Patent Publication Number: US-2023133961-A1

Title: Portable throwing game assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claim priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63/274,144, filed Nov. 1, 2021, titled “Portable Throwing Game Assembly,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Field 
     The present invention relates generally to assemblies for use in games, and more specifically to a portable throwing game assembly which is configured to allow two or more users to utilize a variety of methods for playing easy-to-learn throwing games. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred and alternate embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    shows an upper perspective view of an embodiment of a portable throwing game assembly; 
         FIG.  2    shows a further upper perspective of an embodiment of a portable throwing game assembly as depicted in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    shows a further upper perspective of an embodiment of a portable throwing game assembly as depicted in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    shows a bottom perspective of an embodiment of a portable throwing game assembly as depicted in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    shows an exploded view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    shows a further exploded view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7    shows a bottom view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , said assembly being shown with retracted legs; 
         FIG.  8    shows a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , said assembly being shown with retracted legs; 
         FIG.  9    shows a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , said assembly being shown with legs in the process of being extended; 
         FIG.  10    shows a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , said assembly being shown with legs extended; 
         FIG.  11    shows an upper perspective view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , said assembly being shown with legs extended; 
         FIG.  12    shows perspective views of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , illustrating how one or more embodiments of throwing objects may be configured for storage and shipping within said game assembly; and 
         FIG.  13    shows an upper perspective views of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , and further depicting perspective views of embodiments of throwing objects used in connection with the portable throwing game; 
         FIG.  14    shows a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , said assembly being shown with legs extended; 
         FIG.  15    shows a bottom view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , said assembly being shown with legs extended; 
         FIG.  16    shows a bottom view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , said assembly being shown with legs retracted; 
         FIG.  17    shows an upper perspective view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , said assembly being shown with legs extended; 
         FIG.  18    shows a front view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , said assembly being shown with legs extended; 
         FIG.  19    shows a rear view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , said assembly being shown with legs extended; 
         FIG.  20    shows a left-side view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , said assembly being shown with legs extended; 
         FIG.  21    shows a right-side view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , said assembly being shown with legs extended; 
         FIG.  22    shows a top view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , said assembly being shown with legs extended; 
         FIG.  23    shows a bottom view of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , said assembly being shown with legs extended; and 
         FIG.  24    shows a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   ; and 
     
    
    
     The above figures are provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended to define the limits of the disclosed invention. Use of the same reference number in multiple figures is intended to designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, if and when the terms “top,” “bottom,” “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower,” “height,” “width,” “length,” “end,” “side,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawing and are utilized only to facilitate describing the particular embodiment. The extension of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Several exemplary embodiments of the invention(s) will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention(s) illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein. The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of exemplary embodiments. The scope of the invention(s) should be determined with reference to the claims. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of device structures, methods of use of the devices, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention(s). One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention(s). 
     A novel portable throwing game assembly for use in playing novel throwing games is disclosed herein. It should be noted that while the exemplary embodiments of the inventions as described herein are associated with methods for playing various throwing games intended to be played by two or more persons, the same principles discussed herein could be implemented in connection with methods of game play that may include a solitary user. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , upper perspective, top, and bottom views of an embodiment of a portable throwing game assembly are shown. In one embodiment, an aspect of the throwing game assembly includes a game body ( 102 ) comprising an upper game body ( 104 ) and a lower game body ( 108 ). The upper game body has a substantially planar top surface that is substantially rectangular in shape (the top surface may have other shapes in alternate embodiments). In one embodiment, the upper game board is eighteen (18) inches wide eighteen (18) inches long. In one embodiment, the game assembly, when in a raised deployed state, is eighteen (18) inches in height. It is contemplated that alternate embodiments of the game assembly may have various dimensions and various proportions. It is also contemplated that alternate embodiments of the upper game body may have other shapes, and may include 2D graphics applied, drawn, painted, etc. to the top surface (for example, illustrating the contours of an island as depicted in  FIG.  1   ), 3D shapes and contours formed on the top surface of the upper game body. In one embodiment, a center aperture ( 106 ) having a circular shaped opening may be displayed at the center of the upper game body ( 104 ). In one embodiment, the center aperture may have a diameter of six (6) inches, although such aperture may have other dimensions and shapes in alternate embodiments of the game assembly. More than one aperture may be formed on the top surface of the upper game body in alternate embodiments. Further, the center aperture may, in alternative embodiments, have one or more non-circular shaped openings, and may be formed elsewhere on the upper game body other than the center of the top surface of the upper game body. In at least one embodiment of game play, methods for game play may include users scoring points by attempting to throw one or more throwing objects (for example, balls and/or bags) through the center aperture(s). In one embodiment, a 2D image ( 114 ) of an island is applied/displayed on the top surface of the upper game body ( 104 ), said image having colored contours that may be utilized in some methods of game play. Further, other types of 2D images, 3D geometric shapes, text, and/or one or more light sources (such as light emitting diodes) may be displayed on the upper game body for ornamental purposes and/or to be utilized during game play. 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the lower game body ( 108 ) in one embodiment is attached to the upper game body via a plurality of cylindrical protrusions (see  FIG.  1    at  126 ) formed on the underside surface of the upper game body, and configured to mate with correspondingly shaped and sized holes (not shown) formed in the lower game body. In alternate embodiments, the game body may be constructed as an integral unit, or other means may be utilized to attach/fasten the upper game body to the lower game body. The lower game body includes one or more lateral apertures/slots ( 110 ) formed on its sides to serve as handles so that users may more easily transport and position the game assembly. The lower game body extends downward from the upper game body. In one embodiment, the top surface of the upper game body overhangs the lower game body. With reference to the bottom view ( 120 ) of the game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , the lower game body has a bottom surface ( 116 ) having partitioned recesses (see  FIG.  2    at  130 ) formed therein, said partitioned recesses being sized and shaped to receive foldable legs ( 112 ) rotatably attached to the game body. As described in further detail below, the foldable legs of the game assembly are configured to transition from an extended deployed state when the game assembly is in use, to a retracted folded compact state when the game is not in use for purposes of storage or transport of the game assembly. This capability of the legs of the game assembly to fold into partitioned recesses formed underneath the upper game body makes the overall game assembly more compact for store and transportation purposes, which constitutes an advantage over prior art game assemblies. In one embodiment, cross members ( 118 ) connect adjacent legs, providing for enhanced structural rigidity of the legs, and providing a handhold for users to pull on the legs when in a retracted folded state. 
     In one embodiment, a portable throwing game assembly for use in ball throwing game is disclosed herein, the portable throwing game assembly comprising an upper game body having a substantially flat top surface, said top surface having at least one aperture formed through said top surface; a lower game body attached to said upper game body, said lower game body having a first handle slot and a second handle slot formed on thereon; a first pair of legs retractably coupled to said lower game body; and a second pair of legs retractably coupled to said lower game body. Further disclosed is a first paid of recesses that are formed on an underside of said lower game body, a second pair of recesses are formed on an underside of said lower game body, said first pair of recesses being configured to receive said first pair of legs, said second pair of recesses being configured to receive said second pair of legs. Further disclosed is a first plurality of lateral holes are formed on the sides of said lower game body, corresponding to, and intended to align with, a second plurality of lateral holes formed on upper portions of said first pair of legs and said second pair of legs. In some embodiments a two-dimensional graphic indicating contours is applied to said top surface of said upper game body around said aperture. In some embodiments, respective bottom sides of a first foot and second foot of said first pair of legs have a respective channel formed thereon. In some embodiments, respective bottom sides of a third foot and fourth foot of said second pair of legs have protrusions formed thereon configured to mate with said respective channels formed on said respective bottom sides of said first foot and second foot (see  FIGS.  14  and  15    at  140 ,  142 ). 
     While the embodiments of the game assembly depicted herein are constructed of rigid polymer materials, it is contemplated that alternate embodiments of the portable game assembly (or components thereof) may be constructed of other materials such as wood, metals, alloys, carbon fiber, and other materials having sufficient rigidity/durability to withstand prolonged gameplay, and having sufficient corrosion resistance properties for use in an outside environment. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  5 - 6   , exploded and top views ( 128 ) of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly ( 101 ) depicted in  FIG.  1    are shown. In one embodiment, a plurality of lateral holes are formed on the sides of the lower game body, corresponding to, and intended to align with, lateral holes ( 124 ) formed on the upper portions of the legs ( 112 ). Dowel pins ( 122 ) are configured to be inserted into the aligned holes formed on the upper game body and legs to permit such legs to rotatably attach with respect to the lower game body. When connecting the legs and lower game body, the dowel pins allow the legs ( 112 ) to extend outward when the game assembly is in a raised deployed state for game play, and also allows the legs to retract inwardly within the partitioned recesses ( 130 ) of the lower game body for compact storage and transport. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  7 - 11   , upper perspective and bottom views of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly ( 101 ) depicted in  FIG.  1    are shown. In a retracted state for storage and transportation purposes, the legs ( 112 ) of the game assembly are folded into the partitioned recesses of the underside ( 116 ) of the lower game body. When ready for use, the legs may be extended (pulled) outward from the lower game body. The crossmembers ( 118 ) between the legs ( 112 ) may be grasped by a user to more easily extend the legs. The legs may be extended until such legs abut the respective side of the lower game body, which serves to halt any further rotational extension of the legs. When the legs of the game assembly are extended, the game assembly may be flipped over to rest on the ground or other playing surface. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  12   , shown are perspective views of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly depicted in  FIG.  1   , illustrating how one or more embodiments of throwing objects ( 132 ) may in one embodiment be configured for storage and shipping within said game assembly. In one embodiment, packing materials ( 134 ) such as high-density foam may be configured to wrap over the ends of the game assembly, in a retracted compact state, for shipping and storage purposes. One or more throwing objects ( 132 ) may be shaped and sized for insertion into one or more of the partitioned recesses of the lower game body as depicted in  FIG.  12   . Embodiments of throwing objects ( 132 ) for use in conjunction with the throwing game assembly are shown. In one embodiment, the throwing objects ( 132  are spherically shaped balls. However, is contemplated that alternate embodiments of throwing objects may have different shapes (for example, see bag shaped throwing objects depicted in  FIG.  13    at  132 ), and may be constructed of various soft or hard materials. Ideally, the throwing objects are constructed of a soft deformable material, such as a bean bag, to reduce the ability of the throwing object to bounce. However, alternate embodiments of the throwing objects may be constructed of less deformable materials to allow the throwing objects to bounce during game play. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  13 - 16   , further upper perspective and bottom views of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly ( 101 ) depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 4    are shown. In one embodiment, the legs of the game assembly may include feet having lower bodies wider than the width of the legs to enhance the stability of the game assembly when in a raised deployed state ready for game play. In one embodiment, as depicted in  FIGS.  14  and  15   , a channel ( 140 ) may be formed on the bottom of the feet of one pair of legs, and a protrusion ( 142 ) sized and shaped to mate with a corresponding channel when the pair of legs are folded inward, are formed on the bottoms of the feet of the other pair of legs. This utilization of channels and protrusions formed on the respective bottoms of the feet of the pairs of legs allows for more compact storage and transportation of the portable throwing game assembly. The game assembly and the throwing objects ( 132 ) may be colored in various ways for both ornamental purposes, and also for purposes of facilitating game play. For example, a first set of throwing objects may have an exterior surface having a first color, and a second set of throwing objects may have an exterior surface having a second color. Such coloring of throwing objects assists users in recognizing the particular set of throwing objects which have been assigned to them for game play. In one embodiment, game methods similar to cornhole may be utilized by users during game play in connection with the throwing game assembly described herein. However, it is contemplated that various other methods for playing throwing games in conjunction with the game assembly may be equally utilized. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  17 - 23   , shown is a perspective view ( FIG.  17   ), front view ( FIG.  18   ), rear view ( FIG.  19   ), left-side view ( FIG.  20   ), right-side view ( FIG.  21   ), top view ( FIG.  22   ), and bottom view ( FIG.  23   ) of the embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly ( 101 ) depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 4   . With reference to  FIG.  23   , it should be noted that while the bottom surface of the upper game body has in one embodiment hexagonal shapes ( 2300 ) formed thereon. With reference to  FIG.  24   , a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of the portable throwing game assembly, the bottom surface of the upper game body may have other shapes formed thereon, or no shapes at all (see  FIG.  24   , depicting hexagonal shapes in broken lines to indicate that such shapes may be absent in some embodiments). 
     The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.