TOSS GAME PROJECTILES

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application generally relates to toss games and more particularly, but not exclusively, to toss game projectiles which include a structural insert.

BACKGROUND

Toss games have experienced a recent surge in popularity in the United States. Toss games include games and non-contact sports in which a player tosses an object, which is typically a game projectile, toward a target, board, goal, or another player who may then toss the game projectile back to the first player.

Toss games often do not require a high degree of skill or athletic ability to play and enjoy. Such toss games are frequently played at outdoor social gatherings and are enjoyed by both adults and children. Some exemplary toss games include cornhole, horseshoes, catch, flying disc games, and ring toss.

Toss games and toss game projectiles of the prior art function in a workmanlike manner; however, numerous drawbacks exist. For example, regulation size cornhole boards are difficult to transport as they are too large to fit within the passenger compartment or trunk of most passenger cars and SUVs. The seemingly ubiquitous nature of cornhole is also believed to result in player “burnout”.

The seminal flying disc continues to be sold by Wham-O® under the name of Frisbee®. Flying discs of the prior art, including the Frisbee®, are typically formed of injection molded plastic. These hard plastic flying discs are difficult for young children to grasp and easily throw.

These flying discs of the prior art are almost impossible to grasp, even for an experienced adult, if the smooth plastic surface becomes slightly damp. Flying disc gameplay can be hampered in the early morning or late evening because of dew (e.g., if the flying disc contacts grass covered in dew, the flying disc will be slick and very difficult to grasp, catch, and/or toss). Such slippery when damp characteristics can also hamper gameplay at pools, the beach, or during a light misting rain.

The hardened plastic construction can also yield undesirable characteristics should the target, such as another player or a goal, be missed. For example, prior art flying discs which miss the target can bounce, roll, and travel an undesirably long distance away from gameplay. A flying disc constructed of hardened plastic can cause discomfort to someone who is contacted by the hardened plastic disc during flight

A growing number of U.S. Citizens view plastics as generally undesirable. Leaving environmental considerations aside, some consider hardened plastics to have an unpleasant hard tactile sensation. Increasing concerns regarding the release of chemicals from plastics has resulted in consumers seeking out plastic free product options, especially with regard to those products which will be consumed or physically contacted.

There are numerous drawbacks to prior art horseshoe projectiles as well as the prior art game of horseshoes. For example, properly preparing a playing field for horseshoes can take a substantial amount (e.g., due to the need to provide sand pits at the stakes). Failure to utilize sand pits can create a safety hazard (e.g., should the stakes be driven into a typical lawn rather than a sand pit, the metal horseshoe may bounce from the lawn and strike an observer or player).

The metal construction of a horseshoe is not desirable for many players. Horseshoes do not have a pleasant tactile feeling to some. Horseshoes can feel uncomfortable for some to grip as their metallic construction yields a hard structure, which can feel very cold during cool weather. Additionally, horseshoes can be slippery, preventing a player from maintaining a desired grip (e.g., due to moisture perspiration, condensation, sunscreen, etc.). Metal horseshoes may not be suitable for young players. Moreover, some find the noise generated during gameplay (e.g., the loud clanking sound created by metal horseshoes contacting a metal stake) to be offensive.

Numerous drawbacks exist with regard to toss and lawn games of the prior art; therefore, further technological developments are desirable.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present application is directed to a toss game projectile having an outer covering and a non-metallic structural insert housed within the outer covering. A bead-type filler is located between the structural insert and the outer covering. The bead-type filler surrounds the structural insert.

The outer covering can encompass the bead-type filler. The outer covering can at least partially define a body of the projectile. The structural insert is configured to reduce deformation of the body.

The structural insert is preferably formed of a polymer. The outer covering is can be formed of a woven fabric. At least a portion of the body can include bean-bag like tactile properties.

The polymer can be high density polyethylene. The bead-type filler can be formed of polypropylene and calcium carbonate. The body can include one of a horseshoe-like shape and a disc-like shape.

The body extends between a first end and a second end. The body can include a horseshoe-like shape having a first leg and a second leg, and the structural insert can extend into the first leg and the second leg.

The structural insert can include a first end and a second end. The first end of the structural insert can be located at the first end of the body, and the second end of the structural insert can be located at the second end of the body.

The body can include a disc-like shape. A protruding ring member can be located at an outer circumference of the body. The structural insert can take the form of an annular cylinder. The structural insert can be located internal to the protruding ring member.

The projectile can include a second protruding ring member including a second structural insert. The second protruding ring member can be disposed radially inward from the protruding ring member. The protruding ring member and the second protruding ring member can be disposed in a substantially concentric relationship. A connecting segment can extend between the protruding ring member and the second protruding ring member.

Another form of the present application is directed to a toss-type game apparatus including a projectile body extending between a first end and a second end. An outer covering defines an outer surface of the projectile body. A structural insert is disposed within the projectile body, and the structural insert increases a stiffness of at least a portion of the projectile body. A bead-type filler is located between the structural insert and the outer covering. The filler encompasses the structural insert.

The structural insert can be a polymer. The outer covering can be a woven fabric. The outer covering and the bead-type filler impart textural beanbag-like tactile properties to at least a portion of the projectile body.

The structural insert can extend along a perimeter of the projectile body. The structural insert extends within the projectile body for substantially the entire length of the perimeter.

The projectile body can define one of a horseshoe-like shape and a disc-like shape.

The projectile body can include a horseshoe-like shape having a first leg and a second leg. The structural insert can extend into the first leg and the second leg.

The bead-type filler can take the form of a composite formed of 20% wt.-30% wt. polypropylene and the remaining 70% wt.-80% wt. calcium carbonate.

The projectile body can include a disc-like shape having a protruding ring member disposed at an outer circumference of the projectile body. The structural insert can be located internal to the protruding ring member.

The projectile body can include a second protruding ring member located radially inward relative the protruding ring member. The protruding ring member and the second protruding ring member can be retained in a substantially concentric relationship. A connecting segment can extend between the protruding ring member and the second protruding ring member.

The bead-type filler can take the form of a composite formed of 33% wt.-43% wt. polypropylene and the remaining 57% wt.-67% wt. calcium carbonate.

Yet a further form of the present application is directed to an apparatus that includes a body configured to be tossed by a user. An outer covering defines an outer surface of the body, and the body has one of a horseshoe-like shape and a disc-like shape. A non-metallic structural insert is located internal to the body. The structural insert increases a stiffness of the body. A bead-type filler sandwiched between the structural insert and the outer covering. The filler completely surrounds the structural insert.

The structural insert can be formed of a polymer, the outer covering can be a woven fabric, the bead-type filler can be a composite material formed of polypropylene and calcium carbonate, and at least a portion of the body can include soft, textural tactile properties.

Further embodiments, inventions, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application are otherwise set forth or become apparent from the description and drawings included herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an overhead perspective view of exemplary toss game projectiles which are depicted as including a flying disc projectile according to a first form of the present application, an exemplary horseshoe shaped projectile according to another form of the present application, and an exemplary saucer shaped projectile according to yet a further form of the present application;

FIG. 2A is a plan view of an exemplary material cut to form an outer covering of the horseshoe shaped projectile;

FIG. 2B is an overhead view a structural insert according to a first form of the present application, this structural insert configured for the exemplary horseshoe shaped projectile;

FIG. 2C depicts an overhead view of an exemplary bead-type filler;

FIG. 2D depicts an overhead view of the exemplary horseshoe shaped projectile, in a fully assembled state;

FIG. 3 is an overhead view of the structural insert of the horseshoe shaped projectile;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the structural insert of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the horseshoe shaped projectile, which depicts limited flex of the projectile body as the legs of the body are directed approximately parallel to the ground;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an illustrative partially deconstructed toss game projectile from which the structural insert has been removed, but which includes an outer covering and a bead-type filler, which depicts the easily bent, easily deformable nature of such a construction;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the exemplary horseshoe shaped projectile, which depicts di minimis bending of the legs of the horseshoe while oriented approximately parallel to the ground;

FIG. 8 is perspective view of an exemplary game kit according to a further form of the present application, which depicts a disassembled game board and horseshoe shaped projectiles;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a leg of the exemplary horseshoe shaped projectile, which depicts the structural insert surrounded by bead-type filler and the outer covering encompassing the bead-type filler;

FIG. 10 is an overhead perspective view of the exemplary flying disc projectile;

FIG. 11A is a plan view of an exemplary material cut for an outer covering of the flying disc projectile;

FIG. 11B is a plan view of exemplary structural inserts of the flying disc projectile;

FIG. 11C is an overhead perspective view of an exemplary bead-type filler according to a further form of the present application;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the structural inserts of the flying disc projectile placed atop the material cut, which depicts the annular cylindrical shape of the structural inserts;

FIG. 12B is a perspective side view of the flying disc projectile, in a fully assembled state, depicting limited flex of the projectile body while the body is oriented approximately parallel to the ground;

FIG. 13A is a plan view of an exemplary material cut for an outer covering of the saucer shaped projectile;

FIG. 13B is a plan view of an exemplary structural insert for the saucer shaped projectile;

FIG. 13C is a side perspective view of the saucer shaped projectile, which depicts limited bending while the body of the projectile is oriented approximately parallel to the ground.

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate various forms and features of the present application; however, the present application should not be construed as being limited to those specific embodiments depicted in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

As utilized herein, the term “toss” is intended to encompass a variety of hand, arm, and/or body movements through which a user propels a projectile through the air and/or along the ground. The term “toss” includes throw, launch, fling, chuck, pass, and propel. Therefore, although the term “toss” includes throwing in a light and casual manner, it is not to be construed as limited to such.

As utilized herein, the term “projectile” is intended to encompass a wide variety of handheld objects (e.g., objects which can be held by a single hand of a user) that can be thrown, launched, flung, chucked, passed, or otherwise propelled into the air by a user.

FIG. 1 depicts exemplary toss game projectiles 100 constructed according to the teachings of several forms of the present application. Each of the toss game projectiles 100 includes a structural insert, an outer covering, and a filler located between the structural insert and the outer covering.

A first form of a toss game projectile 100, which is depicted to the upper left of FIG. 1, has an overall a horseshoe-like shape 105 and will be referred to hereinafter in this Detailed Description as horseshoe shaped projectile 101. A further form of a toss game projectile 100, which is depicted in the lower center of FIG. 1, has an overall disc-like shape 107 and will be referred to hereinafter in this Detailed Description as flying disc projectile 102. Yet a further form of a toss game projectile 100, depicted to the upper right of FIG. 1, has an overall disc-like shape 107 and will be referred to hereinafter in this Detailed Description as saucer shaped projectile 104. However, it should be understood that in reading the claims the saucer shaped projectile 104 includes a disc-like shape (e.g., the saucer shaped projectile 104 is referred to as such solely to avoid confusion with the flying disc projectile 102).

The horseshoe shaped projectile 101 has a body 103 that extends between a first end 113 and a second end 115. An outer surface 129 of the body 103 is defined by an outer covering 108. The body 103 of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 has a substantially U-shape, horseshoe-like shape 105. The horseshoe shaped projectile 101 includes an opening 106. The horseshoe shaped projectile 101 has a first leg 114 and a second leg 116. An opening 106 is defined between the first leg 114 and the second leg 116 as shown. The opening 106 is depicted as an aperture or channel surrounded and defined by the body 103.

The flying disc projectile 102 has a body 111 that is depicted as extending between a first end 131 and a second end 133. An outer covering 125 defines an outer surface 135 of the body 111. The body 111 is depicted as having an outer perimeter 122; however, as the body 111 has an overall disc-like shape 107, appearing almost circular from overhead, the outer perimeter 122 is also properly referred to as outer circumference 122. A radius 120 is depicted upon the body 111.

The body 111 of the flying disc projectile 102 is depicted as including two protruding ring members 112. As will be discussed hereinafter, a structural insert is located inside the outer protruding ring member 117 and a second structural insert can be located internal to the inner protruding ring member 123. A connecting segment 118 extends between the outer protruding ring member 117 and the inner protruding ring member 123. A central portion 119 is depicted as extending radially inward from the inner protruding ring member 123.

The saucer shaped projectile 104 has an overall disc-like, saucer like shape 109. A body 110 of the saucer shaped projectile 104 is surrounded by, and at least partially defined by, an outer covering 127. The body 110 includes a central portion 124 and protruding ring member 126. The protruding ring member 126 is located radially outward relative the central portion 124.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 2A-7, the exemplary horseshoe shaped projectile 101 will be described in depth. The horseshoe shaped projectile 101 has a body 103 that extends between a first end 113 and a second end 115. The body 103 of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 includes an outer covering 108, a structural insert 213, and a filler 207. The filler 207 is preferably a bead-type filler 207. The body 103 of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 has a substantially U-shape, horseshoe-like shape 105.

The horseshoe shaped projectile 101 has a first leg 114 and a second leg 116. Each leg 114, 116 is depicted as including a protuberance 202 at a distal end 221 thereof, toward the second end 115 of the body 103. The horseshoe shaped projectile 101 includes a channel 204 which extends into the opening 106. The channel 204 is depicted as being defined between the protuberances 202. The channel extends into the opening 106 and permits passage into the opening 106 (e.g., should gameplay include tossing the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 toward a stake or peg, the stake or peg may pass through the channel 204 and into the opening 106 until the inner perimeter 506 is contacted). The protuberances 202 can include a substantially arrow-shaped form 216. Each protuberance 202 can include an extension 212 that extends inwardly toward the opposing leg (e.g., the extension 212 on leg 114 extends inwardly toward the leg 116). The protuberances 202 can include inner tapers 214.

The outer covering 108 serves to surround and encase the bead-type filler 207. The outer covering 108 forms the outer surface 129 of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101.

FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary material cut 201 of the outer covering 108. As will be discussed in FIG. 5, the outer covering 108 can include a two-piece construction in which two material cuts 201 are joined to form the outer covering 108. The material cuts 201 are preferably joined by stitching. The material cut 201 is depicted with an exemplary stitching die line 203 and a sewing allowance 226.

The horseshoe shaped projectile 101 is depicted as having an axis of symmetry 206. During flight, the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 can rotate end 113 over end 115 as will be discussed hereinafter. An exemplary axis of rotation is depicted at 220 (e.g., the axis 220 around which the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 will rotate during flight).

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2D, the outer covering 108 can be constructed of a material 208 which includes a woven texture 210. The outer covering 108 is preferably constructed of a material 208 which is durable enough for game play (e.g., being tossed, potentially contacting concrete, potentially getting damp) but which includes pleasant tactile properties such as a “soft feel” and a “woven textural feel”.

In one exemplary non-limiting form, the material 208 of the outer covering 108 is a polyester material 208 which includes a woven texture 210. The outer covering 108, formed of the polyester material 208, includes a “soft feel” for a player to easily grasp. The insulative nature of the polyester material 208 reduces the “cold contact feel”, as can occur with a metallic horseshoe of the prior art. Additionally, constructing the outer covering 108 of the polyester material 208 enables a player to easily grip the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 even if the outer covering 108 is slightly damp. However, it is also contemplated that the outer covering 108 can be formed from a variety of suitable materials, which include but are not limited to, duck cloth, canvas, twill, synthetic suede, and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 2B and 2D-4, the body 103 of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 includes a structural insert 213. The structural insert 213 is located within the outer covering 108 and extends internal to the body 103. The structural insert 213 at least partially extends between the first end 113 and the second end 115. The exemplary structural insert 213 is depicted as extending from the first end 113, through the legs 114, 116, and terminating toward the second end 115. In this manner, the structural insert 213 substantially extends the full length of body 103.

The structural insert 213 is a structural member that includes a stiffness. Locating the structural insert 213 internal to the body 103 increases a stiffness of the body 103 at the portion of the projectile body 103 where the structural insert 213 is disposed. The structural insert 213 serves to reduce deformation of the body 103 (e.g., flex, bending, etc.). The structural insert 213 can provide some rigidity to the body 103 and can significantly increase a stiffness of the projectile body 103 if desired.

As will be appreciated, a structural insert 213 formed of a highly rigid and stiff material 215 having a large thickness 402 will provide significantly increased stiffness to the projectile body 103 than would a structural insert 213 formed of a flexible material 215 having a smaller thickness 402. The structural insert 213 can reduce deformation in the body 103 (e.g., between the first end 133 and the second end 115) by extending internal to the body 103 between the first end 113 and the second end 115.

The structural insert 213 includes a body 304 which extends between a first end 301 and a second end 307. The body 304 of the structural insert 213 includes an inner opening 305 defined between a first leg 306 and a second leg 308. The first leg 306 and the second leg 308 extend from the first end 301 to the second end 307. Each of the first leg 306 and the second leg 308 can include an inward curvature 310 toward the second end 307. A channel 313 is depicted as being located between inward curvatures 310 the legs 306, 308 at the second end 307. The structural insert 213 can include an axis of symmetry 404.

As will be appreciated, the body 304 of the structural insert 213 has an overall shape which is similar to the body 103 of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101. The body 304 of the structural insert 213 includes a substantially u-shaped, horseshoe shaped form 219. The structural insert 213 is sized smaller than the outer covering 108 and the structural insert 213 is located internal to the outer covering 108. The structural insert 213 is preferably surrounded by the bead-type filler 207 such that the outer surface of the structural insert 213 does not press against the outer covering 108, as will be discussed with regard to FIG. 9.

The structural insert 213 provides rigidity to the body 103 (e.g., the structural insert 213 increases the rigidity of the body 103 and reduces the ability of the body 103 to easily bend). However, the structural insert 213 does not necessarily eliminate all flex or bend within the body 103. As will be appreciated, the dimensions including the thickness 402 of the structural insert 213 and the material 215 which the structural insert 213 is formed of will affect the rigidity provided to the body 103 by the structural insert 213.

FIGS. 2B, and 3-4 depict a structural insert 213 formed of a non-metallic material 215. The structural insert 213 is preferably formed of a polymer material 215. The structural insert 213 can be stamped 300 from a sheet of material. In one specific form, the material 215 is high density polyethylene. A structural insert 213 formed of polymer material 215 can provide sufficient stiffness and rigidity to the body 103 such that a player may grasp the body 103 at the first end 113 and direct the second end 115 outwardly (e.g., into an aiming and ready to toss position, as shown in FIG. 7) without excessive deformation and bending of the body 103.

Moreover, construction of the structural insert 213 from a polymer material 215 does not add the extensive weight that a metallic insert would, and the polymer material 215 provides some degree of flex and cushion to the body 103 (e.g., which assists in providing desirable soft tactile properties, reduces the likelihood of harm should a person be hit with the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 during flight, reduces the likelihood that the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 will bounce when contacting the ground, and prevents undesirable metallic clanking as occurs with metal horseshoes of the prior art).

This exemplary structural insert 213 includes a thickness 402 of approximately 1.6 mm (i.e., the thickness being defined between an upper surface 406 and a lower surface 408 of the structural insert 213). However, it is contemplated that the structural insert 213 can include a variety of sizes and can be formed of a variety of materials including polymers, high density foams, wood, and composites which can impart a desired level of stiffness to the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 body 103. As will be appreciated to a person of skill, the material construction of the structural insert 213 as well as the thickness 402 thereof will impact the stiffness and rigidity of the structural insert 213, and which will affect the increase in stiffness provided by the structural insert 213 to the body 103.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, the bead-type filler 207 surrounds the structural insert 213, and the bead-type filler 207 is sandwiched between the outer covering 108 and the structural insert 213. Exemplary bead-type fillers 207 include a variety of grains such as corn, polymer beads or pellets (e.g., heavy resin pellets), rubber pellets, and the like. The bead-type filler 207 can be a composite material 209 comprised of polypropylene and calcium carbonate. In one specific, non-limiting form, the composite material 209 can include 20% wt.-30% wt. polypropylene with the remaining 70% wt.-80% wt. calcium carbonate. As yet another non-limiting example, the composite material 209 can include approximately 25% wt. polypropylene and 75% wt. of calcium carbonate.

Movement within the bead-type filler 207 (e.g., movement of individual beads 211 relative one another) as well as the woven texture 210 of the outer covering 108 provide beanbag-like tactile properties to the body 103 at portions of the body 103 where the bead-type filler 207 is disposed therein. When a player grasps the body 103 between their fingers, the soft tactile feel of the body 103 is not hard to the touch and the player's fingers will somewhat depress into the body 103 (as shown at 218 in FIGS. 2D and 5).

The use of the bead-type filler 207, which is formed of composite material 209, has been discovered to substantially prevent the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 from bouncing. When the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 contacts a hard surface (e.g., a target base, the ground, a floor, etc.) the bead-type filler 207 absorbs a substantial portion of the impact and the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 will not bounce and/or rebound away from the hard surface. Upon impact, movement between the individual beads 211 of the bead-type filler 207 substantially reduces any bounce and/or rebound of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101.

This reduction and/or elimination of bounce of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 is believed to be highly advantageous as it can reduce the likelihood of injury to players or observers during gameplay. Unlike metallic horseshoes of the prior art, the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 will not bounce from the ground to potentially contact and injure a player or observer. Rather, the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 will come to rest on or near the location on the ground where the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 first contacted the ground. The use of a structural insert 213 formed of polymer material 215 can further reduce the likelihood that the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 will bounce as the polymer material 215 will include some flex (e.g., as high-density polyethylene is not perfectly rigid; rather, including minimal flex) thereby absorbing energy during the impact.

The soft tactile properties of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101, which are provided by the bead-type filler 207 and the outer covering 108, is believed to substantially reduce the likelihood of injury should the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 contact a player relative the hard, rigid, horseshoes of the prior art. This can be especially beneficial with younger players who may toss the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 directly toward another player.

The fill level of the bead-type filler 207 (e.g., the amount of bead-type filler 207 placed into the outer covering 108) will impact the structural characteristics of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101. For example, a higher level of fill (e.g., a greater amount of bead-type filler 207 within the outer covering 108) can provide a firmer feeling horseshoe shaped projectile 101 body 103 relative a body 103 having a lower level of fill.

The weight provided to the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 via the bead-type filler 207 formed of composite material 209 has been found to be comfortable to toss and is sufficiently heavy to resist in flight course deviations due to wind. However, the horseshoe shaped projectiles 101 can be manufactured to include a variety of weights and sizes, depending upon the characteristics desired in the horseshoe shaped projectiles 101.

Referring back to FIGS. 2A, 2D, and 5, the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 includes a perimeter 222. The perimeter 222 is depicted as including a rounded outer perimeter 508 and a rounded inner perimeter 506. The rounded inner perimeter 506 of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 at least partially defines the opening 106. A thickness 510 of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 can be sufficient to enable a player with average sized hands to easily grasp the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 utilizing the fingers on a single hand.

The outer covering 108 can include a two-piece construction 500 (as best shown in FIG. 5). This two-piece construction 500 includes an upper portion 501 and a lower portion 503. The upper portion 501 and the lower portion 503 of the outer covering 108 can be joined at seams 502 with stitching 504. However, it is also contemplated that the upper portion 501 and the lower portion 503 can be joined via adhesives or other suitable joining techniques.

The material cut 201 can form the upper portion 501 and a second material cut (not shown) can form the lower portion 503. Preferably, the material cut 201 and the second material cut include identical dimensions for ease of assembly. An outer perimeter 205 of the material cut includes the stitching allowance 226. The excess material of the stitching allowance 226 will be located internal to the body 103 when the upper portion 501 and the lower portion 503 are joined

FIG. 5 depicts a fully assembled horseshoe shaped projectile 101. As is illustrated, the increased stiffness and rigidity provided to the body 103 by the structural insert 213 enables the legs 114, 116 of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 to be oriented substantially parallel to the ground, rather than slumping downwardly due to gravity. Additionally, the structural insert 213 prevents the legs 114, 116 from closing the channel 204 (e.g., maintains the legs 114, 116 at a distance apart) such that a target peg or stake may pass therethrough during gameplay. The rigidity provided by the structural insert 213 is believed to result in a more predictable toss due to the ability to better aim the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 (e.g., absent the legs 114, 116 sagging downwardly) and due to more predictable movement of the body 103, including the legs 114, 116, during flight.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative horseshoe shaped projectile 600 which has an outer covering 602 encompassing a bead-type filler 207, but which does not include a structural insert 213. As can be seen, the horseshoe shaped projectile 600 has a floppy 604 type appearance (e.g., visibly lacking structure) and a significant bend 608 in the left leg 606. The left leg 606 was easily bent outwardly and rearwardly relative the right leg 610. This illustrative horseshoe shaped projectile 600 easily bends and flexes due to the movement between the individual beads 211 of the bead-type filler 207.

FIG. 7 depicts the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 which includes the structural insert 213. As is readily apparent, the structural insert 213 significantly increases the stiffness of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 relative the illustrative projectile 600 of FIG. 6. In FIG. 7, even with the body 103 oriented horizontally and the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 solely grasped at the first end 113, no deformation of the body 103 is readily apparent. The structural insert 213 can provide sufficient rigidity to the body 103 such that the legs 114, 116 will not significantly slump and/or bend downwardly due to gravity when the legs 114, 116 are oriented parallel relative to the ground.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an exemplary game system 800 will now be described. The game system 800 is depicted as including a game board 802 and a plurality of horseshoe shaped projectiles 101. The outer coverings 108 of these horseshoe shaped projectiles 101 can include distinctive markings and/or colors such that each player or team can be assigned horseshoe shaped projectile 101 bearing a specific marking or color. These distinctive markings or colors can enable players to readily identify the specific horseshoe shaped projectiles 101 which were tossed during gameplay and can ease scoring.

The game board 802 includes a base 804 and a peg 801, the peg 801 being supported by the base 804 when attached thereto. During gameplay, a player can toss the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 toward the peg 801 on the game board 802 with the objective of landing the projectile 101 at the peg 801 (e.g., with the peg 801 extending through the opening 106 of the projectile 101).

The base 804 is depicted as including a substantially square shape 806. However, it is contemplated that the base 804 can take a variety of forms (e.g., triangular, pyramidal, rectangular, octagonal, round, ovaloid, etc.) while supporting the peg 801. The square base 804 is depicted as including an upper surface 808, and a lower surface 810, a right side 812, a left side 814, a front 816, and a rear 818. The peg 801 extends outwardly from an upper surface 808 of the base 804 when the peg is inserted into the receiving cavity 830.

The upper surface 808 of the base 804 can include a variety of ornamental designs, logos, branding/advertisements, and/or colors and finishes. The upper surface 808 (e.g., the frontal face) of the game board 802 faces upwardly when the game board 802 is fully assembled. An outer perimeter 820 of the base 804, including the corners, can be rounded or beveled 822.

The peg 801 extends along a lengthwise axis 824 between a proximal end 826 and a distal end 828. The peg 801 has a substantially cylindrical form. The proximal end 826 of the peg 801 can removably couple with the base 804 via an interference fit. The receiving cavity 830 is located at the upper surface 808 and extends downwardly into the base 804. The receiving cavity 830 is configured to receive and retain the proximal end 826 of the peg 801 therein. A reduced diameter segment 832 located at the proximal end 826 of the peg 801 includes a smaller diameter than that of the main body 834 of the peg 801. When the reduced diameter segment 832 of the proximal end 826 is inserted into the receiving cavity 830, a lip of the main body of the peg 801 can rest upon the upper surface 808 of the base 804.

When the peg 801 is fully inserted into the receiving cavity 830, the lengthwise axis 824 of the peg 801 is placed substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 808 of the game board 802. However, the peg 801 can take a variety of forms and can be disposed at the upper surface 808 in any manner to retain a projectile 101 thereon (e.g., with the peg 801 extending through the opening 106 in the projectile 101).

Referring to FIGS. 2D and 8, players can toss the horseshoe shaped projectiles 101 toward the peg 801 on the game board 802 with an objective of landing the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 at the peg 801 with the peg 801 extending through the opening 106 of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101.

The horseshoe shaped projectile 101 may contact the peg 801, hopefully at the inner perimeter 506 if thrown successfully, and the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 may land on the base 804 with the peg 801 extending through the opening 106 (e.g., with the peg 801 located between opposing legs 114, 116).

The horseshoe shaped projectile 101 may rotate during flight (e.g., after being tossed by a player) about axis 220. This rotation is believed to be due to the manner in which the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 is often held by a player during a toss (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) as well as the weight difference between the body 103 at the second end 115 (e.g., where the body 103 includes a channel 204 between the legs 114, 116 which can serve as an entrance into the opening 106).

The tapers 214 can ease the passage of the peg 801 into the channel 204. The protuberances 202 can serve to retain horseshoe shaped projectile 101 on the peg 801 during and after contact. For example, when the peg 801 passes between the protuberances 202 through the channel 204 and into the opening 106, the extensions 212 may contact the peg 801 and prevent the peg 801 from easily passing out of the opening 106. Interior portions of the protuberances 202 (e.g., near the channel 204) can be flexible as the structural insert 213 may not extend therein. The flexibility of the protuberances 202 may ease the passage of the peg 801 through the channel 204. However, it is also contemplated that the exemplary horseshoe shaped projectile 101 can be utilized independent of the game board 802 (e.g., with other game boards or with stakes driven directly into the ground).

FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view 900 of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101, as viewed along axis 206 of FIG. 2. The body 103 of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 is depicted as including a substantially ovaloid 902 cross-sectional profile. The structural insert 213 is preferably placed at a central location 904 within the body 103 and is fully surrounded and encompassed by bead-type filler 207. The bead-type filler 207 is sandwiched between the structural insert 213 and the outer covering 108. In this manner, when a player grasps the horseshoe shaped projectile 101, the player will experience the soft tactile properties provided by the outer covering 108 and bead-type filler 207, rather than the more rigid and potentially hard feel of the structural insert 213.

The individual beads 211 of the bead-type filler 207 are depicted in a stationary position, with individual beads 211 contacting and supporting one another as depicted at 906. However, as will be appreciated, movement within the bead-type filler 207 (e.g., movement of individual beads 211 relative one another and interaction between the individual beads 1122) will occur during handling of the horseshoe shaped projectile 101 as well as in response to any force exerted on the outer covering 108 (e.g., such as when tossed, when contacting the ground, etc.).

Referring now to FIGS. 10-12B, the exemplary flying disc projectile 102 will now be described. The body 111 of the flying disc projectile 102 is depicted as including an outer protruding ring member 117 and an inner protruding ring member 123; however, the flying disc projectile 102 can be formed absent the inner protruding ring member 123 if desired. A connecting segment 118 extends between and connects the outer protruding ring member 117 and the inner protruding ring member 123. A central portion 119 extends outwardly from the center 1012 of the flying disc projectile 102 to the inner protruding ring member 123.

The outer covering 125 defines an outer surface 135 of the body 111. The outer covering 125 preferably includes a two-piece construction, as has been discussed with regard to FIG. 5. When the flying disc projectile 102 is completely assembled (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12B), an upper surface 1014 of the flying disc projectile 102 can be defined by a first material cut 1015. In this assembled state, a lower surface 1016 of the flying disc projectile 102 can be defined by a second material cut 1017. The first material cut 1014 and the second material cut 1017 are depicted as being joined via stitching at an outer seam 1018 and separation seams 1020.

The first material cut 1015 of FIG. 11A is depicted as having an outer seam die line 1112, separation seam die lines 1114, a stitching allowance 1118, and a radius 1116. An outer portion 1104 of the first material cut 1015 will extend over and partially define the outer protruding ring member 117. A material portion 1108 of the first material cut 1015 will extend over and at least partially define the inner protruding ring member 123. The material portion 1106 will define the connecting segment 118. The material portion 1110 forms the central portion 119.

The outer covering 125 is constructed of a material 1006. The material 1006 is preferably identical to the polyester material 208, which includes a woven texture 210, as has been previously discussed.

A structural insert 1132 is located internal to the outer protruding ring member 117. An inner structural insert 1134 can be located internal to the inner protruding ring member 123. The structural inserts 1132, 1134 of the flying disc projectile 102 each include an annular, washer-like, ring like form 1140. The structural inserts 1132, 1134 are disposed in a concentric relationship.

The material 1146 of the structural inserts 1132, 1134 is preferably identical to the material 215 of the structural insert 213 as has been previously described. A thickness 1204 of the structural inserts 1132, 1134 can approximate 1.6 mm. The structural inserts 1132, 1134 increase a stiffness of the body 111 of the flying disc projectile 102, as has been described with regard to the structural insert 213.

The outer structural insert 1132 extends internally to the outer protruding ring member 117. A bead-type filler 1120 is located internal to the outer protruding ring member 117. The bead-type filler 1120 includes similar properties and can include a similar construction to the bead-type filler 207; however, as will be discussed below, the bead-type filler 1120 can include a reduced weight. The bead-type filler 1120 surrounds the outer structural insert 1132 and is sandwiched between the outer structural insert 1132 and the outer covering 125.

The bead-type filler 1120 can be a composite material 1124 comprised of polypropylene and calcium carbonate. In one specific, non-limiting form, the composite material 1124 can include 33% wt.-43% wt. polypropylene with the remaining 57% wt.-67% wt. calcium carbonate. As yet another non-limiting example, the composite material 1124 can include approximately 40% wt. polypropylene and 60% wt. of calcium carbonate. The composite material 1124 is less dense than the composite material 209; therefore, if equal volumes of the composite material 1124 and composite material 209 are weighed, the weight of the composite material 1124 will be less. The difference in density between the composite material 1124 and composite material 209 results from the increased polypropylene content and decreased calcium carbonate content of the composite material 1124, relative the composite material 209.

The polymer construction of the structural inserts 1132, 1134, the lightened bead-type filler 1120, and the outer covering 125 enable the flying disc projectile 102 to float. This is believed to be highly advantageous should the flying disc projectile 102 be utilized near water.

The outer protruding ring member 117 includes a substantially ovaloid shaped 1004 cross-sectional profile, as viewed along radius 120. Therefore, the cross-sectional profile of the outer protruding ring member 117 will appear similar to the cross-sectional view 900 of FIG. 9 as both cross-sections include a substantially ovaloid shape, a centrally located structural insert surrounded by filler, and an outer covering encompassing the filler.

The inclusion of the structural insert 1132 and bead-type filler 1120 in the outer protruding ring member 117 increases a weight of the flying disc projectile 102 at the outer circumference 122 which is believed to increase rotational spin of the flying disc projectile 102.

The inner protruding ring member 123 includes a substantially ovaloid shaped 1002 cross-sectional profile (e.g., as viewed along radius 120). The cross-sectional profile of the inner protruding ring member 123 will appear similar to the cross-sectional view 900 of FIG. 9 (e.g., as both share a substantially ovaloid shape, a centrally located structural insert surrounded by filler, and an outer covering encompassing the filler); however, as is readily apparent in FIGS. 1 and 10, the cross-sectional profile of the inner protruding ring member 123 is smaller in size than the cross-sectional profile of the outer protruding ring member 117.

FIG. 12A depicts a flying disc projectile 102 in a disassembled configuration 1200. The structural inserts 1132, 1134 have been placed atop the inner surface 1202 of the second material cut 1017. The structural inserts 1132, 1134 share a concentric relationship 1206. Bead-type filler 1120 will surround the structural inserts 1132, 1134 prior to final stitching.

FIG. 12B depicts the flying disc projectile 102 in a fully assembled configuration 1208. The flying disc projectile 102 is depicted as being grasped by a user at the first end 131 with the second end 133 directed outwardly such that the body 111 of the flying disc projectile 102 is substantially parallel relative the ground. As is illustrated, some flex 1214 is visible in body 111 of the flying disc projectile 102. The flying disc projectile 102 is not hard or firm; rather, should a user press on opposing ends 131, 133, the body 111 will bend and bow, with the ends 131, 133 curled upwardly. This almost spring like flexibility is provided by the ring-type polymer construction of the structural inserts 1132, 1134.

The outer protruding ring member 117 is preferably sized to enable a player with average sized hands to easily grasp the outer protruding ring member 117 with the fingers on a single hand. Specifically, the outer protruding ring member 117 includes a height 1008 and a width 1024 that are easily grasped by an average person.

The inner protruding ring member 123 is depicted as including a width 1026 that is less than the width 1024 of the outer protruding ring member 117, and includes a smaller overall ovaloid cross-section.

Movement within the bead-type filler 1120 (e.g., movement of individual beads 1122 relative one another and interaction between the individual beads 1122) as well as the woven texture 210 of the outer covering 108 provide beanbag-like tactile properties to the body 103 at the outer protruding ring member 117 and the inner protruding ring member 123. As the outer protruding ring member 117 defines the outer circumference 122 of the flying disc projectile 102, the outer protruding ring member 117 will be the primary surface of the flying disc projectile 102 which a player will grasp.

As will be appreciated, providing a soft feel and textural tactile properties to the outer protruding ring member 117 enables the outer protruding ring member 117 to be easily grasped. A user's fingers can depress down into, shown at 1022, the outer protruding ring member 117 due to the interaction and movement of the bead-type filler 1120.

Additionally, this configuration greatly reduces the likelihood of bounce should the flying disc projectile 102 contact the ground. Specifically, as the outer protruding ring member 117 is located at the outer circumference 122 of the flying disc projectile 102, the outer protruding ring member 117 will likely contact the ground first. The interaction of the bead-type filler 1120 (e.g., movement and interaction between individual beads 1122) and flex/spring nature of the structural inserts 1132, 1134 will absorb a significant amount of the impact shock, significantly reducing any chance of bounce.

Referring now to FIGS. 13A-13C, the saucer shaped projectile 104 will now be described. The saucer shaped projectile 104 includes a body 110 that has an overall disc-like, saucer like shape 109. The body 110 includes a protruding ring member 126 which defines an outer perimeter 1342 of the body 110, and the outer perimeter 1342 can also be properly referred to as the outer circumference 1342 of the saucer shaped projectile 104.

The protruding ring member 126 extends radially inward toward the central portion 124. The protruding ring member 126 includes a downwardly extending arcuate curvature 1338 which extends toward the substantially flat 1334, lower height central portion 124. A cross-sectional profile of the protruding ring member 126 (e.g., such as would be viewed along radius 1318) includes a substantial rounded, substantially ovaloid 1332 shape. The cross-sectional profile of the protruding ring member 126 will appear similar to FIG. 9 (e.g., both share a substantially ovaloid shape, a centrally located structural insert surrounded by filler, and an outer covering encompassing the filler). The filler can be similar to filler 207, as utilized in the horseshoe shaped projectile 101, or similar to filler 1120 of the flying disc projectile 102, depending upon the desired characteristics of the filler (e.g., weight, hardness, etc.).

The saucer shaped projectile 104 includes a structural insert 1320. The structural insert 1320 includes an annular, ring-like shape 1324 having a centrally located opening 1326. The structural insert 1320 is formed of a material 1322 which preferably takes the form of material 208, as has been previously described. A thickness (not shown) of the structural insert 1320 is preferably identical to thickness 402.

An internal diameter 1327 of the structural insert 1320, which extends across the opening 1326, has a greater magnitude than a diameter 1340 of the central portion 124. In this manner, the material 1322 of the structural insert 1320 does not extend under the central portion 124 as the central portion 124 is disposed over the opening 1326.

The outer covering 127 of the saucer shaped projectile 104 can include a two-piece construction, as has been described in connection to FIG. 5. In this manner, the outer covering 127 of the saucer shaped projectile 104 is formed by joining an upper material cut 1304 and a lower material cut 1306. The assembled saucer shaped projectile 104, depicted in FIGS. 1 and 13C, depicts the upper material cut 1304 joined to the lower material cut 1306 at outer seam 1328 and inner seam 1330.

FIG. 13A depicts an exemplary outer seam die line 1308, an exemplary inner seam die line 1310, and an exemplary stitching allowance 1314. When the saucer shaped projectile 104 is fully assembled, the material portion 1312 will extend over the protruding ring member 126 and will at least partially define the protruding ring member 126, and the material portion 1313 will extend over and at least partially define the central portion 124. As has been discussed a radius 1318 of the upper material cut 1304 has a larger magnitude than the radius 121 of the body 110 of the saucer shaped projectile 104 as the upper material cut 1304 includes the stitching allowance 1314 and the upper material cut 1304 has a flattened form.

The lower material cut 1306 is preferably identical to the upper material cut 1304. The outer covering 127 is constructed of a material 1316 which is preferably identical to material 208. In this manner, the woven texture 210 of the outer covering 127 as well as the bead-type filler combine to impart soft, textural beanbag-like tactile properties to the protruding ring member 126. As is shown in FIG. 13C, when a player lightly grips the protruding ring member 126, the player's fingers depress the outer covering 127 into the bead-type filler, as shown at 1336.

Exemplary projectiles 100 have been described herein as taking the form of a horseshoe shaped projectile 101, a saucer shaped projectile 104, or a flying disc projectile 102. However, it is contemplated that projectiles embodying the teachings of the present application (e.g., a structural insert located internal to the projectile and a filler sandwiched between an outer covering and the structural insert) can include a variety of shapes and forms which include, but are not limited to, ring-shaped projectiles, x-shaped projectiles, c-shaped projectiles, or the like.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as permitted under the law. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

It should be understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably, or preferred in the description above indicates that feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and any embodiment lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, that scope being defined by the claims that follow.

In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one” and “at least a portion” are used, there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim.

TOSS GAME PROJECTILES

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