Abstract:
A bag tossing game for one or more by players comprises foldably deployable target assemblies, associated stabilizing assemblies linked to the target assemblies, and a plurality of bags for throwing by players. Each target assembly presents an inclined impact surface with a target aperture towards which bags are thrown. A foldable elevator pivoted to the target assembly angles the target assembly during play. Foldable feet at an opposite end of the target assemblies offer further support. A stabilizing assembly associated with each target assembly comprises a base disposed on the supporting surface, a platform mounted over the base for supporting bags and beverages and an elongated stanchion extending upwardly from a socket in the base for supporting the platform. The base comprises an elongated slot and cooperating guide channels for interconnecting each target assembly elevator with the stabilizing assembly.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of the filing date of previously filed, co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application, entitled Bag Tossing Game with Accessory Stabilizing Shelf, Ser. No. 60/209,895, Filed Mar. 13, 2009, by inventor Kirk Conville. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     I. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to portable games wherein one or more players toss projectiles, preferably bags, at inclined, apertured, wedge-shaped targets. More particularly, this invention relates to tossing games of the latter type that are structurally adapted to accommodate related activities for enhancing stability of the target board. Prior art game patents known to me are found in Class 273, Subclasses 398, and 400, 401, and 402. 
     II. Description of the Prior Art 
     Prior art tossing games include a wide variety of different projectiles that are thrown towards various targets of different sizes and shapes. Typical prior art projectiles include metallic darts, golf balls, softballs, baseballs, footballs, discs, horse shoes, bean bags and the like. The prior art also includes numerous games using inclined, targets having an apertured front surface through which a projectile can pass. Relatively recently, bean bags have replaced other projectiles for safety reasons. Bag tossing games utilizing molded, plastic target assemblies are known in the art. Earlier tossing games were made of wood or metal, but plastic versions have become more popular. Less expensive, lightweight bag tossing games can also be made of cardboard or corrugated material. 
     An older tossing game with apertured, inclined planes that function as targets is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,021,989, issued Nov. 26, 1935. The latter reference discloses an inclined plane functioning as a target that includes a central aperture. When balls are tossed by a player towards the target, they may be collected within a captivated collection pocket if they penetrate the target orifice. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,628,793, issued Dec. 21, 1971, and entitled “Sandbag and Target Apparatus,” discloses a pair of fixed. wedge-shaped half sections, each including an apertured and inclined plane functioning as a target. Individual wedge-shaped sections may be deployed separately in a tossing game configuration, or they may be clamped together in the form of a parallelepiped for storage or transportation. The target sections are relatively cumbersome and heavy, making convenient transportation and deployment difficult. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,837,650 issued Sep. 24, 1974, comprises a foldable, reinforced wooden tossing game. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,929 issued Dec. 1, 1987 discloses a pair of apertured game boards that function as targets. They can be separated for play or coupled together for transportation or storage. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,480,280, issued Nov. 25, 1969 discloses a bean bag design for a projectile suitable for in bag tossing games. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,695 issued Nov. 24, 1992 discloses a transportable bag tossing game for one or more players having multiple scoring methods. The target structures are injection molded. The object of the game is to direct projectiles through an aperture contained on the second wall. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,230 issued Jul. 26, 1994 discloses a foldable target structure for bag toss games that comprises multiple game plates for presenting distinctive geometrical configurations. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,879 issued Aug. 2, 1994 discloses a bag tossing game using a target board with a plurality of upwardly extending projections forming a numerous of target areas. Different target thus introduce varying degrees of playing difficulty. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,832 issued Jun. 16, 1998 shows a target game apparatus with a forwardly-angled, target impact panel supporting a rotatable target. A plurality of different sized openings in the target can be aligned with an enlarged aperture in the impact panel. U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,877 issued Jun. 8, 1999 discloses a bean bag toss game target with hinged panels that are moveable between a first, in-use configuration and a second, folded configuration. The first panel has a target hole. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,249 issued Oct. 2, 2001 discloses a disc tossing game for multiple players having a generally rectangular target with convex landing surface and pockets. Discs are tossed onto the target to score points according to rules. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,780 issued Jan. 29, 2002 discloses another disc tossing game with target boards and a plurality of discs. The target boards have various holes that are penetrated to score points. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,345 issued Aug. 23, 2005 discloses a portable bean bag toss game Including target assemblies that have a beverage supporting section removably attachable to the rear. 
     Other tossing games involving analogous projectiles and inclined target surfaces are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,554,550; 4,186,925; 4,116,443; 4,943,065, 5,165,695 7,237,777, and U.S. Pat. Applications 2002/0079645, 2005/0023762, and 2005/0127609. 
     Prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,586, also owned by Baggo Inc. discloses a tossing game for use by multiple players that has blow-molded targets with circular target apertures defined on the target faces. The targets can be quickly transformed between transportation modes and playing modes. In the transport mode they are coupled together, forming a parallelepiped, which facilitates storage and transportation. In the playing mode, the modular, wedge-shaped targets are separated from one another. Each of the wedge-shaped, and inclined targets presents an apertured playing board towards which bean bags are thrown. Each target comprises a separate, removable, elevator tray that is snap fitted to the boards to incline them for play. The trays also prevent bags dropping through the target hole from escaping the board underside. A brace extending from the board underside reinforces the trays during play. However, the brace has in some cases been insufficient to prevent undesired target movement. 
     Prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,796 that is also owned by Baggo Inc. discloses a similar tossing game. Again, twin, blow molded, wedge shaped target assemblies are switched between transportation modes and game modes. In the playing mode they are detached, separated, and then deployed by the players in spaced-apart relation. Each of the wedge-shaped, modular targets comprises an inclined, apertured surface towards which bean bags are thrown to generate points in accordance with rules. During deployment, each target board is inclined by unfolding elevator trays that are pivotally coupled to the target underside. The beanbags are stored within interior compartments. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,598 issued Jun. 12, 2001, and owned by Baggo Inc., a foldable corrugated bag tossing game is disclosed. A pair of wedge-shaped target assemblies are erected by unfolding a unitary corrugated blank. Each target assembly presents an outer, inclined, surface comprising a target orifice. The blank has a central panel forming the outer surface, a pair of foldable sides forming a fluteless bottom, and a front and a rear each having two foldable panels that present a fluteless bottom. To minimize wear, each target orifice is snap-fitted with a plastic reinforcement ring that also seals out moisture. Stabilizer ribs formed from corrugated blanks extend transversely beneath the target assemblies between the folded sides to reinforce the target assemblies and reduce bouncing. However, certain bouncing and instability problems occurring upon target impact have not been solved. 
     Old, relatively heavier wooden games are too heavy for practical marketing or convenient transportation and stowage. Their weight and bulk makes shipping and inventory costs prohibitive for modern retailers. Modern designs, transformable between storage and play configurations, use plastic components that are molded. As a result, many designs are lightweight. Robust plastic designs may include strengthening aspects, such as reinforcement ribs, but since they are relatively lightweight, they can move during impact. In other words, the targets are sometimes displaced from “official” positions in response to forceful impacts. While slight target movements are irrelevant to casual players, serious tournament players often object to impact-driven positioning changes. Stability of the target assembly is advantageous for promoting fairness and compliance with game rules. 
     Additionally, it has been hitherto inconvenient when playing typical plastic, modularized bag toss games to store beverages or bags during play. When a game is deployed in one&#39;s backyard over the lawn, for example, lawn furniture may not be handy. On a hot summer afternoon all players are likely to be provided beverages, and for accurate play, the beverage containers should be stowed while throwing. Moreover, players often seek temporary resting places for cell phones, car keys and the like. No known bag tossing game readily answers the twin challenges of stable target positioning with eased accessory storage. No known bag tossing target includes accessory structure that provides temporary beverage container storage and toss bag storage during play. Further, no known prior art bag toss game has a score keeping mechanism incorporated into an analogous stabilizing activities assembly. 
     No known prior art bag tossing game utilizes an upright, vertical support stanchion attachment and shelf combination that interfits mechanically with the wedge shaped target assemblies. None of the bag tossing games in the prior art have employed such an upright shelf that enhances target stability, while concurrently storing playing bags, beverages that may be consumed during play. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An improved bag tossing game for one or more by players comprises a pair of playing stations that can be deployed for play in a stable position, or foldably secured in a cooperating storage position for transportation. Each target assembly comprises a generally wedge shaped impact target, a deployable stabilizing accessory assembly for each target, and a plurality of corn-filled bags thrown by the players during the game. To minimize shifting or movements of the target assemblies in response to bag impact, the stabilizing assemblies are structurally interconnected with the target assemblies during deployment. 
     Each target assembly presents an inclined impact surface with a target aperture towards which bags are thrown. To properly angle the target assemblies for play, a generally rectangular elevator is foldably pivoted to the target assembly. The elevators can be switched between flat, non-obtrusive storage positions, and play positions that angle the target impact surface. Preferably there are foldable feet at opposite ends of the target assemblies for additional support. The accessory stabilizing assembly associated with each of target assembly comprises a base disposed on the supporting surface, a platform mounted over the base functioning as a shelf for supporting bags, beverages, and the like, an elongated support stanchion extending upwardly from the base. Sockets are defined in the base structure for quick coupling to the support stanchion when the game is deployed. The base comprises an elongated slot and cooperating guide channels that register with portions of the target assembly elevator when assembled. 
     Thus a basic object of the invention is to provide a modular tossing game that stabilizes the target assemblies during play while performing related activities. 
     Another basic object of the invention is to provide a high quality bag tossing game with stable target assemblies that, when deployed in the play mode, resist impact from bags thrown at them and minimize target movement. 
     Yet another basic object is to provide a projectile tossing game of the character described that includes stabilized targets that minimize impact-related movement. 
     It is also a fundamental object to integrate game-related activities such as score keeping, bag storage and retention, beverage supporting and the like with stabilizing structure that enhances game play and player satisfaction. 
     It is also a fundamental object to integrate game-related activities with stabilizing structure that is consolidated in unitary target units. 
     Another object of our invention is to provide a bag tossing game of the character described that provides players with convenient, elevated bag storage proximate the playing position for convenient access. 
     A similar related object is to a bag tossing game of the character described that provides players with a convenient, elevated resting place for beverage drinks, ash trays, score keeping, target illumination lighting and the like. 
     Another broad object is to provide elevated and stable cup holders for a bag toss game. 
     It is also a broad object is to provide an elevated shelf or platform for a bag tossing game that interconnects with the target assemblies. 
     Another object is to provide a bag tossing game of the character described including target modules and an elevated storage shelf, all of which may be quickly and easily switched between transportable and playing orientations. 
     Another important object of the present invention is to provide a bag tossing game of the character described having an accessory storage shelf. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a bag toss game accessory of the character described whose target surface can receive and support and display advertisements for unrelated goods and services. This feature is especially significant in conjunction with corrugated versions of the bag toss game. 
     Yet another fundamental object of the present invention is to provide a bag toss game of the character described using modularized and compartmentalized target assemblies that can be folded together into one unitary carrying piece, with the accessory structure and its support shelf, the player bean bags, and other parts firmly secured therewithin. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
         FIG. 1  is frontal isometric view of a tossing game play station constructed in accordance with the best mode of the invention, illustrating a single wedge-shaped target assembly linked to a stabilizing assembly with an elevated support shelf; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged front elevational view thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear elevational view thereof; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view thereof; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view thereof; 
         FIG. 6  is a left side elevational view thereof; 
         FIG. 7  is a right side elevational view thereof; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged frontal isometric view of the preferred stabilizing assembly; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged rear elevational view of the stabilizing assembly of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front plan view of the stabilizing assembly; 
         FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of the stabilizing assembly; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged top plan view of the stabilizing assembly; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged bottom plan view of the stabilizing assembly; and, 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded isometric view of the stabilizing assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With initial reference directed to  FIGS. 1-7  of the appended drawings, a portion of our projectile tossing game constructed generally in accordance with the best mode of the invention has been generally designated by the reference numeral  20 . In actual play, there will be two similar game play stations, one for each player. The game is adapted to be disposed over a suitable flat, supporting surface such as ground  21 , and, as explained later, means are preferably provided for anchoring the apparatus to the ground to prevent movement during play. Each of the two game stations used in play comprises a somewhat wedge-shaped target assembly  23  towards which projectiles  25  are thrown, and a cooperating stabilizing assembly  24 , to which the target assemblies  23  are preferably mechanically coupled during play. The preferred projectiles are corn-filled bags or “bean bags”, which are distinctively colored to denominate different players or teams of players. 
     The target assemblies  23  can be configured in different ways, and they can be made of different materials. Details of target assembly construction are outlined in prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,961,586, 5,056,796, and 6,244,598, all owned by Baggo Inc., which are hereby incorporated by reference for purposes of disclosure. 
     The preferably molded plastic target frame  26  is generally rectangular, and during play it is disposed at an inclination. Frame  26  has an exposed target surface  27  including a target orifice  28  through which bags  25  (or other projectiles) may pass during play for maximum scoring. The target frame  26  is preferably elevated at its rear by a planar elevator  30  that transversely interconnects with the stabilizing assembly  24  (i.e.,  FIGS. 1 ,  7 ) for stability. Elevator  30  can be folded between a deployed orientation, and a flat, relatively compact storage position. Preferably a pair of foldable front feet  31  can be deployed to elevate the target front slightly, as seen for example, in  FIG. 6 . The stabilizing assembly base  33  includes means for receiving the rear target elevator  30  so that the stabilizing assembly  24  is mechanically linked to the target assembly during play for stabilization. 
     The base  33  is preferably secured to the ground  21  by anchor means  34 , preferably comprising user-deployable pegs or pins, discussed later. An elongated, multi-piece stanchion  36  extends vertically upwardly from the base  33  to support a shelf or platform  38  vertically above the ground  21  within the convenient reach of a player (not shown). The shelf or platform  38  is in the form of a generally horizontally disposed surface. Preferably shelf  38  comprises at least one cup or beverage receptacle  39 , and a pair of convenient, spaced apart storage regions  40  upon which bags or the players&#39; cell phone or other items may be temporarily placed. 
     With primary attention directed now to  FIGS. 4-7 , the exposed playing surface  27  of each target assembly frame  26  is surrounded about its periphery by a plurality of regularly spaced apart tabs  44 . Preferably advertising indicia, generally rectangular in shape and including an orifice to align with target orifice  28 , is placed upon the playing surface  27 , where it is retained by tabs  44 . In the best mode each frame  26  includes a pair of standard locking latches  46  on each side that can engage complimentary clasps  47  on the other side of the frame to selectively lock a pair of target assemblies together for stowage or transportation, as is known in the art. Before the latches  46  are deployed, the generally rectangular elevator  30  is folded inwardly, where it will lie beneath orifice  28  against the underside of the frame, supported against rectangular reinforcement ribs  50  ( FIG. 5 ). Feet  31  are similarly folded, and once the latches  46  are fastened, the target assemblies can be conveniently carried by handle  49 . A plurality of corn filled toss bags  25  can be stored if desired in the preferably four recessed compartments  56  beneath the frame  26  ( FIG. 5 ). Each compartment  56  preferably includes an elastic bag retainer  58  for restraining the bags. 
     With attention now directed mainly to  FIGS. 8-14 , the stabilizing assembly  24  comprises a plurality of cooperating plastic parts that are preferably molded. The base  33  comprises a generally planar bottom  60  that preferably is not solid; instead it includes a plurality of ornamental strengthening ribs  62 ,  63  ( FIG. 13 ) arranged in a pattern generally between front and rear lips  67 ,  68  respectively. At its opposite ends, bottom  60  is bounded by a pair of rigid plastic sidewalls  70 ,  71  (i.e.,  FIGS. 8 ,  10 ,  11 ) that are generally triangular, tapering in height towards the front of the assembly. A rigid end wall  73  is orthogonal with respect to sidewalls  70  and  71  and bottom  60 . An upper shroud  75  comprising a pair of generally triangular segments overlies the end wall  73 , spaced apart from bottom  60 , to provide a partial enclosure. 
     Lip  67  is spaced apart from a parallel, inner lip  64  on opposite sides of an elongated slot  65  to which elevator  30  is mated when the target assembly is coupled to the stabilizing assembly  24  during play. When elevator  30  is gently pressed into slot  65 , the leading edge of the elevator flushly nests within slot  65  between lips  64 ,  67  ( FIG. 8 ). However, opposite ends of slot  65  are slidably received within and grasped between angled guide channels  66  formed in each sidewall  71 . Sidewall guide channels  66  receive and guide ends of elevator  30  when the elevator is connected to the stabilizing assembly, forcing the elevator  30  to maintain a slight angular configuration relative to the stabilizing assembly. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 8 and 12 , a rigid, integral anchor region  76  is defined in the front of the base bottom  60  at each end. Each of these relatively small, generally rectangular anchor regions  76  includes a reinforced orifice  78  for selectively receiving removable plastic anchor pins  34 , comprising part of an anchoring means. Pins  34  can be forced downwardly through orifice  78  (i.e.,  FIG. 10 ) into engagement with the ground  21  ( FIG. 1 ) to secure the target assembly and prevent movement when vigorously thrown bags  25  impact the assembly during play. 
     Importantly, integral anchor regions  76  can be supplemented by a pair of anchor inserts  80  that can be selectively snap fitted to bottom  60  ( FIGS. 8 ,  13 ). Each insert  80  is generally rectangular, including a clearance slot defined in the corner that clears integral anchor region  76  when assembled. Preferably each anchor insert  80  has a plurality of rigid coupling tangs  82  that snap fit into suitable slots defined in bottom  60 . Anchor inserts  80  are normally deployed when the playing surface  21  ( FIG. 1 ) is too rigid or hard to easily receive pins  34 , when, for example, the game is played indoors over a carpet or tiled floor. 
     Preferably the bottom  60  is provided with an integral socket  85  at its rear center. Socket  85  comprises a generally rectangular orifice bounded by plastic walls that are integral with ribs  62 ,  63 . A cooperating clearance passageway  86  ( FIG. 10 ) is defined above socket  85  within shroud  75  to support the stanchion  36  and its elevated shelf platform  38 . 
     Then stanchion  36  is preferably segmented so that it can be user-assembled by fitting the parts together lengthwise. A lowermost stanchion piece  88  coupled to socket  85  penetrates the upper clearance passageway  86  (i.e.,  FIG. 10 ) through orifice  87  ( FIG. 14 ) and projects upwardly. A second stanchion piece  90 , whose inner dimensions are sized to mate with companion stanchion pieces, projects upwardly where it similarly mates with a third stanchion piece  96  ( FIGS. 7 ,  8 ). Each stanchion piece has a reduced dimension projection  89  that fits within the open end of the next stanchion piece. Preferably the coupled stanchion ends are retained by a plastic pin  98  ( FIG. 8 ) that is similar to anchor pins  34  discussed previously, and which penetrates orifices  99  ( FIG. 14 ) when the stanchion is assembled. The top of third stanchion piece  96  fits in this manner to the coupling  100  projecting beneath the shelf platform  38 . 
     With primary reference directed now to  FIG. 12 , the stabilizing assembly shelf platform  38  is generally rectangular, and it preferably molded. The exposed upper top surface (i.e.,  FIGS. 8 ,  12 ) has a pair of integral, projecting scoring rails  103  disposed at its front and rear. Scoring markers  106  are slidably captivated upon rails  103 . In the best mode, the numbers zero through twenty-one are permanently molded into the platform  38  proximate the scoring rails  103 . As scoring occurs, these markers  106  can be manually moved into a position proximate the numbers to indicate score. 
     The beverage or cup holding receptacles  39  comprise circular orifices molded into the body of shelf platform  38 . Preferably they are disposed above the stanchion  36 , within central region  109  of the shelf. The bag storage regions  40  are recessed, comprising generally rectangular depressions located on either side of the cup holders  39 . A pair of integral, intersecting interior support rails  111  forms the bottom of each bag support. 
     From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. 
     It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. 
     As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.