Patent Publication Number: US-11389712-B2

Title: Game lighting and scorekeeping assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/014,313 filed Apr. 23, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to game assemblies, including outdoor toss game assemblies with lighting and scorekeeping devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Toss games such as corn hole, horseshoes, lawn darts, and other types of outdoor toss games are very popular worldwide. The games are typically played during social gatherings such as at picnics and parties, and may be played in parks, backyards, on the beach, or in other areas. 
     The games are typically played during the day when there is sufficient ambient lighting for the players to see the associated game boards. However, when there is insufficient ambient lighting (e.g., at night), playing the games becomes very difficult. 
     In addition, the games are typically played using cancellation scoring until one player or team reaches or exceeds a score of 21, making it difficult to remember each player&#39;s score during the game play, and often leading to arguments and players becoming disgruntled with one another. 
     Also, during the playing of such games, players may wish to open bottled beverages and to have a place to rest the beverages during their game turn. The players may also wish to listen to music which may make the overall experience of the game more enjoyable. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an assembly that may be used during the playing of various toss games that includes a scorekeeping device, a cup holder assembly, a bottle opening device, an audio speaker system, and an illumination system to illuminate the game boards when there is insufficient ambient lighting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows aspects of a toss game according to exemplary embodiments hereof; 
         FIG. 2  shows aspects of a game lighting and scorekeeping assembly according to exemplary embodiments hereof; 
         FIG. 3  shows aspects of a game lighting and scorekeeping assembly and a single accompanying game board according to exemplary embodiments hereof; 
         FIG. 4  shows aspects of a game lighting and scorekeeping assembly and multiple accompanying game boards according to exemplary embodiments hereof; 
         FIG. 5  shows aspects of an unpreferable game lighting and scorekeeping assembly architecture and accompanying game board according to exemplary embodiments hereof 
         FIG. 6  shows aspects of a foldable game lighting and scorekeeping assembly according to exemplary embodiments hereof; 
         FIG. 7  shows aspects of a foldable game lighting and scorekeeping assembly according to exemplary embodiments hereof; and 
         FIG. 8  shows aspects of a foldable game lighting and scorekeeping assembly according to exemplary embodiments hereof. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     In general, the game lighting and scorekeeping assembly according to exemplary embodiments hereof provides a mount or stand adapted to support various apparatuses and/or devices. In some embodiments, the game lighting and scorekeeping assembly may be used by persons participating in a game activity such as an outdoor toss game. In some embodiments, the game lighting and scorekeeping assembly is adapted to support apparatuses and/or devices such as scorekeeping device(s), lighting device(s), cup holder device(s), bottle opening device(s), audio speaker(s), and/or other devices that may provide beneficial functionalities to participants during the game play. 
     In some embodiments, the game lighting and scorekeeping assembly is used in conjunction with the playing of outdoor games such as toss games and/or other types of games. For example, the assembly may be used with games such as cornhole, ladder toss, horseshoes, washer pitching, lawn darts and other types of outdoor games. 
     For the purposes of this specification, the game lighting and scorekeeping assembly will be described primarily in relation to being used in conjunction with the playing of cornhole. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the assembly may be used in conjunction with the playing of any type of game and that the scope of the assembly is not limited in any way by the game with which it is used. 
     In order to provide additional insight into the device game lighting and scorekeeping assembly and its benefits, some general background information regarding the game of corn hole is provided below. 
     Cornhole (also known regionally as bags, sack toss, or bean bag) is a lawn game in which players take turns throwing 16-ounce bags of corn kernels at opposing raised platforms (game boards), each with a hole in the far end. 
     Cornhole matches are played with two sets of bags, two boards and two to eight players. Each set of bags (with four bags each) are identifiable from the other, typically being of different colors. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the two game boards GB 1 , GB 2  are placed opposing one another, and the players take turns standing next to the first game board GB 1  while throwing the bags at the second game board GB 2 . The bags are then collected and scored, and the players subsequently throw the bags in the opposite direction back to the first game board GB 1  while standing next to the second game board GB 2 , and so on. 
     Each board is 2 feet wide and 4 feet long (0.61 m by 1.22 m), with a 6-inch (150 mm) hole centered 9 inches (230 mm) from the far end. When placed on the ground for game play, each board is angled with the far end edge of the playing surface 12 inches (300 mm) above the ground, and the front-end edge 3-4 inches (76-102 mm) above the ground. A regular corn hole court places two game boards opposing one another with the holes of each board 33 feet (10 m) apart, or 27 feet (8.2 m) between the front-end edges of the platforms. Shorter distances may be used when younger players are participating or there is not sufficient room. 
     Bags are tossed from the pitcher&#39;s box, which is the rectangular area directly to the left or right of a platform. The bottom of the platform forms the foul line. 
     In order to score, the bags must either be tossed into the hole or land on the board. A bag that falls through the hole is worth three points. The bag can be tossed directly into the hole, slide into the hole, or be knocked into the hole by another bag. A bag that lands on the board and is still on the board at the end of the inning is worth one point. 
     Scoring is done by cancellation (e.g., if Team A scores 12 points in the frame and Team B scores 10 points in the frame, Team A is awarded 2 points (12−10=2) and Team B is awarded zero points). Play continues until a player or team reaches or exceeds 21 points. 
     In one exemplary embodiment hereof as shown in  FIG. 2 , the game lighting and scorekeeping assembly  10  includes a support assembly  100 , a scorekeeping device  200 , a cup holding assembly  300 , a bottle opening device  400 , an audio speaker system  500 , and an illumination system  600 . In general, the support assembly  100  provides support to the scorekeeping device  200 , the cup holding assembly  300 , the bottle opening device  400 , the audio speaker system  500 , and/or the illumination system  600 . Other versions of the assembly  10 , such as the folding assembly  12 , also are provided herein and are all within the scope of the assembly  10 . The assembly  10  also may include other elements and components as necessary to perform its desired functionalities as described herein or otherwise. 
     Support Assembly  100   
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the support assembly  100  includes a base  102  and an upright support  104 . The base  102  may comprise a lower floor-standing structure with an adequate architecture to support the upright support  104  and the devices and systems supported thereon (e.g., the scorekeeping device  200 , the cup holding assembly  300 , the bottle opening device  400 , the audio speaker system  500 , and/or the illumination system  600 ). 
     In some embodiments, the base  102  may include any adequate type base  102  such as a cross-leg four-point base depicted in  FIG. 2 , a round base, and/or any other form of base  102  that may include a lateral footprint adequate to support the other elements of the assembly  10 . In some embodiments, the base  102  may include a lateral footprint of about 2′×2′ (or a 2′ radius if circular) or greater. 
     In some embodiments, the base  102  may be adapted to rest on a generally hard surface (e.g., a tiled patio or concrete driveway) and may include one or more levelling feet that may be adjusted to set the level of the base  102  and of the overall support assembly  100 . In other embodiments, the base  102  may be adapted to rest on a generally penetrable and/or uneven surface (e.g., a grass lawn) and may include one or more foot spikes for engaging the soft surface and attaining support therefrom. It is understood that the base  102  may be adapted to rest on any type(s) of surfaces upon which the game may be played. 
     In some embodiments, the upright support  104  includes one or more poles, posts, columns, towers and/or other types of upright structure(s) mounted to the base  102  on its bottom end and extending upward an adequate height. In some embodiments, the upright support  104  may extend upward 3′-6′ or other heights as required. In some embodiments, the upright support  104  extends generally vertically upward, while in other embodiments the support  104  extends upwards at one or more angles. In addition, in some embodiments the upright support  104  is fixedly attached to the base  102  while in other embodiments the upright support  104  is rotatably attached to the base  102  (as described in other sections in relation to a foldable version of the assembly  10 ). 
     In some embodiments, the height of the upright support  104  is adjustable (e.g., using telescopic poles or other elements) so that the user may adjust the height of the assembly  10  to any desirable height. 
     In some embodiments, the upright structure  104  includes one or more mounting mechanisms  106 - 1 ,  106 - 2 ,  106 - 3 , . . .  106 - n  (individually and collectively  106 ) that may each be adapted to mount another element to the upright structure  104 . For example, the upright structure  104  may include a first mounting mechanism  106 - 1  adapted to mount the scorekeeping device  200  to the upright structure  104 , a second mounting mechanism  106 - 2  adapted to mount the cup holder assembly  300 , a third mounting mechanism  106 - 3  adapted to mount the bottle opening device  400 , a fourth mounting mechanism  106 - 4  adapted to mount the audio speaker system  500 , and a fifth mounting mechanism  106 - 5  adapted to mount the illumination system  600 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the fifth mounting mechanism  106 - 5  is positioned lower on the upright structure  104  relative to the first mounting mechanism  106 - 1 . In this way, the illumination system  600  may be mounted on the upright structure  104  below the scorekeeping device  200 . The purpose for this is that the scorekeeping device  200  and the illumination system  600  may both emit amplified light, and it is preferable that the amplified light emitted by the illumination system  600  not interfere with the amplified light emitted by the scorekeeping device  200 , and vice versa. This will be described in detail in other sections. 
     In one exemplary embodiment hereof, the location of any mounting mechanisms  106  may be adjustable with respect to any other mounting mechanisms  106  and/or the upright structure  104 . That is, a mounting mechanism  106  may be positioned along the height of the upright structure  104  by the user at any location so that the position of any element secured by the mounting mechanism  104  may also be adjusted as desired. In addition, a mounting mechanism  106  may be removed if not needed and/or added if additional mounting mechanisms  106  are required to secure the same and/or additional elements to the upright structure  104 . 
     It is understood that the mounting mechanisms  106 - 1 ,  106 - 2 ,  106 - 3 ,  106 - 4 ,  106 - 5 ,  106 - 6  described above are meant for demonstration and that any type and/or number of attachment mechanisms  106  may be used in conjunction with any of the elements of the assembly  10 . It is also understood that the mounting mechanisms  106  may be interchanged (e.g., to secure other elements of the assembly  10 ) or used in any way to secure any type of element to the assembly  10 . 
     Scorekeeping Device  200   
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the scorekeeping device  200  includes an electronic scoreboard  202 . The electronic scoreboard  202  may include a housing  204  and illuminated readouts  206 . The housing  204  may generally house the electronics and other internal components of the scorekeeping device  200  to power and generally control the illuminated readouts  206 , and the illuminated readouts  206  may be configured on an outer surface of the housing  204  to be viewable from the outside. The housing  204  may comprise plastic, metal, other materials, and any combination thereof, and may preferably be waterproof and/or water-resistant. 
     The illuminated readouts  206  may include one or more LED readouts or other types of illuminated readouts  206 . It is preferable that the illuminated readouts  206  be of adequate brightness and size to be viewable from a distance sufficient to support the game being played. For example, for a pair of assemblies  10  being used in conjunction with the playing of cornhole, with one assembly  10  generally positioned with each opposing game board (at spacings of 33′), the illumination readouts  206  are preferably viewable from distances of 33′ and greater. 
     In some embodiments, the illuminated readout  206  includes two readout frames  208 , with the first readout frame  208  displaying the score of the first player or first team of players, and the second readout frame  208  displaying the score of the second player or second team of players. Because each game of cornhole is played until a player or team reaches a score of 21, it is preferable that each readout frame  208  includes at least two single digit positions so that double digit numbers (scores) may be displayed. The two readout frames  208  may be positioned side-by-side on the housing, one above the other, or in any other suitable orientation, and are preferably labeled to designate which player or team each readout frame  208  may represent (e.g., first player vs. second player). 
     In some embodiments, the illuminated readouts  206  (and the corresponding readout frames  208 ) are manually controlled via control mechanisms  210  configured with the exterior of the housing  204 . For example, the control mechanisms  210  may include one or more exterior buttons, knobs, or other types of mechanisms that when activated (e.g., pressed or turned) may increment the displayed score on the corresponding readout frame  208  up or down. Given that each readout frame  208  may require incrementing independent from the other readout frame  208 , it may be preferable that each readout frame  208  include one or more dedicated control mechanisms  210 . The control mechanisms  210  also may reset the frame readouts  208  to zero (e.g., for the start of a new game). 
     In one exemplary embodiment hereof, when two assemblies  10  are being used during a game of corn hole, with a first assembly  10 - 1  dedicated to the first game board and a second assembly  10 - 1  dedicated to the second game board, the scorekeeping device  200 - 1  configured with the first assembly  10 - 1  and the scorekeeping device  200 - 2  configured with the second assembly  10 - 2  may be communicatively linked so that when the first scorekeeping device  200 - 1  is incremented, the second scorekeeping device  200 - 2  is automatically also incremented. In some embodiments, the first and second scorekeeping devices  200 - 1 ,  200 - 2  may be linked using wireless communications technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other technologies that may enable the scorekeeping devices  200 - 1 ,  200 - 2  to communicate with one another and trigger one another to increment accordingly. In other embodiments, the first and second scorekeeping devices  200 - 1 ,  200 - 2  may be connected to one another using a wire or other type of transmission line that may facilitate the communication. 
     In some embodiments, the scorekeeping device  200  includes other functionalities such as (without limitation) a program timer, a stopwatch, a clock, an alarm, a possession indicator, a horn/buzzer, a metronome, and other features. 
     In some embodiments, the scorekeeping device  200  may be controlled via a remote control that may include the same or similar functionalities as the control mechanisms  210  but that may be used remotely from a distance (e.g., 100′), e.g., to increment the readout frames  208 . In some embodiments, the remote control may be adapted to increment two scorekeeping devices  200 - 1 ,  200 - 2  that may be used together during a game of cornhole as described above. 
     The scorekeeping device  200  may include an internal rechargeable battery, solar panels, may be plugged into an electrical outlet or generator for power, and/or may include other types of power supplying devices. 
     The size of the scorekeeping device  200  may vary depending on the application of the assembly  10 , and in some embodiments may measure about 24″ wide by 16″ tall by 10″ deep. 
     In some embodiments, the scorekeeping device  200  is configured with the support assembly  100 , e.g., with the upper portion of the upright support  104 . The scorekeeping device  200  may include a bracket or mount that may support the scorekeeping device  200  and that may be configured with the upper portion of the upright support  104  (e.g., to the top of the support  104 ), e.g., using the mounting mechanism  106 - 1 . It may be preferable that the mounting mechanism  106 - 1  include a rotatable mounting mechanism so that the scorekeeping device  200  may be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the upright support  104  and/or about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the upright support  104  so that it may be adjusted to generally face those who wish to view it. 
     Cup Holder Assembly  300   
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the cup holder assembly  300  includes a lateral support  302  attached to the upright support  104  (e.g., using the mounting mechanism  106 - 2 ). The lateral support  302  may be configured with and provide support to one or more holders  304  adapted to hold cups, cans, bottles, pitchers, jars, other types of containers and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, each holder  304  may include a generally conical shaped body with the larger diameter side facing upward so that it may accommodate cups and other containers of varying diameters. 
     In some embodiments, the lateral support  302  may also act as a shelf for holding other items such as cell phones, plates, keys, wallets, and other types of items that players of the game may wish to store. The lateral support  302  also may include compartments, openings, hooks, depressions, other elements for holding or storing items, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, lateral support  302  may include a lip on the border to minimize items falling off of lateral support  302 . 
     Bottle Opening Device  400   
     In some embodiments, the beverage opening device  400  may include any type of bottle opening device as is known in the art. 
     In some embodiments, the bottle opening device  400  may be mounted on the upright support  104  using the mounting mechanism  106 - 3  (e.g., screws, clamps, bolts, adhesive, etc.). In other embodiments, the bottle opening device  400  may be mounted on the lateral support  302  or on other elements of the assembly  10 . In any event, it is preferable that the bottle opening device  400  be easily accessible and arranged in such a way that it may easily accommodate any size bottle that may need to be opened. 
     Audio Speaker System  500   
     In some embodiments, the audio speaker system  500  includes one or more audio speakers  502 . In some embodiments, the audio speaker system  500  also may include wireless communication electronics so that it may receive signals from a transmitter and subsequently broadcast the signals as audio waves (e.g., as music). For example, the audio speaker system  500  may include Bluetooth electronics so that it may be paired with a transmitter (e.g., a smartphone or tablet computer) to receive and broadcast music or other types of audio received from the transmitter. Other types of wireless communication protocols also may be used such as Wi-Fi, telephony, other types so communication protocols and any combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the audio speaker system  500  includes a radio receiver that may receive amplitude modulated (AM) and/or frequency modulated (FM) signals from transmitters such as local radio stations. In other embodiments, the audio speaker system  500  includes a satellite receiver that may receive signals from one or more satellites, and subsequently broadcast the signals as audio waves. 
     In some embodiments, the audio speaker system  500  includes transmission lines that may connect it to one or more transmitters to receive signals and broadcast them as audio waves. 
     In some embodiments, the audio system  500  includes volume controls, frequency tuning controls, and other types of controls as necessary for its use. 
     In some embodiments, the audio speaker system  500  may include an internal rechargeable battery, solar panels, may be plugged into an electrical outlet or generator for power, and/or may include other types of power supplying devices. 
     The audio speaker system  500  may be configured to the upright support  104  using the mounting mechanism  106 - 3 . Alternatively, if the user already has a separate wireless speaker that he/she may wish to use, a mounting mechanism  106  and/or the assembly  10  may include a shelf or some other mounting mechanism to mount the user&#39;s pre-existing wireless speaker. 
     Illumination System  600   
     In some embodiments, the illumination system  600  includes one or more illumination device(s)  602  adapted to transmit light onto one or more game boards when the game boards are used in an environment with insufficient ambient lighting to adequately play the game (e.g., at nighttime). The illumination device(s)  602  may include LEDs, incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent lamps, Halogen lamps, neon lamps, spotlights, other types of illumination devices, and any combination thereof. The illumination device(s)  602  also may include lenses that may focus, align, concentrate, diffuse, or otherwise affect the emitted light. For example, it may be preferable that the light emitted by the illumination system  600  be focused onto an accompanying gameboard and that the light be focused onto the board using a lens or other type of directional light source. 
     In some embodiments, the illumination system  600  may be configured to the upright support  104  using the mounting mechanism  106 - 5 . The mounting mechanism  106 - 5  may include a rotatable mounting mechanism such that the angular orientation of the illumination device  602  may be set to different angular settings in order to aim the emitted light as desired (e.g., onto a gameboard below). The emitted light may preferably be white light, but other colors of light may also be emitted. 
     In some embodiments as shown in  FIG. 3 , one assembly  10  may be positioned in close proximity to each game board such that each assembly  10  may be adapted to illuminate the game board at which is it positioned. In this case, the illumination device(s)  602  are adapted to emit light at a downward angle in order to sufficiently illuminate the game board positioned below (e.g., a corn hole game board resting on the ground in close proximity to the assembly  10 ). It is preferable that the illumination devices  602  emit light of sufficient lumens so as to sufficiently illuminate the game board (e.g., its top playing surface and the top hole) so that player(s) located at an opposing game board (e.g., 33′ away) who are aiming for the illuminated game board may easily see the entire game board, the entire top game board surface, any bags that may be resting on the game board surface, and the hole at which they may be aiming. 
     In some embodiments, one assembly  10  may be positioned such that it may be adapted to illuminate two or more distinct game boards simultaneously as shown in  FIG. 4 . In this case, the illumination device(s)  602  may be adapted to emit light over a broader area in order to sufficiently illuminate the two or more game boards with sufficient lumens (e.g., each game board&#39;s top playing surface and top hole) so that player(s) located at either opposing game board (e.g., 33′ away from one another) may easily see each entire game board, each entire top game board surface, any bags that may be resting on either game board surface, and the holes on each game board at which they may be aiming. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , a first illumination device  602  may be aimed to illuminate a first game board GB 1 , and a second illumination device  602  may be aimed to illuminate a second game board GB 2 . It is understood that the assembly  10  may include any number of illumination devices  602  aimed to illuminate any number of game boards. 
     Positioning of the Elements 
     In some embodiments as shown in  FIG. 3 , the illumination system  600  is mounted on the upright structure  104  below the scorekeeping device  200  (e.g., mounting mechanism  106 - 5  is positioned lower on the upright structure  104  compared to mounting mechanism  106 - 1 ). The purpose for this is that the scorekeeping device  200  and the illumination system  600  may each emit amplified light, and it is preferable that the amplified light emitted by the illumination system  600  not interfere with the amplified light emitted by the scorekeeping device  200 , and vice versa. For example, the scorekeeping device  200  may emit light L 1  and the illumination system  600  may emit light L 2 , each in the distinct directions shown. Given this example, it is preferable that the light L 1  in the first direction does not interfere with the light L 2  in the second direction. 
     As is understood, light L 1  emitted by the scorekeeping device  200  is meant to be visible from a distance (such that the information displayed on the scorekeeping device  200  may be seen and read by the players) but is not meant to illuminate other objects. In contrast, the light L 2  emitted by the illumination system  600  is specifically meant to illuminate other objects (e.g., the game board GB 1 ) and thus may be emitted at a much higher intensity (higher lumens) than the light L 1  emitted by the scorekeeping device  200 . 
     Accordingly, if the illumination system  600  is positioned such that the light L 2  it may emit crosses in front of or is otherwise somewhat aligned with the light L 1  emitted by the scorekeeping device  200 , the light L 2  from the illumination system  600  may mask out, overpower, wash out, or otherwise make the light L 1  emitted from the scorekeeping device  200  difficult to see by the players of the game. This unpreferable arrangement is shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Therefore, the illumination system  600  of the assembly  10  is positioned below the scorekeeping device  200  in order to avoid this problem. This is shown in  FIG. 3 . Accordingly, the light L 1  is directed generally outward at a higher elevation than the light L 2 , and the light L 2  is directed generally downward at a lower elevation than the light L 1 . In this way, the light L 2  may not mask out the light L 1 , especially from afar. 
     Foldable Assembly  12   
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , the assembly  10  includes a foldable game lighting and scorekeeping assembly  12  adapted to transition from an upright configuration (for use) to a folded configuration (for stowage), and vice versa. 
     In some embodiments, the foldable assembly  12  includes a scorekeeping system&#39;s housing  204  provided with a lower portion  210 . The lower portion  210  is positioned below the illuminated readouts  206  and configured with a cup holder assembly lateral support  302 . Note that in this embodiment, the first and second readouts  206  are positioned adjacent vertically. As shown, the lateral support  302  includes a retractable tray  306  configured with the lower portion  210  using a rotatable mount  308 . The retractable tray  306  is adapted to transition from an extended downward position (e.g., for use as shown in  FIG. 6 ) to a retracted upward position (e.g., for stowage as shown in  FIG. 7 ). The lower portion  210  may include an opening  310 , recess, or other type of receiving structure (e.g., a cutout) that may receive and secure the tray  306 . From its extended position, the tray  306  may be rotated upward in the direction of arrow C to be received and stowed into the opening  310 . When stowed, it may be preferable that the tray  306  be flush with the front surface of the housing  204  and releasably locked using a locking mechanism. The tray  306  may then be released and lowered for use when desired. When in its extended configuration, it may be preferable that the tray  306  include a stop that holds the tray  306  stable and secure. 
     In some embodiments, the tray  306  includes cupholders  304  configured with its upper surface, and an illumination device  602  configured at or near its distal front end. In some embodiments, the illumination device  602  is configured with the tray  304  using a rotatable mount  604  that enables the illumination device  602  to be rotated from a generally upright position (for use as shown in  FIG. 6 ) to a retracted position for stowage. The tray  306  may include a recess  312  or other type of receiving structure (e.g., a cutout) that may receive and secure the illumination device  602 . From its upright position, the illumination device  602  may be rotated backwards in the direction of arrow D to be received and stowed into the recess  312  on the tray  304 . When stowed, it may be preferable that the illumination device  602  be flush with the top surface of the tray  306  and releasably locked using a locking mechanism. The illumination device  602  may then be released and extended for use when desired. 
     In some embodiments, it may be preferable that the rotatable mount  604  include one or more detents (or other types of setting mechanisms such as pins, etc.) at different angular positions so that the angle of the illumination device  602 , when in its generally upright position, may be adjusted and held in place at different angular settings. In this way, a user may adjust the angle of the illumination device  602  depending on the position of the game board GB 1  below to ensure that the device  602  is aimed correctly and that the board GB 1  is sufficiently lighted by the device  602 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a user may adjust the direction of the light L 2  emitted by the device  602 . 
     In some embodiments, the housing  204  is configured with the base  102  via one or more foldable legs  108 . The foldable legs  108  are configured between the bottom (or other suitable location) of the housing  204  and the base  102  using rotatable mounts  110 . In this way, the foldable assembly  12  may be folded into a compact configuration for stowage as described below. 
       FIG. 6  shows the foldable assembly  12  in its upright position for use. To convert the assembly  12  into a compact configuration, the housing  204  may be rotated forward and downward in the direction of arrow A, and the foldable legs  108  may be rotated downward in the direction of arrow B with respect to the base  102  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The elements  204 ,  108  may be rotated until the housing  204 , the legs  108 , and the base  102  are generally aligned horizontally with respect to one another. This is shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     It may be preferable that the rotatable mounts  110  include releasable locking mechanisms such that the housing  204  and the legs  108  may be locked in the assembly&#39;s fully upright position (for use), unlocked to convert the assembly  12  into its compact configuration, and then locked again in the compact position for safe stowage. These actions may be taken in reverse to extend the assembly  12  back into its upright and usable position. 
     While not shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , it is understood that the assembly  12  may include a bottle opener assembly  400  (e.g., configured with the tray  306 ) and/or an audio speaker system  500  (e.g., configured with the housing  204 , the tray  306 , etc.). 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the game lighting and scorekeeping assembly  10 ,  12  may be integrated into one or more gameboards, and as such, may be attached directly to the one or more gameboards (e.g., at the rear of the gameboard behind the board&#39;s top playing surface so that the assembly  10 ,  12  not interfere or otherwise obstruct the gameplay). Regarding the foldable assembly  12 , it may be preferable that the assembly  12  be integrated with the gameboard using rotatable mounts so that the assembly  12  and the gameboard may be folded together into a generally aligned horizontal arrangement for stowage. 
     Note that in this embodiment, the illumination device  602  of the assembly  12  is positioned below the scorekeeping readouts  206  such that the light L 2  emitted by the illumination device  602  does not interfere with the light L 1  emitted by the scorekeeping displays  206 . As in other embodiments, the light L 1  is directed generally outward at a higher elevation than the light L 2 , and the light L 2  is directed generally downward at a lower elevation than the light L 1 . In this way, the light L 2  may not mask out the light L 1 , especially from afar. 
     It is understood that any aspect and/or element of any of the embodiments described herein or otherwise may be combined in any way with any other aspect and/or element of any other embodiment to form additional embodiments of the assemblies  10 ,  12 , all of which are within the scope of the assemblies  10 ,  12 . 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate and understand, upon reading this description, that embodiments hereof may provide different and/or other advantages, and that not all embodiments or implementations need have all advantages. 
     As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “at least some” means “one or more,” and includes the case of only one. Thus, e.g., the phrase “at least some ABCs” means “one or more ABCs,” and includes the case of only one ABC. 
     As used herein, including in the claims, term “at least one” should be understood as meaning “one or more” and therefore includes both embodiments that include one or multiple components. Furthermore, dependent claims that refer to independent claims that describe features with “at least one” have the same meaning, both when the feature is referred to as “the” and “the at least one.” 
     As used in this description, the term “portion” means some or all. For example, “A portion of X” may include some of “X” or all of “X.” In the context of a conversation, the term “portion” means some or all of the conversation. 
     As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “using” means “using at least,” and is not exclusive. Thus, e.g., the phrase “using X” means “using at least X.” Unless specifically stated by use of the word “only,” the phrase “using X” does not mean “using only X.” 
     As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “based on” means “based in part on” or “based, at least in part, on,” and is not exclusive. Thus, e.g., the phrase “based on factor X” means “based in part on factor X” or “based, at least in part, on factor X.” Unless specifically stated by use of the word “only,” the phrase “based on X” does not mean “based only on X.” 
     In general, as used herein, including in the claims, unless the word “only” is specifically used in a phrase, it should not be read into that phrase. 
     As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “distinct” means “at least partially distinct.” Unless specifically stated, distinct does not mean fully distinct. Thus, e.g., the phrase, “X is distinct from Y” means that “X is at least partially distinct from Y,” and does not mean that “X is fully distinct from Y.” Thus, as used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “X is distinct from Y” means that X differs from Y in at least some way. 
     It should be appreciated that the words “first,” “second,” and so on, in the description and claims, are used to distinguish or identify, and not to show a serial or numerical limitation. Similarly, letter labels (e.g., “(A)”, “(B)”, “(C)”, and so on, or “(a)”, “(b)”, and so on) and/or numbers (e.g., “(i)”, “(ii)”, and so on) are used to assist in readability and to help distinguish and/or identify, and are not intended to be otherwise limiting or to impose or imply any serial or numerical limitations or orderings. Similarly, words such as “particular,” “specific,” “certain,” and “given,” in the description and claims, if used, are to distinguish or identify, and are not intended to be otherwise limiting. 
     As used herein, including in the claims, the terms “multiple” and “plurality” mean “two or more,” and include the case of “two.” Thus, e.g., the phrase “multiple ABCs,” means “two or more ABCs,” and includes “two ABCs.” Similarly, e.g., the phrase “multiple PQRs,” means “two or more PQRs,” and includes “two PQRs.” 
     The present invention also covers the exact terms, features, values, ranges, etc., in case these terms, features, values, ranges, etc., are used in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally, substantially, essentially, at least, etc. (i.e., “about 3” or “approximately 3” shall also cover exactly 3 or “substantially constant” shall also cover exactly constant). 
     As used herein, including in the claims, singular forms of terms are to be construed as also including the plural form and vice versa, unless the context indicates otherwise. Thus, it should be noted that as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Throughout the description and claims, the terms “comprise,” “including,” “having,” and “contain” and their variations should be understood as meaning “including but not limited to,” and are not intended to exclude other components unless specifically so stated. 
     It will be appreciated that variations to the embodiments of the invention can be made while still falling within the scope of the invention. Alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose can replace features disclosed in the specification unless stated otherwise. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed represents one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
     The present invention also covers the exact terms, features, values and ranges, etc. in case these terms, features, values and ranges etc. are used in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally, substantially, essentially, at least etc. (i.e., “about 3” shall also cover exactly 3 or “substantially constant” shall also cover exactly constant). 
     Use of exemplary language, such as “for instance,” “such as,” “for example,” (“e.g.,”) and the like, is merely intended to better illustrate the invention and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the invention unless specifically so claimed. 
     While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.