Patent Publication Number: US-7905489-B2

Title: Portable gaming system and related methods

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/835,196 filed Aug. 3, 2006. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a system and methods for facilitating entertainment. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a system, certain embodiments of which include easy to transport and to assemble components and, when assembled, provide a portable apparatus which a human can engage in horseshoe gaming. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Horseshoes is an outdoor game played between two people (or two teams of two people) using four horseshoes and two stakes. The game is played by the players alternating turns tossing horseshoes at stakes in the ground that are positioned at a pre-determined distance apart, traditionally 40 feet apart. Modern games use a more stylized U-shaped bar, about twice the size of an actual horseshoe. 
     In some installations, U-shaped boxes or frames extend around the stake forming a pit, or court. In some installations, clay or sand surround the stake to prevent holes or divots in the area around the stakes. 
     The National Horseshoe Pitchers Association of America (NHPA) is the recognized governing body of the official sport of horseshoe pitching and maintains an up-to-date set of rules, which include guidelines and specifications for the game. The NHPA rules are widely accepted as being the official way to play the game, although it should be recognized that the NHPA rules are not always followed and are sometimes modified, as well as players making their own rules known as “house rules”. 
     According to the NHPA, specifications for a horseshoe game include positioning stakes 40 feet apart. The stakes, one inch (1″) in diameter, are placed such that fourteen inches (14″) remain above the floor and are positioned at an angle of about twelve degrees (12°) so each leans toward the opposite stake. The maximum pit dimensions are thirty six inches (36″) by seventy two inches (72″), although the pit dimensions may be reduced to as little as thirty one inches (31″) by forty three inches (43″), most likely to minimize the amount of pit fill material to maintain. Pit fill material typically includes clay or sand. 
     The horseshoe weight is typically not more than two pounds, ten ounces and cannot exceed seven and one-quarter inches (7¼″) in width or seven and five-eighths inches (7⅝″) in length. The opening of the shoe must not exceed three and one-half inches (3½″). 
     There are portable horseshoe pits, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,702 that have an attachable stake, and some provide artificial surfaces such as rubber while others, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,340, have provided flexible support springs, while others, such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,547,442 provide a mat centered between side walls and a stake projecting through the center of the mat with the lower end of the stake being fastened to a support, which lies beneath the mat. 
     While the prior art inventions have proved somewhat satisfactory, there are disadvantages that are overcome by the present invention, such as quickly and easily assembling the system, and a compact configuration when not in use for ease of traveling. 
     A demand therefore exists for a system and methods, embodiments of the apparatus of which are formed from lightweight, easy to transport components that can be quickly joined together without the need for tools and, when fully assembled, provide a stable system for play of a game of horseshoes. The present invention satisfies the demand. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a portable gaming system and methods, certain embodiments of which may be easily assembled from lightweight and easy to transport components and, when assembled, provides a stable system for play of a game of horseshoes. It is also contemplated the present invention is applicable to similar horseshoe-type games, such as quoits. Quoits involves the throwing of a metal or rubber ring over a set distance to land over a pin in the centre of a patch of clay. 
     For purposes of this application, the person using the portable gaming system will be termed “player” herein. Also, for purposes of this application, the surface on which the portable gaming system is placed will be termed “floor” even though the system can be used and the methods conducted in a wide variety of interior spaces—including buildings—and exterior spaces—including a lawn area or a garden area, a playground, a patio, driveway, or other hard surfaces—and even in and on non-fixed structures—such as a boat and on its deck or other area of the vessel. 
     The system of the present invention is directed to an apparatus that includes a frame element, a vertical element and a cushion element. Certain preferred embodiments of the frame element include a first side component, a second side component and a rear side component that can further be joinable by connecting components. The frame element is erected, or assembled, to form a U-shaped configuration defining an interior space and an exterior space. It is also contemplated the frame element further includes a front side component to form a square or rectangular shaped configuration. The side components are about four feet (4′) feet long, but any length is contemplated. Likewise, any width and height of the side components are contemplated. 
     According to the present invention, the horseshoe gaming system includes two frame elements, although is contemplated that the court of the present invention comprises one frame element for solitary play. 
     The side components of the frame element can be constructed from a lightweight material that is durable to withstand impact from an incoming horseshoe without damaging the components of the system. For example, the frame element can be constructed from wood, rubber, plastic or polymers such as polychloroethene (PVC), polyethylene, or polypropylene, and even lightweight iron or steel, either painted, brushed, coated, or stainless. 
     The connecting components to unify the side components may be releasable or fixed. Fixed connecting components, such as a hinge, allow the side components to be maneuverable, such as foldable, from a collapsed state to an erected state. Releasable connecting components, such as a tongue and groove connection, snap-fit engagement, pressure fit attachment, pin or screw, magnets, zippers, tie-down straps, Velcro®, buttons, and even reusable double-sided adhesive allow the side components to be assembled into an erected state. Once assembled, the frame element maintains a U-shaped configuration with no give or play in any direction. 
     Other embodiments of the side components include attachment components. The side components include inside faces and outside faces and the attachment components are positioned on the inside faces of the side components for releasable attachment to the cushion element. The attachment components can be placed on the side components, for example by insert molding, adhesive, heat welding, or snap-fit engagement. 
     Certain preferred embodiments of the frame element include a stabilizing component positioned on the bottom face of the side components. The stabilizing component, such as suction or vacuum cups, spikes, tacks, claws, or rubber feet secures the frame element to the floor, even in wet conditions. It is further contemplated the stabilizing component can be maneuverable, such as foldable, from a collapsed state to an erected state. For example, the stabilizing component can be positioned in a recessed portion in the collapsed state, such that the player “pops” the stabilizing component to erect it from the recessed portion by using a finger. Once assembled, the frame element is stable such that there is no give or play in any direction and the frame element maintains a U-shaped configuration. 
     Certain preferred embodiments of the vertical element include a stake component that can simply be inserted into the floor. Other preferred embodiments of the vertical element include a stake component and a base component that is hingedly connected such that stake component can be maneuverable, such as foldable, from a collapsed state to an erected state. For example, the stake component can be positioned in a recessed portion located on the base component, such that the player “pops” the stake component to erect it from the recessed portion by using a finger. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the vertical element includes a base component with a reception component such that the stake component is releasably received, such as in slidable engagement or screwable engagement, with the reception component providing stable support therefore. One embodiment of the reception component is a flush reception aperture generally not raised above the top surface of the base component and is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the stake component. Another embodiment of the reception component includes a raised reception aperture extending above the top surface of the base component in or on which the stake component may be received. 
     The vertical element can be constructed from a lightweight material that is durable to withstand impact from a horseshoe without damaging the components of the system. For example, the frame element can be constructed from wood, rubber, plastic or polymers such as polychloroethene (PVC), polyethylene, or polypropylene, and even lightweight iron or steel, either painted, brushed, coated, or stainless. 
     The vertical element is positioned within said interior space of the U-shaped configuration of an erected, or assembled, frame element. The stake component of the vertical element can be angled, such as twelve degrees (12°) toward the opposite frame element. 
     Other embodiments of the vertical element include an anchoring component on the bottom surface of the base component. The anchoring component, such as suction or vacuum cups, spikes, tacks, claws, or rubber feet, secures the vertical element to the floor, even in wet conditions. Once assembled, the vertical element is stable such that there is no give or play in any direction and withstands impact from an incoming horseshoe. 
     The cushion element simulates pit fill material, for example clay or sand, and absorbs shock of an incoming horseshoe. Certain preferred embodiments of the cushion element are a uniform piece of material, such as memory foam. Other preferred embodiments of the cushion element include a casing component and a fill component. The casing component can be made of any durable material such as nylon, tyvex, rubber, polyester or burlap. The fill component can be, for example, dirt, sand, clay, mineral combination, polyurethane combination or memory foam, and is positioned within the casing component. 
     It is contemplated the fill component is of any configuration, such as a unitary piece or a plurality of pieces, for example, strips, pellets, diced or cubed pieces. 
     It is further contemplated the cushion element includes a plurality of individual pockets such that the fill component does not fall into a large mound at the bottom of the casing component when picked up for transport. Individual pockets further allows for compactness, i.e., rolled for easy transport. Upon positioning the fill component within the casing component, the casing component is sealed to confine the fill component. The filled casing component can be sealed in any variety of methods, for example, sewn, heat welded, zipper, snaps, buttons, or Velcro®. 
     Other embodiments of the cushion element include a securing component positioned on a perimeter edge. The securing component can be placed on the perimeter edge, for example by sewing, adhesive, heat welding, or snap-fit engagement. 
     The securing component releasable connects to the attachment component on the inside faces of the frame element to stabilize the cushion element and prevent it from shifting during play of the game. The securing component of the cushion element and the attachment component of the frame element releasable connect, such that the securing component and attachment component can be in a male-female configuration such as a tongue and groove connection, snap-fit engagement, pressure fit attachment, hook and ring, buttons, magnets, zippers, Velcro® and even reusable double-sided adhesive. 
     Other embodiments of the cushion element further include a receiving aperture to account for the vertical element such that the vertical element protrudes outside the cushion element. The receiving aperture can be any configuration, such as a hole or a slit that extends toward the center of the cushion element from the perimeter edge. In one embodiment, the receiving aperture is located about the center of the cushion element. 
     The cushion element can be of any thickness or configuration and it is further contemplated a plurality of cushion elements can be used, either by stacking them upon one another or releasable connecting one to each side component, and even joining the plurality of cushion elements to each other. 
     It is further contemplated the present invention includes a pitching platform component. The pitching platform component is positioned next to the frame element and provides a stable surface from which a player throws the horseshoe. 
     The present invention contemplates the use of standard steel horseshoes, but in different situations, for example tailgating or when children are present, a safer alternative can be used, such as a solid rubber horseshoe or rubber coated horseshoe. 
     It is preferred that the materials from which the system elements and components are made are relatively easy to clean after use and resistant to rusting even when used in outdoor locations. 
     One advantage of the present invention is that the system may be assembled from components that are lightweight, compact, and sized and shaped such that they are easy to package and easy to transport. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that components are sized and shaped and structured so that one person can join them to form desired configurations of the system without the need for tools. 
     An added advantage of the present invention is that the system can be easily disassembled and stored in a relatively small space when not in use. The present invention could further include a case for carrying all the disassembled components. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the system, when in use, equates to a game played on a permanently erected court. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the system is inexpensive to manufacture. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved portable horseshoe game that is compact and can quickly be erected or collapsed for transportation. 
     Another advantage of the present in invention is to prevent damage to the floor, or surface on which the portable gaming system is placed. 
     It will of course be understood that the aspects and objectives of the invention are various, and need not be all present in any given embodiment of the invention. The features, advantages and accomplishments of the invention will be further appreciated and understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention, taken in conjunction with the drawings, which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembled portable gaming system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a frame element according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a frame element according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a vertical element according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a vertical element according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cushion element according to the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a cushion element according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a portable gaming system and methods, certain embodiments of which may be easily assembled from lightweight and easy to transport components and, when assembled, provides a stable system for play of a game of horseshoes. It is also contemplated the present invention is applicable to similar horseshoe-type games, such as quoits. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the present invention is directed to a system  100  that includes a frame element  200 , a vertical element  300  and a cushion element  400 . Certain preferred embodiments of the frame element  200  include a first side component  210 , a second side component  220  and a rear side component  230  that can further be joinable by connecting components  250 . The frame element  200  is erected, or assembled, to form a U-shaped configuration as shown in  FIG. 1  defining an interior space  280  and an exterior space  290 . The side components  210 ,  220 ,  230  can be assembled at approximately ninety degrees (90°) with respect to one another, although the present invention contemplates any angle. 
     The side components  210 ,  220 ,  230  of the frame element  200  can be constructed from a lightweight material that durable to withstand impact from an incoming horseshoe without damaging the components of the system. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first side component  210  includes a first side end  211  and a second side end  212 . A first connecting component  251  is positioned on one of said side ends  211 ,  212 ; here first side end  211 . The first side component  210  further includes an inside face  216  and an outside face  217 . 
     Certain embodiments include an attachment component  260  positioned on the frame element  200 . Attachment component  260  allows the releasable attachment to the cushion element  400 . Certain other embodiments also include a stabilizing component  270 . Stabilizing component  270  allows the releasable securement of the frame element  200  to the floor. 
     The first side component  210  includes an attachment component  260 , here a snap button  261 , positioned on the inside face  216 . The first side component  210  further includes a first bottom face  218  with a first stabilizing component  271 , here a vacuum cup, positioned thereon. 
     The second side component  220  includes a first side end  221  and a second side end  222 . A second connecting component  252  is positioned on one of said side ends  221 ,  222 ; as shown in  FIG. 2 , the first side end  221 . The second side component  220  further includes an inside face  226  and an outside face  227 . As shown, attachment component  262  positioned on the inside face  226  of the second side component  220  allows the releasable attachment to the cushion element  400 . The second side component  220  also includes a second bottom face  228  with a second stabilizing component  272  positioned thereon. 
     The rear side component  230  includes a first rear side end  231  and a second rear side end  232 . A third connecting component  253  is positioned on the first rear side end  231  and a forth connecting component  254  is positioned on the second rear side end  232 . The rear side component  230  further includes an inside face  236  and an outside face  237  with an attachment component  263  positioned on the inside face  236  for releasable attachment to the cushion element  400 . The second side component  230  further includes a rear bottom face  238  with a rear stabilizing component  273  positioned thereon for releasable securement of the frame element  200  to the floor. 
     The connecting components  250  unify the side components  210 ,  220 ,  230 . For illustrative purposes,  FIG. 3  shows connecting components  250  in a snap-fit engagement with female receptacles  255 ,  256  and male protrusions  257 ,  258 . Although, it is contemplated that the connection components may be fixed, such as a hinge, to allow the side components to be maneuverable such as by unfolding the side components folded upon one another from a collapsed state to an erected state. As shown in  FIG. 3 , female receptacle  255  of the first side component  210  releasable engages with the male protrusion  257  of the rear side component  230 . Likewise the female receptacle  256  of the second side component  220  releaseably engages with the male protrusion  258  of the rear side component  230 . Once assembled, the frame element  200  maintains a stable and secure U-shaped configuration. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the vertical element  300  according to the present invention. The vertical element  300  includes a stake component  310  and a base component  320 . It is contemplated that when playing on a soft surface, such as grass or dirt, the stake component  310  can be simply inserted in the soft surface, otherwise, a vertical element  300  with a base component  320  can be used. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , one preferred embodiment of the vertical element  300  includes a base component  320  with a reception component  322 , here a threaded raised reception aperture  323 . The stake component  310  includes a portion of threads  312  for screwable engagement within the reception component  322 . It is contemplated that the reception component  322  can be angled, such as twelve degrees (12°) toward the opposite frame element. 
     Another embodiment of the vertical element  300  is shown in  FIG. 5  and includes a stake component  310  and a base component  320  connected by a hinge  330  such that stake component  310  can be maneuverable, such as foldable, from a collapsed state to an erected state. For example, the stake component  310  can be positioned in a recessed portion  325  located in base component  320 , such that the player “pops” the stake component to erect it from the recessed portion  325  by using a finger. It is contemplated that the hinge  330  allows the stake component  310  to be erected into place at a desired angle toward the opposite frame element  200 . 
     Other embodiments of the vertical element  300  include an anchoring component  350  on the bottom surface  324  of the base component  320 . The anchoring component  350 , shown as spikes  351  in  FIG. 4  and vacuum cups  352  in  FIG. 5 , secures the vertical element  300  to the floor, even in wet conditions. 
     The vertical element  300  is positioned within the interior space  280  of the U-shaped configuration of an erected, or assembled, frame element  200 . The vertical element  300  is sized and shaped to be positioned under the cushion element  400 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , an embodiment of the cushion element  400  includes a casing component  410  and a fill component  420 , although it is contemplated that cushion element  400  only has a fill component  420  that is a uniform piece of material, such as memory foam. The fill component  420  is positioned within the casing component  410 . Here, the fill component  420  is a plurality of memory foam pieces  422 . The cushion element  400  further includes a receiving aperture  440 , here a punched hole  442 , such that the vertical element  300  protrudes through the cushion element  400 . It is also completed the receiving aperture  440  can be a slit  444  that extends toward the center of the cushion element  400  from a perimeter edge  412 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Further shown in  FIG. 7 , the cushion element  400  includes a plurality of individual pockets  415  such that the fill component  420  does not fall into a large mound at the bottom of the casing component  410  when picked up for transport. The individual pockets  415  further allow for compactness, i.e., rolled for easy transport. The cushion element  400  may further include a securing component  450  positioned on a perimeter edge  412 . The securing component  450  releasable connects to the attachment components  260  of the frame element  200  to stabilize the cushion element  400  and prevent it from shifting during play of the game. The securing components  450  are hooks  451 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , that releasable attach to rings, for example, of the frame element  200 .  FIG. 7  illustrates the securing components  450  as Velcro®  452 , joinable to attachment components  260 , likewise constructed of Velcro®. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, two pieces can be used to create the frame, only one of the back piece or side pieces includes a groove, only one filled bag is used, a frame construction that does not require pins, to name a few. Each of these embodiments and variants thereof is contemplated as falling with the scope of the claimed invention, as set forth in the following claims.