Patent Application
20250153024
The present invention relates to a tossing and catching analog game and, more particularly, to a weighted tossing cup and catching cup game.
In this technology driven world we live in, where everyone is glued to their phones, tablets, and computers, we are missing out on the games we played outside. Currently available games such as spikeball, cornhole, beersbee etc. are fun and provide entertainment and maintain brain and muscle functions. However, they are expensive and bulky.
As can be seen, there is a need for a an inexpensive, compact, analog game that can be played outside.
In one aspect of the present invention, a cup configured for a catching game comprises a weighted base having a sidewall extending to a flared lip defining a mouth operative to accommodate another of the cup. This configuration assists in the descent of the cup when tossed. The flared lip also protects fingers and assists a player in gripping the cup to prevent a party foul. The weighted base, the sidewall, and the flared lip are formed of a resilient material that does not shatter upon being thrown from a distance of about 15-30 feet and falling from a height above the players' heads under ambient earth gravity.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a weighted cup having a weighted base and a flared lip. The weighted base and flared lip together provide aerodynamic function to the cup so that when thrown it falls in a predetermined manner with the base directed downward, enabling the catcher to catch the cup.
The flared lip acts as a stabilizer during descent. The flared lip also serves as a finger protector for a catcher and helps the catcher grip the cup when it is used for catching.
The cups may be manufactured using a molding process with any suitable materials. The materials of manufacture are not particularly limited and may be selected from, for example, silicone, plastic, rubber, or any combination thereof.
The weight and depth or location of the weight at the bottom of the weighted cup is not particularly limited. For example, the weighted base may weigh about 50% of the total weight of the cup. The cups may be any suitable size to fit a large range of hands.
Another embodiment of the present invention is a game comprising tossing or throwing the weighted cup between catching cups. In some embodiments, the catching cups may be identical to the weighted cup.
The game disclosed herein helps people with exercise, teamwork, coordination, cognitive thinking, brain stimulation, etc. It is entertaining to play with family and friends is much more compact and portable, i.e., easier to transport, than other throwing and catching games. It is also less expensive. The people involved in playing this game would pull themselves away from their electronics and do something that helps mentally and physically.
To play the game disclosed herein, a player holds a catching cup. Using the catching cup, the player tosses the weighted cup “Tossing Cup #1” to a partner if “playing in teams” or to an individual if “just playing Catch”. The partner or individual tries to catch the weighted cup in the other catching cup “Catching Cup #2”. The game may be played just for fun or the players may score points.
In an embodiment, the game may have the following rules. The object is to catch the tossing cup with the catching cup to score points. Players (throwers and catchers) may stand about 25-30 ft. apart (about 15-20 ft. for kids), with markers establishing position lines. Teams may stand next to each other, with the players being about 3 feet apart. The player throwing the cup must remain behind the first position line while the catching partner must have one foot (the “pivot” foot) stay behind the second position line, also referred to herein as the “foul line”. Use of the catcher's free hand to catch a weighted cup without the catching cup or moving the catcher's pivot foot past the foul line while catching voids points for the round. The cup may be “bobbled” and caught if it does not contact the catcher's free hand and the pivot foot does not cross the foul line. If there is interference by the opponents, then the point for the interfering team is voided for the round. The team scoring the most points for the round starts the next round. A round is complete when both teams have tossed. Party fouls are assigned any time during the match when the catching cup touches the ground or a player loses control of the cup.
In some embodiments, the first team to score 21 points or more wins. If both teams score 20 or more points, the winning team must have 2 or more points than the losing team. Points may be scored as follows. The catcher may be awarded 1 point if the catcher's cup contacts the tossing cup. The catcher may be awarded 3 points if the tossing cup goes into the catching cup. The catcher may be awarded 5 points when the thrower uses the catching cup to toss the tossing cup, provided that the tossing cup is caught by the catcher. Party fouls result in a 1-point penalty. The opposing team may decide to remove one point from the fouling team, or one point can be added to the opposing team's score. For a long game, points may be offset. For a short game, points are awarded each round. In some cases, best of 3 is the winner.
In some embodiments, score may be kept by beverage shot. For example, 11 shots of a beverage may be set up for each team. For each point the opposing team makes, a player must drink one shot. If there is a party foul, a full shot can be switched with the opponent's empty shot. The winner will have shots left to celebrate the win.
Referring to
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/597,555, filed Nov. 9, 2023, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63597555 | Nov 2023 | US |
