Patent Publication Number: US-2015061225-A1

Title: Disc throwing game having illumination means

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to games, and more specifically, to disc throwing games which can be played in the dark and/or in a swimming pool. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Disc throwing games are commonly played in basements, playrooms, backyards, front yards, playgrounds, and campgrounds. Traditionally, disc throwing games involve little time and effort in assembling and disassembling the game components making such games highly portable. Game components typically include one or more discs and one or more receptacles arranged as targets set up to receive the discs. Points can be earned when a disc is thrown into the target receptacle from a distance. However, these games often lack versatility, such as playing in the dark or in water. Unfortunately, a game can be prematurely cut short when the sun sets and/or the players can no longer see the target receptacles. As a result, consumers must purchase separate games to be played in lighted environments, other games to be played in the dark, and still other games to be played in the water. 
     One such backyard game, sold under the trademark Kan Jam®, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,028 (Sciandra et al.) Sciandra et al. disclose an apparatus and method for playing a disc throwing game. The disc throwing game includes two targets, each having an open top and a slot proximate the top of each target. The game is played by placing the two targets a distance from each other. Each target faces the other. Players take turns throwing a disc toward each target, with each throw being scored. While this patented game has enjoyed wide commercial success, thus far, game play is limited to play during the day and on dry land. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,940 (Cohen et al.) discloses a throwing disc which has a solid circular shape containing a light source. Unfortunately, the light source requires an electrical input which can affect the longevity of the flying disc and the construction of the disc. 
     Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 8,348,713 (Groft et al.) discloses a flying disc formed of knotted filaments having a photo luminescent property. The disc described in the patent is flexible and designed for indoor use. Unfortunately, the disc is not designed for indoor and outdoor use in conjunction with a disc throwing game. 
     Therefore, there is a long-felt need for a versatile disc throwing game that can be played in the dark and/or in a swimming pool. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention comprises a target for a disc throwing game having at least one receptacle having a wall, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and at least one aperture therein, an illumination means secured to the inner surface of the wall, and a first reflective member secured to the inner surface of the wall, operatively arranged to reflect light from the illumination means through the at least one aperture. 
     In another embodiment, the invention comprises a target for a disc throwing game having at least one receptacle having a wall, the wall having at least one aperture therein, and a flotation member fixedly secured to the receptacle. 
     The invention also comprises a target for a disc throwing game having at least one receptacle having a wall, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and at least one aperture therein, an illumination means secured to the inner surface of the wall, a first reflective member secured to the inner surface of the wall, operatively arranged to reflect light from the illumination means through the at least one aperture, and a flotation member fixedly secured to the receptacle. 
     Furthermore, the invention comprises a disc throwing game assembly having a first receptacle having a first wall, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and at least one aperture therein. The invention further comprises a second receptacle having a second wall, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and at least one aperture therein, a disc-shaped gliding object, an illumination means secured to the inner surface of the walls of the first and second receptacles, and a first reflective member secured to the inner surface of the walls of the first and second receptacles. The reflective members are operatively arranged to reflect light from the illumination means through the at least one aperture. 
     The present invention also comprises a disc throwing game assembly having a first receptacle having a wall, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and at least one aperture therein. The invention further comprises a second receptacle having a wall, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and at least one aperture therein, a disc-shaped gliding object, a first flotation member fixedly secured to the first receptacle, and a second flotation member fixedly secured to the second receptacle. 
     In another embodiment, the invention comprises a target for a disc throwing game having a receptacle having at least one aperture therein, and an illumination means secured to the receptacle operatively arranged to transmit light. 
     In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a method of playing a disc throwing game where the game is played by only two players, a first player and a second player, having the steps of: (a) arranging a first receptacle and a second receptacle a distance apart wherein the receptacles face each other and each of the receptacles includes an aperture and an open top; (b) positioning the first player behind the first receptacle and the second player behind the second receptacle; (c) throwing a disc-shaped gliding object at the first receptacle by the second player; (d) tallying at least one point based on the throw by the second player if the disc-shaped gliding object hits the first receptacle directly; (e) declaring the second player a winner based on the throw by the second player if said disc-shaped gliding object lands inside the first receptacle; (f) throwing the disc-shaped gliding object at the second receptacle by the first player; (g) tallying at least one point based on the throw by the first player if the disc-shaped gliding object hits the second receptacle directly; (h) declaring the first player a winner based on the throw by the first player if the disc-shaped gliding object lands inside the receptacle; and, (i) repeating steps (c) through (h) in alternating fashion. 
     Accordingly, it is a primary object of the invention to have a disc throwing game that is versatile and can be played in a variety of outdoor settings or environments. 
     It is a further object of the invention to have a disc throwing game with two receptacles each having an open top, an open bottom, a slot, and a light source to enable gameplay at night. 
     Still another object of the invention to have a disc throwing game with two receptacles each having an open top, an open bottom, a slot, a means for flotation to enable gameplay in a pool. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in view of the following detailed description in view of the drawings and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the target receptacle of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the target receptacle of the invention showing the illumination means in an activated mode; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the target receptacle of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the target receptacle of the invention showing the illumination means interacting with the reflective members of the invention by way of representative light rays; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the target receptacle of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a view of the components of one embodiment of the target receptacle of the invention before assembly showing the illumination means, the reflective members, and a throwing disc; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of one embodiment of the target receptacle of the invention flattened showing the illumination means and the reflective members assembled; 
         FIG. 8  is an environmental view of the illuminated disc throwing assembly in use; 
         FIG. 9  is an environmental view of a second embodiment of the target receptacle of the invention showing the flotation means attached; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the target receptacle of the invention as depicted in  FIG. 9  showing the flotation means attached; 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the target receptacle of the invention as depicted in  FIG. 9  showing the flotation means attached; 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom view of the target receptacle of the invention as depicted in  FIG. 9  showing the flotation means attached and partially cut away; 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of the target receptacle of the invention as depicted in  FIG. 9  showing the disc-shaped gliding object and the flotation means attached; 
         FIG. 14  is a rear view of the target receptacle of the invention as depicted in  FIG. 9  showing the flotation means attached; 
         FIG. 15  is a left side view of the target receptacle of the invention as depicted in  FIG. 9  showing the flotation means attached; 
         FIG. 16  is a right side view of the target receptacle of the invention as depicted in  FIG. 9  showing the flotation means attached; and, 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of the target receptacle of the invention as depicted in  FIG. 9  showing the flotation means detached from the target receptacle and not showing the illumination assembly means of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspect. The present invention is intended to include various modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 
     Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described. 
     Adverting now to the Figures,  FIG. 1  depicts target receptacle  10  such as would be used with illumination assembly means  21  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) and/or flotation means  50  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), as will be described further below. In this embodiment, target receptacle  10  comprises inner wall  11 , outer wall  12 , first end  17 A, and second end  17 B. As will be described further below, target receptacle  10  forms a cylinder when ends  17 A,  17 B are rolled together and secured by tabs  23 . Target receptacle  10  further comprises top  13 , bottom  14 , front  15 , and rear  16 . Top  13  and bottom  14  are open. Front  15  and rear  16  represent semi-cylindrical portions of target receptacle  10 . Target receptacle  10  further comprises aperture  18 . Preferably, aperture  18  is arranged proximate front  15  and top  13 . It should be appreciated that target receptacle  10  could take any shape. For example, inner wall  11  and outer wall  12  of target receptacle  10  could be arranged to form a quadrilateral, a trapezoid, a polygon, or a frustoconical receptacle. Furthermore, target receptacle  10  could include a closed bottom while maintaining open top  13 . In the preferred embodiment, target receptacle  10  has open top  13  and open bottom  14  so that target receptacle  10  is easily rolled-up for storage, packaging, and shipping. In order to roll-up target receptacle  10 , tabs  23  are uncoupled from gaps  25  (to be described further below) of first end  17 A. Furthermore, aperture  18  could form any shape, for example, an ellipsoid. Illumination assembly means  21  (not shown) is arranged within target receptacle  10 . 
     Target receptacle  10  is cylindrical in shape and serves as the goal for a disc throwing game. In its preferred embodiment, target receptacle  10  is constructed of a pliable plastic film. The plastic film is durable, lightweight, bendable, and highly portable. Any material displaying these or similar qualities can be used to construct target receptacle  10 , for example, fabric with a plastic or metal frame or a cardboard receptacle. Additionally, target receptacle  10  could be constructed of a hard plastic such that it cannot be rolled-up; eliminating the need for ends  17 A,  17 B. 
       FIG. 2  depicts the front view of target receptacle  10  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Aperture  18  is shaped as an open rectangular channel that is arcuate when target receptacle  10  is rolled together. Aperture  18  is correspondingly arcuate along the curvature of inner and outer walls  11 ,  12  of target receptacle  10 . When illumination assembly means  21  (not shown) is activated, light emanates upwards from open top  13  and outwards through aperture  18  of target receptacle  10 . For purposes of illustration, rays  30  represent typical light rays that are emitted from open top  13  when illumination assembly means  21  (not shown) is activated. 
     The rear of target receptacle  10  is shown in  FIG. 3 . When rolled together, target receptacle  10  is secured by tabs  23  and gaps  25 . Gaps  25  are arranged proximate first end  17 A of target receptacle  10 . Preferably, gaps  25  are parallel to one another. Tabs  23  are arranged proximate second end  17 B. Gaps  25  are arranged to receive tabs  23 . In the preferred embodiment, there are six gaps  25  and three tabs  23 . More specifically, the top-most two gaps  25  are arranged to receive the top-most tab  23 . The middle two gaps  25  are arranged to receive the middle tab  23 . Similarly, the bottom-most two gaps  25  are arranged to receive the bottom-most tab  23 . It should be appreciated that there could be additional or fewer tabs  23  and gaps  25 . Additionally, tabs  23  could be any shape such that tabs  23  removably engage gaps  25 . Similarly, gaps  25  could be any shape such that gaps  25  removably receive tabs  23 . Tabs  23  protrude from second end  17 B of target receptacle  10  and into gaps  25 . Preferably, tabs  23  are substantially “T”-shaped such that the upper and lower extensions  23 A (not shown) engage gaps  25 . The distance between the upper-most end of each tab  23  and the lower-most end of each tab  23  is greater than the distance between their respective gaps  25 . Tabs  23  are biased open such that when tabs  23  are squeezed inward and placed into gaps  25 , tabs  23  spring open automatically to engage inner wall  11 . Unless tabs  23  are pulled from gaps  25 , tabs  23  remain coupled with gaps  25 . Tabs  23  are arranged to be inserted into gaps  25  by a user to form the cylindrical target receptacle  10 . Hereinafter, gaps  25  and tabs  23  when engaged will be referred to as seam  26 . It should be appreciated that tabs  23  and gaps  25  are the preferred means for securing target receptacle  10 . However, any means of securing target receptacle  10  in a cylindrical shape, or other suitable shape, can be used, for example, hook and loop fasteners or snap buttons. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a top view of target receptacle  10 . Top  13  of target receptacle  10  is open. As described above, seam  26  is formed by side  17 A adjoined with side  17 B by tabs  23  (not shown) and gaps  25  (not shown). Illumination assembly means  21  comprises light source  21 A fixedly secured to target receptacle  10  diametrically opposite seam  26 . Further, illumination assembly means  21  comprises first, second, third and fourth reflective members  22 A,  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D, respectively. First reflective member  22 A is secured to inner wall  11  proximate light source  21 A. First reflective member  22 A is located between light source  21 A and inner wall  11 . Second reflective member  22 B is secured to inner wall  11  proximate first end  17 A. Third reflective member  22 C is secured to inner wall  11  proximate second end  17 B. Fourth reflective member  22 D is secured to inner wall  11  proximate seam  26 . Preferably, inner wall  11  is black and reflective members  22 A,  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D are reflective white. However, it should be appreciated that reflective members  22 A,  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D are not necessary if target receptacle  10  is constructed of a color and/or material which substantially reflects light. For example, target receptacle  10  could have a white reflective inner wall  11 . Further, target receptacle  10  could be translucent, such that the light from light source  21 A is transmitted through outer wall  12 , in which case reflective members  22 A,  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D would not be required.  FIG. 4  also depicts sample rays  30 . It should be appreciated that sample rays  30  represent three types of light rays that can occur in an infinite number of ways. For example, some rays  30  will be absorbed by the non-reflective surface of inner wall  11  of target receptacle  10 . Other rays  30  will be transmitted from light source  21 A, bounce off reflective members  22 B,  22 C, and/or  22 D opposite light source  21 A and exit target receptacle  10  through aperture  18  (not shown) and/or open top  13 . Still other rays  30  originating from light source  21 A will bounce off at least one reflective member  22 B,  22 C,  22 D opposite light source  21 A, then bounce off first reflective member  22 A surrounding light source  21 A, and then exit target receptacle  10  through aperture  18  (not shown) and/or open top  13 . It should be appreciated that the light emitted by light source  21 A appears as a glow rather than individualized rays. 
     A bottom view of target receptacle  10  and illumination assembly means  21  is shown in  FIG. 5 . Rays  30  are not illustrated. First reflective member  22 A is arranged between light source  21 A and inner wall  11  of target receptacle  10 . For purposes of illustration, first, second, third, and fourth reflective members  22 A,  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D are visible from this view; however, it should be appreciated that reflective members  22 A,  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D are rather thin and may not be as noticeable from the top and bottom views when adhered to inner wall  11 . Second reflective member  22 B is shown secured to inner wall  11 . Adjacent to second reflective member  22 B, third and fourth reflective members  22 C,  22 D are secured to inner wall  11 . Fourth reflective member  22 D is positioned between second and third reflective members  22 B,  22 C proximate seam  26 . Light source  21 A is opposite seam  26  and fourth reflective member  22 D. Second and third reflective members  22 B,  22 C are arranged at an angle from light source  21 A. Second, third, and fourth reflective members  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D are all arranged along rear  16  of target receptacle  10  opposite front  15  of target receptacle  10  when target receptacle  10  is rolled together. 
       FIG. 6  depicts the elements of illumination assembly means  21  as shown and described in  FIGS. 1 through 5 . In order to activate illumination assembly means  21 , a user fixedly secures reflective members  22 A,  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D to inner wall  11  of target receptacle  10  (not shown). Each reflective member  22 A,  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D comprises an adhesive side which is protected by peel off backing. The adhesive sides of reflective members  22 A,  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D, when exposed for placement, are applied to inner wall  11  (not shown). The non-adhesive sides of reflective members  22 A,  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D are reflective white and arranged to transmit light from light source  21 A. The non-adhesive sides, or reflective sides of reflective members  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D face non-adhesive side, or reflective side of reflective member  22 A. Preferably, first reflective member  22 A is rectangular and measures approximately 6 inches long by approximately 5 inches high. Second and third reflective members  22 B,  22 C are also rectangular and measure approximately 9 inches long by approximately 10 inches high. Second and third reflective members  22 B,  22 C are substantially similar. Fourth reflective member  22 D is also rectangular and measures approximately 5 inches long by approximately 10 inches high. 
     Illumination assembly means  21  further comprises light source  21 A secured to inner wall  11  of target receptacle  10  (not shown). Light source  21 A is secured by fastener  27 . Fastener  27  includes one side with fastening means  29  preferably made of hook and loop fastener to hold light source  21 A. Fastener  27  further includes another side which includes a strong adhesive protected by peel off backing. Light source  21 A comprises housing button  28 , a removable back, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and a plurality of batteries, preferably three batteries having a size of AAA, arranged to power the LEDs. The removable back of light source  21 A comprises fastening means  29 , also preferably made of hook and loop fastener, arranged to engage fastening means side  29  of fastener  27 . Fastening means  29  of light source  21 A is arranged approximately in the center of the removable back of light source  21 A. The removable back of light source  21 A is removable by a typical twist and lock mechanism. When coupled, the removable back is in the locked position. Additionally, the removable back of light source  21 A can include screws, preferably three, to further secure the removable back to light source  21 A. Any suitable number of screws in any suitable arrangement, for example, a triangular arrangement, could suffice. To remove the removable back, the back is twisted to the unlocked position and pulled away from the housing button  28 . Batteries can be installed and replaced when the removable back is pulled away. In order to secure light source  21 A to inner wall  11  (not shown), a user removes the peel off backing of fastener  27  and positions fastener  27  approximately in the center of first reflective member  22 A arranged on inner wall  11  (not shown). Light source  21 A can be removably secured to fastener  27  by means of the hook and loop material arranged on both the back of light source  21 A and fastener  27 . The LEDs arranged within light source  21 A are preferably green because it is the color that is easiest to perceive by people but, it should be appreciated that the LEDs could be any color or could be LEDs that change color. Further, it should be appreciated that light source  21 A can be set to flash. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, light source  21 A comprises three LEDs but, it could comprise additional or fewer LEDs. The three LEDs of the preferred light source  21 A are arranged in a triangular pattern. However, again it should be appreciated that the LEDs could be arranged in any suitable pattern. It should be appreciated that light source  21 A can take any form, including incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, or glow sticks. Additionally, while the preferred fastener  27  is a hook and loop fastener, fastener  27  can include sticky adhesives, clips, or any other suitable attachment means. Once light source  21 A is attached to inner wall  11  (not shown), the LEDs can be activated when housing button  28  is pressed. Housing button  28  is located on the top of light source  21 A proximate LEDs. Housing button  28  is transparent to allow light emitted from the LEDs to pass from light source  21 A. Light source  21 A functions as a standard push light. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, target receptacle  10  (not shown) can be lined with fiber optics. For example, fiber optics could line the perimeter of aperture  18  and/or top  13  (not shown). In this embodiment, target receptacle  10  (not shown) can include reflective members  22 A,  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D. Furthermore, in other embodiments, light source  21 A or fiber optics could be placed on outer wall  12  or bottom  14  (not shown). 
       FIG. 6  further depicts disc-shaped gliding object  20  of illumination assembly means  21 . Disc-shaped gliding object  20  is made of plastic and is arranged for gliding through the air when thrown. Additionally, disc-shaped gliding object  20  is photo luminescent. Further, disc-shaped gliding object  20  displays phosphorescent properties. In order to excite the phosphorescent properties, a user holds disc-shaped gliding object  20  under a bright light for about two minutes. Disc-shaped gliding object  20  charges while being exposed to bright light, and will glow in the dark for several hours after being removed from the light. Disc-shaped gliding object  20 , in its preferred embodiment, is made of polypropylene. However, disc-shaped gliding object  20  could also be constructed of rubber, metal, or other lightweight malleable materials. Further, disc-shaped gliding object  20  could also have battery-powered LEDs. Disc-shaped gliding object  20  could be any size. In one embodiment, disc-shaped gliding object  20  is approximately 4.85 inches in diameter. In another embodiment, disc-shaped gliding object  20  is approximately 11 inches in diameter. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of disc-shaped gliding object  20  is smaller than aperture  18  (as shown in  FIG. 13 ). A smaller disc-shaped gliding object  20  is suitable for target receptacle  10  having flotation means  50 . A larger disc-shaped gliding object  20  is suitable for target receptacle  10  having illumination means  21  without flotation means  50 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts target receptacle  10  flattened. Illumination assembly means  21  is affixed to inner wall  11  of target receptacle  10 . From left to right, gaps  25 , arranged parallel to one another and in registration with tabs  23 , are arranged along first end  17 A of target receptacle  10 . Fourth reflective member  22 D is arranged proximate first end  17 A and covers a portion of gaps  25 . In order to allow tabs  23  to engage with gaps  25 , a user must trim/cut out or puncture fourth reflective member  22 D proximate covered gaps  25 . Third reflective member  22 C is arranged to the right of fourth reflective member  22 D. It should be appreciated that third and fourth reflective members  22 C,  22 D have approximately the same height. Fourth reflective member  22 D is narrower than third reflective member  22 C. Aperture  18  is arranged approximately in the center of flattened target receptacle  10  between first and second ends  17 A,  17 B. Preferably, aperture  18  is positioned closer to top  13  than bottom  14 . First reflective member  22 A is positioned below aperture  18 . Preferably, first reflective member  22 A is approximately 1 inch from bottom  14 . Light source  21 A is arranged approximately in the center of first reflective member  22 A by means of fastener  27  (not shown). Second reflective member  22 B is arranged proximate second side  17 B and tabs  23 . Second reflective member  22 B is substantially similar to third reflective member  22 C. As described above, tabs  23  are substantially “T”-shaped and each tab  23  comprises an upper and lower extension  23 A to engage gaps  25 . 
       FIG. 8  depicts light rays  30  emanating from illumination assembly means  21  (not shown), which enables a user to participate in a disc throwing game at night. Four players (P 1 , P 2 , P 3 , and P 4 ) are divided into teams of two. Two target receptacles  10  are placed a distance apart. Members of the same team stand at opposite goals. With illumination assembly means  21  activated, represented by light rays  30 , each player can visualize target receptacles  10  at night. Each player takes turns throwing disc-shaped gliding object  20  at target receptacle  10  arranged opposite the player. Each throw is scored one, two, or three points. Additionally, a player can win instantly by throwing disc-shaped gliding object  20  through aperture  18 . 
     A disc throwing game including the components described herein can be played by two teams of two. However, it should also be appreciated that the game can be played by two opposing teams, each team having only a single player. In an example embodiment, a disc throwing game can be played by only two players, a first player and a second player P 1  and P 3 , respectively or P 2  and P 4 , respectively, for example. The method of such play involves the steps of: (a) arranging first receptacle  10  and a second receptacle  10  a distance apart wherein the receptacles  10  and  10  face each other and each of the receptacles  10  and  10  includes aperture  18  and  18  and open top  13  and  13 ; (b) positioning first player P 1  or P 2  behind first receptacle  10  and second player P 3  or P 4  behind second receptacle  10 ; (c) throwing disc-shaped gliding object  20  at first receptacle  10  by second player P 3  or P 4 ; (d) tallying at least one point based on the throw by second player P 3  or P 4  if disc-shaped gliding object  20  hits first receptacle  10  directly; (e) declaring second player P 3  or P 4  a winner based on the throw by second player P 3  or P 4  if disc-shaped gliding object  20  lands inside first receptacle  10 ; (f) throwing disc-shaped gliding object  20  at second receptacle  10  by first player P 1  or P 2 ; (g) tallying at least one point based on the throw by first player Pt or P 2  if disc-shaped gliding object  20  hits second receptacle  10  directly; (h) declaring first player P 1  or P 2  a winner based on the throw by first player P 1  or P 2  if disc-shaped gliding object  20  lands inside receptacle  10 ; and, (i) repeating steps (c) through (h) in alternating fashion until a player wins. It should be appreciated that disc-shaped gliding object  20  can hit, or make contact with, receptacle  10  on inner surface  11  or outer surface  12 . Additionally, it should be appreciated, that disc-shaped gliding object  20  can land inside receptacle  10  through aperture  18  or open top  13 . 
       FIG. 9  is an environmental view that depicts target receptacle  10  having flotation means  50  in pool  40 . In a preferred embodiment, there would be two target receptacles  10  and two to four players P 1 , P 2 , P 3 , and P 4  shown in pool  40  (not shown for simplicity). Flotation means  50  allows target receptacle  10  to float, permitting game play in pool  40 , in a lake, or in any other body of water. It should be appreciated that illumination assembly means  21  (not shown) can be used with target receptacle  10  having flotation means  50  to permit night-time play in the water. Also depicted are aperture  18  and seam  26  of target receptacle  10 .  FIG. 10  depicts target receptacle  10  having flotation means  50 . As described above, target receptacle  10  comprises aperture  18 , inner wall  11 , outer wall  12 , first end  17 A, and second end  17 B. First and second ends  17 A,  17 B are secured together and form seam  26 . First end  17 A has gaps  25  (not shown) and second end  17 B has tabs  23  (not shown). When the wall of target receptacle  10  is rolled, gaps  25  and tabs  23  (not shown) can be secured to form a cylinder. Further, bottom  14  of target receptacle  10  comprises protrusions  24  (not shown, described below) arranged to removably engage flotation means  50 . Flotation means  50  is removable from target receptacle  10  to ensure the floatable disc throwing game is highly portable. Further, reflective members  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D are shown attached to target receptacle  10 . Reflective members  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D are part of the illumination assembly means  21  (not shown), which enables gameplay in pool  40  (not shown) at night. 
     Flotation means  50  facilitates the floating of target receptacle  10  in water in a pool  40  (not shown) or some other body of water. In its preferred embodiment, flotation means  50  is constructed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). One embodiment of flotation means  50  has a density range of 1.4-1.8 lb/ft 2 , a cell size of 1.2 mm, and a water absorption less than 0.1 lb/ft 2 . Any material encompassing these or similar qualities can be used to support target receptacle  10 . For example, flotation means  50  could be constructed of a polyvinyl chloride toroidal ring, a laminated polyethylene foam, or a phthalate-free polyvinyl chloride toroidal ring or any other suitable shape. Further, flotation means  50  could be constructed of a plastic toroidal ring, or a closed-cell polystyrene foam. 
       FIG. 11  depicts the top view of target receptacle  10  having flotation means  50  as described herein. Bottom  14  of target receptacle  10  has protrusions  24  (not visible) that fit into slots  35  (not shown) in flotation means  50 . Protrusions  24  and slots  35  (not shown) provide a removably secure engagement means for target receptacle  10  and flotation means  50 . Light source  21 A is part of the illumination assembly means  21  (not shown), which enables gameplay in pool  40  (not shown) at night.  FIG. 12  depicts the bottom view of target receptacle  10  having flotation means  50 . Flotation means  50  is partially cut away to show the position of target receptacle  10  in relation to flotation means  50 . Target receptacle  10  could have one or more protrusions  24  to secure flotation means  50 . In one embodiment, target receptacle  10  has two protrusions  24 ; one protrusion  24  arranged diametrically opposite another protrusion  24  (not shown). It should be appreciated that there could be more than two protrusions  24 . Additionally, it should be appreciated that protrusions  24  do not have to be arranged along bottom  14  proximate where front  15  meets rear  16 . Instead, protrusions  24  could be in any pattern along bottom  14 . For example, protrusions  24  could be arranged proximate corners of flotation means  50  for stability. In an alternate embodiment, flotation means  50  could be cylindrical and secured to inner wall  12  of target receptacle  10  proximate bottom  14  using any suitable adhesive. In  FIG. 12 , only one protrusion  24  is visible where flotation means  50  is partially cut away. Protrusions  24  are rectangular in shape and arcuate; however, any shape which can removably engage slots  35  (not shown) can be used. Further, protrusions  24  protrude from bottom  14  of target receptacle  10 . Light source  21 A is part of the illumination assembly means  21  (not shown), which enables gameplay in pool  40  (not shown) at night. 
       FIG. 13  depicts the front view of target receptacle  10  having flotation means  50  and disc-shaped gliding object  20 . Front  15  of target receptacle  10  has aperture  18 . Flotation means  50  is wider than target receptacle  10 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a rear view of target receptacle  10  having flotation means  50  as shown in  FIG. 13 . Target receptacle  10  comprises one tab  23  and two gaps  25  to accommodate the extensions of tab  23 . Again, it should be appreciated that in this embodiment target receptacle  10  could have more than one tab  23  and more than two gaps  25 . When gaps  25  and tab  23  are engaged, seam  26  is formed. Flotation means  50  forms a rectangular prism. The combination of a rectangular floatation means  50  and cylindrical target receptacle  10  prevents the target from spinning in the water. It should be appreciated that flotation means  50  could take any other suitable shape to allow target receptacle  10  to float and prevent flotation means  50  from spinning. Preferably, flotation means  50  is wider than the diameter of cylindrical target receptacle  10 ; however, flotation means  50  could have the same circumference as target receptacle  10 . 
       FIG. 15  depicts the left side of target receptacle  10  having flotation means  50 . The curvature of aperture  18  located within front  15  of target receptacle  10  can be appreciated. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the diameter of target receptacle  10  is smaller than the width of flotation means  50 . Seam  26  obstructs any view of tab  23  or gaps  25  (not shown) because first end  17 A (not shown) is tucked behind second end  17 B proximate tab  23  (not shown).  FIG. 16  depicts the right side of target receptacle  10  with flotation means  50 . From this view, first end  17 A is shown. Further, tab  23  is shown protruding into gaps  25 . When tab  23  and gaps  25  are engaged, seam  26  is formed. Also depicted is aperture  18  of target receptacle  10 . 
     A partial exploded view of target receptacle  10  having flotation means  50  is shown in  FIG. 17 . Target receptacle  10  is removably attached to flotation means  50  by protrusions  24  and slots  35 . Protrusions  24  are made of the same plastic film as target receptacle  10 . Slots  35  are partial through-bores protruding into the laminated polyethylene foam of flotation means  50 . Slots  35  receive protrusions  24 . When slots  35  and protrusions  24  are engaged, inner wall  11  and outer wall  12  of target receptacle  10  are perpendicular to the top plane of flotation means  50 . Other means of engaging target receptacle  10  and flotation means  50  can be used; for example, hook and loop fasteners, or strapping could engage target receptacle  10  and flotation means  50 . Further, target receptacle  10  can be permanently attached to flotation means  50 . Also depicted is aperture  18  of target receptacle  10 . Further, reflective members  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D are part of illumination assembly means  21  (not shown), which enables gameplay in pool  40  (not shown) at night. 
     Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           10  receptacle 
           11  inner wall 
           12  outer wall 
           13  top 
           14  bottom 
           15  front 
           16  rear 
           17 A first end 
           17 B second end 
           18  aperture 
           20  disc-shaped gliding object 
           21  illumination assembly means 
           21 A light source 
           22 A first reflective member 
           22 B second reflective member 
           22 C third reflective member 
           22 D fourth reflective member 
           23  tabs 
           23 A extensions 
           24  protrusions 
           25  gaps 
           26  seam 
           27  fastener 
           28  housing button 
           29  fastening means 
           30  rays 
           35  slots 
           40  pool 
           50  flotation means 
         P 1  player 
         P 2  player 
         P 3  player 
         P 4  player