US20120133097A1

US20120133097A1 - Compact transportable target game

Info

Publication number: US20120133097A1
Application number: US13/134,373
Authority: US
Inventors: Matthew John Boyle
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-11-26
Filing date: 2011-06-07
Publication date: 2012-05-31

Abstract

A target game has a target apparatus and at least one throwing device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention is in the technical field of games. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of outdoor games involving throwing apparatus and a target area.
A variety of games exist that are variations on the traditional games of Horseshoes, Quiots, Gorodki, Kubb and Skittles, as well as others. These variations generally involve pitching or throwing an object (or objects) towards a goal or target area. Many of these games require elaborate setups and have complex construction. In the case of many of these games, the set-up time is tedious and can be time consuming. Also, many parts means many things to keep track of and maintain. If one small item is lost or broken, the entire game is compromised. Many of these games involve complex and involved rule systems. This requires time to learn and understand the rules before play can begin.
Further, many of the existing games require designation of, and sometimes the disruption and semi-permanent dedication of, a substantial area of land in order to secure the gaming area. In these cases, a portion of land must be allotted to partition the gaming area. In most cases this requires a fairly large area that must remain clear so as not to disturb the throwing ground between targets. In order to keep the area clear, special maintenance and upkeep may be required. In some cases this also involves disturbing the land and can even involve digging up portions of land to prepare the gaming area.
At the same time, the need for this elaborate setup and dedication of land makes it difficult for many throwing games to be easily transportable. Large or heavy pieces of equipment take up much space and when packing for a trip can become a problem. Other games that require construction have to be then disassembled for transport.
The present game offers improvements on all of these areas, being that the present invention requires no permanent designation of land and no preparation of land. Further, no preparation is needed for the game itself. No assemblage of parts is necessary. There are no large or heavy parts. There are also no very small parts, so the chance of losing any of the parts is unlikely. The rules are simple and easily understood.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is a throwing game which involves minimal equipment and can be easily transported and played in a confined or a wide open space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a side perspective of an embodiment of the target area;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective of another embodiment of the target area;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective of another embodiment of the target area;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the throwing device;

FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiment of the throwing device;

FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of the throwing device;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective of an embodiment of the throwing device;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective of another embodiment of the throwing device;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective of another embodiment of the throwing device;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective of another embodiment of the throwing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The game includes a throwing instrument of a given length and a given thickness. The game also includes a target apparatus which may comprise several target surfaces on multiple levels of surface area. In an alternate embodiment the target area may have more limited or expanded target areas on multiple levels, or all contained on a flat surface.
Referring to the figures wherein like numerals refer to like parts, the compact transportable target game having a throwing device 10 with a main body 7 having a length 8 and a thickness 9. The main body 7 on the preferred embodiment extends lengthwise from its center along a symmetrically measured line, wherein there are preferably end pieces 12 on either end. Such end pieces are of a given height 11 and length 13 and contain a plurality of lateral sides, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10. Having end pieces with dissimilar numbers of lateral sides lends itself to an interesting rule variation, wherein the game is scored differently, depending on which end of the throwing device ends up on the target area. Referring to FIG. 8, an example of this possibility could be that if the four sided end of the throwing device 10 lands in the scoring area 6, the amount scored is a determined amount. However, if the same throwing device were to land on the scoring area with the hexagonal end piece landing on the scoring area, the scoring would be different.
The preferred embodiment also includes a target apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. comprising a bottom area 1, and a given height 2. Referring to such apparatus which includes at least one main target area 3, as illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. There is also the possibility of the target apparatus having multiple target areas 3,4, as illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. There is also the possibility for even more target areas 5, as illustrated in FIG. 2.
There are several possibilities of materials choice that would be suitable for manufacture of the throwing device and target apparatus. Both could be constructed of a rigid yet durable plastic or dense resin. It is feasible that both parts could be also constructed of a metal or alloy for great durability. This would increase the weight, but the lifespan would most likely also increase. There could be a combination of materials used in the construction. The throwing devices could be made of a durable wood, while the target area could be of a plastic, resin or perhaps also wood. These quite simple designs lend themselves to a versatile array of manufacturing materials. A more lightweight plastic version could be easily made for play on a beach. Even a dense foam construction is feasible that is safe for child's play.

Claims

1. A compact transportable target game comprising:

at least one projectile of substantial length, wherein said length derives from said projectiles midpoint, with said midpoint being the mathematical center of said projectile;

with the length of said projectile terminating in end sections suitable for gripping;

constructed of a suitable material so as to provide sustainability in flight and durability upon landing; and

providing at least one target apparatus comprising an essentially level surface landing area enabling a successful landing executable by said projectile; with

said apparatus being constructed of a substantial material so as to withstand the impact of said projectile;

means for scoring on said apparatus.

2. The projectile of claim 1 having a plurality of sides along its length deriving from said projectiles midpoint.

3. The projectile of claim 1 having a cylindrical shape along its length deriving from said projectiles midpoint.

4. The target apparatus of claim 1 having a plurality of surface landing areas for said projectile.

5. A scoring means as recited in claim 1 wherein said scoring means is defined by said projectile, through means of manual propulsion, being landed on or near said target apparatus, whereby points are awarded to a player of said target game.

6. The scoring means of claim 1, wherein said scoring means is defined by applying indicia selectively to said surface landing areas, said indicia being defined by color coded markings, wherein each of said color-coded markings is provided with a given score rating, whereby points are awarded to a player of said target game.