Abstract:
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of playing a new toss game. The apparatus is compact and portable. The apparatus comprises two identical stand-alone units and is intended for use by players of all ages and is designed to be played competitively requiring the players use their skills and abilities to toss a projectile into a receiving member. The present invention provides a number of benefits including a source of entertainment, recreation, social interaction, and improving eye-hand coordination.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable 
       FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not applicable 
       SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
       [0003]    Not applicable 
       FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates to an apparatus that may be used in connection with a new toss game. The present invention further relates to a method of playing a new toss game. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to be used in connection with a new toss game. The apparatus is compact, portable and is comprised on two identical stand-alone units. The present invention is intended for use by players of all ages and is designed to be played competitively requiring the players use their skills and abilities to toss a projectile into a receiving member. The present invention provides a number of benefits including a source of recreation and social interaction. 
         [0006]    The present invention generally relates to the game of “Beirut” or “Beer Pong,” which involves placing drinking cups in a triangular formation at each end of a table. Each of the cups is filled with a liquid, such as beer or some other alcoholic beverage. After the cups are filled, two teams standing at opposite ends of the table take turns tossing a ping pong at the cups located at the opposite end. When a ball goes into the opponent&#39;s cup, the cup is removed from the table and the liquid is consumed. This process is repeated until all cups are removed. 
         [0007]    Certain shortcomings have been associated with the present form of the game “Beirut” or “Beer Pong.” For example, the game is difficult to play outdoors due to a ping pong&#39;s susceptibility to being blown by the wind. Another problem with the current form of the game is that it is not designed to be readily transported. As described above, the game requires a number of separate, individual pieces. Further, the game is often enjoyed in social settings such as tailgates, picnics, beach parties, etc. Thus, the game is normally played at a “destination” location. Transporting the game and its multiple separate parts over a distance is difficult. Another problem with the current form of the game is the unsanitary conditions in which the game is played. Oftentimes, the ping pong misses its target and frequently lands on the ground where it can become soiled with dirt, sand, or other impurities. The ping pong is then tossed again and if successful, lands into one of the cups filled with liquid which in turn contaminates the liquid. Additionally, oftentimes in practice cups are toppled over in the course of play which further contaminates the playing surface. 
         [0008]    The present invention addresses these shortcomings by providing a compact, portable apparatus comprised of two stand-alone units. The stand-alone units can be easily assembled into a carrying container for easy transport. The carrying container can be further utilized to carry all the necessary components of the new toss game. The new toss game further comprises a projectile of sufficient size and density to eliminate the effects of the outdoor elements. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention provides an apparatus and method of playing a new toss game. The apparatus is compact and portable. The apparatus comprises two identical stand-alone units. In the preferred embodiment, the two identical stand-alone units are substantially in the shape of a box, having a planar playing surface with a border extending from the planar playing surface. The stand-alone units further contain fastener means and a carrying means such that the units can be secured together for conversion into a storage unit and for ease of transport. 
         [0010]    In the preferred embodiment, each stand-alone unit further comprises a plurality of upright receiving members, each with an opening therein to allow for the reception of a projectile. The present invention further includes a lid that is designed to engage with the upright receiving member to form a seal or closed container. Each lid may further contain an indentation to allow for the reception of a liquid. The apparatus further includes a lightweight projectile that is not easily blown by the wind. The apparatus includes all the necessary features to allow the game to be pleasurable and hassle free. 
         [0011]    In play, the game involves two teams. The two identical stand-alone units are positioned opposite each other several feet apart. Players then take turns tossing the projectile into their opponent&#39;s upright receiving members. When a player lands a projectile in their opponent&#39;s upright receiving member, a player on the opposing team is to remove the projectile and place a lid on the upright receiving member. The game continues in this manner with each team taking turns. The first team to have a lid placed on all of its opponent&#39;s upright receiving members is declared the winner. 
         [0012]    The present invention improves upon prior inventions by providing a projectile that is resistant to outdoor weather conditions. The invention further eliminates the unwanted sliding or knocking over of cups presently associated with prior inventions and eliminates the need for assembling and arranging cups. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can be easily assembled, transported, and stored. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the apparatus in the closed position ready for transportation or storage. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the apparatus in the closed position ready for transportation or storage. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the apparatus upon opening. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the stand-alone unit. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the stand-alone unit in conjunction with a projectile and lid. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the apparatus arranged in a position ready for play. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand-alone unit. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand-alone unit. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand-alone unit. 
       
    
    
     DRAWINGS  
     Reference Numerals 
       [0000]    
       
           10  Carry means 
           15  Fastener means 
           16  Latch 
           17  Catch 
           20  First identical stand-alone unit 
           25  Planar playing surface 
           26  Border 
           30  Second identical stand-alone unit 
           40  Upright receiving member 
           50  Opening of upright receiving member 
           60  Lid 
           70  Projectile 
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , one embodiment of the claimed invention is shown. The claimed invention comprises two identical stand-alone units  20 , 30 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the stand-alone units  20 , 30  are comprised of a planar playing surface  25  and a border  26  extending perpendicularly from the planar playing surface  25 . The planar playing surface  25  and border  26  may be comprised of plastic, rubber, foam, treated wood, or metals, or any other suitable material which is resistant to moisture and is of a sufficient strength and durability to allow for repeated use as described herein. 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , in the preferred embodiment, the stand-alone units  20 , 30  are substantially in the shape of a box with the planar playing surface  25  being substantially rectangular in shape. As shown, the border  26  is comprised of four walls  26  which extend perpendicularly from the planar playing surface  25 . However, it is envisioned that the two identical stand-alone units  20 , 30  and border  26  make take other forms and shapes to facilitate use and play as described herein. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , the two stand-alone units  20 , 30  can be circular, triangular or any other shape having a planar playing surface  25  and a border  26  extending perpendicularly from the planar playing surface  25 . 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , each stand-alone unit  20 , 30  further comprises a plurality of fastener means  15  to allow for securing the two stand-alone units  20 , 30  together. The fastener means  15  are positioned circumferentially about the outside of the border  26  of each stand-alone unit  20 , 30 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the fastener means comprises a latch  16  and a catch  17  operable to receive a portion of the latch  16 . In the preferred embodiment, the stand-alone unit  20  includes the latch  16  of each of the fasteners means  15  and the stand-alone unit  30  includes the catch  17  of each of the fastener means  15 . In this manner, the two stand-alone units  20 , 30  are operable to be secured together in a storage configuration as shown in  FIG. 1 . It is envisioned that other suitable fastener means may be utilized without deviating from the scope of the present inventive concept, such as an eyelet and hook arrangement as shown in  FIG. 2 . Each stand-alone unit  20 , 30  further comprises at least one carrying means  10  shown as a handle. In the preferred embodiment, each stand-alone unit  20 , 30  may be stacked upon one another such that the handles  10  may also cooperate with each other. In the preferred embodiment, the handles  10  are resilient and made of a nylon material. However, it is envisioned that the handles  10  may be made of any other suitable resilient material, such as leather, plastic, polyester, or metal, without deviating from the scope of the present inventive concept. 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , extending from the planar playing surface  25  on each stand-alone unit  20 , 30  is a plurality of upright receiving members  40 . The upright standing members  40  are securedly attached to the planar playing surface  25  and are further equipped with an opening  50  therein. The upright standing members  40 , and the opening  50  therein, are of a sufficient size and shape to allow for the reception of a projectile  70 . In the preferred embodiment, the upright receiving members  40  are arranged in a geometric pattern, such as the triangular configuration shown in  FIGS. 3-6 . However, it is envisioned that the upright receiving members  40  may be arranged in a different pattern or configuration without deviating from the scope of the present inventive concept as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the preferred embodiment of the claimed invention further comprises a plurality of lids  60  which are designed to engage the opening  50  of each upright receiving members  40 . The projectile  70  is a sufficient size and shape to cooperate with the opening  50  of each upright receiving member  40  to allow for reception. In the preferred embodiment, the projectile  70  is comprised of a durable polyester rubber or plastic material filled with lightweight material such as sand, plastic beads, or other suitable lightweight materials. However, it is envisioned a projectile  70  of a different configuration and construction, such as a die, a washer, a bean bag, etc., may be employed provided it is of sufficient size and shape to cooperate with the opening  50  of the upright receiving members  40  and is water resistant, bounce resistant, and not susceptible to gusts of wind. 
         [0039]    In play, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the claimed invention involves placing two identical stand-alone units  20 , 30  opposite each other, several feet apart. Two teams of players are them assembled and positioned behind each stand-alone unit  20 , 30 . Players on each team then take turns tossing the projectile  70  into the opposing team&#39;s upright receiving members  40 . If successful, a member of the opposing team is to remove the projectile  70  from the upright receiving member  40 , and then place a lid  60  on the upright receiving member  40 . The lid  60  cooperates with the opening  50  on the upright receiving member  40  to form a seal. In the preferred embodiment, the lid  60  includes an indentation of sufficient size to allow for the reception of a liquid. However, it is envisioned that a lid may be employed without such an indentation such that its use does not deviate from the scope of the present inventive concept. 
         [0040]    The game continues with the players on each team taking turns tossing the projectile  70 . The first team to have each of the opposing team&#39;s upright receiving members  40  covered with a lid  60  is declared the winner. The two stand-alone units  20 , 30  can then be arranged in the closed position as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , secured using the fasteners means and then transported via the handles  10 .