Abstract:
A method and apparatus facilitating a portable game including a housing for receiving all parts of the game which housing and parts can be expeditiously assembled to form goals for playing a game on land or in the water. The housing comprises a cylinder, such as a bucket, cut in half vertically, being separable and re-connectable. Each half of the housing can include a hole to be used as a scoring goal. A modular extension pole supports each half of the housing. The game is preferably played with a ball and a first and second scoring goals. The method facilitates playing in water, grass/dirt/ground, and as a team sport.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to a game for amusement. In particular, the present invention is a portable game including scoring goals deployable in water or on ground to facilitate the playing of the game. 
       Description of Related Art 
       [0002]    Game apparatus are known including goals for playing a game with one or more players. U.S. Pat. No. 1,616,270 describes a game apparatus having a table with a fixed pocket. Players in turn bounce a rubber ball on the floor or table to bounce the ball into the pocket. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,602,504 describes a ball training and game device for outdoor or indoor use including an adjustable standard composed of telescoping tube sections. A base section including a spiked end can be attached to the standard. The spiked end can be driven into the ground. A backboard to which a basket is attached can be removably mounted to the standard. 
         [0004]    It is desirable to provide a portable game including a housing for receiving all parts of the game which housing and parts can be expeditiously assembled to form goals for playing a game on land or in the water. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention comprises a method and apparatus facilitating a portable game including a housing for receiving all parts of the game which housing and parts can be expeditiously assembled to form goals for playing a game on land or in the water. In one embodiment, the housing comprises a bucket cut in half vertically, being separable and re-connectable, with straps, a rope handle and lateral side holes. Each half of the bucket can be used as a scoring goal. The game is preferably played with a ball and a first and second scoring goals. The method facilitates playing in water, grass/dirt/ground, and as a team sport. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for playing the outdoor game in shallow water such as a lake or bay. 
         [0006]    The invention will be more fully described by reference to the following drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a front view of the assembled first scoring goal connected to the modular poles. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a left side view thereof. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3A  is a rear and right perspective view thereof. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3B  is a bottom view of a cap adapter and end of an adjustment pole to be received in the cap adapter. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3C  is a bottom view of a cap adapter and end of an adjustment pole to be received in the cap adapter. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a inner perspective view thereof. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a front view of a first and second scoring goal. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a bucket that comprises a first and second scoring goal. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a front view of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a top view of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a bottom and side perspective view of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a top and side perspective view of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is the front view of the first and second scoring goal during play. 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is a front view of the first and second scoring goal during play. 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is a front view of the first scoring goal during play. 
           [0023]      FIG. 15A  is a side view of the first scoring goal before attachment of a rope handle. 
           [0024]      FIG. 15B  is a side view of the first scoring goal during attachment of the rope handle. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15C  is a side view of the second scoring goal and attachment of the rope handle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  illustrate portable game apparatus  10  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Scoring goal  12  is coupled to modular pole  30 . 
         [0028]    Scoring goal  12  can be formed from housing  14 . In one embodiment, scoring goal  12  includes half of housing  14  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Scoring goal  12  can be formed as a half of a cylinder having wall  13 , closed end  15  and open end  16  as shown in  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 4 . Scoring goal  12  includes scoring aperture  17  on wall  13 . For example, scoring aperture  17  can be a six inch scoring hole disposed on wall surface  18 . 
         [0029]    Cord goal line  20  can extend from inner surface  22  of wall  13  from first side  23  to second side  24  to span the width of scoring goal  12 . End  25  and end  26  of cord goal line  20  can respectfully extend through aperture  27  and aperture  28 . End  25  and end  26  can be knotted outside of outer surface  29  of wall  13  to retain cord goal line  20 . Alternatively, a coupling member can be used with end  25  and end  26  of cord goal line  20  to retain cord goal line  20 . Cord goal line  20  can be formed of a flexible material. For example, cord goal line  20  can be formed of a bungee cord. 
         [0030]    Scoring goal  12  is supported on modular extension pole  30 . Modular extension pole  30  can be adjustable in height. Modular extension pole  30  can be formed of inner adjustment pole  32 , extension pole  33 , base pole  34 , coupling  35  and base spike  36 . Base spike  36  comprises angled end  37  for anchoring modular extension pole  30  into the ground. Bottom end  33  of extension pole  30  can have relief cuts for easy connection and disconnection from coupling  35  attached to base pole  34 . 
         [0031]    For example modular extension pole  30  can be formed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Alternate embodiments of modular extension pole  30  can comprise a flat platform or a base. Base pole  34 , extension pole  33 , and adjustment pole  32  are preferably all 15.5″ in length though it should be easily conceivable to those with ordinary skill in the art that the specific dimensions of the poles may change in alternate embodiments. 
         [0032]    Cap adapter  40  can be attached to outer surface  29  of wall  13  of scoring goal  12 . Cap adapter  40  can have a cylindrical shape with an open end  42  facing in downward direction  43  as shown in  FIG. 10 . Cap adapter  40  can be secured to each scoring goal  12  with rivets  44 . Top end  31  of adjustment pole  32  can be received within cap adapter  40  as shown in  FIG. 3A . Top end  31  of adjustable pole  32  can include slot  45  to accept cap adapter  40  as shown in  FIG. 3B . Slot  45  accepts rivets  44  having end  47  which slide within slot  45  as shown in  FIG. 3C . Top end  31  of adjustable pole  32  can also include relief cuts for easy connection and disconnection to cap adapter  40 . It will be appreciated that many variations can be used to attach cap adapter  40  to each scoring goal. In one embodiment, cap adapter  40  is molded to scoring goal  12 . 
         [0033]    Base spike  36 , if used, can be received in end  46  of base pole  34 . Fastening member  50  is received in aperture  52  of base pole  34  for attaching base spike  36  to base pole  34 . Fastening member  50  can contact base pole  34 . Inner adjustment pole  32  can be received and telescoped within extension pole  33 . 
         [0034]    The length of inner adjustment pole  32  received in extension pole  33  is adjustable and can be retained at the adjusted length by using fastening member  60 . Fastening member  60  is received in aperture  62  of extension pole  33 . Fastening member  60  can contact inner adjustment pole  32 . For example, fastening member  60  can be thumb screw that is screwed through aperture  62  into inner extension pole  33 . Alternate embodiments may utilize a different fastening members well known and widely utilized in the relevant arts such as snap fasteners, magnetic fasteners, screw fasteners, and/or the like. It should be appreciated that in alternate embodiments, the number of modular pole sections may change in order to accommodate different heights. Many variations and modifications to modular extension pole are easily conceivable. 
         [0035]    Base spike  36  can be hammered into the ground when playing on grass. Base spike  36  can comprise different stabilizing components in alternate embodiments 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, scoring goal  12  is made of a modified five gallon bucket cut vertically into first scoring goal  12   a  and second scoring goal  12   b  as shown in  FIG. 5 . Each game contains first scoring goal  12   a  and second scoring goal  12   b  and respective first modular extension pole  30   a  and second modular extension pole  30   b.    
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 6-11  portable housing  14  comprises scoring goal  12   a  and scoring goal  12   b . In one embodiment, scoring goal  12   a  and scoring goal  12   b  comprises two halves of a bucket which can be put back together. Coupling member  70  can be used to retain first scoring goal  12   a  adjacent to second scoring goal  12   b . In one embodiment, coupling member  70  includes hook  72  and projection  74 . Referring to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 8 , hook  72  is attached to outer surface  29  of wall  13  of first scoring goal  12   a  on side  75 . Projection  74  is attached to outer surface  29  of wall  13  of first scoring goal  12   a  on side  76 . Hook  72  is attached to outer surface  29  of wall  13  of second scoring goal  12   b  on side  77 . Projection  74  is attached to outer surface  29  of wall  13  of second scoring goal  12   b  on side  78 . Each hook  72  can be received over a respective projection  74  for attaching first scoring goal  12   a  to second scoring goal  12   b.    
         [0038]    Strap  82  is attached to outer surface  29  of wall  13  of first scoring goal  12   a  on side  85 . Strap  84  is attached to outer surface  29  of wall  13  of first scoring goal  12   a  on side  86 . Strap  82  is attached to outer surface  29  of wall  13  of second scoring goal  12   b  on side  87 . Strap  84  is attached to outer surface  29  of wall  13  of second scoring goal  12   b  on side  88 . Each respective strap  82  or  84  can include a hook or loop material for attaching to a respective hook or loop material of respective strap  82  or  84 . For example, the hook and loop material can be Velcro. Straps  82  and  84  are secured to respective first scoring goal  12   a  and second scoring goal  12   b  with an adhesive though many different methods well known and widely utilized in the relevant arts are easily conceivable. 
         [0039]    Rope  90  disposed on upper portion  92  of each of first scoring goal  12   a  and second scoring goal  12   b  comprises a plurality of scoring beads  94  whereby the number of goals scored by each team may be recorded. Handle  100  can be attached to first scoring goal  12   a  and second scoring goal  12   b.    
         [0040]    Alternate embodiments of the present invention may utilize a different fastening mechanism for connecting the first and second scoring goal. Said fastening mechanisms may include screw fasteners, magnetic fasteners, interlocking snap fasteners, and/or like mechanisms well known in the relevant arts. Once the bucket halves are together, the bucket will now store and transport the support poles and game ball. 
         [0041]    In reference to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the present invention also comprises a method of utilizing the apparatus to play a game. In one embodiment, the game is called Bakeke Ball. The method comprises playing in the water, playing on grass/dirt/ground, and team play. Playing on grass/dirt/ground comprises hammering base spike  36  into the ground at a minimum twenty feet distance and setting bottom of first scoring goal  12   a  and second scoring goal  12   b  at about three feet height. When playing with two person teams, teammates stand on opposite ends and alternate turns. With one person teams, opponents stand on opposite ends and alternate turns as well. To commence playing the game, players toss ball  200  at a respective first scoring goal  12   a  or second scoring goal  12   b  opposite to the player. Example trajectories of ball  200  include arrows  202  and  204 . One point is awarded for hitting first scoring goal  12   a  or second scoring goal  12   b.    
         [0042]    Three points are awarded for throwing the ball through scoring aperture  17 . An automatic win is awarded when a player “BUCKS-IT”. This occurs when ball  200  is tossed and remains on ledge  205  of bottom  15  of scoring goal  12  behind cord goal line  20  as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , points are erased if a player steps past respective first scoring goal  12   a  or second scoring goal  12   b  adjacent to the player when tossing ball  200  or if an opponent on the opposite end makes a “robbery”. This occurs when the opponent on the opposite end catches ball  200  after it hits respective first scoring goal  12   a  or second scoring goal  12   b  adjacent to the player, or goes through scoring aperture  17  before ball  200  hits ground  210 . An opponent trying to make a “robbery” can move side to side, but must remain behind modular extension pole  30  until ball  200  makes contact with respective first scoring goal  12   a  and second scoring goal  12   b  adjacent to the player. Players/teams continue alternating tosses until one team reaches 21 points or gets an automatic win. Score can be kept by sliding beads  94  on rope  92  in one direction, for example to the left. 
         [0044]    Bakeke Ball can also be played with one or two person teams in water as shown in  FIG. 15 . First scoring goal  12   a  and second scoring goal  12   b  are driven into the ground in waist to thigh deep water  300  and preferably kept suspended over water  300 . When playing with two person teams, teammates stand on opposite ends and alternate turns. With one person teams, opponents stand on opposite ends and alternate turns as well and decide which team will start play. Players must skip ball  200  off of water  300  in an attempt to hit first scoring goal  12   a  or second scoring goal  12   b  opposite to the player. One point is awarded for hitting respective first scoring goal  12   a  or second scoring goal  12   b . Three points are awarded for skipping ball  200  through scoring aperture  17 . An automatic win is awarded when a player “BUCKS-IT.” This occurs when ball  200  is skipped and remains on ledge  205  of bottom  15  of scoring goal  12  behind cord goal line  20  as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0045]    When playing with two person teams, the teammate that is not throwing the ball must play defense and make a “save.” A “save” occurs when the ball is skipped and does not make contact with respective first scoring goal  12   a  or second scoring  12   b  adjacent the player and the teammate on the receiving end keeps ball  200  from getting past him/her. If ball  200  does get past, it is called an “error.” An “error” results in a one-point deduction for that team. Additionally, if ball  200  makes contact with respective first scoring goal  12   a  or second scoring  12   b  or goes through scoring aperture  17  and the teammate catches the ball before it hits the water, it will result in a “double.” This means that the points awarded for either hitting respective first scoring goal  12   a  or second scoring  12   b  or going through scoring aperture  17  will be doubled. There is also no “robberies” in this playing mode. 
         [0046]    Furthermore, there is also a one-point deduction in the event of a “wild pitch”. A “wild pitch” occurs when the player throwing hits first scoring goal  12   a  or second scoring goal  12   b  on the fly without skipping ball  200  on the water. When playing with 1 person teams, the “save” and “error” components are not used. Instead, the “robbery” component takes their place. Points are erased if player steps past first scoring goal  12   a  or second scoring goal  12   b  adjacent to the player when skipping ball  200 . Players/teams continue alternating tosses until one team reaches twenty one points or gets an automatic win. Score can be kept by sliding beads  94  on rope  92  to the left. Many more variations and modifications to the preferred method of playing the game should be easily conceivable to those with ordinary skill in the relevant arts. 
         [0047]    Housing  14  and modular extension pole  30  can be formed of plastic. In the preferred embodiment housing  14  is composed of polymeric materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). High density plastics may be utilized in one of more portions of first scoring goal  12   a  and second scoring goals  12   b . Rope  92  and cord goal line  20  can be made of polymeric fabric materials such as nylon or polyester, or any other material currently in use in the relevant fields. However, it is easily conceivable that in possible alternate embodiments, each component may be made of a particular material specifically suited to withstand the structural loads and thermal conditions associated with normal and extraneous operating conditions. Additionally, it is easily conceivable to those having ordinary skills in the relevant arts, that metals, glass, organic, and/or composite materials may also be utilized. In addition, the specific dimensions of individual components may also change in alternate embodiments. 
         [0048]      FIG. 15A-15C  illustrate an embodiment of portable game apparatus  10  including rope handle  300  which can be attached to scoring goal  12   a  &amp;  12   b .  FIG. 15A  illustrates rope handle  300  including knot  302  at end  304 .  FIG. 15B  illustrates rope handle  300  with knot  302  at end  304  received in aperture  310  formed in wall  13  of scoring goal  12   a .  FIG. 15C  illustrates rope handle  300  with knot  305  at end  306  received in aperture  312  in wall of scoring goal  12   b  to have knot  305  positioned inside of scoring goal  12   b  keeping rope handle attached to scoring goal  12   b . It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative of only a few of the many possible specific embodiments, which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be readily devised in accordance with these principles by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.