Patent Publication Number: US-2018050261-A1

Title: Target game and method of playing a target game

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/713,354 filed 15 May 2015, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/441,029 filed 6 Apr. 2012, now abandoned, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/532,631 filed 9 Sep. 2011; 61/509,736 filed 20 Jul. 2011; and 61/473,453 filed 8 Apr. 2011, which applications are herein expressly incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present teachings generally relate to a target game and a method for playing a target game. More particularly, the present teachings relate to a target game and a method of playing a target game involving a plurality of targets constructed of a flexible, self-supporting material rolled into a generally cylindrical form. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one particular aspect, the present teachings provide a target game including at least one target and at least one projectile. The at least one target is constructed of a flexible and self-supporting material. The at least one target is able to be configured in a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, the at least one target is generally planar. In the second orientation, the at least one target is generally conical. 
     According to another particular aspect, the present teachings provide a method of playing a target game. The method includes providing at least one target in a first orientation. The at least one target is generally planar in the first orientation. The method additionally includes configuring the at least one target to a second orientation. The at least one target is generally cylindrical in the second orientation and has a first diameter. The method further includes attempting to throw a projectile into the at least one target until the projectile is thrown into the target, and determining a player score based on the number of throws needed to get the projectile into the target. 
     In accordance with yet another particular embodiment, the present teachings provide a target game including first, second and third targets. The first, second and third targets are each constructed of a flexible and self-supporting material and are each configurable in a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, each target is generally planar. In the second orientation, each target is concentrically oriented relative to both of the other targets. The target game additionally includes a securing arrangement for securing the first, second and third targets relative to one another in the second orientation. The target game further includes at least one projectile to be received within one of the first, second and third targets. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present teachings will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a target game according to the present teachings. 
         FIG. 2  is perspective view of a plurality of targets in accordance with the present teachings. 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of one of the targets of  FIG. 2 , the target shown in a generally conical configuration. 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of a target in accordance with the present teachings, the target shown in a generally planar configuration. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 3 , illustrating a target in accordance with the present teachings incorporating an alternative arrangement for maintaining the target in the generally conical configuration. 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view similar to  FIG. 4 , illustrating a target in accordance with the present teachings incorporating the alternative arrangement for maintaining the target in the generally conical configuration. 
         FIG. 7  a perspective view of another target arrangement in accordance with the present teachings, the target arrangement illustrated to include first and second concentric tubes. 
         FIG. 8  a perspective view of another target arrangement in accordance with the present teachings, the target arrangement illustrated to include first, second and third concentric tubes. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another target arrangement including first, second and third concentric tubes in accordance with the present teachings. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the target arrangement of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another target arrangement in accordance with the present teachings, the target shown to include a spring element to maintain the target arrangement in an expanded orientation. 
         FIG. 12  is another perspective of the target arrangement of  FIG. 11 , the target arrangement shown in a collapsed orientation. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another target arrangement in accordance with the present teachings. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another target arrangement in accordance with the present teachings. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of another target arrangement in accordance with the present teachings. 
         FIG. 16  is a plan view of the target of  FIG. 15 , the target arrangement shown in a generally planar configuration. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another target arrangement in accordance with the present teachings. 
         FIG. 17A  is a perspective view of another target arrangement in accordance with the present teachings. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another target arrangement including first, second and third concentric tubes in accordance with the present teachings. 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of the target arrangement of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of another target arrangement including first, second and third concentric tubes in accordance with the present teachings. 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of the target arrangement of  FIG. 20 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS ASPECTS 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 through 4  of the drawings, a target game in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character  10 . As illustrated, the target game  10  may generally include one or more targets  12 . The target game  10  may additionally include one or more projectiles  14 . Further, the target game  10  may include a carry bag  16  for transporting the one or more targets  12  and the one or more projectiles  14 . 
     The one or more targets  12  preferably includes a plurality of targets  12  that may be randomly arranged on a generally horizontal surface such as a lawn, a sand beach, water, or the like. Three targets  12  are shown randomly arranged in  FIG. 2 , for example. Insofar as the scope of the present teachings is concerned, the specific number of the targets  12  is immaterial. In this regard, the game  10  may include one target  12  or any number of multiple targets  12 . In one particular application, the game  10  may include nine (9) targets  12 . 
     As will become apparent below, the targets  12  may be configured in a first orientation or generally planar orientation. Additionally, the targets  12  may be configured in a second orientation or generally conical orientation. The first orientation is shown in  FIG. 4 , for example. The second orientation is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , for example. Further, the targets  12  may also be configured in a reduced diameter configuration (shown in  FIG. 1 , for example) for storage and/or transportation. 
     As illustrated throughout the drawings, the targets  12  may be constructed of a flexible material that is self-supporting. As used herein, the term flexible means that the target can be rolled. In certain applications, the targets  12  may be constructed of a substrate suitable for printing. In this manner, the targets  12  may be printed with personal information (e.g., children&#39;s pictures), advertising, team logos, or the like. The present teachings may be readily adapted for fundraisers such as school fundraisers by printing with the school team and/or school colors. The targets  12  may be similarly printed for use at tailgate parties. In this regard, the targets  12  may be printed with graphics that show fan support for a particular college, professional, youth or other team. 
     In one particular application, the targets  12  may be constructed of Vinyl, pvc or any other suitable material. Such material may be self-supporting and is flexible enough to be rolled. Additionally, the material may be readily subject to a printing process. In other applications, the targets  12  may be constructed of a foam, including but not limited to an open celled foam. This type of material may be more buoyant, thereby facilitating use of the game  10  in a pool, lake or other body of water. 
     As illustrated, the individual targets  12  of the plurality of targets may be generally uniform in size and shape. Alternatively, however, the game  10  may include various targets of different sizes and shapes. It will be understood that both the size and shape of the targets  12  may be modified within the scope of the present teachings. 
     With specific reference to  FIG. 4 , on of the targets  12  is shown in the first orientation. In this orientation, the target  12  is generally planar. In a generally planar orientation, the target  12  may easily be subject to a printing process. It may also be desirable to store the targets  12  in such a first orientation. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 3 , one of the targets  12  is shown in the second orientation. In the second orientation, the target  12  is generally conical. The free ends of the targets  12  may be fastened to maintain the conical shape. 
     The targets  12  may include a fastening arrangement for securing the target  12  in the second orientation. In one particular application, the fastening arrangement may include a hooked material  18  and a looped material  20 . Such material is commercially available under the trademark Velcro®. As shown in  FIG. 4 , one end of the target  12  may include the hooked material  18 . The other end of the target  12  may include the looped material  20 . 
     The targets  12  have a height H, a length L and a full diameter D when fastened in the conical orientation with the fastening arrangement. The height H is significantly greater that the thickness. In one application, the height H may be approximately 13 inches and the length L may be about 47 inches. In this particular application, the full diameter D may be about 15 inches. The thickness may be about 0.25 inches. The particular dimensions herein identified are intended to describe exemplary embodiments and not intended to restrict the scope of the present teachings. 
     As described herein, the targets  12  are generally conical in shape. It will be understood, however, that the targets  12  may be square, rectangular or any other suitable shape and remain within the scope of the present teachings. Additionally, the targets  12  may be constructed in a such a manner that they are collapsible. Furthermore, the substrate used for the targets  12  may include a plurality of holes or areas of mesh that allow the passage of wind and increase outdoor stability of the targets  12 . 
     The at least one projectile preferably includes a plurality of projectiles  14 . The projectiles  14  may basically be any type of ball, bean filled bag or the like. The only requirement of the projectile  14  is that is has a diameter less than the full diameter D of the target  12  such that is can be thrown into the target  12 . In the embodiment illustrated, all the projectiles  14  are generally the same. In alternative applications, however, various projectiles  14  may be provided within the scope of the present teachings. Different projectiles may be used for purposes of handicapping play of the target game  10 , for example. In this regard, a small child may use a small projectile similar in shape to a golf ball and sufficiently weighted such that it may be easily thrown and an adult may use a projectile similar in size and weight to a beach ball that may be more difficult to throw and more difficult to fit within the target  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the plurality of targets  12  may be stacked and collectively rolled. Upon collective rolling, the plurality of targets  12  may have a reduced diameter D′. The reduced diameter D′ is smaller than the full diameter D and in certain applications may be approximately  7  inches. 
     The carry bag  16  may be sized to receive the plurality of rolled targets  12 . In this regard, the carry bag  16  may have an upper opening  20  that is normally greater in size that reduced diameter D′. The size of the upper opening  20  can be reduced or completely closed by a drawstring  22  secured with a clip  24 . The carry bag  16  may configured to include tote straps  26  for carrying over the shoulder or on the back. Alternatively, the carry bag  16  may have any other type of handle. At least a lower portion of the carry bag  16  may be constructed of a mesh material that allows sand and moisture to drain from the inside of the carry bag. 
     Various games may be played with the target game  10 . In one particular application, a game may be played similar to golf. The targets  12  may be randomly placed. Targets  12  may be played at various distances and near various obstacles (trees, water hazards, and the like). The number of different challenges available is only limited by the players&#39; imaginations. The players may alternatively or simultaneously throw their projectile  14  at a target  12 . Score can be kept based on the number of throws it takes for a player to get his or her projectile in a particular target  12 . Like golf, the lower score is better. Scores can be added for multiple targets  12 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , another target in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character  112 . The target  112  is identical to the target  12  described above except that an alternative fastening arrangement is incorporated. In this embodiment, one end of the target  112  carries one or more tabs  114  and the other end of the target  112  carries a corresponding number of slots  116  for receiving the tabs and thereby securing the target  12  in the generally conical orientation. While not illustrated, it will be understood that the targets  12  may be constructed to include an additional corresponding number of slots  116  spaced from the end of the target  112 . In this manner, the tabs  114  may alternatively engage this second corresponding number of slots  116  to define a target  112  having a reduced diameter. It will be understood that any fastening arrangement may be incorporated within the scope of the present teachings. 
     In addition to the above, the targets  12  may be die to have various shapes. For example, the targets  12  may be cut in the shape of a fish. The targets  12  may alternatively be used to practice casting for fishing and for playing related games. In addition to fishing lures (without hooks), balls and bean filled bags, other types of projectiles may also be employed. 
     Still yet further to the above, in certain applications the targets  12  may be constructed of a rigid or substantially rigid material. In this regard, it is important that the targets  12  may be configured in a first orientation and a second orientation. The rigid or substantially rigid material may be folded rather than rolled. The geometry may be square, triangular or of any other suitable shape. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , another target arrangement in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and identified at reference character  112 . In certain applications, it may be desirable to provide a target arrangement that includes two or more nested targets. The target arrangement  112  is illustrated to include first and second nested targets  114  and  116 . Target  114  has a smaller diameter may be placed within target  116 . Different point values may be assigned to throws landing within the two particular targets  114  and  116 . As illustrated, the nested targets  114  and  116  may have different heights. In this regard, the inner target  114  may have a smaller height. Alternatively, the inner target  114  may have a greater height or a common height as compared to the outer target  16 . 
     The nested targets  114  and  116  may be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to the materials identified herein with respect to the various other embodiments. Each of the nested targets  114  and  116  may be constructed of a planar material that can be configured into a cylinder and suitably secured. Alternatively, each of the nested targets  114  and  116  may be constructed of a material, such as foam, that may be flattened. In the embodiment illustrated, target  114  is simply placed within target  116 . In other applications, it may be desirable to fix target  114  relative to target  116 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , another target arrangement in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and identified at reference character  212 . The target arrangement  112  is illustrated to include first, second and third nested targets  214 ,  216  and  218 . Target  214  has the smallest diameter may be placed within target  216 . Target  216  has a diameter smaller than target  218  and may be placed within target  218 . As discussed above, different point values may be assigned to throws landing within the two particular targets  114  and  116 . The nested targets  214 ,  216  and  218  may have common heights. Alternatively, the nested targets  214 ,  216  and  218  may have different heights. The nested targets  214 ,  216  and  218  may be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to the materials identified herein with respect to the various other embodiments. Each of the nested targets  214 ,  216  and  218  may be constructed of a planar material that can be configured into a cylinder and suitably secured. Alternatively, each of the nested targets  214 ,  216  and  218  may be constructed of a material, such as foam, that may be flattened. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , another target arrangement in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and identified at reference character  312 . The target arrangement  312  may include a plurality of concentric tubes or nested targets. In the embodiment illustrated, the target arrangement  312  is illustrated to include first, second and third concentric tubes or nested targets  314 ,  316  and  318 . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the target arrangement  312  may include a greater or lesser number of nested targets within the scope of the present teachings. 
     The nested targets  314 ,  316  and  318  may be fixed relative to one another. As illustrated, the target arrangement  312  may additionally include one or more nylon cords  320  or other members for securing the nested targets  314 ,  316  and  318  relative to one another. The nylon cords  320  may both bisect each of the nested targets  314 ,  316  and  318  and be arranged relative to one another so as to form an “X”. Each cord  320  may pass through holes in the nested targets  314 ,  316  and  318  and secured with enlarged heads  322  at opposite ends of the cords  320 . The heads  322  may be larger than the holes in the nested targets  314 ,  316  and  318  and may be positioned on the outside of the outermost target  318 . 
     The nested targets  314 ,  316  and  318  may have different heights. In this regard, the innermost target  314  may have the greatest height and the outermost target  318  may have the smallest height. Alternatively, the innermost target  314  may have smallest height and the outermost target  318  may have the greatest height. Still alternatively, each of the targets  314 ,  316  and  318  may have common heights. 
     The nested targets  314 ,  316  and  318  may be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to the materials identified herein with respect to the various other embodiments. Each of the nested targets  314 ,  316  and  318  may be constructed of a planar material that can be configured into a cylinder and suitably secured. Alternatively, each of the nested targets  314 ,  316  and  318  may be constructed of a material, such as foam, that may be flattened. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , another target arrangement in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and identified at reference character  412 . The target arrangement  412  is illustrated to generally include a sleeve  414  and a biasing member  416  for maintaining the sleeve in an expanded orientation. The expanded orientation is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . A collapsed orientation is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
     As illustrated, the biasing member is a coil spring  416 . The sleeve  414  may surround the coil spring  416 . The sleeve  414  may be constructed of a plastic material, a cloth material, or any other suitable material well known in the art. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , two more target arrangements in accordance with the present teachings are illustrated. The target arrangements, which are identified at reference characters  512  and  612  may be die cut from a planar material. The die cuts may define decorative shapes. For example, the embodiment of  FIG. 13  is die cut such that an upper edge represents two fish  514 . Additionally, the die cuts may define decorative patterns. The embodiment of  FIG. 14  provides a representative pattern that includes a plurality of circular openings  614 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , another target arrangement in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and identified at reference character  712 . As with the embodiments discussed above, the target arrangement  712  may be configured in both a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, the target arrangement  712  is generally planar. In the second orientation, the target arrangement is generally conical. 
     It will be understood that the embodiment of  FIGS. 15 and 16  is similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  described above. For this reason, like reference characters may be used to identify similar features between the two embodiments. The target arrangement  712  differs in that it may incorporate a foam strip  714 . The foam strip  714  may provide additional buoyancy for application in which the target arrangement  712  is used in the water. The foam strip  714  may be adhesively or otherwise suitable secured to target arrangement  712  and may substantially run the entire length of the target arrangement  712 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 17 , another target arrangement in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character  812 . In this embodiment, the target arrangement  812  is constructed of foam. For example, the target arrangement  812  may be constructed of a closed cell foam. 
     As with the embodiments discussed above, the target arrangement  812  may be configured in both a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, the target arrangement  812  is generally planar. In the second orientation, the target arrangement is generally conical. The target arrangement  812  may be flatted from the first orientation to the second orientation under a weight. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 17A , another target arrangement in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character  850 . In this embodiment, the target arrangement  850  is inflatable. The target arrangement  850  may be constructed of a plastic material. 
     As with the embodiments discussed above, the target arrangement  850  may be configured in both a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, the target arrangement  850  may be generally planar (e.g., flattened). In the second orientation, the target arrangement is generally conical. The target arrangement  850  is illustrated to include a nipple for introducing a source of air in a conventional manner. For example, air can be blown into the target arrangement  850 . In other applications, air may be pumped into the target arrangement  850 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , another embodiment of a target arrangement is illustrated and identified at reference character  912 . The target arrangement  912  shares various features in common with previously described embodiments. For this reason similar features are identified with common reference characters. 
     The target arrangement  912  is most similar to the target arrangement  312 . The target arrangement  912  additionally incorporates a plurality of buoyant members  914 . The buoyant members  914  may aid the target arrangement in floating for use in the water. In the embodiment illustrated, the target arrangement  912  includes four buoyant members  914 . It will be understood, however, that the target arrangement  912  may include a greater or lesser number of buoyant members  914  within the scope of the present teachings. 
     As discussed above, the buoyant members  914  may be generally cylindrical in shape. The buoyant members  914  may be constructed of foam or other suitable material and may define central openings for receiving one of the tubular members  952 . As shown, the buoyant members  914  may be disposed between the outermost target  318  and the middle target  316 . While the buoyant members may be alternatively located between the innermost target  314  and the middle target  316 , the prior described location is generally preferred given the increased stability provided. The buoyant members may include apertures to accommodate the tubular members  952 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 20 and 21  another embodiment of a target arrangement is illustrated and identified at reference character  950 . The target arrangement  950  shares various features in common with previously described embodiments. For this reason similar features are identified with common reference characters. 
     The target arrangement  950  is most similar to the target arrangement  912 . The target arrangement  950  differs from the target arrangement  912  by incorporating a plurality of tubular members  952  in place of the nylon cords  320 . As above, buoyant members  914  may aid the target arrangement  950  in floating for use in the water. In the embodiment illustrated, the target arrangement  950  includes four buoyant members  914 . It will be understood, however, that the target arrangement  950  may include a greater or lesser number of buoyant members  914  within the scope of the present teachings. 
     In the embodiment illustrated, the tubular members may by PVC pipes  952 . The tubular members  952  may be hollow and may have an outer diameter of approximately  0 . 50  inches. As illustrated, the tubular members  952  may be four in number and may be joined by a connecter  954 . A greater or lesser number of tubular members may be incorporated within the scope of the present teachings. 
     The connector  954  may similarly be conducted of PVC. The connector  954  may define a plurality of female receptacles receiving ends of the tubular members  952 . The ends of the tubular members  952  may be press-fit into the connector  954  or otherwise suitable attached. 
     The tubular members  952  may pass through openings in the targets  314 ,  316 ,  318 . A free end of each tubular member  952  may exit the outermost target  318 . The free ends may each receive a cap  956  for retention purposes. The caps  956  may be constructed of plastic, rubber or other suitable material. In the embodiment illustrated, the caps  956  are press-fit on the free ends of the tubular member  952 . The caps  956  may be alternatively secured to the ends in any manner well known in the art. 
     It will now be clearly understood that the various embodiments of the present teachings provide target that may be configured in a first orientation or generally planar orientation. Additionally, the target  12  may be configured in a second orientation or generally conical orientation. 
     The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary arrangements of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.