GAME SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

A tossing game gameboard and game that can be enjoyed by two or more people. The tossing game gameboard may include a deck formed of a first material covering a second material, wherein the deck includes an opening that allows an object to pass entirely therethrough. In examples, an elastic modulus of the first material is different than the elastic modulus of the second material. In some examples, the elastic modulus of the first material is greater than the elastic modulus of the second material. In some examples, a thickness of the first material is less than a thickness of the second material. In some examples, a washer may be tossed toward the game gameboard such that the washer passes through the opening.

BACKGROUND

Some tossing games test a player's skill in guiding a projectile such that its trajectory passes through an opening in a surface placed at some distance from the player. The relative size of the opening and the projectile and the distance between the player and the opening are all factors in the difficulty of the game. Other parameters can also be adjusted to increase the challenge and entertainment value to participants. For example, several tossing games involving projectiles thrown at inclined targets include target structures with inclined surfaces towards which projectiles, including bean bags, may be thrown. The size and shape of the bean bag, the distance from the target structure, and/or the diameter of the hole may be adjusted to change the difficulty of the game. In some examples, when projectiles other than bean bags are tossed toward a target structure, they may bounce off of the target structure, making the game too challenging and not very enjoyable.

It is with respect to these and other general considerations that examples have been described. Although relatively specific problems have been discussed, it should be understood that the examples described herein should not be limited to solving the particular problems identified in the background above.

SUMMARY

In view of the preceding background, it is, therefore, an object of the present disclosure to provide a gameboard for a toss game to provide amusing recreational activity. These and other objects, features, and advantages are provided by a gameboard that includes a deck formed of a first material covering a second material. The deck further includes an opening that allows an object to pass entirely therethrough. In examples, the elastic modulus of the first material is different than the elastic modulus of the second material. Accordingly, the bounce of tossing object off of the gameboard may be reduced or increased depending on a skill of a player.

In accordance with examples of the present disclosure, an object toss game gameboard is described. The gameboard may include a deck formed of a first material covering a second material, wherein the deck includes an opening that allows an object to pass entirely therethrough and a frame attached to the deck. In examples, an elastic modulus of the first material is different than the elastic modulus of the second material.

In accordance with examples of the present disclosure, a tossing game for use by one or more players is described. The tossing game may comprise a plurality of tossing objects, and a gameboard including a deck formed of a first material covering a second material, wherein the deck includes an opening that allows at least one object of the plurality of objects to pass entirely therethrough, and wherein an elastic modulus of the first material is different than the elastic modulus of the second material.

In accordance with examples of the present disclosure, a method for playing an object toss game is described. The method may include providing a gameboard and tossing objects, the gameboard including a deck formed of a first material covering a second material, wherein the deck includes an opening that allows an object to pass entirely therethrough, and wherein an elastic modulus of the first material is different than the elastic modulus of the second material; a first player tossing a first tossing object at the gameboard from a distance from the gameboard; a second player tossing a second tossing object at the gameboard from substantially the same distance as the first player from the gameboard; awarding zero or more points to a player whose toss landed on the gameboard and stayed on the gameboard but did not go through the opening; awarding one or more points to a player whose toss went through the opening; and declaring a winner of a round to be the player who scored the most points in the round.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and which are shown by way of an illustration of specific examples. These aspects may be combined, other aspects may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the present disclosure. Examples may be practiced as methods, systems, and/or game structures. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

In accordance with examples of the present disclosure, a recreational game for providing joy and entertainment to many is described.FIGS.1-4describe non-limiting examples of a game structure and pieces that together comprise a game system;FIG.5describes a non-limiting example directed to how a representative game may be played. While specific game structures and parts are shown for the game system, it is foreseeable that functionally equivalent structures could be used to play the game, such as game boards and pieces having different sizes, shapes, marks, and materials.

FIG.1is directed to a recreational game104in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The recreational game104may include a gameboard108, which may be an object toss game gameboard, that includes an aperture or opening112through a deck124of the gameboard108. AlthoughFIG.1depicts a single hole or opening112that is provided through a top surface of the deck124of the gameboard108, the top surface of the deck124of the gameboard108may include multiple holes or openings112. In examples, the hole or opening112may be an indentation in the top surface of the deck124of the gameboard108, may pass completely through that top surface of the deck124of the gameboard108, and/or may pass completely through the top surface of the deck124and the gameboard108. Accordingly, a player116may toss an object120including but not limited to a washer, toward the top surface of the deck124of the gameboard108. The goal of the recreational game may be to track acquired points based on one or more tossed objects passing into or through the hole or opening112and/or having one or more tossed objects land on the top surface of the deck124closest to the hole or opening112. One or more points may be awarded to the player that tossed the object based on whether the tossed object passes into or through the hole or opening112or a distance from where the tossed object landed and/or rests on the top surface of the deck124of the gameboard108. As an example, none or more points may be awarded to a player that tossed the objects128A and/or128B, where objects128A and/or128B landed and/or are rest on the top surface of the deck124of the gameboard108. After one or more turns, the player that has accumulated the most awarded points may win the game or match.

Alternatively, the top surface of the deck124of the gameboard108may include no hole or opening112but may include one or more markings indicating a target location114. The target location114may refer to a designated area or marking on the top surface of the deck124of the gameboard108. Accordingly, a player116may toss an object120, including but not limited to a washer, toward the top surface of the deck124of the gameboard108. The goal of the recreational game may be to track acquired points based on one or more tossed objects landing or coming to rest within a designated area or marking on the top surface of the deck124as indicated by the target location114. One or more points may be awarded to the player that tossed the object based on whether the tossed object lands or comes to rest within the designated area or marking on the top surface of the deck124as indicated by the target location114or a distance from the designated area or marking on the top surface of the deck124as indicated by the target location114. As an example, none or more points may be awarded to a player that tossed the objects128A and/or128B, where objects128A and/or128B landed and/or are rest on the top surface of the deck124of the gameboard108and are at a certain distance from the target location114. After one or more turns, the player that has accumulated the most awarded points may win the game or match.

The top surface of the deck124of the gameboard108may be substantially planar. In examples, the deck124may be formed of one of a combination of materials132, such as but not limited to natural wood, synthetic, plastic wood, or rubber. Of course, other materials are contemplated herein. Alternatively, or in addition, the material132may include a first material covering that covers or otherwise is disposed on a second material. For example, the first material may have a greater elastic modulus than the second material.

The gameboard108may include a frame136that supports the deck124. Similar to the material of the deck124, the frame136may be formed of one of a combination of materials, such as but not limited to natural wood, synthetic, or plastic wood. Of course, other materials are contemplated herein.

The frame136may be supported by one or more structures140A/140B. In examples, the one or more structures140may refer to a first leg140A and a second leg140B. Of course, various other supporting structures may be used. In examples, the gameboard108, or more specifically the top surface of the deck124of the gameboard, may be slanted or tilted with respect to a surface on which the one or more structures140are positioned on. For example, the structures140may reside on the ground or a floor surface; in examples, the top surface of the deck124of the gameboard108may be slanted or tilted in one or more dimensions with respect to the floor surface.

The objects120may be circular, donut shaped, blanks, or of any other size and weight as desired by a player but should be sized to pass through the hole or opening112.

FIGS.2A-2Ddepict additional details of the construction or composition of at least a portion the gameboard depicted inFIG.1in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. More specifically,FIG.2Adepicts a top view of a gameboard200that is the same as or similar to the gameboard108(FIG.1) in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. That is, the deck202of the gameboard200may be the same as or similar to the deck124(FIG.1) previously described. As will be described, the deck202may be formed of a plurality of different materials and/or a plurality of different layers. For example, the deck202may include a first material216A and a second material216B, where the first material216A may cover or otherwise be disposed on the second material216B. The first material216A may have a greater elastic modulus than the second material,216B.

In examples, the placement of and the characteristics of the hole or opening208in the top surface of the deck202may be specific to the first material216A and/or the second material216B. For example, a hole or opening204of a first diameter and depth may be in the first material216A while a hole or opening208having a second diameter and depth may be in the second material216B, where the diameter of the hole or opening204is different than the diameter of the hole opening208. As another example, a hole or opening204of a first diameter and depth may be in the second material216B while a hole or opening212having a second diameter and depth may be in the first material216B, where the diameter of the hole or opening204is different than the diameter of the hole opening212. As another example, a hole or opening204of a first diameter and depth may be in the second material216B while a hole or opening208having a second diameter and depth may be in the first material216A, where the diameter of the hole or opening204is different than the diameter of the hole opening208. In some examples, a single hole or opening204may be in the first material216A. Alternatively, or in addition, a single hole or opening204may be in the first material216A and the second material216B.

The size, shape, and location of the hole or opening204,208,212in the deck202should be such to allow an object120(FIG.1), such as a washer used during gameplay, to pass entirely therethrough. In an example, a single hole or opening208is centered on the longitudinal axis of the deck202.

FIG.2Billustrates a bottom view of the gameboard200in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. As previously described, the gameboard200may include a frame220that supports the deck202; the frame220may contact the first material216A and/or the second material216B of the deck202. For example, where the deck202of the gameboard200is of a single material construction, a bottom surface216of the deck202may contact the frame220, where the bottom surface216may refer to the first material216A. Alternatively, where the deck202of the gameboard200is of multiple material construction, a bottom surface216of the deck202may contact the frame220, where the bottom surface216may refer to the second material216B. The frame220may be formed of multiple pieces (e.g.,220A-220C as illustrated inFIGS.2B-2D) or may be of unitary construction (e.g.,220). In addition, the frame220together with the deck202, may form a cavity area as depicted inFIG.2B-2D.

FIG.2Cillustrates a front view of the gameboard200in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. As previously discussed, the deck202may be formed of a plurality of different materials and/or a plurality of different layers. For example, the deck202may include a first material216A and a second material216B, where the first material216A may cover or otherwise be disposed on the second material216B. The first material216A may have a greater elastic modulus than the second material,216B. That is, the first material216A may exhibit one or more characteristics consistent with a material that can absorb more energy and/or is more elastic than the second material,216B. For example, the first material216A may be of a rubber composition or otherwise include rubber in the composition, while the second material216B may comprise plywood, MDF, plastic, metal, or other material. In some examples, the first material216A and/or the second material216B may be magnetic or otherwise include magnetic materials. In examples, the deck202is substantially rigid; however, at least a portion of the deck202may flex when an object120(FIG.1) lands on or otherwise impacts the top surface of the deck202of the gameboard200during game play. For example, where the object120(FIG.1) is a washer, the first material216A may deflect or deform in accordance with a force (e.g., force associated with the object120impacting the first material216A) exerted onto the first material216A by the object120(FIG.1). Stated another way, based on the elastic modulus of the first material216A the first material216A may temporarily deform in accordance with the impact of the object120(FIG.1).

Similarly, as the first material216A covers or is otherwise disposed on the second material216B, the second material216B may flex when an object120(FIG.1) lands on or otherwise impacts the top surface of the deck202of the gameboard200during gameplay. For example, where the object120(FIG.1) is a washer, the second material216B may deflect or deform in accordance with a force exerted onto the first material216A by the object120(FIG.1) and/or the force transferred from the first material216A to the second material216B as a result of the object120(FIG.1) impacting the first material216A. Stated another way, based on the elastic modulus of the first material216A and the elastic modulus of the second material216B, the second material216B may temporarily deform in accordance with the impact of the object120(FIG.1) when the object120(FIG.1) impacts the top surface of the deck202.

In examples, the second material216B is more rigid than the first material216A. As previously mentioned, the top surface of the deck202of the gameboard108(FIG.1) is preferably planar; however, the top surface of the deck202may be crowned in the center to improve rigidity and/or alter gameplay. In some examples, the top surface of the deck202may be sufficiently smooth such that the object120(FIG.1) can slide thereon, but not so smooth that the object120(FIG.1) cannot come to rest on the deck202. In other examples, different gameboards200may include a different first material216A to alter or otherwise change a frictional coefficient between the object120(FIG.1) and the first material216A. For example, a friction coefficient between the object120(FIG.1) and a first material216A may be different than a friction coefficient between the object120(FIG.1) and a second first material216A. Alternatively, or in addition, different objects120(FIG.1) may be used such that the frictional coefficient between a first object120(FIG.1) and the first material216A is different than a frictional coefficient between a second object120(FIG.1) and the first material216A. As another example, a frictional coefficient between a first side of the object120(FIG.1) and the first material216A may be different than a frictional coefficient between a second side of the object120(FIG.1) and the first material216A. The friction coefficient, or frictional coefficient, may refer to a static frictional coefficient or a kinetic frictional coefficient.

FIG.2Dillustrates a side view of the gameboard200in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. As depicted inFIG.2D, where the frame220is comprised of multiple different pieces of portions, a piece220C may be secured to another piece (e.g.,220A or220B) using one or more fastening means224. The fastening means may include, but is not limited to, screws, nails, glue, etc.

FIG.3depicts additional details of a gameboard300in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The gameboard300may be the same as or similar to the gameboard108and/or the gameboard200as previously described. The gameboard300may include a deck302, which may be the same as or similar to the deck124and/or202previously described. As previously described, the deck302may be supported by a frame306, which may be the same as or similar to the frame220. Additional details of the deck302are provided in the enlarged detail area308.

As depicted in the enlarged detail area308, a first material312A may reside on or otherwise be disposed on the second material312B, where the first material312A includes a top surface304. The first material312A may be the same as or similar to the first material216A (FIG.2), and the second material312B may be the same as or similar to the first material216B (FIG.2). The thickness316of the first material312A may be greater than or equal to the thickness318of the second material312B. Alternatively, or in addition, the thickness316of the first material312A may be less than the thickness318of the second material312B. As an example, the first material312A may have a thickness316of about 0.125 inches; the second material312B may have a thickness318of about 0.375 inches. In one example, the first material312A may have a thickness316that is between 0 inches and 1 inch; more specifically, the thickness316of the first material312A may be between 0 and 0.1 inches; 0.1 inches and 0.2 inches; 0.2 inches and 0.3 inches; 0.3 inches and 0.4 inches; 0.4 inches and 0.5 inches; 0.5 inches and 0.6 inches; 0.6 inches and 0.7 inches; 0.7 inches and 0.8 inches; 0.8 inches and 0.9 inches; 0.9 inches and 1 inch. In one example, the second material312B may have a thickness318that is between 0 inches and 1 inch; more specifically, the thickness318of the second material312B may be between 0 and 0.1 inches; 0.1 inches and 0.2 inches; 0.2 inches and 0.3 inches; 0.3 inches and 0.4 inches; 0.4 inches and 0.5 inches; 0.5 inches and 0.6 inches; 0.6 inches and 0.7 inches; 0.7 inches and 0.8 inches; 0.8 inches and 0.9 inches; 0.9 inches and 1 inch.

The first material312A may be attached, adhered, or otherwise fastened to the second material312B. For example, the first material312A may be glued to the second material312B. As another example, the second material312B may be glued to the first material312A.

FIGS.4A and4Bdepict additional examples of gameboards400A and400B in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The gameboard400A as depicted inFIG.4Amay be the same as or similar to the gameboard300(FIG.3). The gameboard400A, may include a deck404A that includes a plurality of different materials forming a top surface408A. For example, a first material412A and a second material412B may form a portion of the top surface408. The first material412A and the second material412B may be disposed on a third material412C such that the top surface of the first material412A and the second material412B are substantially coplanar. As indicated in the section detail410, the second material412B may be disposed between first and second portions of the first material412A. The first material412A may be the same as or similar to the first material312A (FIG.3). The second material412B may be the same as or similar to the second material312B (FIG.3) having a thickness substantially similar to or the same as the first material412A. The third material412C may be the same as or similar to the second material312B (FIG.3). In some examples, the second material412B may be the same as or similar to the first material312A (FIG.3) and the first material412A may be the same as or similar to the second material312B (FIG.3) having a thickness substantially similar to or the same as the second material412B. Of course, different shapes, patterns, and numbers of materials may be used to achieve different playing gameboards400A. In examples, different gameboards may be created for players of different abilities.

The gameboard400B as depicted inFIG.4Bmay be the same as or similar to the gameboard300(FIG.3). The gameboard400B, may include a deck404B that includes a plurality of different materials forming a top surface408B. In examples, the top surface408B may include the plurality of different materials formed as different shapes. For example, a first material416of a first shape may be the same as second material418formed as a second shape. Alternatively, or in addition, the first material420A of a third shape may be the same as or different than a second material420B formed as the same third shape. In examples, the first material416, second material418, and third material420are the same as or similar to the first material412A. In other examples, the first material416, second material418, and third material420A/420B are the same as or similar to the second material412B. Of course, different shapes, patterns, and numbers of materials may be used to achieve different playing gameboards400B. In examples, different gameboards may be created for players of different abilities.

FIG.5depicts a flowchart describing an example method500for playing a game using the gameboard ofFIG.1in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. In examples, a gameboard and washers, such as the gameboard104and objects120are provided. The game may start at502where a gameboard and washers, such as the gameboard104and objects120are provided. Play may then move to504where a first player may toss one of the objects, such as a washer, toward the gameboard. In examples, play may then move to506where a second player may toss one of the objects, such as a different washer, toward the gameboard. At508, a score for each player may be calculated based on the position of the object (e.g., washer) on the surface of gameboard and/or whether the object (e.g., washer) passed through the hole or opening of the gameboard. Steps504,506, and508may repeat until a player achieves a target score (e.g., such as 21 points). Accordingly, the game may then terminate or end at510.