Patent Publication Number: US-2012043723-A1

Title: Tossing Game

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to games. More particularly, the present invention relates to object tossing games that can be used outdoors. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Numerous outdoor games exist in which the object of the game is to toss an object, such as a ball, a bag filled with beans, sand or corn, or rings, to a particular target, such as a hole, a goal post, or a cone. These games, however, typically do not involve kicking the object toward a target using the player&#39;s foot. Additionally, existing object tossing games do not provide a convenient carrying case for the components of the game, which doubles as the playing surface. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide an object tossing game, which can be used for example outdoors during tailgate parties and backyard barbeques. Specific game embodiments comprise a convenient and portable carrying case for storage of the game pieces, which doubles as the playing surface. In particular embodiments, the game includes saddle-shaped sand bags which can be tossed using a player&#39;s foot and directed toward a game board that includes three scoring sections, two of which are recesses in the game board and the other which is a platform. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  show an embodiment of the target game according to the invention, which includes a carrying case capable of converting to a playing surface. 
         FIG. 2  shows a game embodiment in a portable, closed position. 
         FIGS. 3A-H  are various views of an embodiment of the game shown in different positions for demonstrating an exemplary set up of the game. 
         FIGS. 4A-D  are various views of an embodiment of the game with various components that can be used in the game. 
         FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of the game with sand bags positioned on the playing surface to demonstrate an exemplary method of playing the game. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Configuration and Set up of the Game. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , in embodiments of the invention, the game board  1000  can be constructed in such a way that it has three (3) scoring sections, including two recessed sections  1002 , and a third platform  1004 . The first section  1002  is recessed by two (2) inches with vinyl attached to the bottom. The vinyl (from this point on) will be referred to as the scoring section. The second scoring section  1004  has vinyl attached to the top portion of the game board, thus creating a flush scoring section. Any material can be used that is capable of creating the platform-level scoring section and is not limited to vinyl. The third scoring section  1002  is also recessed two (2) inches with vinyl attached to the bottom of the game board. The third scoring  1002  section is the largest in this embodiment and equals the size of both sections of number one and number two scoring areas. The second and third sections are joined together in a hinge-type manner, preferably using hinges  1003 . In this manner, the sections can be pulled apart for play or folded together for storage. It is noted that the dimensions provided in this disclosure are not intended to be limiting, they merely provide one exemplary configuration for the playing surface of the game according to the invention. 
     There is an attachment  1005  to the game board near the center that pivots above the scoring area. This attachment forms an arch  1005  over the playing surface when installed for play. The arch  1005  can be marked with ‘sacked minus 3 points’ (−3), the significance of which will be explained in more detail below in the scoring section of this disclosure. A board located in the first scoring section, which is two inches wide, can be raised for transport and then folded down for storage when the game board is in a closed position using hinges  1003 . A pivot board  1010  in the third scoring section can be raised for play to help with over kick and pivoted down toward playing surface  1002  in the third scoring section for storage and transport of the game. 
     The game board  1001  is made in two sections that are hinged together with hinges  1003  so that is can be folded for easy transport. The sections of the game board can be fastened together by way of securing straps  1008 , which can be connected and disconnected from posts or other protruding structure in the frame of the board. Optionally, or additionally, hook and loop type closures can be used to secure the game board  1000  in a closed position for transporting and storing components of the game, including the projectiles, kick markers, and rope. A particular component of the game, support  1006  can be stowed for transport then secured to the game board using securing means  1007 , such as a pin and strap. The game board can be conveniently carried using handles  1009 . The measurements of the game board  1000 , when in the open or playing position (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ), are twenty seven (27) inches by forty eight (48) inches. Measurements in the closed position are twenty seven (27) inches by twenty seven (27) inches by four (4) inches. 
     Shown in  FIG. 2 , the game  2000  can be transported using a handle  2009 , which in this embodiment is secured to arch  2005 . The arch  2005  and frame of the game board provide structural support for the carrying case and are preferably comprised of a material that will resist crushing, such as wood or plastic. Components of the game are conveniently stored inside the case and/or secured within the securing straps  2008 , such as the support  2006 , which can be removed and used to support the arch  2005  by way of pins/straps  2007 , as discussed in more detail below. Vinyl panels  2004  can be disposed on the game board to provide walls for the carrying case when closed that double as the playing surface of the game when the game is open, which are lightweight and attractive. 
       FIGS. 3A-H  show an exemplary set up of the game  3000 . The game board  3000  is placed on level playing surface, such as the ground, with latch  3008  facing players and the outside surface of the game  3004  touching the ground. Open latch straps  3008  and tuck under the game board. Next remove the loose board  3006  from game board (it will be marked ‘Blocker’). This component is preferably shaped with a single surface to face the players (see  1006  in  FIG. 1A ) and with a stepped surface facing away from the players (see  1006   FIG. 1B ). With this shape, board  3006  can act as a support for arch  3005  and fit conveniently into the case  3000  for storage in the void  3012 . There are two pins  3007  on opposite sides of arch  3005  holding the arch  3005  together with one section of the game board, which pins are located near the center of board  3000 . Simply pull these pins  3007  out using strap  3009  attached. Strap material can also be used to form handles  3009  for transporting the game case. Next unfold the board  3000 , moving the top section (the top section of the board is the portion of the board comprising Scoring Section Three) forward away from you until it lays flat on the playing surface, such as the ground if outdoors, or the floor if indoors. The bottom section, Scoring Section One  3002  will be closest to the players. During storage, projectiles  3020  and other components such as the measuring rope  2011  and markers  3030  can be placed within the recessed region forming the Scoring Section One  3002 . 
     The board marked “Blocker”  3006  can then be placed near the center of the board with the word Blocker facing the players. Next, raise the arm that forms the arch  3005  above the playing surface. The arch  3005  is preferably attached to board  3000  by way of a mechanism  3013 , such as a pin and hole type mechanism, which allows for pivoting of the arch into place. The arch can then be locked into position using the two pins  3007 , (one on each side) by inserting the pins thru the pivot arms into the ends of board marked Blocker. Now take the latch strap  3014  located on Blocker Board and attach to the hook located in the third scoring section. In embodiments it is preferred that the arch be disposed in a position that leans toward the back of the board and blocker board between the raised arch to provide a game with a high degree of difficulty in the players reaching the Third Scoring Section with the bag. The pivot board  3010  in the third scoring section can be raised for play to help with over kick. The game board is now ready for play. 
       FIGS. 4A-D  show representative game parts or components that can be included with the game  4000 . Components include: two kick point markers  4030  for marking distance; twenty feet of nylon cord with five foot marks visible  4011 , which is protected by hinged member  4014 ; and eight projectile kick bags  4020 , (four each of two different colors). The kick bags  4020  are sewn in such a fashion, that they resemble saddle bags, with no openings. The bags are preferably filled with sand, but any similar acting material can be used such as salt, pebbles, corn, plastic beads, etc. The tossing bag projectiles are typically about twelve inches long by four inches wide, with a width of about ¾ inch. They are sewn or otherwise enclose a weighted material, such as ¾ cup bird seed, in each end of bag. 
     The bags  4020  are preferably made of vinyl, but cloth or leather can also be used. Three seams are sewn down the center section, each about ⅝ inch apart, to separate weighted ends, and to create flat surface to rest on the player&#39;s foot. 
     Instructions for Playing the Game. 
     As demonstrated in  FIG. 5 , an object of the game  5000  can be to kick the bags  5020  into one of the three scoring surfaces  5002 ,  5004  of the game board to score points. Each section of the board is marked with points to be scored in each area, depending on the resting location of the kick bag  5020 . Section one  5002  is one (1) point; Section two  5004  is two (2) points; and Section three  5002  is three (3) points. 
     The player places the kick bag on top of the player&#39;s foot and uses a kicking motion to toss the bag and deliver it toward the playing surface. The suggested distance for beginners is twenty feet from the front of the board. This measurement can be made using the 20-foot cord included and stowed under board  5014  when not in use. Once distance is established, push kick point marker  5030  into ground for kick position. 
     Each player will kick four (4) bags in succession, bags will be left in position until next player kicks their bags. Scores can then be determined for each player. Two or more players can play either as individuals or form teams. Players will predetermine score to be played to before starting game. 
     If the bag lands on the first scoring section (see bag  5020   a ), one point is received, in the second scoring section (see bag  5020   b ), two points are received. If the kick bag lands between the first and second scoring sections (see bag  5020   c ), the side with the most bag touching will determine points received (here, section one). 
     There is a Blocker board  5006  between the second and third scoring sections. If any part of the bag extends over the Blocker board (see bag  5020   d ) no points will be scored with that kick. In order to score on the third scoring section, the kick bag (see bags  5020   e ) must pass under the arch  5005  and land on the scoring surface  5002 . This section allows (3) points. If the kick bag lands on top of the raised arch, a penalty will be assessed and three (3) points deducted from that player&#39;s score (see bag  5020   f ). 
     Optional gaming instructions include that when the bag is kicked and it bounces off the ground before landing on the scoring section, the score can be counted or not, to be predetermined by the players. 
     Once a player or team reaches or surpasses the set score, they will be declared winners, unless there is a tie score. In that situation play will continue until the tie is broken. The player or team with the highest score, either in normal or tie breaker play will then be declared the winner. 
     As players become more familiar with the game, the kicking distance can be increased to create more challenges. 
     The present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments having various features. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the practice of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. One skilled in the art will recognize that these features may be used singularly or in any combination based on the requirements and specifications of a given application or design. The description of the invention provided is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the essence of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention.