Abstract:
A bag toss game set comprising a flat game board with collapsible support structure affixed thereto. Angular support wings, secured longitudinally to the flat game board with an extended piano hinge, collapsed by rotating about the piano hinge to lay flat under the flat game board. A frame is provided around the periphery of the flat game board that rigidities and protects the sides of the game board. The flat game board has provisions for storing the game bags there in during transport. The flat game board maybe carried from the top or the bottom, under the arm, during transport, with hand slots formed bilaterally on the wings that allow engagement and wrapping around by a user&#39;s hand and fingers.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61959161 filed Aug. 17, 2013. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to bag toss game sets, particularly those having portability provisions. It relates generally to all-wood and all-polymer bag toss game boards and, more particularly, to a hybrid of the two aforementioned construction types which provides protection for the Game Board, greater convenience of use, lighter weight for carrying and transport, a lower profile (less than half the thickness of a typical game board set), storage space for Game Bags and other loose pieces, yet complies with the regulations set forth by American Cornhole Association (ACA) and American Cornhole Organization (ACO). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Bag toss game sets, wherein opponents throw filled bags, typically beanbags, at a target typically comprising a flat angularly raised panel having at least one opening through which the beanbag easily fits, are well-known. Known by number of names, including “cornhole”, “lawn darts”, “beanbag toss”, etc., the game is a popular past time because the equipment is relatively simple and portable. In the most typical arrangement, two gameboard platforms, each comprising generally a 2′×4′ flat-panel raised at one end to present an angled face to participants, and 8 bean bags are generally all that is required. The gameboards are set up and spaced apart approximately 25-30 feet, with support legs that elevate one end of the gameboard approximately 1 foot off of the ground at one end. Generally, the game is played with two teams of two players each, each team having a player throwing his team&#39;s four bean bags at a gameboard followed by his opponent throwing his team&#39;s four bean bags at the same gameboard. Thereafter, the other members of the two teams positioned near the gameboard that the bean bags were just thrown at retrieve the bean bags and take their turns throwing the bags at the gameboard positioned near the first throwers, the goal being to throw as may of the bags through the “target through hole” formed in the gameboard. Variations of the game using more or less beanbags, or other kinds of projectiles, or that use different forms or arrangements of gameboards (different size or more “target holes”, for example) are contemplated by the principles of this invention and do not depart therefrom. Generally the applicant&#39;s invention provides an improved design for game sets where in each game set comprises at least two opposed “gameboards” or “target platforms” at which projectiles, such as, without limitation, beanbags or weighted balls, are launched by opposing players. 
         [0004]    Most popularly known as “cornhole”, the game is a very popular pastime at summer cookouts, tailgate parties and large and small gatherings because the two gameboards, eight bean bags and a relatively narrow flat area of ground of 40 to 50 feet long is all that is required. It can be played on grass or concrete, by people of all ages. The gameboards may be designed and adorned with logos and indicia pertaining to sports teams, schools or colleges, or any other form of advertising, and such identifying characteristics make it particularly popular at tailgate parties before, for example, college and professional football games. It is highly desirable, therefore, to provide game sets, including gameboards, that are easily transportable. 
         [0005]    Making the gameboards lightweight, with folding support legs, is well known and documented. However, while it is desirable to make the gameboard as lightweight as possible for transport, it is still necessary to make the game boards sufficiently strong and stout to withstand having beanbags or other waited projectiles thrown at them repeatedly from 25-30 feet away. The mass of the gameboard must be sufficient to dampen the energy of the bag, such that the proper combination of bounce and slide of the bag on the playing surface is achieved. Generally, the gameboard will need to be constructed from material as strong as, for example and without limitation, ½ inch or ⅝ inch plywood. Prior art game boards constructed from wood generally used support legs that rotationally articulate up underneath the game board for transport (see prior art  FIG. 9 ), the rotating legs connected to pivot points to allow rotation of the support legs. Such an arrangement suffers from a number of disadvantages. First the connection of the support legs, whether the two legs are interconnected to each other or not, will be relatively unstable, and the legs frequently twist about the two pivot points over time, resulting in an uneven and unbalanced game surface. 
         [0006]    While it is necessary to provide a flat surface that is sufficiently strong and stout to withstand having bean bags or similar weighted projectiles repeatedly thrown onto it, and plywood is a good material for such purpose, if the edges of the plywood are exposed and permitted to absorb moisture or to be damaged by being nicked during transport, the integrity of the gameboard is compromised. 
         [0007]    It is thus desirable to provide a game board of sufficiently strong and durable material to prevent warping while still being able to withstand the anticipated force, when its support structure is erected beneath it, of bean bags being repeatedly thrown onto it. The mass of the gameboard must be sufficient to dampen the energy of the bag, such that the proper combination of bounce and slide of the bag on the playing surface is achieved The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a game board structure that is supported not from legs that rotate laterally up under the flat surface, but rather the inventive gameboard is supported by angled wings that are connected longitudinally to the flat surface of the gameboard and which rotate along the length of the flat surface, to fold up underneath the flat surface about a hinge extending substantially the length of the gameboard. 
         [0008]    Erection of the angled wings to support the surface of the game board provides an absolute and perfect height and angle for the playing surface every time, and it is not subject to twisting or unequal rotation, as is the case with the prior art legs. 
         [0009]    In addition, the flat surface of the present inventive gameboard is provided with a polymer peripheral frame encasing the wood surface, thereby protecting the edges of said woodframe from absorbing moisture and from being nicked during transport. The polymer peripheral frame also provides a flat, uniform surface to which the longitudinal hinges of the supported wings are secured. 
         [0010]    The game of cornhole is particularly popular in the region near Cincinnati, Ohio, but also well beyond that geographical area, the game also being referred to as corn toss or bag toss or other names in other regions. It evolved as a safer alternative to horseshoes and Jarts, given the more benign toss media (corn-filled or resin-filled fabric bags). 
         [0011]    There are basically two types of prior art configurations of bag toss game boards. The first, and original type involves essentially all-wood construction, while the other type involves essentially all-polymer construction. 
         [0012]    All-wood game boards, which are typically also all-wood apparatuses, have bounce/non-bounce and slide characteristics during play that have become the standard of the game. While the thickness of the playing surface, the specific wood media used and the type of applied surface finish all have an effect on the playing characteristics of a particular wood board set, in general there are more similarities than dissimilarities between various all-wood sets when media-filled bags are tossed at them. All-wood game sets are bulky and appear to be robust. However, the exposed edges and machined peripheral faces are actually quite fragile, being easily dented by a multitude of harder objects, particularly during handling and transportation. All-wood game boards with wood side wings already exist. What makes this invention unique is the use of molded, cast or formed Side Wings with shelled geometry for onboard internal storage of associated items. 
         [0013]    All-polymer game boards, which are typically also all-polymer apparatuses, play in a notably different way than all-wood game boards. There is a tendency for the tossed bags to bounce (trampoline effect) when landing on the playing surface, and the slide characteristics differ significantly due to the inherent difference of surface friction/slide of polymer materials (especially because the least expensive and lightest, but concurrently the most durable, polymer materials cannot be permanently coated to emulate the friction/slide characteristics of a coated all-wood board). 
         [0014]    Regardless of the type of construction, existing regulation size (2′×4′) boards are very heavy (particularly in the case of all-wood sets), bulky (regardless of type) and generally difficult and ironically fragile to handle, carry, transport and store. Thus, although the game can be played by people of all ages, the characteristics of current board sets limit the number of people who can handle them, thus limiting their usefulness as a social-interaction game. 
       OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    Therefore, it has been one objective of the present invention to provide a game board set that can be easily set up, handled and carried by more adults and more children, while still complying with the regulations of ACA and ACO. 
         [0016]    Further, it is an objective of the present invention to have it emulate the playing characteristics of all-wood board sets, yet with reduced overall weight and apparatus thickness for economical and convenient transport and storage. The present invention is less than half as thick in the Closed Position as a typical articulating all-wood game board while also providing onboard storage space. Therefore, the present invention, as a set of two Game Board apparatuses can be transported and/or stored in less than half of the volumetric space required for a conventional all-wood game board set. 
         [0017]    It is a further objective of the present invention to protect the fragile edges and exposed peripheral faces of the machined wood Game Board from damage. 
         [0018]    It is another objective of the present invention to provide for on-board storage of the Toss Bags and other loose pieces during transportation and storage. 
         [0019]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to maximize the footprint of the apparatus on the ground during the play mode, to make the game as safe as possible when in the Open Position. 
         [0020]    It is also an objective of the present invention to protect the playing surface during transport and storage. 
         [0021]    It is also an objective of the present invention to allow the Game Board Apparatus to “double” as a horizontal/level serving table when the game is not being played. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The invention of this application, which accomplishes the objectives noted above, utilizes a combination of materials (hybridization and material optimization) to comprise a Game Board apparatus that is easy to carry, transport, set up and disassemble, yet has the playing characteristics of all-wood game board sets. 
         [0023]    The Wings can easily he unlatched from the back (bottom) side of the Game Board, then articulated and locked to their respective Open Positions for play. Once the Wings are in the Open Position, the toss bags are available for play. Turn the apparatus over so the Feet are on the ground, space two Game Board apparatuses apart at one of the specified ACA or ACO distances and it&#39;s ready to play. 
         [0024]    Reverse the process by releasing the Sliding Latches and securing the Gate Hook &amp; Eye Latches after playing the game, and the Hybrid Game Board Apparatus is ready to be carried or transported to storage. 
         [0025]    The present invention comprises a game board set having at least one wood board with a flat surface and edges around a periphery of the flat surface. A polymer frame surrounds the flat surface, with the polymer frame stiffening the wood board and protecting the edges and preventing warping of the wood board. Two angled support wings pivotally secured to the polymer frame provide the support for the wood board, the angled support wings being secured to the polymer frame by a hinge that extends a substantial portion of the length of thewood board. 
         [0026]    The angled support wings rotate about the hinge longitudinally to collapse under the flat surface for easy transport, and the angled support wings have a first latch means to lock them into an erect position for gameplay. The angled support wings also have a second latch means to lock them into in a collapsed position for transport. The angled support wings also have cooperative overlap provisions whereby both of the angled support wings lay flat when the second latch means is implemented. 
         [0027]    Further, the present invention comprises a bag toss game set including a portable flat gameboard having collapsible support structure angularly supporting the flat gameboard during play. A means for storing game bags on the flat gameboard during transport is provided comprising voids formed in an underside of the flat game board. The bag toss game set collapsible support structure preferably comprises angular wings secured to the portable flat game board. The means for storing also includes rotating the angular wings to a collapsed position to secure the game bags in said voids. 
         [0028]    The present invention further comprises a bag toss game set having a flat game board, with a collapsible support structure suited to angularly support the flat game board during play, and bilateral handles positioned in the collapsible support structure such that the flat game board is transported by carrying from the top handle or a bottom handle. The bag toss game set also has cooperating means formed in an underside of the flat gameboard to accommodate the bilateral handles, the cooperating means specifically including voids formed in the underside of the flat game board to allow a full grip of the handles. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND PHOTOS 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a top view of the wood Game Board (with 6″ Toss Bag Target through-hole) and Frame. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the top of the Game Board apparatus (open position), showing the Game Board, the peripheral Frame, the Left Wing constrained by the Sliding Left Latch with its unique (external to the Wing) interlock feature. This Figure also reveals in the Left Wing: 1) Two through-holes for visual verification of the containment of Game Bags when this Wing is in its closed position, 2) The elongated semi-round through-hole to accommodate the Sliding Latch and; 3) The elongated Hand Carry Slot. A view of the Right Wing (not shown) would be identical, except ‘mirrored’. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the bottom of the Game Board apparatus (Open Position), showing the Game Board, the peripheral Frame, and both Wings constrained to their respective open positions by their respective Sliding Latches. This Figure also reveals four pockets to contain corn or polymer filled Toss Bags. For clarity, two of the Pockets are shown with Toss Bags in place while two are empty, to show the recessed geometry. This Figure further reveals two additional pockets that provide clearance for a person to comfortably be able to insert his/her hand through either of the elongated Slots for ease of carrying the apparatus in the closed position. 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  depicts the polymer frame of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4A  shows the polymer frame including a Protective Ring for the interior edges and circumferential face of the 6″ through-hole. This Ring is shown as an integral part of the Frame connected to the Frame by extending the Sliding latch Retainers to connect the Ring to the Frame, but it may be installed as an independent component. Whether the Ring will be connected or separate will be determined by molding process capability as this product is developed for production. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the bottom of the Game Board apparatus (Closed Position), showing the Game Board, the peripheral Frame, and both Wings constrained to their respective closed positions by their respective Gate Hook &amp; Eye Latch hardware. This Figure also reveals in each Wing: 1) Two circular through holes for visual verification that the Bags have been loaded into the four Pockets in the Game Board; 2) The elongated half-round through-holes to accommodate the Sliding Latch actuation and; 3) The elongated Slots for hand access to conveniently move, lift or carry the Game Board Apparatus. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  is a perspective partial view of one (of two) Continuous Hinge assembly and the unique relationship of the Hinge Flanges to the Game Board and to one edge face of the Wing shown. It also provides detail of the Sliding Latch as it captures the Continuous Hinge and the wing. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the Sliding Latch, with one Latch contained within the Receiver in the Frame. The Right Sliding Latch and the Left Sliding Latch may be identical in geometry or may be LH/RH geometries. In this preferred embodiment, they are identical. This Figure also reveals the (black O-ring) elastomer Extension Spring located in the half circular groove in the Sliding Latch. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  shows a generic example of an extendable pole Leg (retracted and extended), a uniquely modified version of which will be used as part of an optional four leg system for adding value to the Game Board by allowing it to double as a serving table. 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  shows a typical prior art arrangement wherein the legs supporting the gameboard collapse by rotating laterally about pivot points. 
           [0039]      FIGS. 10 and 10A  are a perspective view and partial front view depicting the longitudinal collapsing rotation of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  depicts the flexible method of transport/carrying the gameboard of the present invention afforded by the bilateral handles and corresponding voids in the gameboard. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0041]    The Hybrid Game Board Apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1-11  includes a Wood Board  10  peripherally surrounded by a polymer Frame  12  that also covers a limited portion of the back side of the Board ( FIGS. 1 ,  2  &amp;  3 ). The Frame  12  provides protection for the fragile edges and fragile peripheral faces of the wood Game Board  10 . The Frame  12  also enhances the inherent stiffness of the wood Game Board  10 , to help it resist warp over time. An augmentation possibly related to the Frame  12  ( FIG. 4 ) to add a Protective Ring  20  ( FIG. 4A ) for the 6″ (Toss Bag Target) through-hole  14 , may be added to also provide protection from damage to the exposed edges and surfaces of the interior through-hole  14 , in the same manner as the peripheral edges and faces, by covering a narrow portion of the interior of the 6″ through-hole  14  in a manner similar to what the Frame  12  accomplishes as it surrounds the periphery, or by using a separate molded or cast component solely to protect the interior edges and circumferential face of the through-hole. 
         [0042]    The Frame  12  is primarily secured to the back side of the Wood Board  10  by threaded fasteners  22  that pass through the adjacent flanges of two continuous (piano-type) Hinges  24  and then through the Frame  12  to be anchored into the Wood Board  10  ( FIGS. 4 ,  5  &amp;  6 ). 
         [0043]    In addition to providing the means for actuating the Wings  30 ,  32  from their respective Closed Positions to their respective Open Positions, the Hinges  24  ( FIGS. 5 &amp; 6 ), in conjunction with the Wings  30 ,  32 , uniquely provide structural support for the Game Board  10  in both the Open Positions (where the Wings  30 ,  32  are nearly perpendicular to the Game Board  10  to provide rigidity) and Closed Positions (where one of the Hinge flanges  25  attached to each Wing  30  is perpendicular to the Game Board  10  to provide rigidity—See  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) by way of the unique method of attachment of the Hinge to one edge face  31  of each Wing  30 ,  32  ( FIG. 6 ). This double ‘backbone’ with dual rigid positions allows the Game Board  10  to perform like conventional (wood supported) game boards and helps prevent warp of the Game Board  10  over time (in either the Open Position or the Closed Position). 
         [0044]    The Frame  12  is also secured directly to the Game Board with fasteners in areas  34 ,  36  where there are no Hinge Flanges  25 , in order to provide additional stiffness along those edges of the Game Board  10  ( FIGS. 3 &amp; 5 ). 
         [0045]    In their respective Open Positions, the Wings  30 ,  32  are constrained by (2) spring-loaded Sliding Latches  38 ,  40  ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  6  &amp;  7 ). 
         [0046]    In their respective Closed Positions, the Wings  30 ,  32  are constrained by standard Gate Hook &amp; Eye Latch hardware  42 ,  44  ( FIG. 5 ). While it is technically feasible to use Sliding Latches  38 ,  40  for this latching function as well as for constraining the Wings  30 ,  32  to their respective Open Positions, the Gate Hook &amp; Eye Latch hardware  42 ,  44  is far less expensive, constrains the Wings  30 ,  32  in the Closed Positions effectively and, at present, is the preferred latching method for the Closed Positions. 
       Apparatus Features 
       [0047]    The Game Board  10  is machined (saw-cut or routed) from a sheet of plywood or a wood-based composite sheet to fit within the Frame  12  and is further modified to provide 1) four unique Bag Pockets (recesses)  50 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56  to provide a portion of the total storage volume necessary for four of the eight Game Bags  59 ,  60  used with each set of two Game Boards; 2) two Hand Clearance Pockets  58 ,  60  that allow space to accommodate fingers when handling, lifting or carrying the Game Board  10  using the Hand Slots  62 ,  64 ;  3 ) a recess  66  for the game play SAFETY NOTES and a scorekeeper&#39;s clipboard  68 , plus such other recessed areas as may be necessary for additional functionality or weight reduction. Further, the Game Board  10  provides a portion of the support necessary for the Sliding Latches  38 ,  40  to function properly. The design of the hand clearance pockets  58 ,  60  behind the hand slots  62 ,  64  is critical because the hand clearance pockets  58 ,  60  exceed the size of the hand slots  62 ,  64 , thereby allowing a person carrying the gameboard  10  to wrap his fingers underneath and partially around the portion of the wing just above the hand slots  62 ,  64 , greatly easing and making comfortable the picking up and carrying of the gameboard. 
         [0048]    The Frame  12  is an extruded, cast or molded geometry. It may be metal or non-metal. It may be opaque, translucent or transparent. It may be a single entity, as shown in this preferred embodiment, or may be a plurality of parts that function collectively as a single entity would function. In addition to providing support and protection for the Game Board  10 , the Frame  12  provides actuation paths for each Sliding Latch  38 ,  40  and contains a portion of the circular or semi-circular groove  70  that contains each (extension) Latch Spring  38 ,  40  (see  FIG. 7 ). It may, as noted above, also contain geometry  20  for protecting the 6″ diameter bag target through-hole  14  edges and exposed circumferential face. 
         [0049]    The unique outboard Sliding Latches  38 ,  40  ( FIGS. 2. 3 .  6  &amp;  7 ) secure each Wing  30 ,  32  in its respective Open Position, to iminimize (and potentially eliminate) the need for interior braces to secure the Wings  30 ,  32  in their open positions, and thus minimize lateral movement of the Game Board daring play. Sliding Latches  38 ,  40  may be metal or nonmetal. Each Sliding latch  38 ,  40  contains a portion of the groove that contains the (extension) Latch Spring  72 ,  74  ( FIG. 7 ). 
         [0050]    The Sliding Latch Springs  72 ,  74  ( FIG. 7 ) are molded elastomeric O-rings in this preferred embodiment. They may also be lathe cut from extruded elastomeric tubular stock in order to achieve a square or rectangular cross-section. They may also be metal springs shaped to fit in the pathway of a circular or (alternatively) semicircular groove. 
         [0051]    Gate Hook &amp; Lye Latch hardware  42 ,  44  ( FIG. 5 ) constrains each of the LH &amp; RH Wings  30 ,  32  in their respective Closed Positions. 
         [0052]    The Wings  30 ,  32  (LH and RH configurations), in their Open Positions, support the Game Board  10  with a wide stance (for stability/safety) and place it at the proper angle for game play, according to the Rules of the American Cornhole Association (“ACA”) or the American Cornhole Organization (“ACO”). Each Wing  30 ,  32  includes the following features: 1) The ability to constrain one flange  25  of each Continuous Hinge  24  along one specified side face of a given Wing  30  ( FIG. 6 ) 2) Shelled clearance inside the Wing to provide a portion of the total storage volume necessary for the Toss Bags, as well as other loose pieces; 3) Two through-holes  80 ,  82  above each Game Board Bag Pocket  50 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56  where the Toss Bags are stored, to visually verify that they are in place for storage; 4) An elongated semi-round through-hole  84 ,  86  to provide clearance for the Sliding Latch  38 ,  40  to pass through and allow it to secure the Wing  30 ,  32  in its Open Position, and 5) An Elongated Slot  62 ,  64  strategically placed so the Game Board Apparatus  10  can be easily carried. Further, the Wings  30 ,  32  (LH &amp; RH) are designed with overlap  90  in the Closed Position, in order to provide the maximum length of footprint possible for product stability/safety in the Open Positions. 
         [0053]    Non-Slip Feet Pads  100 ,  102 ,  104 ,  106  consist of a non-slip material affixed to each of the two Feet  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  that are integral to each Wing  30 ,  32 , for a total of four Pads ( FIG. 3 ). This non-slip system allows the Game Board  10  to be located for play on smooth surfaces. 
         [0054]    The Continuous Hinges  24  may be metal or nonmetal, as long as the aforementioned Game Board dual stiffness criteria are met. In addition to supporting the Wings  30 ,  32 , the Hinge flange  25  adjacent to the Frame  12  provides support for the Sliding Latch  38  as it passes between the Hinge flange  25  and the Game Board  10 . 
         [0055]    The 6″ Through-Hole Protective Ring  20 , as described above, may be an integral portion of the Frame or may be a separate component ( FIG. 4A ). 
         [0056]    A Game Board Cover (not shown) is contemplated comprising a fabric cover somewhat like a fitted bed sheet, with either an elastomeric band or a draw string to secure it to the Game Board  10 . The purpose is to protect the playing surface of the Game Board when not in the play mode. 
         [0057]    It is further contemplated that the gameboard  10  may function as a utilitarian table  150  with four identical legs  160  to be attached to appropriate receivers  162  mounted on the underside of Game Board  10 . The receivers  162  will be similar to the self-locking tubular extension poles ( FIG. 8 ) currently used for paint extension handles, window scrapers and similar products that require the ability to elongate a pole. In this case, however, the Legs  160  will be specific in lengths (retracted and extended), and a design provision will be made so that common extension devices cannot be substituted (for the user&#39;s safety). The purpose of these Legs  160  is to allow the Game Board Apparatus  10  to alternatively be used (particularly in tailgating situations) as a horizontal/level food serving table. It may be feasible to incorporate Level Bubble indicators (not shown) into the Game Board apparatus  10  to aid in establishing said horizontal/level position. Retracted/removed Legs  160  will be contained within the shell geometry of each Wing  30 ,  32  for storage and transport.