Patent Publication Number: US-2011074111-A1

Title: Target-based game &amp; methods of playing thereof

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/246,981 filed Sep. 30, 2009 and hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     Target-based games and methods of playing thereof. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Target-based games have been enjoyed by different cultures and societies for many years. An example of a popular target-based game is the game of darts. The game of darts is a throwing sport in which darts are thrown at a circular target, i.e., a dartboard, generally hung on a wall or any other vertically-oriented surface. Different point values are assigned to different areas of the dartboard with the center being the “bullseye” and assigned the highest point value. The “game piece” is the “dart”, which is a small, slender missile that is pointed at one end and usually feathered at the other. Though various different boards and games have been used in the past, the term “darts” usually now refers to a standardized game involving a specific board design and set of rules. As well as being a professional competitive activity, the game of darts is a traditional pub or bar game commonly played in countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States. Like many games, the target-based game of darts provides benefits such as competition, social gathering and skill-honing. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     A target-based game, comprising: (a) a target platform having a front surface and a back surface, the target platform having a plurality of openings thereon, each opening sized to receive at least one game piece; (b) suspension means attached to at least one portion of a boundary defined by the target platform; and (c) a plurality of supporting members configured to assemble into a frame to provide a means for attaching the suspension means thereto is herein disclosed. 
     Each opening may include a backing such that the combination of the opening and the backing comprises a pocket. A size of each opening may vary and each opening may be assigned one of a numerical value, symbol, a picture, a word or a color. In the embodiment in which each opening is assigned a numerical value, as the size of each opening decreases the assigned numerical value increases. The suspension means may comprise netting having a plurality of securing means about a periphery thereof. The supporting member means may comprise a plurality of tubular members configured to assemble into a vertically-oriented, rectangular frame. The suspension means may comprise a mesh material. The backing may comprise one of a mesh material or a canvas material. The target platform may be capable of having a playing position and a non-playing position, the playing position comprising the target platform in a vertically-oriented suspended position. 
     A target-based game, comprising: (a) a target platform having a front surface and a back surface, the target platform having a plurality of openings thereon, each opening sized to receive at least one game piece; and (b) at least one of (i) a plurality of supporting members assembled into a frame to provide a means for attaching the target platform thereto, or (ii) suspension means attached to at least one portion of a boundary defined by the target platform is herein disclosed. A size of each opening may vary and each opening may be assigned one of a numerical value, symbol, a picture, a word or a color. In the embodiment in which each opening is assigned a numerical value, as the size of each opening decreases the assigned numerical value increases. The target-based game may further comprise a supporting means to support the target platform in a vertically-oriented suspended position. 
     A method of playing a target-based game, comprising: (a) positioning a player a predetermined distance from a target platform wherein the target platform is oriented vertically; (b) positioning a game piece between at least a thumb and a middle finger such that the fingers are in a snapping position; (c) aiming at an opening on the target platform; and (d) projecting the game piece at the target platform by snapping the fingers is herein disclosed. The method may further comprise: (e) positioning another game piece between at least a thumb and a middle finger such that the fingers are in a snapping position; (f) aiming at another opening on the target platform; and (g) projecting the game piece at the target platform by snapping the fingers. 
     The method may further comprise repeating the positioning, the aiming and the projecting for a predetermined number of plays. The method may further comprise optionally retrieving one or more game pieces which did not pass through the one or more openings. In one embodiment, game is played using a target platform having a front surface and a back surface, the target platform having a plurality of openings thereon, each opening sized to receive at least one game piece; and at least one of (i) a plurality of supporting members assembled into a frame to provide a means for attaching the target platform thereto, or (ii) suspension means attached to at least one portion of a boundary defined by the target platform. A size of each opening may varies and each opening may be assigned one of a numerical value, symbol, a picture, a word or a color. In the embodiment in which each opening is assigned a numerical value, as the size of each opening decreases the assigned numerical value increases. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of a target-based game according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a back view of the target-based game of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate perspective views of a plurality of supporting members being disassembled according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of a target-based game according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a supporting means which may be used in conjunction with the target-based game according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate a plurality of game pieces which may be used to play a variety of games in conjunction with the target-based games according to embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. 
     Embodiments of a target-based game and methods of playing the target-based game are herein disclosed. In one embodiment, the target-based game includes a vertically-oriented target platform having a plurality of openings therein. Each opening may be approximately circular in configuration, may vary in size, and may have a backing, or “pocket” to catch one or more game pieces. In one embodiment, the target platform includes one or more suspension means about one or more edges or peripheries thereof for holding the target platform in a vertically-oriented position when attached to a plurality of supporting members. When assembled, the supporting members may form a frame to support the suspension means and/or the target platform. A plurality of game pieces may be used to play a variety of games using the target-based game. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of a target-based game according to an embodiment of the invention. The target-based game  100  may include a target platform  102  having a front surface  102   a  and a back surface  102   b  (not shown). The target platform  102  may include a plurality of openings  104  sized to receive at least one game piece (explained in more detail below). In one embodiment, the target platform  102  is rectangular in configuration; however, other suitable geometric configurations are within the scope of the invention. In the embodiment in which the target platform  102  is rectangular in configuration, the target platform may be between about fourteen (14) inches and thirty-six (36) inches in length and between about sixteen (16) inches and eighteen (18) inches in width, preferably about thirty-six (36) inches in length and about eighteen (18) inches in width. Materials comprising the target platform  102  include, but are not limited to, canvas or any other durable fabric-like material. 
     The plurality of openings  104  may be defined by any suitable geometric configuration, such as, but not limited to, square, triangle or circle. Additionally, the plurality of openings  104  may vary in size/diameter, in number and in arrangement. In one embodiment, each opening  104  is defined by a circular configuration having a predefined diameter. The diameter of each opening  104  may be between about two (2) inches and about six (6) inches. Each opening  104  may be assigned a numerical value wherein the numerical value corresponds to the diameter of the opening  104 . For example, a high numerical value may be assigned to an opening with a small diameter (relative to the other openings) and a small numerical value may be assigned to an opening with a large diameter (relative to the other openings), and vice-versa. It should be appreciated that the openings  104  may be assigned a symbol, a picture, a word or a color in alternative embodiments. A backing may “cover” (not shown) an opening  104  on the back surface  102   b  (not shown) of the target platform  102  such that the combination of the opening  104  and the backing forms a “pocket” (explained in more detail below). 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the openings  104  number six (6). Five (5) of the openings  104  are arranged in the array as shown with one (1) opening  104  above the array. Numerical values, e.g., “10”, “20”, “30” and “50”, are assigned to each opening  104  depending on the diameter of the opening  104 . For example, opening  104   a  is assigned a numerical value of “10” and has a diameter of about six (6) inches; openings  104   b  are assigned a numerical value of “20” and have a diameter of about four and one-half (4.5) inches; openings  104   c  are assigned a numerical value of “30” and have a diameter of about three and one-half (3.5) inches; and opening  104   d  is assigned a numerical value of “50” and has a diameter of about two (2) inches. It should be appreciated that the size/diameter, the number and the arrangement of openings illustrated in  FIG. 1  represents one embodiment and other sizes, numbers and arrangements of the openings are within the scope of the invention. 
     The target platform  102  may be capable of being configured into a “playing” position and a “non-playing” position (i.e., stored position). In one embodiment, the playing position is the target platform  102  in an expanded, vertically-oriented and “suspended” position and the non-playing position is the target platform  102  in a collapsed, rolled and/or folded position. In the playing position, the target platform  102  may be held in position by suspension means  106  attached to at least one portion of a boundary defined by the target platform  102  and of which may be removably attached to a plurality of supporting members  108 . In one embodiment, the supporting members  108  are a plurality of tubular members configured to assemble into a vertically-oriented frame  110  with horizontally-oriented supporting members  108 , i.e., “legs”, to support the frame  110  in an upright position. The frame  110  may be approximately rectangular in configuration; however, other suitable configurations are within the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, the target platform  102  is vertically suspended within the boundaries defined by the frame  110  as shown. 
     The suspension means  106  may include a plurality of securing means  112  about a periphery thereof. The securing means  112  may secure the suspension means  106  to the frame  110  in order to hold the target platform  102  “taut” as shown. The securing means  112  may be fasteners, ties or any other suitable securing means. In one embodiment, the securing means are Velcro® straps. The suspension means  106  may be a material such as mesh or the equivalent thereof. In addition to holding the target platform  102  taut, the suspension means  106  also may provide a safety and/or protective function. For example, when game pieces (explained in more detail below) are projected toward the target platform  102 , the suspension means  106  may catch game pieces which miss the target platform  102  thereby protecting the walls behind the target-based game  100  and/or persons standing behind the target-based game  100 . 
     In one embodiment, the plurality of supporting member  108  may be a plurality of hollow connecting members having a stretchable member therein (see  FIG. 3A ). The stretchable member may be a bungee cord or the equivalent thereof such as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. The stretchable member may be connected within the hollow connecting members and may provide a means to temporarily separate each supporting member  108  from one another to assemble the supporting members  108  into a frame  110  and vice-versa, i.e., disassemble the supporting members  108  for storing thereof (i.e., the non-playing position). In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of supporting member  108  may be a plurality of hollow telescoping members. The hollow telescoping members may provide a means to temporarily separate each supporting member  108  from one another to assemble the supporting members  108  into a frame  110  and vice-versa, i.e., disassemble the supporting members  108  for storing thereof (i.e., the non-playing position). 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a back view of the target-based game of  FIG. 1 . In this view, the target-based platform  202 , the suspension means  206 , and the plurality of supporting members  208  comprising the frame  210  of the target-based game  200  are shown as is a backing which covers each opening  204  on the back surface  202   b  of the target platform  202 . The backing should have “slack” such that the combination of the opening  204  and the backing forms a “pocket”  214 . Each pocket  214  may be made of a material such as mesh, canvas or the equivalent thereof. In one embodiment, each pocket  214  serves as a “catch” when game pieces (not shown) pass through the openings  204 . In this manner, during game play, the game pieces are easily retrievable. In addition to this function, each pocket  214  also may provide a safety and/or protective function. For example, when game pieces (explained in more detail below) are projected toward the target platform  202 , the pockets  214  may catch game pieces which pass through the openings  204  thereby protecting the walls behind the target-based game  200  and/or persons standing behind the target-based game  200 . 
       FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate perspective views of a plurality of supporting members being disassembled according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 3A , one supporting member  308  is being separated from another supporting member  308  as a pulling force is applied to each supporting member  308 . A connecting member  308   a  may connect the supporting members  308  at corners or joints thereof. Stretchable member  316  connected within the hollow connecting members, i.e., supporting members  308 , provides a means to temporarily separate each supporting member  308  from one another to disassemble the supporting members  308  from one another for storing thereof (i.e., the non-playing position). In this manner, the supporting members  308  may collapse into each other for easy storage and/or transport thereof (see  FIG. 3B ). 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of a target-based game according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The target-based game  400  may include a target platform  402  having a front surface  402   a  and a back surface  402   b  (not shown). The target platform  402  may include a plurality of openings  404  sized to receive at least one game piece (explained in more detail below). In one embodiment, the target platform  402  is rectangular in configuration; however, other suitable geometric configurations are within the scope of the invention. In the embodiment in which the target platform  402  is rectangular in configuration, the target platform may be between about twelve (12) inches and sixteen (16) inches in length and between about twelve (12) and sixteen (16) in width, preferably about fourteen (14) inches in length and about fifteen (15) inches in width. Similar to the embodiment previously described, materials comprising the target platform  402  include, but are not limited to, canvas or any other durable fabric-like material. 
     Similar to the embodiment previously described, the plurality of openings  404  may be defined by any suitable geometric configuration, such as, but not limited to, square, triangle or circle. Additionally, the plurality of openings  404  may vary in size/diameter, in number and in arrangement. Similar to the embodiment previously described, each opening  404  may be defined by a circular configuration having a predefined diameter, i.e., the diameter of each opening  404  may be between about six (6) inches and about two (2) inches. Additionally, each opening  404  may be assigned a numerical value wherein the numerical value corresponds to the diameter of the opening  404 . A backing may “cover” (not shown) an opening  404  on the back surface  402   b  (not shown) of the target platform  402  such that the combination of the opening  404  and the backing forms a “pocket” (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2 ). 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the openings  404  number three (3) and are situated in the arrangement shown. Numerical values, e.g., “10”, “30” and “50”, are assigned to each opening  404  depending on the diameter of the opening  404 . For example, opening  404   a  is assigned a numerical value of “10” and has a diameter of about six (6) inches; opening  404   c  is assigned a numerical value of “30” and have a diameter of about three and one-half (3.5) inches; and opening  404   d  is assigned a numerical value of “50” and has a diameter of about two (2) inches. It should be appreciated that the size/diameter, the number and the arrangement of openings illustrated in  FIG. 4  represents one embodiment and other sizes, numbers and arrangements of the openings are within the scope of the invention. 
     According to one embodiment, the target platform  402  may be secured to a plurality of supporting members  408  and connecting members  408   a  which hold the target platform  402  “taut” as shown. The plurality of supporting members  408  may be a plurality of hollow telescoping members permanently or removeably coupled together to define a frame  410 . Unlike the target-based game  100  described with reference to  FIG. 1 , the target-based game  400  as described with reference to  FIG. 4  remains in a permanently expanded position according to this embodiment. This is due to that the target-based game  400  is smaller and, therefore, is easily transportable and/or storable without having to break it down. 
     In some embodiments, the target platform  402  may include suspension means  406  attached to at least one portion of a boundary defined by the target platform  402 .  FIG. 5  illustrates suspension means  406  attached to at least three (3) boundaries defined by the target platform  402  and/or the frame  410 . The suspension means  406  may be a material such as mesh or the equivalent thereof and may be reinforced around a periphery thereof. The suspension means  406  may provide a safety and/or protective function. For example, when game pieces (explained in more detail below) are projected toward the target platform  402 , the suspension means  406  may catch game pieces which miss the target platform  402  thereby protecting the objects and/or persons standing behind the target-based game  400 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the target platform includes suspension means attached to at least one portion of a boundary defined by the target platform without any supporting members (not shown). In this manner, the target platform may be vertically-oriented and/or “suspended” within, for example, a door frame. Consequently, supporting members are not required. In another alternative embodiment, the target platform includes attachments on a back surface thereof which allow the target platform to adhere to most wall surfaces (not shown). Such configuration may be accomplished by, e.g., attachable units such as one-fourth (¼) inch threaded plastic tubing with suction cups on the end. Other attachable means as known by one of ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the invention. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a supporting means which may be used in conjunction with the target-based game as described with reference to  FIG. 4  according to an embodiment of the invention. The supporting means  618  may include a base  620  with a connecting portion  622  configured to connect to a target-based game as described with reference to  FIG. 4 . The base  620  may be any suitable shape and size and, in any embodiment, should be capable of supporting a target-based game as described with reference to  FIG. 4  in a vertical position. 
       FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate a plurality of game pieces which may be used to play a variety of games in conjunction with the target-based games as described with reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4  according to embodiments of the invention. Each game piece  724  may approximate a “bottle cap”; however, other suitable game pieces of other shapes and configurations are within the scope of the invention. In the embodiment in which the game piece  724  approximates a “bottle cap”, the game piece  724  may have a predetermined weight of between two (2) ounces and fourteen (14) ounces. In any embodiment, each game piece  724  should be sized to fit within the thumb and the middle finger of a user-player. 
     According to one method of playing the target-based game as shown and described, two or more players may compete against one another by “snapping” game pieces at the target platform when the target platform is configured in a playing position. In a preferred method, the game begins by determining which player will begin first (the “flip”) and in what order (the “line-up”). The “flip” is performed by tossing two game pieces in the air (also used to settle disputes or disagreed upon plays); however, prior to the “flip,” one player attempts to guess the outcome of the “flip” by calling it “odd” or “even” (the “call”). The “odd” outcome means one game piece faces up while the other game piece faces down. The “even” outcome means both game pieces face up or both game pieces face down. If the player who “calls” is correct, that player will play ahead of the other player; however, if the player who “calls” is incorrect, that player will play behind the other player. If there are more than two players, the “flip” is repeated by process of elimination until a “line-up” of players is determined. 
     Once the “line-up” has been determined, the first player takes his/her position from about six (6) feet to fifteen (15) feet, preferably about nine (9) feet or about eleven (11) feet from the frame of the target platform (the “mound”). The first player attempts to sequentially “snap” one or more game pieces into any opening on the target platform; however, only one game piece per player may be “snapped” into a given opening. In a preferred embodiment, the player sequentially “snaps” six (6) game pieces. When a game piece makes it into an opening, it is called a “void.” Once all game pieces have been played during the first attempt, the first player retrieves all game pieces which did not “void” (if applicable) from a predetermined area around the game (the “fairway”, i.e., about two (2) feet on either side of the game and about nine (9) feet to about eleven (11) feet from the game to the “mound”). 
     All game pieces which successfully land in any of the openings will remain in the “pocket”, i.e., the “pocket” covering the opening from the backside of the target platform. Following the first player, the second player repeats the above and so on and so forth until all players have played the first round. Rounds are repeated until a player successfully “snaps” all game pieces into all openings on the target platform. The winner is whichever player successfully “voids” all six (6) or three (3) openings. Various rules and regulations can be implemented (or not implemented) into the game as described. 
     According to another method of playing the target-based game as shown and described, two or more players may compete against one another by “snapping” game pieces at the target platform when the target platform is configured in a playing position. In a preferred embodiment, each player attempts to secure the highest point value by “snapping” a predetermined number of game pieces at the target platform for a round. In a preferred embodiment for any method of play for any game, a game piece is played by snapping only. That is, a player should not throw, thrust, toss, pitch or flip a game piece but rather should snap the game piece by using the thumb, middle finger and/or index finger. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the variations of games may be played with the target-based game according to embodiments of the invention and all such games are within the scope of the invention. 
     While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention is not to be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.