Abstract:
A substantially planar playing field for a horseshoe game. A plurality of horseshoe courses are arranged on the playing field. Each of the horseshoe courses comprises an elongated planar portion having opposed ends and a horseshoe pit on at least one of the opposed ends of the elongated planar portion. A plurality of the horseshoe courses on the playing field have a horseshoe pit on each of the opposed ends of the elongated planar portion of the horse shoe course. Each of the pits has a stake rising above the pit. At least one, and preferably a plurality of the courses have included in the horseshoe course a challenge for the player. The courses are arranged on the playing field to enable the players to traverse a predetermined game path to play each course in sequence to complete the game.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention is directed to a game, and in particular relates to an improved game of horseshoes. More particularly, the game is designed for two or more players that require navigating a large playing field containing a plurality of horseshoe courses arranged for sequentially playing each course, at least one of the courses, and preferably at least a majority of the courses have different configurations of challenges, including objects, obstacles and hazards. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    The history of the game of horseshoes is believed to date back to the second century AD wherein soldiers or athletes would toss horseshoes from a distance towards a small stake or target area placed in the ground and attempt to outscore their opponent by throwing their horseshoe closest to the stake or post or around the stake or post. 
         [0005]    A horseshoe is generally a U-shaped metal piece that is used to protect horse hoofs from wear. Modern horseshoes for the game are about twice the size of horseshoes used on horses and may be made of varying materials, e.g., plastic, wood, metal. 
         [0006]    The current game of horseshoes is a sport typically played outdoors between two players and can also be played by two teams of two players each. In the two player game each player uses two horseshoes. The course is an elongated planar portion having opposed ends and a horseshoe pit on both of the opposed ends of the elongated planar portion. Each pit has a stake rising above the pit. Both players stand at one end of the course. The players take alternate turns tossing horseshoes at the upright stake in the opposite, second horseshoe pit. After scoring their respective points the players then repeat the process, tossing their horseshoes towards the original, first horseshoe pit and stake and adding additional points to their scores. The players continue back and forth within the same course until a final point total is reached. There is an established method of scoring and for the sake of brevity will not be detailed here. 
         [0007]    The rules of play for horseshoes have changed many times over the years with the current final dimensions of horseshoes, horseshoe pits, stakes &amp; distances being last established in 1950 and the scoring system has remained unchanged since 1982. The aforementioned rules are for tournament play and were set under the governing body of the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association of America. 
         [0008]    The game of horseshoes has survived for many years for numerous reasons. It is quite simple in nature but yet very challenging to become skilled. There are various methods of throwing horseshoes that people are constantly striving to improve upon, similar in fashion to the game of golf. It does not require a costly outlay to create a horseshoe course and associated pits in one&#39;s backyard for recreational purposes. Games involving hand eye coordination inherently solicit involvement and the game of horseshoes is one of the most accessible and inexpensive games one can play. Regarding tournament play, there is the aspiration to become a top player in the game. 
         [0009]    Applicant is aware of the following prior art: 
         [0010]    US 2007/0037629 A1 to Neal. 
         [0011]    US 2009/0033034 A1 to Jakubowski. 
         [0012]    US 2010/0090406 A1 to De Mello 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 0,143,047 A to West 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,583,250 A to Heath 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,265,517 A to Clement 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,507,496 A to Miller 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,330 A to Glass 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,879 A to Curtiss. 
         [0019]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,159 A to Morrissey 
         [0020]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,590 A to Palmer 
         [0021]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,256 A to Kraemer 
         [0022]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,121,963 B2 to Corbin 
         [0023]    *U.S. Pat. No. 7,241,227 B2 to Campbell. 
         [0000]    The following non-patent reference: 
         [0024]    http ://www.horseshoebay.com/slickrgolf.html (Waterfall) (NPL 1) 
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0025]    It is an object of this invention to provide a new and novel game particularly suited for use as an outdoor field game, but which may also be used as an indoor game, as desired. 
         [0026]    It is another object of this invention to provide a game with great versatility for recreational and amusement purposes as well as giving physical benefits to persons of practically all ages. 
         [0027]    It is thus object of this invention to provide an improved game of horseshoes. 
         [0028]    It is further object of this invention to provide a novel playing field for the game of horseshoes and method of playing the game that is more complex and challenging than the known game. 
         [0029]    The above objects are achieved by a novel playing field for a horse shoe game for use by players. The playing field is a substantially planar playing field, although it may traverse gently rolling hills. There is a plurality of horseshoe courses arranged on the playing field. Each of the horseshoe courses comprises an elongated planar portion having opposed ends and a horseshoe pit on at least one of the opposed ends of the elongated planar portion. A plurality of the horseshoe courses on the playing field have a horseshoe pit on each of the opposed ends of the elongated planar portion of the horse shoe course. Each of the pits has a stake rising above the pit. At least one, and preferably a plurality of the courses have included in the horseshoe course a challenge for the player. The courses are arranged on the playing field to enable the players to traverse a predetermined game path to play each course in sequence to complete the game. The game may be adapted as a digital game to be played on a video screen, PC, I-Pad® and I-Phone® type devices. 
         [0030]    Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]    The novel features believed to be characteristic of the present invention, together with further advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which several embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 1  is an aerial isometric view of one embodiment of the Horseshoe game of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 2  is an aerial isometric view similar to  FIG. 1  showing the flow and sequence of the game; 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged isometric view of the first course C 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged isometric view of the second course C 2 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged isometric view of the third course C 3 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 6A  is an enlarged isometric view of the first part of the fourth course C 4 A; 
           [0038]      FIG. 6B  is an enlarged isometric view of the second part of the fourth course C 4 B; 
           [0039]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged isometric view of the fifth course C 5 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 8A  is an enlarged isometric view of the first part of the sixth course C 6 A; 
           [0041]      FIG. 8B  is an enlarged isometric view of the second part of the sixth course C 6 B; 
           [0042]      FIG. 9A  is an enlarged isometric view of the first part of the seventh course C 7 A; 
           [0043]      FIG. 9B  is an enlarged isometric view of the second part of the seventh course C 7 B; 
           [0044]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged isometric view of the eighth course C 8 ; and 
           [0045]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged isometric view of the ninth course C 9 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0046]    It shall be noted that like reference numerals are used throughout the drawing figures and the drawings are representative of various embodiments that may be employed within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there are a series of horseshoe courses that comprise the overall game course shown generally as  10 . Players will start at course C 1  and sequentially play throughout the overall game in a serpentine pattern through the course  10 , i.e., C 1 , C 2 , and C 3 , et seq., finishing the game on course C 9 . Each of the courses will be described in greater detail below with respect to their associated drawings. Each course presents a different type of challenge and the scoring method for points earned can be derived from conventional scoring rules or be adjusted for various age groups, tournaments, handicaps and so on. 
         [0048]    The overall course or playing field  10  allows for walkways between adjacent courses as well as any signage (not shown) to help direct players throughout the game. A structure (not shown) may optionally be positioned at the start of the game for collection of fees, distribution of horseshoes and scorecards, concession area &amp; park benches. Provisions can be made to supply drying towels for patrons during play on the water feature courses. Players could use the same set of horseshoes throughout the game or alternatively each course could have a dedicated set of horseshoes available for the next round of players. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the flow and sequence of the game can be understood. The overall game starts on course C 1  and the players take turns tossing horseshoes in one direction towards a first horseshoe pit or pit area, then reverse direction and toss horseshoes at the opposite second horseshoe pit as shown by the arrows in the drawing, tallying scores after each round of throwing which will be described in greater detail below. 
         [0050]    It should be understood that the terms tossing, throwing &amp; pitching of horseshoes can be used interchangeably and all mean the same action which is physically directing a horseshoe in a trajectory path towards the opposite horseshoe pit and upright stake. 
         [0051]    Continuing the game from course C 1  the players then proceed to course C 2  and repeat the process of tossing their respective horseshoes similar to course C 1 . This pattern continues throughout the game for courses C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , C 5 , C 8  and C 9 . Courses C 4 , C 6  and C 7  are divided into two courses which are labeled C 4   a,  C 4   b,  C 6   a,  C 6   b,  C 7   a  and C 7   b  respectively. These courses are asymmetrical due to the challenges which will be described in greater detail below. After players finish course C 3  they will then proceed to course C 4   a  for one direction of tossing horseshoes. Players will then move to course C 4   b  to toss horseshoes in the opposite direction. The same practice applies for courses C 6   a  &amp; C 6   b  and C 7 A &amp; C 7   b.    
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , it depicts an isolated view of course C 1  (Starting Gate) showing the details and configuration of the horseshoe pit layout. It should be realized that all dimensions herein are the preferred dimensions, but other dimensions may be used for various reasons. Located at each end is a horseshoe pit  20  that is 40 inches×70 inches and has about 3 inches depth of sand. Central to each pit is positioned a metal stake  22  projecting 16 inches above the pit at a slight inward angle. Safety nets  24  measuring 70 inches wide and 24 inches high are placed at the extreme ends of the course to prevent horseshoes  28  from crossing into adjacent horseshoe courses. The distance D between stakes  22  is 38 feet. Centrally located is an obstacle or challenge  26  which is comprised of an upper U-shaped bar 40 inches high supported by two posts spaced apart to allow the players to view the stake  22  at the opposite end. The objective is to throw the horseshoe over the obstacle  26  and towards the opposing stake  22  at the other end of course C 1 . 
         [0053]    The general dimensions of each course as described above are similar for all courses within the overall game and the subsequent descriptions for the remaining courses will focus on details comprising the obstacles and/or challenges for each one. 
         [0054]      FIG. 4  shows course C 2  (Hedge Catcher) in greater detail. In this challenge the players attempt to successfully throw their horseshoes over two hedges  30 . The hedges  30  are 24 inches tall by 24 inches deep by 70 inches wide and are positioned at a distance D 1  of 13 feet from the stakes  22 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 5  illustrates course C 3  (Water Biscuit) wherein the challenge is a pair of small ponds  40  positioned in front of each horseshoe pit  20 . Each pond  40  is 2 inches higher than the horseshoe pit  20  and measures 70 inches wide and are 6 inches deep. A water spout  42  may be positioned at each edge or centrally within pond  40  to create a spray mist. The players must throw over the ponds  40  in order to score points. An object is to avoid throwing the horseshoes and landing in the ponds  40 . There can be a deduction of, for example, one point for every player&#39;s shoe that is fully or partially submerged in the pond  40 . Additionally, horseshoes that get wet at any time during the game can be exchanged for another horseshoe or towel dried. 
         [0056]      FIG. 6A  represents course C 4   a  (Elevated Down Flyer Side A) wherein there is only one horseshoe pit  20  and the throwing area is an elevated zone  50 . Throwing zone  50  is at a height H of 24 inches resulting in a downward trajectory when players are throwing their horseshoes towards horseshoe pit  20 . Course C 4   b  (Elevated down Flyer Side B) is shown in  FIG. 6B  and is essentially a mirror image of course C 4   a  allowing players to throw their horseshoes in the opposite direction. 
         [0057]      FIG. 7  is a view of course C 5  (Waterfall) which has a pond  60  and waterfall  62  as the challenge. The pond  60  is 24 inches by 48 inches and the waterfall  62  is 72 inches tall. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  show courses C 6   a  (High Flyer Side A) and C 6   b  (High Flyer Side B) respectively. These two courses are similar to courses C 4   a  and C 4   b  as described above; the difference is that the throwing zone  70  is at a height H 1  of 32 inches. 
         [0059]      FIG. 9A  shows course C 7   a  (Rise &amp; Fall Side A) that is comprised of a ground level throwing zone  82  and an elevated landing zone  80 . The landing zone  80  is at a height  112  of 16 inches resulting in an uphill trajectory for the players when throwing their horseshoes. Course C 7   b  (Rise &amp; Fall Side B) is shown in  FIG. 9B  and is essentially a mirror image of course C 7   a  allowing players to throw their horseshoes in the opposite direction. 
         [0060]      FIG. 10  depicts course C 8  (King of Ringers) whereby the challenge is a centrally located upright hoop  90  and two posts  92 . The diameter of the hoop  90  is 28 inches and has a central opening  94 . The post  92  is 40 inches high resulting in an overall height of 78 inches for the combination of post  92  and hoop  90 . Optionally, the hoop can be an oval 28 inches by 38 inches. 
         [0061]      FIG. 11  shows course C 9  (Fountains of Water) wherein there are two pond and waterfall challenges. Ponds  100  and waterfalls  102  are sized the same as the waterfall described above in conjunction with  FIG. 7 . Each of the ponds  100  and waterfalls  102  are spaced a distance D 2  of 13′ from the stakes  22  as can be seen in the drawing. 
         [0062]    The following is an example of how one version of the game could be played. It should be realized that various different rules may be formulated. The players have a coin toss to determine who throws first. There will be no practice throws or warm-ups on the courses, but only specific areas set aside for such activities. The players then take alternating turns throwing their horseshoes  28  towards the stake  22  at the opposite end of each course. The best shot, a ringer, counts for three points. A ringer is when the open portion of horseshoe  28  is encircled around the stake  22 . Next on the point scale is a leaner which counts for two points. A leaner is when horseshoe  28  is positioned at an angle adjacent stake  22 . Lastly, one point is awarded for the player&#39;s horseshoe that is closest to the stake  22 . During play on courses C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , C 5 , C 8  &amp; C 9  players will throw from both ends of the course. Courses C 4   a,  C 4 B, C 6   a,  C 6   b,  C 7   a  &amp; C 7   b  allow for only throwing horseshoes from one end. All players throw 8 times on each of the nine courses for a maximum total on each course of 24 total points and a possible 9 course maximum total of 216 points. Players tally their scores at the end of each course and throughout the game and after completing the game will then add up all of their points to determine a winner, the objective being the highest point total. Preferably the horseshoes will remain at each course for the next player. 
         [0063]    Each of the horseshoe courses on the playing field is of varying configuration and has differing challenges and degrees of difficulty. The players traverse sequentially from one horseshoe course challenge to the next while keeping score and tabulating the scores at the end of the game to determine a winner. The layout and sequence of the game along with the associated challenges can be configured to create any number of variations desired and is not limited to what is shown in the drawings. 
         [0064]    The dimensional layout of each of the horseshoe courses is similar to but not limited to the standard sizes and distances of the conventional horseshoe game. For example, the distance between stakes or posts is normally forty feet; the proposed invention layout may be thirty-eight feet for men, thirty-six feet for women and varying distances for children. 
         [0065]    The throwing distance can be altered by employing a throwing line at each end of a course with marked throw lines for men, women and children. The challenges for each course can be adjusted to create numerous degrees of difficulty depending on the final objective. 
         [0066]    The overall game layout  10  can be configured a number of different ways to accommodate varying spaces available for installation whereby the overall game objective remains the same with players progressing throughout a series of different challenges. The game conventionally would be played outdoors during daylight hours but artificial lighting can be utilized to extend playing hours. The game could also be played in an indoor facility with artificial turf or other floor coverings. Other versions of the game can also include weighted plastic or rubber horseshoes for safety reasons or the physical strength capabilities of the players. The invention is not limited to throwing horseshoes per se. The throwing objects could be of different shapes and sizes. 
         [0067]    In one proposed application the horseshoe game could be created within a commercial venue such as an indoor or outdoor recreational business. Other applications can include amusement parks, local and county park systems, country clubs for family recreation &amp; neighborhood play areas. 
         [0068]    The invention is not limited to full scale physical installations. The horseshoe game could be created and played in a digital environment such as video games for computers, cell phones, tablet computing and gaming consoles. 
         [0069]    Although this disclosure describes illustrative embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments described. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Various adaptations, modifications and alterations may be practiced within the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.