise feet or legs 640 to prevent the central target surface 610 and surround 621, 622 from contacting the ground. In circumstances such as tail-gating, this may prevent the central target surface and surround from getting wet, dirty, or otherwise contacting the ground.

With reference to FIG. 7, a side view of a target structure 700 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. The target structure 700 may comprise a central target surface 710 (which may include surrounds), a top surround 730, a support leg 720, and a support bar 721. The target surface 710 may be maintained at an angle in order to assist with the game, so that game pieces tossed at the target surface may more easily adhere. Similarly, if the target structure is being utilized as a white board, blackboard, or easel, the angle may assist a user in writing, drawing, painting, etc. on the surface.

The support leg 720 may be unfolded from the back of the target structure 700. Support leg 720 may be pivotally attached to the target structure, and may be able to swing through approximately 180 degrees, or may be limited in how much the leg may pivot or rotate.

Support bar 721 may connect the support leg 720 to the target structure 700. Support bar 721 may serve at least two purposes: first, to hold the support leg 710 in the proper position, and second to stabilize the support leg 710.

Note that when the target structure is set up, the top surround 730 may be presented in a substantially vertical, or near vertical disposition. However, it is contemplated that the top surround 730 may be presented in the same plane as the central target surface 710.

With reference to FIG. 8, a target structure 800 attached to a wall or vertical surface 850 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. The target structure 800 may generally comprise a central target surface 810, a support leg 820, a support bar 821, and a top surround 830. The target structure 800 may be attached to the wall or vertical (or near vertical) surface at 840. Such attachment may be through traditional fasteners (such as screws, nails, etc.), or may be through a specialized attachment panel.

The support bar 821 may be utilized to hold the central target surface 810 at the proper or desired angle from the wall or vertical surface 850.

Note that in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention the ability to use the target structure as both a free standing device and as mounted to a wall (or other suitable surface) may be achieved. The specifics of mounting the target structure to a wall are not specific to the present invention, as this may be accomplished through direct fasteners, hooks, or specialized attachment panels. The target structure in free standing mode (coupled with the ease with which it can be collapsed) may make the game and structure suitable and/or desirable for outside events, such as tailgating. Wall mounted may make the game more desirable and/or suitable for inside locations or events, such as game rooms, pubs, etc.

When the target structure 800 is wall mounted, n accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, it is important to note that the angle of the game board is maintained. This angle may assist in throws adhering to the target surface. Also note that even though the target surface (and potentially surrounds) are maintained in an angled position, a top surround—which may be used, for example, for scoring—may be maintained in a vertical or near-vertical position for ease of viewing. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, the top surround 830 may be used to attach the target structure 800 to the wall, thereby allowing the target surface 810 to rotate about the connection between the top surround 830 and the target surface 810 (through what may be, for example, a living hinge or functional equivalent), such that the target surface 810 may be rotated away from the wall and the support bar 821 installed to maintain the proper angle.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, various aspects of branding, promotions, personalization, etc. in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. With reference to FIG. 9, top surround 910 may present an overall advertisement or theme (such as the Olympics), while surrounds 920, 930 may present branding space (such as “COCA-COLA”) or areas for game plays. As shown in FIG. 9, a football based game may be played with surround 930 displaying a football field and a movable football clip 940 attached to the side of the surround 930. Movable football clip 940 may be used to slide along the surround (and the displayed football field) to show advancement of a team and/or points earned.

With reference to FIG. 10, top surround 1010 may indicate a personalization such as “49ERS,” and each of surrounds may also indicate a corresponding logo (here, “SF” for San Francisco). The surrounds may be used to track scores and/or be otherwise personalized. For example, surrounds maybe comprised of remarkable material such as white boards, chalk boards, etc.

With reference to FIG. 11, a back surface of a target structure 1100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. Target structure 1100 may comprise a support leg 1110 which may be pivotally connected with the back surface 1120 of the target structure 1100. Such pivotable connection may be, for example, through a hinge 1140 or other functional equivalent.

Support leg 1110 may be further connected to the back panel of the target structure 1100 by a support arm 1130. Support arm 1130 may be attached to the support leg 1110, and may pivot from the support leg 1110 and be inserted into a cavity 1125 in the back surface of the target structure 1120. Note that a small plate or other protrusion 1115 may be included on the support leg 1110 to prevent the support arm 1130 from rotating past the desired position.

FIG. 12 illustrates a close up view of a support arm 1230 that may be used to connect a support leg 1210 to the back surface 1220 of a target structure. As noted above, small plate or protrusion 1215 may be used to prevent the support arm 1230 from over rotating beyond its desired position. As one end of the support arm 1230 may be attached to the support leg 1210, the other end may be inserted into a cavity 1225 in the back surface of the target structure 1220.

With reference to FIG. 13, a back view of a target structure 1300, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. Back surface may comprise a central target surface 1310, surrounds 1330, 1340, and a top surround 1320. Note that back surface of the central target surface 1310 may comprise a cutout shaped to receive an attachment panel (as discussed above with regard to FIG. 8) for storage purposes. Additional cutouts and or protrusions maybe included in order to provide for additional support and/or stability, or for storage of additional items. For example, the top surround 1320 may fold backwards towards the back surface of the target structure, and may comprise an extrusion of a specific shape and size. Back surface of the target structure may then comprise a cavity shaped to receive the extrusion on the top surround when folded back. Such extrusion and cavity may assist in keeping the top surround secure during travel.

It will be understood that the specific embodiments of the present invention shown and described herein are exemplary only. Numerous variations, changes, substitutions and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all subject matter described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings be regarded as illustrative only, and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A target structure for a magnetic toss game, comprising: a target surface comprised of a magnetically engaging material;two side surround panels, connected to the target surface; anda top surround panel, connected to the target surface.

2. The target structure of claim 1, further comprising: a support leg pivotally attached to a back surface of the target surface; anda support arm pivotally with a first and second end, the first end attached to the support leg, and the second end configured to be inserted into a cavity in the back of the target surface.

3. The target structure of claim 2, wherein the two side surround panels are integrally connected to the target surface.

4. The target structure of claim 2, wherein the two side surround panels are connected to the target surface by a living hinge.

5. The target structure of claim 4, wherein the two surround panels may be folded against the target surface for storage or transport.

6. The target structure of claim 2, wherein the top surround panel is integrally connected to the target surface.

7. The target structure of claim 2, wherein the top surround panel is connected to the target surface by a living hinge.

8. The target structure of claim 1, wherein the target surface, side surrounds, and top surround are comprised at least in part of corrugated plastic.

9. The target structure of claim 2, further comprising: a locking flap comprised of both a portion of the target surface and a portion of each of the side surrounds, wherein the locking flap is differentiated by cuts in the side surrounds and a living hinge substantially perpendicular to the cuts which runs across both the target surface and a portion of each side surround.

10. The target structure of claim 2, further comprising channels along each of the side surrounds and top surround, such channels configured to receive inserted planar material.

11. The target structure of claim 10, wherein the inserted planar material comprises promotional or personalized material.

12. The target structure of claim 9, further comprising a panel for attaching the target structure to a vertical or near-vertical surface.

13. A target structure for a magnetic toss game, comprising: a target surface comprised of a magnetically engaging material;two side surround panels, pivotally connected to the target surface via a living hinge such that the two surround panels may be folded over the target surface for storage or transport;a top surround panel, connected to the target surface;a support leg pivotally attached to a back surface of the target surface; anda support arm pivotally with a first and second end, the first end attached to the support leg, and the second end configured to be inserted into a cavity in the back of the target surface.

14. The target structure of claim 13, further comprising: a locking flap comprised of both a portion of the target surface and a portion of each of the side surrounds, wherein the locking flap is differentiated by cuts in the side surrounds and a living hinge substantially perpendicular to the cuts which runs across both the target surface and a portion of each side surround.

15. The target structure of claim 13, further comprising channels along each of the side surrounds and top surround, such channels configured to receive inserted planar material.

16. The target structure of claim 13, wherein the inserted planar material comprises promotional or personalized material.

17. A target structure for a magnetic toss game, comprising: a target surface comprised of a magnetically engaging material and corrugated plastic;two side surround panels comprised of corrugated plastic, pivotally connected to the target surface via a living hinge such that the two surround panels may be folded over the target surface for storage or transport;a top surround panel comprised of corrugated plastic, connected to the target surface, the top surround panel configured to be optionally attached to a vertical or substantially vertical surface;a support leg pivotally attached to a back surface of the target surface;a support arm pivotally with a first and second end, the first end attached to the support leg, and the second end configured to be inserted into a cavity in the back of the target surface, the support arm further configured to be pivoted into contact with the vertical or substantially vertical surface thereby holding the target surface at an angle away from the vertical or substantially vertical surface; anda locking flap comprised of both a portion of the target surface and a portion of each of the side surrounds, wherein the locking flap is differentiated by cuts in the side surrounds and a living hinge substantially perpendicular to the cuts which runs across both the target surface and a portion of each side surround.