Abstract:
A disc throwing game with multiple scoring components includes four flexible poles with point values associated with each different longitudinal segment of the poles. Each set of two poles is placed into or supported vertically on the ground at opposite ends of a playing field, and an inverted cup is placed on top of each pole. The teams stand at opposite ends of the field, behind their set of poles. The offensive team throws a disc, attempting to strike the defensive team&#39;s pole(s), knocking the cup(s) from the poles. The offensive team scores points by striking the defending team&#39;s pole(s) or cup(s), but only if the defending team does not catch the disc or the falling cup(s) before they strike the ground. The defending team thus attempts to catch a deflected disc or falling cup(s) to prevent the offensive team from scoring.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is based on a prior copending provisional application Ser. No. 61/303,495, filed on Feb. 11, 2010, the benefit of the filing date of which is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119(e). 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Plastic aerodynamic projectiles, which are intended to be thrown by a person, such as the FRISBEE™ flying disc manufactured and sold by Wham-O, Inc., are favorite toys for people of all ages. Since these devices are lightweight, portable, and low in cost, they are frequently taken to the beach, picnics or other occasions where two or more people spread apart from each other, throw the projectile, and try to catch it. Using a flying projectile is thus an alternative to playing catch with a ball. Since the flight path of an aerodynamic flying projectile is more variable and harder to control than a baseball or other spherical object, there is clearly an increased element of skill in accurately throwing the aerodynamic projectile to another person or at a predefined object or location. Accordingly, it is not surprising that a number of games have been created that test a user&#39;s ability to accurately throw an aerodynamic projectile such as a flying disk accurately toward a target—whether another person, a spatial location, or an object. 
         [0003]    One such game is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0224409 (Marshall et al.). In this application, two poles are positioned vertically at each end of a playing area. The poles at each end of the field are spaced apart by a gap a little bit wider than the diameter of a flying disc that is used during the game. An object is positioned on top of each pole. The player on one team throws the flying disc toward the poles at the opposite end of the play area, trying to knock the object off the top of the pole by striking the pole. A point is awarded if the flying disc strikes a pole and knocks the object to the ground. The players at the end of the field toward which the disc is thrown try to catch an object knocked from a pole before the object strikes the ground, which prevents a point from being awarded to the team of the player who threw the flying disc. Two points are earned by a player who is able to throw the flying disc between the poles. The team that first reaches 15 points wins the game; however, to win, a team must have at least two more points than the other team. So the game can continue if both teams accumulate 15 points but do not lead by two points, until one of the teams draws ahead by two points. 
         [0004]    While the game described above provides more interest and requires more skill to win than simply throwing the flying disc to another person, it still is rather simplistic and does not provide sufficient tests of the throwing and catching skills of the members of each team, as might be desirable. For example, it would be desirable to provide more than two point scoring options to such a game. It would also be desirable to provide an object that is knocked from the top of the pole along a randomized and very variable path, since an object that simply rests atop a pole will have a somewhat limited angular range for the path of the object when the pole is struck. 
         [0005]    It would also be desirable to enable a defending team to prevent points from being awarded by catching the flying disc before it strikes the ground, rather than just preventing points from being awarded if the object is caught before it strikes the ground. It would further be desirable to award a differing number of points based on a section of the pole that is struck. The greater diversity in scoring should make a game that uses a flying projectile and poles much more interesting. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The description and claims that follow define an exemplary method for enabling two teams to compete while playing a game with a thrown projectile. The method includes the steps of positioning a plurality of flexible poles at opposite ends of a playing field. Each flexible pole has a plurality of longitudinal segments with different visual markings. At least two flexible poles are spaced apart from each other at one end of the playing field, and at least two other flexible poles are spaced apart from each other at the opposite end of the playing field. One of the teams defends the flexible poles positioned at one end of the playing field, and the other team defends the flexible poles positioned at the opposite end of the field. An inverted cup is placed on a top of each of the plurality of flexible poles. Players on the two teams take turns throwing a projectile from one end of the playing field toward the flexible poles at the opposite end of the playing field in an attempt to knock the inverted cup on one or more of the flexible poles off the flexible pole, so that the inverted cup falls to the ground. The projectile is thrown to strike at least one of the flexible poles on which an inverted cup is disposed or the inverted cup. Points are awarded to a player of the team that strikes a flexible pole or inverted cup with the thrown projectile. The number of points that are awarded depends at least in part upon a specific longitudinal segment of the flexible pole that was struck with the projectile, each different longitudinal segment of a flexible pole having a different point value associated with it; whether an inverted cup was knocked off the flexible pole by the projectile that was thrown and struck the ground without being caught by a player on the team defending the flexible poles at which the projectile was thrown; and whether the projectile was caught by a player on the team defending the flexible poles at which the projectile was thrown after striking a flexible pole or an inverted cup—before the projectile strikes the ground. A winner of the game is determined at least in part based on the number of points accumulated by each team. 
         [0007]    The method further includes the step of associating a point value for each different longitudinal segment of a flexible pole. The point value increases from a minimum for a longitudinal segment closest to the ground, to a maximum for a longitudinal segment closest to the top of the flexible pole. Each different longitudinal segment of the flexible poles can be made a different color to visually distinguish the longitudinal segments of a flexible pole from each other, enabling the specific longitudinal segment struck by the projectile that was thrown to be more readily visually determined. 
         [0008]    If the projectile that was thrown strikes an inverted cup, but the inverted cup remains on the flexible pole, points are awarded to the team that threw the projectile, unless, after striking the inverted cup, the projectile is caught by a player on the team defending the flexible poles at which the projectile was thrown. If an inverted cup is knocked from a flexible pole and strikes the ground, the number of points awarded is increased. For example, the points awarded for the projectile striking a specific longitudinal segment of a flexible pole can be doubled. 
         [0009]    If more than one flexible pole is struck by the projectile, points are added together for each longitudinal segment of the different flexible poles struck by the projectile to determine the total points awarded the player throwing the projectile. 
         [0010]    The winner of the game is the team that first accumulates a predetermined number of points and also thereafter knocks an inverted cup from the top of one other flexible poles defended by the other team (without the inverted cup being caught by the team defending). If both teams have accumulated the predetermined number of points before one of the teams also knocks an inverted cup off a flexible pole that then strikes the ground, the winner of the game is the first team to knock a plurality of inverted cups from the flexible poles without the cups being caught. 
         [0011]    Also, points are awarded for a projectile striking a flexible pole or the inverted cup, even if the projectile first strikes the ground. 
         [0012]    In an exemplary embodiment, the projectile comprises an aerodynamic projectile that generates lift due to its cross-sectional profile. 
         [0013]    In at least some exemplary embodiments, each inverted cup includes a plurality of inwardly extending ribs running longitudinally along its inner surface, adjacent to a closed end of the inverted cup. The plurality of ribs have inner edges with a plurality of different shaped profiles, so that when the inverted cups are knocked from the flexible poles by the projectile that is thrown, an interaction between the ribs and the top of the flexible pole causes the inverted cup to follow a random and unpredictable path, making the inverted cup more difficult for the team defending the flexible poles to catch. 
         [0014]    The teams can mutually agree to alter the difficulty of the game. For example, a length of the playing field as measured between the plurality of flexible poles positioned at opposite ends of the playing field, or a spacing between the flexible poles at each end of the playing field can be varied. Also, the predetermined number of points that must be accumulated by a team to win the game can be increased or decreased. Or, the requirement for knocking an inverted cup from a flexible pole after accumulating the predetermined number of points that must be accumulated can be eliminated. A further change may require that either or both of the projectile and the inverted cup be caught using only one hand. 
         [0015]    Another aspect of this novel approach is directed to a cup with internal ribs having different internal edge profiles. The internal profiles can be straight, notched, or may have a curved section that extends further radially inward. Since the varying shape of the rib that strikes the top of the flexible pole as the inverted cup is knocked off the pole can change the path of the cup in a random and unpredictable manner, the game is made more interesting, since the defending team will have a more difficult time catching the cup before it strikes the ground. 
         [0016]    Still another aspect is directed to exemplary apparatus for playing a game as described in the method and the apparatus includes components that are generally consistent in function with the steps of the method noted above. 
       FURTHER EXEMPLARY DETAILS 
       [0017]    An exemplary embodiment of a game that employs a flying projectile can be played by one or more people on each of two opposing teams. In addition to at least one flying projectile that is thrown by players on a team, the apparatus used in this exemplary embodiment of the game includes four poles. Each pole comprises segments that can be coupled together at a connector and are joined by an elastomeric material. These poles can be collapsed to facilitate storage and transport to and from a location where the game is played. In at least one embodiment, each pole has three colored sections, such as orange, yellow, and white, although other colors or visually perceptible markings such as stripes can be used in the alternative for any of the sections. Each pole is secured vertically, for example, by forcing a pointed lower end of the pole into the ground so that the top of the pole stands about 64-inches above the ground. Four cups are inverted and placed on top of poles (one cup on each pole) when the pole is at rest. The flying projectile can be a disc with an aerodynamic cross section. Examples of suitable flying projectiles include the FRISBEE™ flying disc sold by Wham-O, Inc., although other types of aerodynamic flying projectiles, such as AEROBIE™ flying rings that are commercially available from Aerobie, Inc. can also be used. To simplify the following discussion, the term “disc” is used herein instead of the more general term “aerodynamic flying projectile,” although it will be understood that the game can be played with other types of aerodynamic flying projectiles, or even a round ball, and it is not intended that the game be limited to use only a flying disc. 
         [0018]    Each team may include one or more players; however, experience has shown that the game can best be enjoyed with two players on each team. In the game, the two sets of poles are disposed about 30 feet apart, at opposite ends of a playing field, so that the poles comprising a set are spaced about 16-inches apart. One inverted cup is placed upon the top of each vertical pole. After setting up the poles and placing the cups on the poles, each team takes turns throwing the disc at their opponent&#39;s poles. The offensive team&#39;s objective is to strike one or both of the defensive team&#39;s poles with the disc, knocking one or both of the cups from the pole(s) to the ground. Points are only awarded when the disc, cup(s) or both hit the ground. The defensive team&#39;s objective is to catch the disc and any cup(s) knocked from the pole(s), once one or both of the poles at their end of the playing field have been struck by the disc. By catching the disc and/or cup(s), the defensive team can prevent the offensive team from scoring. However, in this exemplary embodiment, no points are awarded to the defensive team for catching the disc or cup(s). In addition, the defensive team cannot block the disc from striking the pole(s), and any contact by a defensive team member with the disc before it strikes a pole or the ground (without striking a pole) will be viewed as interference, resulting in a repeated throw by the offensive team. 
         [0019]    The colored pole sections have different point values (in regard to where the pole is struck by a thrown disc) as follows: White (bottom section)=1 Point, Gray connector (between white/yellow sections)=1 Point, Yellow (middle section)=2 Points, Gray connector (between yellow/orange sections)=2 Points, Orange (top section including the cup)=3 Points. 
         [0020]    The disc and cup scoring is as follows. When the offensive team strikes a section of the opposing team&#39;s pole(s) with the disc, the offensive team is awarded the point value of the colored section hit—but only if the defensive team does not catch the disc before it strikes the ground after hitting the pole. If the offensive team hits both poles with the disc in one throw, the points scored on each pole are added together—but again, only if the defensive team does not catch the disc before the disc strikes the ground after hitting the pole(s). If the disc strikes a pole and the cup on the pole is knocked off, the defensive team must try to catch both the cup and the disc before both hit the ground. The offensive team is awarded double the point value of the colored section of the pole(s) that they strike if both the cup(s) and disc hit the ground without being caught by the defensive team. 
       A SCORING EXAMPLE 
       [0021]    The offensive team throws the disc, and it strikes the gray connector between the white and yellow sections of a pole. The cup remains on the pole, but the defensive team does not catch the disc before the disc hits the ground. In this case, one point is awarded to the offensive team. The offensive team throws again, and the disc strikes the orange section of a pole, knocking the cup off the pole. The defensive team catches the cup, but not the disc. In this case, three points are awarded to the offensive team. 
         [0022]    In another turn, the offensive team strikes the white sections of both poles knocking off only one cup. The defensive team catches the cup, but not the disc, and two points are awarded to the offensive team. The offensive team again throws the disc and hits a cup, which is not knocked from the pole, and the disc hits the ground without being caught by the defensive team. In this case, three points are awarded to the offensive team. 
         [0023]    To win, a team must first earn 25 points, and must then knock at least one of the opposing team&#39;s cups to the ground. Teams cannot earn more than 25 points, but must keep playing until a team with 25 points has knocked one of the opposing team&#39;s cups to the ground (without the cup being caught before it strikes the ground). 
         [0024]    A sudden death scenario can arise if both teams have earned 25 points without either team knocking at least one cup to the ground for a win before the other team has also earned 25 points. In that case, both cups on the defensive team&#39;s poles must be knocked to the ground for the offensive team to win. Note that when playing the sudden death scenario, the cups do not have to be knocked off the poles simultaneously, yet once the first cup hits the ground, it is left off the pole. The second cup remains on the pole until it is knocked to the ground for the win. 
         [0025]    This application specifically incorporates by reference the disclosures and drawings of the patent application identified above as a related application. 
         [0026]    This Summary has been provided to introduce a few concepts in a simplified form that are further described in detail below in the Description. However, this Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    Various aspects and attendant advantages of one or more exemplary embodiments and modifications thereto will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a playing field setup for an exemplary embodiment of the present disc throwing game, showing two sets of poles, with inverted cups positioned on the tops of the poles, to enable game play; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of a pole inserted into the ground, with an inverted cup being placed on top of the pole, in accord with an exemplary embodiment of the present disc throwing game; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of a segmented exemplary embodiment of a pole for use in the present game, showing how the pole can be separated and collapsed for ease of transport and/or storage; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of one of the inverted cups shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a disc suitable for use in playing the present game; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a phantom view of the pole and inverted cup of the present invention showing randomized internal notched, protruded, and straight-edged ribs that are included to produce a random flight path of the cup when it is knocked from the top of the pole; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the profile of each internal rib shape of the ribs included inside the cup; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of one of the poles and the inverted cup with a phantom view of the different flight paths that might be followed when the cup is projected unpredictably from the top of the bending pole after the pole is struck by the disc, in accord with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment in which the pole and the inverted cup are supported vertically in a stand on a hard surface, rather than the pole being inserted into the ground; 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  is a block diagram illustrating the point count for different conditions, including one in which the disc strikes a yellow section of one pole, deflects, and strikes a yellow section of the other pole; 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram illustrating the point count for different conditions, including one in which the disc strikes a white section of one pole; 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating the point count for different conditions, including one in which the disc strikes an orange section of one pole; 
           [0040]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating the point count for different conditions, including one in which the disc strikes a cup of one pole; 
           [0041]      FIG. 14  is a block diagram illustrating the point count for different conditions, including one in which the disc strikes a gray connector between a yellow and an orange section on one pole; 
           [0042]      FIG. 15  is a block diagram illustrating the point count for different conditions, including one in which the disc strikes a gray connector between a white and a yellow section on one pole; and 
           [0043]      FIG. 16  is a block diagram illustrating the point count for different conditions, including one in which the disc bounces off the ground and then hits the white section of one pole. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Figures and Disclosed Embodiments are not Limiting 
       [0044]    Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced Figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and Figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. No limitation on the scope of the technology and of the claims that follow is to be imputed to the examples shown in the drawings and discussed herein. Further, it should be understood that any feature of one embodiment disclosed herein can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment that is disclosed, unless otherwise indicated. 
       Components of the Game 
       [0045]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment in which four poles  12  have been forced into ground  28  to stand vertically and serve as targets. Two sets of poles  12  are placed 30 feet apart as indicated by a reference number  24 , and the two poles in each set are spaced about 16-inches apart, as indicated by a reference number  22 . There are four cups  10 . Cups  10  are inverted and placed on top of poles  12 —one cup per pole. A team  18  has two players, including a player  1 , identified by reference number  18   a , and a player  2 , identified by a reference number  18   b . A team  19  also has two players, including a player  1 , identified by a reference number  19   a , and a player  2 , identified by a reference number  19   b . The players on team  18  are shown standing behind their respective set of poles  12  facing opposing team  19 . The players on team  19  are also shown standing behind their respective poles  12 , facing opposing team  18 . Player  18   a  and player  18   b  of team  18  are standing behind a throwing line  20   a  that extends through their respective poles  12  at their end of the playing field. Player  19   a  and player  19   b  on team  19  are also shown standing behind a throwing line  20   b  that extends through their respective poles  12 . 
         [0046]    An example is shown in  FIG. 1 , where disc  16  is traveling along a path  26  that was thrown by player  18   a  of team  18  and striking a pole  12  on the opposing team  19 , causing the pole  12  to bend, as indicated by a reference number  12   a  and knock the inverted cup  10  off the bending pole  12   a  in a random unpredictable path  14 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  displays a front view of pole  12  with an inverted cup  10  being placed on top of the pole  12  in a direction  11 . The pole  12  connects with a top section  70  that is inserted into a top connector  90  in a direction  13 , and a middle section  72  inserted into a bottom connector  92  in a direction  15 . A bottom section  74  of pole  12  is inserted vertically into ground  28  in a direction  17 ; a sharpened tip  76  on the bottom of pole  12  eases the insertion. A top connector  90  is connected to the top portion of middle section  72  and a bottom connector  92  is connected to the top portion of bottom section  74 . Top connector  90  is 2.5-inches tall. The material used for the posts is a non-abrasive polymer; thus, top section  70  is smoothly inserted into top connector  90  in a direction  13 . Bottom connector  92  is also 2.5-inches in length and is also formed of a non-abrasive polymer, so middle section  72  can be smoothly be inserted into the bottom connector  92  in a direction  15 . Both top connector  90  and bottom connector  92  are the color gray. Top section  70  and middle section  72  of the pole  12  are hollow and are pulled together with an elastic cord  80 , which runs inside top section  70  and middle section  72 . One end of the elastic cord  80  is tied at the top portion of the top section  70  and opposite end of the elastic cord  80  is captured inside the middle of the bottom connector  92 . The top end portion of top section  70  includes a pressed-on end cap  60  to cover the tied end of the elastic cord  80 . End cap  60  is 1-inch tall. The material from which end cap  60  is formed is also a non-abrasive polymer so that cup  10  in  FIG. 1  can readily slide off bending pole  12   a  in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0048]    In this exemplary embodiment, sections  70  and  72  are about 22-inches in length and have a diameter of 0.32-inches. Section  74  is 31-inches in length and has a diameter of 0.32-inches. Sections  70 ,  72 , and  74  are highly flexible since they have a small diameter of about 0.32-inches. Also, the material is highly flexible fiberglass. Sections  70 ,  72 , and  74  are colored differently for visual distinction and for different point value assignment. Section  70  is an orange color, section  72  is a yellow color, and section  74  is a white color. In  FIG. 1 , the bending pole  12   a  is a result of the small diameter and the highly flexible fiberglass of sections  70 ,  72 , and  74 . Because pole  12   a  bends when struck, as shown in  FIG. 1 , inverted cup  10  in  FIG. 1  can fly off the pole aggressively, in a variable or random direction. 
         [0049]      FIG. 3  displays pole  12 , showing it separated, so that it can be collapsed for transport or storage. In this Figure, pole  12  is separated between bottom connector  92  and the bottom portion of the middle section  72 , connected only by elastic cord  80 , so that pole  12  is folded only in a direction  21 . Pole  12  is also separated at top connector  90  and the bottom portion of top section  70 , connected only by elastic cord  80  and pole  12 , enabling that portion of the pole to be folded in a direction  23 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 4  displays a side view of inverted cup  10 . Inverted cups  10  are placed on top of poles  12 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Because the cups are inverted, they stay on top of poles  12  until a well thrown disc knocks an inverted cup from a pole. Inverted cup  10  is rounded at a top  40  for safety (to avoid injury if someone inadvertently contacts the top). Inverted cup  10  tapers outwardly towards a bottom  50  to facilitate placement on pole  12 , again as shown in  FIG. 1 , and to enable inverted cup  10  to more readily be knocked off the top of pole  12  in an unpredictable fashion, when the pole or inverted cup is struck by the disc. Cup  10  is circular and is 4-inches in diameter at bottom  50 . Top  40  portion of cup  10  has a radius of 1.25-inches and the cup is 5.5-inches tall. Cup  10  is fabricated of a non-abrasive polymer. As a result, if cup  10  is knocked off pole  12   a , when the pole bends as shown in  FIG. 1 , the inverted cup slides smoothly off end cap  60  in  FIG. 2  with very little friction. Cup  10  is orange in color to match the color of top section  70  in  FIG. 2  and has the same point value assignment. 
         [0051]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of disc  16 , which is used as a throwing object by team  18  and team  19 , when competing in the game, as shown in  FIG. 1 . As will be evident in this Figure, disc  16  has an aerodynamic cross section, which provides aerodynamic lift when the disc is thrown in the traditional manner. Each team player takes turns throwing disc  16 , in attempting to strike pole(s)  12  (or inverted cups  10 ) at the opposite end of the playing field, in order to score points. In at least one exemplary embodiment, disc  16  has a weight of about 125 grams and a diameter of about 9.5 inches. However, it will be understood, that these parameters are simply illustrative and are not intended to be limiting on the types of aerodynamic (or other) flying projectiles that can be used for playing the present game. 
         [0052]      FIG. 6  a phantom view of top section  70  of pole  12  and inverted cup  10 , which is shown resting on top of pole  12 . This Figure illustrates the internal structure of top portion  40  of inverted cup  10 , showing a plurality of ribs  100  that are disposed therein. The ribs are spaced-apart around the internal circumference of cup  10 , extending radially and then longitudinally along the inner surface of the cup. Successive ribs  100  differ, since the edges of the ribs can be notched, protrude outwardly, or extend straight. Ribs  100  are shaped at their upper end (at the bottom of cup  10  when it is not inverted) and are angled and spaced-apart in such a fashion that cap  60  always centers itself in the center of the top portion  40  of inverted cup  10  and does not become wedged between ribs  100  when the inverted cup  10  is placed on top of the pole  12 . 
         [0053]    Inverted cup  10  can be placed at any rotational position on top of pole  12 . When disc  16  strikes pole  12 , the path that cup  10  can take when knocked from the pole can be in an undetermined direction due to the variable and randomized geometry of ribs  100  interacting with the top of pole  12 . The randomized positions of the notched, protruding, and straight edges of ribs  100  that interact with the top of the pole cause the inverted cup  10  to fly off pole  12  in an unpredictable fashion when the pole is struck by disc  16 , as indicated in  FIG. 6  by the plurality of phantom arrows. As a result of this unpredictable action, the defensive team cannot readily predict or determine the direction or path that inverted cup  10  will follow when pole  12  is struck by disc  16  with sufficient force to knock the inverted cup off the pole. 
         [0054]      FIG. 7  displays a side (profile) view of each rib  100  also shown in  FIG. 6 . Each rib  100  has an edge with a notch  204 ,  206 , an edge with a protrusion  200 ,  202 , or an edge  208  that is straight. The protrusion and/or notch can be disposed at different points along the inner side of the rib. More specifically, a rib  100   a  has a protrusion  200  at the bottom portion, which interrupts the linear sliding action of cap  60  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) against rib  100   a  when disc  16  strikes pole  12 . Rib  100   a  can cause the inverted cup  10  to fly off pole  12  in  FIG. 1  in a variable direction based on the location of protrusion  200 . The different location of protrusion  202 , which is located at the bottom middle portion of rib  100   b  (instead of the bottom portion shown with protrusion  200  on rib  100   a ) interacts with cap  60  in a different manner, to cause cup  10  to fly in a different random path. Ribs  100   a  and  100   b  both interact with cap  60  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) but at different points in time, so that the two ribs cause different results in the path of the cup. Rib  100   c  has notch  204  along its bottom portion, which affects the sliding action of cap  60  over the edge of the rib, as shown in  FIG. 6 , when disc  16  strikes pole  12  and knocks cup  10  from the pole. Rib  100   c  can affect the path of inverted cup  10  as it flies off pole  12  in a given direction based on the location of notch  204 . Notch  206  on rib  100   d  is disposed at a different location along the edge of the rib, at the bottom middle portion of the rib, in contrast with the location of notch  204  on rib  100   c . Ribs  100   c  and  100   d  both interact with cap  60 , but at different points in time as cup  10  flies off pole  12  when disc  16  strikes the pole. Rib  100   e  has a straight edge  208  without a notch or a protrusion. The nature of the sliding action of cap  60  along straight edge  208  of rib  100   e  will be affected by the angle of the rib  100   e , but the path of the cup flying from atop the pole will not be affected in the same way as caused by the interaction with the cap of the notch or the protrusion on the other ribs. Similarly, the angle of each of the other internal ribs  100  along the internal surface of inverted cup  10  can also affect the path of cup  10  when it is knocked off pole  12  by disc  16 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 8  displays pole  12  and inverted cup  10  in a state of rest and a phantom view of disc  16  striking pole  12  in a direction  26 , causing pole  12  to bend and produce any of a number of unpredictable and random paths  14  of cup  10  as it flies from atop the pole. The lower end of pole  12  and bending pole  12   a  are shown thrust into and standing vertically in ground  28 . Cup  10  is knocked off the bending pole  12   a  in a path based on the nature of how disc  16  struck the pole  12 , and how ribs  100  inside inverted cup  10  were rotationally oriented, which determines the specific one or more ribs that interact with cap  60 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 9  displays an alternative exemplary embodiment that also includes inverted cup  10  on top of pole  12 . In this embodiment, the bottom of the pole is inserted into a weighted and/or suction base  30 . A bottom section  74  of pole  12  has pointed tip  76  inserted into an orifice  32  of a top section  34  of weighted and/or suction base  30 , in a direction  17 . The weighted and/or suction base  30  can be seated onto a hard surface  38  in a direction  25 . A lip section  36  of weighted and/or suction base  30  is made of an elastomeric material, so that it can flex and create a seal (with suction), with hard surface  38 . Once weighted and/or suction base  30 , pole  12 , and inverted cup  10  are in place, pole  12  functions the same when pole  12  is struck by disc  16 , as discussed above. The game setup in  FIG. 1  thus also applies to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 9  that has the weighted and/or suction base to support the pole vertically. An example of where the weighted and/or suction base  30  could be used is on a smooth gym floor or a smooth tennis court. The weight and/or suction characteristic of base  30  provides vertical stability for pole  12  so that the pole flexes when struck by a disc  16 , but does not fall over. The weighted characteristic of base  30  also provides stability for the pole to stand in a vertical position on surfaces where a suction with the surface cannot be established, such as a rough cement or gravel surface. The weighted nature of the base  30  provides a way to hold pole  12  in a vertical position on different surfaces when the pole cannot be inserted into a penetrable surface. Weighted and/or suction base  30  adds versatility, by enabling the game to be played on almost any play field of sufficient size. 
         [0057]    It should be noted that there are several options that can affect the difficulty of the game. By mutual consent of the teams playing the game, any one or more of these options can be changed to vary the difficulty level. For example, the length of the playing field, as measured between the poles positioned at opposite ends of the playing field can be either increased to increase the difficulty of the game or decreased to decrease the difficulty. Also, a spacing between the poles at each end of the playing field can be either increased or decreased. Since the likelihood of striking two posts with the disc during a single throw is reduced if the posts are spread further apart, it will be apparent that increasing the spread distance will likely reduce the opportunity for this event to occur. Further, the predetermined number of points that must be accumulated by a team to win the game can either be increased or decreased, and the requirement that a cup be knocked off a post and hit the ground without being caught can be relaxed to vary the difficulty for winning a game. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 10-16  illustrate rules that can be used for scoring, based upon different conditions that can occur during the game. In  FIG. 10 , a block diagram  300  illustrates the possibilities and scores associated with the game that include the condition in which, as shown in a block  306 , the disc is thrown, as indicated in a block  302 , and the disc hits the yellow section on one of the poles, deflects, and then hits the yellow section on the other pole. To simplify the explanations, other conditions in which the disc hits both poles are not specifically enumerated, but it should be apparent, based on the following discussion, how the disc hitting different color sections on two poles will be scored. The other scoring possibilities shown in the Figure, that might occur when the disc is thrown, are indicated in a block  304 , in which the disc misses both poles, scoring 0 points, and in a block  308 , in which the disc bounces off the ground, missing both poles and also scoring 0 points. The remaining blocks  310 - 344  in  FIG. 10  are all alternative conditions that can occur if the disc hits the yellow sections on both poles, as indicated in block  306 . For example, in the first column on the left, blocks  310 - 316  cover the conditions in which both cups are projected from the tops of both of the poles. In block  310 , if both cups and the disc are caught, the offensive team receives 0 points; 2 points are awarded in each of blocks  312  and  314 , if the disc and one cup are caught. In block  316 , 4 points are awarded if the defending team catches only the disc (and both cups hit the ground). Blocks  318 - 324  cover the condition where both cups are knocked from the poles and the disc hits the ground. In block  318 , 4 points are awarded if both cups are caught. Six points are awarded in blocks  320  and  322  if one of the cups is caught, but the other cup and the disc hit the ground. In block  324 , 8 points are awarded if both cups and the disc hit the ground. In a block  326 , 0 points are awarded if both cups stay on the pole and the disc is caught, while in a block  328 , 4 points are awarded if both cups stay on the poles, but the disc hits the ground. 
         [0059]    Blocks  330 - 344  cover the condition where one of the cups is knocked off the pole, but the other cup is not. In blocks  330  and  338 , the cup and the disc are caught by the defending team, so no points are awarded. In blocks  332  and  340 , 2 points are awarded if the disc is caught, but the cup hits the ground. In blocks  334  and  342 , 4 points are awarded if the cup is caught, but the disc hits the ground. Finally, in blocks  336  and  344 , 6 points are awarded if both the cup and the disc hit the ground. 
         [0060]    Conditions  350  shown in  FIG. 11  include the condition in which, after being thrown in block  302 , in a block  352 , the disc hits the white section of one pole, as well as the alternatives, of blocks  304  and  308  in which the disc misses both poles. Under block  352 , 0 points are awarded in a block  354  in which the cup stays on the pole that was hit and the disc is caught. One point is awarded in blocks  356 ,  360 , and  362 . In block  356 , the cup stays on the pole and the disc is caught (block  356 ), and respectively, the cup hits the ground while the disc is caught (block  360 ), and the disc hits the ground while the cup is caught (block  362 ). Two points are awarded in a block  358 , when the cup is knocked off the pole hit, and both the disc and cup hit the ground. Finally, in a block  364 , if the cup is knocked from the pole, and both the cup and disc are caught, 0 points are awarded. 
         [0061]    Conditions  370  shown in  FIG. 12  include a block  372 , in which the disc hits the orange section of one pole, after being thrown in block  302 . Alternatives are noted in blocks  304  (disc misses both poles—0 points) and in block  308  (disc bounces from ground and misses both poles—also 0 points). As possible results of the condition in block  372 , 0 points are awarded if the cup stays on the pole and the disc is caught in block  354 , or if the cup is knocked off the pole and both the cup and the disc are caught, in block  364 . Three points are awarded in a block  374 , if the cup stays on the pole and the disc hits the ground, or in a block  378 , if the cup is knocked off of the pole and is caught, while the disc hits the ground, or in a block  380  if the cup is knocked off of the pole and hits the ground, while the disc is caught. Finally, in a block  376 , 6 points are awarded if the cup is knocked from the pole and both the cup and the disc hit the ground. 
         [0062]      FIG. 13  shows conditions  390 , which include a block  392  in which the disc hits the orange cup of one pole. The alternatives of blocks  304  and  308  are also shown, where the disc misses both poles (block  304 ) and hits the ground before missing both poles (block  308 ), both of which result in 0 points being awarded. Under block  302 , 0 points are awarded in blocks  354  and  364 , where the cup stays on the pole and the disc is caught (block  354 ), or the cup is knocked from the pole and both the disc and cup are caught (block  364 ). Three points are awarded in blocks  374 ,  378 , and  380 , if the cup stays on the pole, while the disc hits the ground (block  374 ), the cup is knocked off the pole and is caught, while the disc hits the ground (block  378 ), or the cup is knocked off the pole and hits the ground, while the disc is caught (block  380 ). Six points are awarded in a block  376  if the cup is knocked off of the pole, but neither it or the disc are caught. 
         [0063]    In  FIG. 14 , conditions  400  include a block  402 , where after the disc is thrown in block  302 , the disc hits the gray connector between the yellow and orange sections on one pole. The other conditions noted above in blocks  304  and  308  are alternatives to condition  402 . Under block  402  are blocks  354  and  364 , where 0 points are awarded, as discussed above. Two points are awarded in blocks  404 ,  408 , and  410 , when the cup stays on the pole, while the disc is NOT caught (block  404 ), or the cup is knocked off the pole, and either the cup hits the ground, while the disc is caught (block  408 ) or the disc hits the ground, while the cup is caught (block  410 ). In a block  406 , 4 points are awarded if the cup is knocked from the pole, and both the cup and disc hit the ground. 
         [0064]      FIG. 15  illustrates blocks  420 , which include a block  422  indicating that the disc hits the gray connector between the white and yellow sections on one pole, after being thrown in block  302 . Again, the alternatives in blocks  304  and  308  are included, as discussed above. Under block  422 , 0 points are again awarded in blocks  354  and  364 , as noted above. One point is awarded in blocks  356 ,  360 , and  362 , for the conditions where the cup stays on the pole and the disc hits the ground (block  356 ), the cup is knocked off and hits the ground, while the disc is caught (block  360 ), or the cup is knocked off and is caught, while the disc hits the ground. Block  358  covers the condition where 2 points are awarded if the cup is knocked off and both it and the disc hit the ground without being caught. 
         [0065]    Finally, in  FIG. 16 , blocks  430  include a block  432  in which the disc bounces off the ground and hits the white section of one pole. Alternatives in blocks  304  and  308  are again included, as discussed above. Under block  432 , 0 points are awarded in blocks  354  and  364 , for the conditions discussed above. One point is awarded in blocks  356 ,  360 , and  362 , and 2 points are awarded in block  358 , all as discussed above. Clearly, there are other conditions that are not covered by the Figures discussed above; however, it should be apparent to one of ordinary skill how to score each of these other conditions, based on the information provided. It should also be emphasized that the scoring is simply intended to be exemplary and should not be considered in any way to be limiting on the scope of game play that can be implemented in regard to the present game. For example, as an alternative to the condition in block  432  of  FIG. 16  and those that follow below it, 0 points might be awarded if the disc hits the ground before striking any part of a pole or the cup—even if the cup is knocked from the pole. Other variations in the scoring of the game, including changes to the total required score and/or the requirement to knock a cup from a pole after accumulating the required number of points, to win a game. 
         [0066]    Although the concepts disclosed herein have been described in connection with the preferred form of practicing them and modifications thereto, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that many other modifications can be made thereto within the scope of the claims that follow. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of these concepts in any way be limited by the above description, but instead be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.