US20240216771A1

US20240216771A1 - Object tossing game

Info

Publication number: US20240216771A1
Application number: US18/147,295
Authority: US
Inventors: Daniel Patrick Sullivan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-12-28
Filing date: 2022-12-28
Publication date: 2024-07-04

Abstract

An object-toss game having a gameboard providing a plurality of apertures is provided. Tossed objects sent through a hole are collected into respective nets and result in an initial tally of associated points. A rear wall and sidewalls may project above the platform along respective edges thereof so that players can bounce off in order to send the object through a nearby aperture. Each aperture may have a point value that differs from an adjacent aperture. The sequence in which objects are sent through an aperture may determine the awarding of initially tallied points, whereby one player may be able to block initially tallied points from being awarded to another player

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to object tossing games and, more particularly, a game where players try to match tossing bean balls into various holes for points on a board.
The lawn game cornhole is popular across the United States, which indicates that there is a strong desire for lawn games. Yet, cornhole and its conventional variants cannot be played indoors and are not very portable due to their two-board requirement.
As can be seen, there is a need for an object toss game where 2-4 players of any age can compete, that can be played indoors and outdoors, needs only one multi-hole gameboard and so can be easily transported, and that provides gameplay not found in conventional cornhole where players, for example, can block other players points or collect points if able to match balls into same holes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention (colloquially known as “Matchshot”) takes an old idea of tossing game objects and revolutionizes it. In certain embodiments, the gameboard (or “box”) of the present invention has five holes, some of the holes have different sizes and so are worth different points for sending a tossed object therethrough. Each player can block points or match points by tossing their balls into the same holes as the other player or, in team play, a teammate. Gameplay further includes players standing an predetermined distance from the gameboard, in some embodiments the distance is fifteen feet, and tossing bean bag balls into the holes of the gameboard for points. A player and/or teammate may toss the bean balls into the same holes to either block their opponent's future shots or match for their or their teammate's earlier made shots for points.
The gameboard will provide a carry handle attached along a rear surface of the gameboard. In some embodiments of the game, a carrying bag for all the bean bag balls is provided, thereby making the present invention portable and easy to set up anywhere.
The game embodiment in the present invention is played with only one gameboard, further facilitating its portability and ease of setup.
In one aspect of the present invention, a gameboard for an object toss game, includes the following: a platform elevated above a supporting surface by way of one or more walls so that the platform is level relative to said supporting surface; a plurality of aperture formed in the platform, wherein the plurality of apertures define at least three different sized openings; and for each aperture, a net secured to an underside of the platform so as to catch an object sent through said aperture.
In another aspect of the present invention, the gameboard further includes the following: a rear wall extending along a rear edge of the platform so as to project at least two inches above said rear edge; a side wall extending along each side edge of the platform so as to project at least two inches above each respective side edge, wherein the plurality of apertures comprises five apertures, including two front apertures, two rear apertures, and a center aperture, wherein the two front apertures and two rear apertures are inward of four rectangular corners, respectively, of the platform, wherein the two rear apertures have a rear diameter less than a front diameter of the two front apertures, and wherein the front diameter is less than a center diameter of the center aperture.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of playing an object toss game includes the following: placing the above-mentioned gameboard on a supporting surface; taking turns between two teams sequentially tossing a plurality of objects from a predetermined distance from a front edge of said gameboard; and tallying a point value for each object sent through one of the five apertures as a function of a diameter of the receiving aperture; and awarding the tallied point value to a first team of the two teams only if there is no object subsequently received in the aperture associated with said tallied point value.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in use.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is FIG. 3 shown in use.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary two-player embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an exemplary team-version embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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, an embodiment of the present invention provides an object-toss game having a gameboard providing a plurality of apertures. Tossed objects sent through a hole are collected into respective nets and result in an initial tally of associated points. A rear wall and sidewalls may project above the platform along respective edges thereof so that players can bounce off to send the object through a nearby aperture. Each aperture may have a point value that differs from an adjacent aperture. The sequence in which objects are sent through an aperture may determine the awarding of initially tallied points, whereby one player may be able to block initially tallied points from being awarded to another player or by matching a toss of a teammate in the same aperture will award points in a four-player game.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6 , the present invention may include a gameboard 10 providing elevated platform 20, level with the supporting surface. The platform 20 may be elevated approximately four to six inches above the supporting surface by way of a front wall 16, a rear wall 12 and/or two opposing sidewalls 14 and 18. The platform 20 generally measures approximately two feet wide by two feet long, thereby defining a rectangular arrangement of the supporting walls 12, 14, 16, and 18. It being understood that the platform may have different dimensionality as long as the present invention functions as disclosed herein. The rear wall 12 and the two opposing sidewalls 14 and 18 may extend above the platform 20 by approximately three to five inches, thus providing fencing along the respective edges of the platform 20, and whereby objects 34 thrown at the platform 20 can intentionally or unintentionally play off this “fencing”.
The platform 20 may have a plurality of apertures formed therein. In one embodiment, there are five apertures, though in other embodiments, there may be a different number of apertures if the game functions as disclosed herein. Likewise, though shown as circular, the apertures may be other shapes. Each aperture communicates to an underlying net for catching one or more tossed objects 34. The nets reside in a space defined by the arrangement of the walls 12, 14, 16, and 18 between the platform 20 and the supporting surface, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
The apertures may include a center hole 24 and associated center net 30. The center hole 24 may be centered on the platform 20 relative the peripheral edges of the platform 20. Each of the remaining holes may be located inward of the four respective corners of the platform 20. Thus, in some embodiments, there is a front left hole 22 and associated net 28, a front right hole 23 and associated net 29, a rear left hole 26 and associated net 32, and a rear right hole 27 and associated net 33. The front peripheral edge of the platform 20 being the edge without a wall projecting there above. In certain embodiments, the front holes 22 and 23 have an approximately four-inch diameter, while the rear holes 26 and 27 have a diameter of approximately five inches, and wherein the center hole 24 has a diameter of approximately six inches.
During gameplay, the participants 36 and 38 stand a predetermined distance ‘A’ from the platform 20. In certain embodiments, ‘A’ is approximately fifteen feet. The participants 36 and 38 take turns tossing small objects 34, which may be, but is not limited to, a bean bag filled with dried beans, corn, or other pellets. The objects may be different colors to keep track of which participant tossed which balls. Points are awarded for sending the object 34 through one of the holes, with a different number of points awarded for sending the object 34 through smaller holes. In one embodiment, front holes 22 and 23 are worth three points, while the rear holes 26 and 27 are worth two points, while the center hole 24 is worth one point.
A unique twist to the game of MatchShot includes opposing participants 36 and 38 tossing their allotted objects 34 in sequence, attempting to match/repeat a hole a previous participant has landed in, thereby preventing that previous participant from collecting or being awarded their initially tallied points. The game ends when a predetermined number of points have been awarded.
In other words, there are two main components which make up and are necessary to the gameplay of the present invention. The first component is platform with its five cut out holes 22, 23, 24, 26, and 27, wherein each hole is marked with a number representing how many points one can get if able to toss in that hole. The second component is the eight bean bag objects 34 to be used individually to be tossed into the holes in the platform 20 to either win points for a team or block points from being awarded to a competitor. Each hole has a mesh netting underneath to catch the tossed objects 34.
In certain embodiments, there is also a 3.5-inch border wall which exists on both sides and a 4.5-inch-high rear wall. These border walls are utilized to keep the tossed objects in play. These walls are essential to the game as the players can use them to bounce the objects off and into the holes. The gameboard sits on a base five inches off the ground. There may also be a handle on the rear side of the border wall which makes it very easy to pick up and take the present invention anywhere a user can.
A method of making one embodiment of the present invention may include the following. A first step for a manufacturer would be to procure a piece of ½″ thick plywood or fiber wood. The manufacturer would mark, using a pencil, a 2′×2′ square. Using a circular saw, the manufacturer may cut along the lines leaving a 2′×2′ board, resulting in the platform. Next, using a table saw or circular saw, the manufacturer may cut a piece of wood 4.5″ high, ½″ thick and 24″ long, resulting in the rear border wall that is mounted on to the top back of the platform board using adhesive and screws which are drilled up from underneath the board up into the border wall Using the same wood make two more border walls for each side of the top surface of the board. Both side border walls will have the same dimensions: 3.5″ high, ½″ thick and 23″ long. Next, the manufacturer may create sides that extend approximately five inches below the surface of the board on both sides and the rear. This props the board approximately five inches high off the ground. Upon completing that a handle may be mounted on the back side of the board. The handle may be mounted using a drill and two screws centering it exactly in the middle of the back board. This handle is used to easily take MatchShot anywhere you go. Next the manufacturer would create five holes cut out on surface of the platform board. A drill and three different size hole saws are required in some embodiments. The three sizes are 4″ diameter, 5″ diameter and 6″ diameter. Each hole is marked with a 1, a 2 or a 3 representing how many points a player gets if able to toss a ball into that hole. The last task is to secure mesh netting under each if the five cut out holes to catch the bean bag balls.
The three border walls are “optional” but make the game easier to score points. LED lights around the rim of each hole would be an addition that could make the game better. That with glow in the dark balls would allow players to play at night. Last, an automated or manual scoring mechanism on the board could also possibly make the game better. An advanced board could be designed with no border walls making the game more challenging for advanced players. In addition, the diameter of the holes could be made smaller to make the game more challenging for advanced players. Making the diameter of the holes bigger could make the game easier for kids under the age twelve to play.
The method of gameplay of MatchShot is disclosed in FIGS. 5 and 6 . As a result, the present invention provides something to do which is fun, exciting, and competitive. It can be played in-doors or at the beach, a backyard barbecue or when tailgating. It solves the problem of people being bored. It provides an outlet for people to have fun as well as enhancing hand eye coordination, depth perception, as well as incentivizing young kids using math to keep score. MatchShot can be used in educational institutions in both the classroom and in a physical education setting. In the classroom, the present invention can be used for team building and for developing the ability to do basic mathematics for adding up and subtracting points as well as developing strategies. In the physical education setting for honing hand eye coordination skills and fine motor skills.
As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. And the term “substantially” refers to up to 80% or more of an entirety. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “aligned” means parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than 35.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “transverse” means perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or forming an angle between 55.0 and 125.0 degrees. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “length” means the longest dimension of an object. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “width” means the dimension of an object from side to side. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “above” generally means superjacent, substantially superjacent, or higher than another object although not directly overlying the object. Further, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “mechanical communication” generally refers to components being in direct physical contact with each other or being in indirect physical contact with each other where movement of one component affect the position of the other.
The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the embodiments or the claims. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed embodiments.
In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms unless specifically stated to the contrary.
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.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A gameboard for an object toss game, the gameboard comprising:

a platform elevated above a supporting surface by way of one or more walls so that the platform is level relative to said supporting surface;

a plurality of aperture formed in the platform, wherein the plurality of apertures define at least three different sized openings; and

for each aperture, a net secured to an underside of the platform so as to catch an object sent through said aperture.

2. The gameboard of claim 1, further comprising a rear wall extending along a rear edge of the platform so as to project at least two inches above said rear edge.

3. The gameboard of claim 2, further comprising a side wall extending along each side edge of the platform so as to project at least two inches above each respective side edge.

4. The gameboard of claim 3, wherein the plurality of apertures comprises five apertures, including two front apertures, two rear apertures, and a center aperture.

5. The gameboard of claim 4, wherein the two front apertures and two rear apertures are inward of four rectangular corners, respectively, of the platform.

6. The gameboard of claim 4, wherein the two rear apertures have a rear diameter less than a front diameter of the two front apertures, and wherein the front diameter is less than a center diameter of the center aperture.

7. A method of playing an object toss game, the method comprising:

placing the gameboard of claim 6 on a supporting surface;

taking turns between two teams sequentially tossing a plurality of objects from a predetermined distance from a front edge of said gameboard; and

tallying a point value for each object sent through one of the five apertures as a function of a diameter of the receiving aperture.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising awarding the tallied point value to a first team of the two teams only if there is no object subsequently received in the aperture associated with said tallied point value.