Patent Abstract:
Outdoor and indoor rolling games, game box stations ramps and methods of play where one or more participants physically rolls wheels towards a ramp which leads to a box, and a target area, such as circular hole or rectangular hole where player(s) accumulate points under selected playing rules. A station box can have a fold down ramp with an optional opening in the back of the box. Another station can have wheels and cooler in a hand truck arrangement. Another version can use a foldable ramp with removable inserts that allows the game to also be used with bean bags.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This invention claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/519,063 filed May 16, 2011. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to outdoor and indoor rolling games, and particular to games, stations, ramps and methods of play where one or more participants physically rolls wheels towards a ramp which leads to a box, and a target area, such as circular hole or rectangular hole where player(s) accumulate points under selected playing rules. 
       BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART 
       [0003]    Various types of yard games, activities and sports, such as horseshoes, lawn darts, bowling and toss games have become popular because of the social aspects, the physical activity, and inclusiveness of different age, gender and ability to compete. 
         [0004]    For example, beanbag, sandbag and disc tossing type games have been used many times over the years. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 922,717 to Parker; 3,628,793 to Mudloff; 4,726,591 to Johnson; 4,974,858 to Knowlton; 5,056,796 to Conville; 5,553,862 to Konotopsky; 6,866,268 to Christianson; and 7,607,666 to Studier. 
         [0005]    Other types of games, such a ball rolling games have been proposed. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 607,020 to Dodge; 742,416 to Hall; 945,286 to Rumpf; 1,262,314 to Downey; 1,545,329 to Johnston Jr.; 1,561,934 to Kennedy; 1,604,846 to Nelson; 3,837,653 to Fox et al.; and 4,726,591 to Johnson. 
         [0006]    Some games have attempted to use rollable rings and discs. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,662,518 to Luthi; 3,386,737 to Burgess; 5,199,708 to Lucas; and 5,664,776 to Mateer. 
         [0007]    While these games may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not the same and would not be suitable for all the purposes of the present invention as hereto described. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A primary objective of the present invention is to provide games, stations, ramps and method of play where one or more participants physically rolls wheels towards a ramp which leads to a box, and a target area, such as circular hole or rectangular hole where player(s) accumulate points under selected playing rules. 
         [0009]    A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide a self-contained game assembly that can be assembled from a wheeled box, and where one or more participants physically rolls the wheels that are used for the transportable box towards a ramp which leads to a box, and a target area, such as circular hole or rectangular hole. 
         [0010]    A third objective of the present invention is to provide a wheeled box that can serve as both a sitting stool for a participant and for a game that can be assembled from a wheeled box, and where participants physically rolls the wheels from the box towards a ramp which leads to a box, and a target area, such as circular hole or rectangular hole. 
         [0011]    A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide a physical wheel rolling game for one or more participants, intended for a large playing area outside or inside if the room permits, where the participants roll wheels into a target assembly to garner points in competition. 
         [0012]    A fifth objective of the present invention is to provide a physical wheel rolling game for one or more participants, having a target area that can be interchanged overtime. 
         [0013]    The game can be comprised of one or two portable box units, each unit having two wheels that can be removed for play. The box can have a fold down side that can double as a ramp for play, where wheels from the box can be used by players to roll up the ramp and toward a target area such as circular hole or rectangular hole. 
         [0014]    The box unit or two box units can be collapsed into components that can be carried in a single suitcase. 
         [0015]    Another box version can have extendable handles, and wheels on two lower corners of the box, to allow the box to be moved similar to a hand truck. The wheeled box unit can have a hinged upper lid/cover that can access a space that can be used as cooler. Slots in the handle and/or on the box can be used for scoring. Removable pegs can be inserted and moved along the series of holes to update player scores. 
         [0016]    Another version of the game can have a ramp and back panel that are foldable with one another, along with a slot in the ramp. An additional slot can be placed in the rear panel to add difficulty to game play. 
         [0017]    Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a top view of the wheel game with holes station and folding ramp. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of the station of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the station of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a front view of the station of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the station of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the station of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the station of  FIG. 1  showing a wheel being rolled up the ramp and into box. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a rear perspective of the station of  FIG. 7  showing the wheel being rolled into box and through the keyhole cutout in the back panel for extra point(s). 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a play setup with two stations with wheel paths toward the stations. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the station of  FIG. 1  disassembled for storage into carrying case. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of all components for two wheel stations along with 4 wheels for game play oriented for storage into the two stations caps which serve as part of the carrying case. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the components in  FIG. 11  stacked for storage. 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  shows the stacked components of  FIG. 12  placed in a lower station cap for storage. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of  FIG. 13  with the upper station cap in place and thumb screws used to secure station caps to each other. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a front view of the assembled game station case of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the game station case of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an optional wheel of the game stations of  FIG. 11-12  for play with hub plates positioned for assembly. 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view with hub plates assembled. The plates can be used for logo or advertising information or just to dress up the wheel. 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  is a front view of  FIG. 18  with the wheel and hub plates assembled. 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  is a side view of wheel with the hub plates assembled of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the wheel with hub plates assembled of  FIG. 19  along arrow  21 Y. 
           [0039]      FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of the wheel station box of  FIGS. 1-9  with optional holes and pegs for scoring. 
           [0040]      FIG. 23  is a front view of a mobile station with cooler and a seat portion on the station. 
           [0041]      FIG. 24  is a side view of the mobile station of  FIG. 23  with cooler and seat. 
           [0042]      FIG. 25  is a rear view of the mobile station of  FIG. 23 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 26  is a side cross-sectional view of the mobile station of  FIG. 27  along arrow  26 X. 
           [0044]      FIG. 27  is a front view of the mobile station of  FIG. 25  with extendable handle up, cooler cover open, and ramp folded down for play. 
           [0045]      FIG. 28  is a front perspective view of the mobile station with closed ramp of  FIG. 23 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 29  is a rear perspective view of the mobile station with closed ramp of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 30  is a front perspective view of the closed ramp of the station of  FIG. 28  with handle extended and cooler open. 
           [0048]      FIG. 31  is a front perspective view with the handle down, cooler closed, and ramp down for play. 
           [0049]      FIG. 32  is a front perspective view showing stations set up for play with the wheels removed and the folding feet folded up. The path of wheel onto the ramp and into the station is shown. 
           [0050]      FIG. 33  is an enlarged view of the upper corner of the station of  FIG. 32  with scoring holes and pegs. 
           [0051]      FIG. 34  is another enlarged view of the upper corner of the station of  FIG. 22  with scoring holes and pegs. 
           [0052]      FIG. 35  is a front perspective view of the portable folding ramp version of the wheels with holes invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 36  is a rear perspective view of the  FIG. 35  folding ramp. 
           [0054]      FIG. 37  is a side view of the  FIG. 35  folding ramp. 
           [0055]      FIG. 38  is a front view of the  FIG. 35  folding ramp. 
           [0056]      FIG. 39  is top view of the  FIG. 35  folding ramp. 
           [0057]      FIG. 40  is a back view of the  FIG. 35  folding ramp. 
           [0058]      FIG. 41  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 35  folding ramp. 
           [0059]      FIG. 42  is a front perspective view of the  FIG. 35  folding ramp showing path of wheel up ramp and into the hole. 
           [0060]      FIG. 43  is an exploded view of the ramp of  FIG. 35  with Corn Hole insert ready for installation into the hole in ramp. 
           [0061]      FIG. 44  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 43  ramp with Corn Hole insert installed for conversion to Corn Hole play. 
           [0062]      FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the Corn Hole converted ramp showing path of a bean bag into the converted game. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0063]    Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
         [0064]    A listing of components will now be described.
     10 . Folding Wheel Hole station.     20 . Station ramp.     22 . extension pins to pivot ramp  20       29 . track     30 . Station cap and half of carrying case.     40 . Keyhole in back of station for extra scoring potential.     50 . Stiffening brace.     52 . end slots     54 . side slots     56 . middle slot     60 . Left side.     61 . fastening hole     62 . notched bottom edge     65 . angled cut-out groove     70 . Right side.     71 . fastening hole     72 . notched bottom edge     75 . angled cut-out groove     80 . Rear panel.     81 . fastening hole     84 . notched bottom edges     86 . notched middle edge     90 . Thumb screw for assembling station.     100 . Wheel.     105 . tire     110 . Wheel path into station.     120 . Wheel path out of station should the wheel go through the keyhole in the back panel.     130 . Two disassembled complete Wheel Hole stations along with four wheels for playing the game stacked for packaging into carrying case.     140 . Handle for assembled carrying case.     150 . Backing plate with threaded inserts for assembling carrying case.     160 . Threaded insert in station cap for handle assembly.     170 . Components for two Wheel Hole stations (less station caps) and four wheels for playing the game stacked for packaging (less station caps).     180 . Complete Wheel Hole game packed and ready to carry.     190 . Optional hub plate for wheel (female connector). The connector could be screw fit, press fit, or snap fit. Two plates can be used per wheel; male and female.     200 . Optional hub plate for wheel (male connector). The connector would match the female hub plate configuration (screw, press, or snap fit).     210 . Male connector on hub plate.     220 . Female connector on hub plate.     230 . Hole in wheel through which the hub connectors pass to mate and secure the plates to the wheel.     240 . Optional scoring peg.     250 . Optional holes in station cap for scoring peg progression.     260 . Rolling mobile Wheel Hole station. Top portion incorporates a ice cooler. Two stations can play game.     265 . rectangular upright box     270  Fold down ramp.     272 . track indicia on ramp     275 . hinge     278 . fastening edge of ramp     280 . Extendable handle incorporates optional scoring holes to house scoring pegs.     290 . U-brackets secure extendable handle to body of station.     300 . Hinged cooler cover/lid doubles as a seat.     310 . Optional holes in handle for scoring peg progression.     320 . Lift handle on back of station.     330 . Cooler cover hinge.     340 . Rolling wheel for station mobility.     350 . Folding foot.     360 . Keyhole in back of mobile station for extra scoring potential.     370 . Ice cooler incorporated into top of station.     380 . Lower cavity of station receives wheel when “pitched”.     390 . Portable folding ramp version of Wheel Hole game.     400 . Main ramp with hole target for wheel.     402 . track indicia     410 . Hinged support panel tilts ramp up for play.     420 . Hole in main ramp for wheel target.     430 . Recess ledge in ramp hole accepts insert to convert game to popular Corn Hole bean bag game     440 . Keyhole cut out in support panel offers extra scoring potential.     450 . Hinge for support panel.     460 . Wheel path onto and up ramp toward target hole.     470 . Corn hole conversion insert fits into Wheel Hole target hole and rests on ledge in hole.     480 . Bean bag target hole in insert.     490 . Bean bag is thrown into target hole in insert.     500 . Path of bean bag into target hole in insert.     510 . Thread-on wheel retaining cap. This could be a wing nut or any style of hand tightened fastener.     520 . Threaded wheel axle.     530 . Foot axle upon which fold-up foot rotates to fold up and out of the way for play.   
 
       Wheel Hole Station and Carrying Case 
       [0138]      FIG. 1  is a top view of the wheel game with holes station  10  and folding ramp  20 .  FIG. 2  is a rear view of the station  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is a side view of the station  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  is a front view of the station  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the station  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the station  10  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0139]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , the wheel game with holes station  10  is shown assembled. The station  10  can include a box configuration having a station cap  30  which also can function as half of a carrying case, left side  60 , right side  70 , rear panel  80 . The station can further include a keyhole shaped slot  40  in back of the station for extra storing potential. Additionally, a stiffening brace  50  can be used for supporting the left and right sides  60 ,  70  and rear panel  80 . On opposite sides of the cap  30  can be fasteners  90 , such as thumbscrews for fastening the cap  30  to fastening holes in the sides  60 ,  70  and panel  80 . 
         [0140]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the station  10  of  FIG. 1  showing a wheel  100  being rolled up the folded down ramp  20  along a path  110  and into box of the station  10 . Indicia  29 , such as track lines can be formed on the ramp  20  to aid the user in aiming into the box station  10 .  FIG. 8  is a rear perspective of the station  100  of  FIG. 7  showing the wheel  100  being rolled into the box station  10  and through the keyhole cutout  40  in the back panel  80  and out  120  for extra point(s). 
         [0141]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a play setup with two stations  10  with wheel paths  110  toward the stations  10 . The covers  30  on each station  10  can also function as seats for the players, so that the players can play or rest in seating positions. 
         [0142]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the station  10  of  FIG. 1  disassembled for storage into carrying case  180  to be described later. Referring to  FIGS. 1-7  and  10 , the user can place stiffening brace  50  on the ground in order to mount the sides  60 ,  70  and rear panel  80 . 
         [0143]    Notched bottom edges  62  and  72  on the bottom rear corners of sides  60 ,  70  can be pressed into mating slots  52  on opposite ends of the brace  50  and snapped (or friction fitted) into place. Notched bottom corner edges  84  of rear panel  80  can be pressed into respective slots  54  on brace  50  and also and snapped (or friction fitted) into place. And central notched bottom edge  86  of rear panel  80  can be pressed into mating middle slot  56  of brace  50  and snapped (or friction fitted) into place. 
         [0144]    Next, the rear extension pins  22  can be slid down into inwardly facing angled cut-out grooves  65 ,  75  of the sides  60 ,  70 , so that the ramp  20  can pivot relative to the sides  60 ,  70 . 
         [0145]    Finally, the cap cover  30  can be fit over the tops of sides  60 ,  70  and rear panel  80 , and fasteners  90 , such as thumb screws, can attach through side hole(s)  31 (only one is shown) of the cap  30  into mating fastener holes  61 ,  71 ,  81  of the sides  60 ,  70  and rear panel  80 . 
         [0146]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of all components  130  for two wheel stations  10  along with 4 wheels  100  for game play oriented for storage into the two stations caps  30  which serve as part of the carrying case  180 (shown in  FIG. 14 . A handle  140  can have one end attached the lower cap  30  by fastener  90 (such as a thumbscrew) that attaches to a threaded insert  160  in the cap  30 . 
         [0147]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the components in  FIG. 11  stacked  170  for storage between caps  30  with backing plates  150  attached to inner side edges of lower cap  30  by fasteners  90 . 
         [0148]      FIG. 13  shows the stacked components  170  of  FIG. 12  placed in a lower station cap  30  for storage.  FIG. 14  is a perspective view of  FIG. 13  with the upper station cap  30  in place and thumb screws  90  used to secure each of the station caps  30  to each other to be used as a carrying case  180 . The top end of handle  140  is similarly attached to the side of upper cap  30  by another fastener  90 , such as a thumbscrew.  FIG. 15  is a front view of the assembled game station case  180  of  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 16  is a side view of the game station case  180  of  FIG. 15 . 
         [0149]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an optional wheel  100  having tire  105  about a rim of the game station components  130  of  FIG. 11-12  for play with hub plates  190 ,  200  positioned for assembly. The tire  105  can be formed from material such as but not limited to rubber, plastic, compositions, wood, and the like. Male connector  210  on hub plate  200  can pass through hole  230  in wheel  100  and snap into female receptacle  220  in opposite hub plate  190 .  FIG. 18  is a perspective view with hub plates  190 ,  200  assembled on the wheel  100 . The plates can be used for logo or advertising information or just to dress up the wheel  100 .  FIG. 19  is a front view of  FIG. 18  with the wheel  100  and hub plates  190 ,  200  assembled.  FIG. 20  is a side view of wheel  100  with hub plates  190 ,  200  assembled of  FIG. 19 .  FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the wheel with hub plates assembled of  FIG. 19  along arrow  21 Y. 
         [0150]      FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of the wheel station  10  of  FIGS. 1-9  with optional holes  250  and pegs  240  on the cap  30  for scoring. The player(s) can move the peg(s)  240  to the right or to the left to show the progression of scoring. 
       Portable Wheel Station for Wheel Game 
       [0151]      FIG. 23  is a front view of a mobile station  260  with cooler  370  and cover/lid  300  which also can function as a seat.  FIG. 24  is a side view of the mobile station of  FIG. 23  with cooler  370  and seat cover/lid  300 .  FIG. 25  is a rear view of the mobile station  260  of  FIG. 23 . 
         [0152]    Referring to  FIGS. 23-25 , the mobile station  260  can have a generally rectangular upright box shape  265  with an upper portion  370  having a cooler installed therein, and a lower wheel game portion that is accessible by a pivotable ramp  270 . The lower rear of the box  265  of the mobile station can have a pair of wheels  340  attached by to ends of an axle  520  and held in place by wheel retaining caps  510 . The wheel retaining caps  510  can be any type of fastener, such as but not limited to a wing nut, or another style of hand tightened fasteners. 
         [0153]    In  FIGS. 23-24 , a ramp portion  270  can be pivotally attached by a hinge  275  at the bottom to a portion of the box. The ramp portion  270  can stay in a closed position by having its&#39; top edge  278  tightly fitted into the side slot opening of the box. Other types of fasteners, such as but not limited to snaps, latches, and the like, can further hold the ramp portion in a closed position. 
         [0154]    The sizes of the ramp and wheels can vary depending upon difficulty of play. A wheel  340  having a diameter of approximately 6 inches, would cause the ramp portion  270  to have a length (height in closed position) of approximately 7 inches, so that rolling the wheel  340  up the downward positioned ramp  270  reduces the slot opening in the box to less than approximately 7 inches. 
         [0155]    An extendable handle  280  having an inverted U shape can be attached to the station  260  by U shaped brackets  290  that are secured to the side walls of the station box  265 . Optional columns of holes  310  in the handle  280  can be used for scoring purposes with the use of optional pegs. Additionally, the handle  280  can be raised and lowered when points are achieved by the player(s). The handle  280  can be either raised or lowered to different positions during an actual game where the number of holes visible above or below the U-brackets  290  can indicate the current scores. The extendable handle  280  can be rigidly held in position by fasteners, and can be used to pull the station  260  onto wheels  340  for ease in transport. 
         [0156]    On the back of the station  260  can be fixed handle  320  that allows for the mobile station to be moved about similar to a hand truck, where the user pulls back on the handle  260  to move the weight of the station onto the wheels  340  for transport. 
         [0157]      FIG. 26  is a side cross-sectional view of the mobile station  260  of  FIG. 27  along arrow  26 X with lid/cover  300  moved to an open position by raising the lid/cover  300  by hinge  330 , which allows access to the cooler portion  370 , and with ramp  270  rotated to a downward position. Handle  280  can be raised upward in play every time a score is achieved. Lower cavity  380  in the station receives the wheel  340  after it has been pitched or rolled into the station. A front side corner foot  350  is shown in the down position, which has an upper end attached to the bottom of the station  260  by a foot axle  530 . During play, the foot  350  is folded up during play so that the station can sit on the ground. 
         [0158]      FIG. 27  is a front view of the mobile station  260  of  FIG. 25  with extendable handle up 280, cooler cover/lid  300  open, and ramp  270  folded down for play. In this figure peg(s)  240  are shown and can be used to indicate different scoring during the played game, where pegs can be moved into different holes when a score is achieved. A keyhole slot  360  is shown in the back of the station  260  for extra scoring potential. Down the middle of the ramp  270  can be a track indicia  272  that allows the user a target to aim at to get a rolling wheel  340  up the ramp  270  and toward the keyhole slot  360 . 
         [0159]      FIG. 28  is a front perspective view of the mobile station  260  with closed ramp  270  of  FIG. 23  and folding feet (two foots)  350  down.  FIG. 29  is a rear perspective view of the mobile station  260  of  FIG. 28 .  FIG. 30  is a front perspective view of the mobile station  260  of  FIG. 29  with ramp  270  closed, handle  280  extended and cooler cover/lid  300  open. 
         [0160]      FIG. 31  is a front perspective view with the handle  280  down, cooler lid/cover  300  closed, and ramp  270  down for play. Dashed lines for the handle  280  indicate the ability of the handle to extend and retract. Wheel  340  is shown removed from axle  520  by taking off cap(s)  510 . Each folding foot  350  can be folded up by hinge  530  when the game is ready for play. The removed wheel(s)  340  are useable by the player(s) during the game, while the station  260  is sitting directly on the ground. After playing the game, each front foot  350  can be folded down, the wheels  340  attached to the axles  520 , which allows the station  260  to be easily moved. 
         [0161]      FIG. 32  is a front perspective view showing stations  260  set up for play with the wheels  340  removed and each foot folded inside of the lower part of the station  260 . The path  110  of wheel  340  onto the ramp  270  and into the station  260  is shown.  FIG. 33  is an enlarged view of the upper corner of the station  260  of  FIG. 32  with scoring holes  310  and scoring peg  240 .  FIG. 34  is another enlarged view of the upper corner of the station  260  of  FIG. 22  with scoring holes  310  and peg  240  moved to a different hole. 
       Portable Folding Ramp 
       [0162]      FIG. 35  is a front perspective view of the portable folding ramp version  390  of the wheels with holes invention. This is very much like the popular game “Corn Hole” in which a bean bag is thrown into a round hole in a similar ramp setup.  FIG. 36  is a rear perspective view of the  FIG. 35  folding ramp.  FIG. 37  is a side view of the  FIG. 35  folding ramp version  390 .  FIG. 38  is a front view of the  FIG. 35  folding ramp  390 .  FIG. 39  is top view of the  FIG. 35  folding ramp version  390 .  FIG. 40  is a back view of the  FIG. 35  folding ramp.  FIG. 41  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 35  folding ramp version  390 .  FIG. 42  is a front perspective view of the  FIG. 35  folding ramp  400  showing path of a wheel  460  up the ramp  490  trying to aim for track indicia  402  and into the hole  430 . 
         [0163]    Referring to  FIGS. 35-42 , the folding ramp version can include a main ramp  400  that having track indicia  402  thereon. Ramp  400  hinged at an upper end by a hinge  450  to a hinged support panel  410 , which allows for the ramp  400  to be tilted at different degrees for different levels of play. When not being used, the support panel  410  is folded against ramp  400  allowing ease in transport and reduced space needs for storage. 
         [0164]    A hole  420  in the ramp  400  can have a geometrical shape, such as but not limited to a rectangle, a circle, a triangle, and the like. The support panel  410  can have a keyhole shape cut-out  440  which offers extra scoring potential during the game play. Along the edges of the opening  420  can be a ledge  430  which is able to accept inserts that can change the geometry of the opening  440  to add more difficulty during wheel  100  rolling play. The wheel  100  can be rolled along path  460  to the ramp  400  similar to the previous embodiments. 
         [0165]    In addition, the ledge  430  around the perimeter of hole  440  can be used to convert the rolling wheel game to the popular corn hole bean bag game.  FIG. 43  is an exploded view of the ramp version  390  of  FIG. 35  with insert  470  ready for installation into the hole  420  in the ramp  400 . The edges of the insert  470  are sized to fit on the ledge  430  of the hole  420 .  FIG. 44  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 43  ramp version with insert  470  installed for conversion to Corn Hole play where bean bags can be used instead of wheels.  FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the Corn Hole converted ramp  400  showing path  500  of a bean bag  490  into the converted game, where the hole is a bean bag target hole  480 . 
         [0166]    The insert  470  can also be used with the slot openings in the previous versions described above, to modify levels of skill and play difficulty. 
         [0167]    Descriptions of playing the rolling wheel hole games will now be described. 
       Official Wheel Hole Playing Rules 
       [0168]    2 or 4 players (Can be played with only 1 player for practice or self-challenge) 
         [0169]    Wheel Hole&#39;s ramps and assemblies can have identical dimensions to insure consistency and fairness. During play, the assemblies should face each other and be separated by the desired distance. The lowest edge of the inclining ramp is also the edge of the perceived foot foul line. 
         [0170]    Distance can be measured between foot foul edges of the Wheel Hole ramps. 
         [0171]    Pre-measured string or a measuring tape, along with pegs and/or anchors can be used to keep accurate distance between Wheel Holes. Wheels should stay put where they fall. 
         [0172]    The following distances in Table 1 can be used for hard surface play such as asphalt, cement or wood: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 DISTANCE 
                 AGE 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 15 Feet 
                 8-12 years 
               
               
                   
                 18 Feet 
                 13 and older 
               
               
                   
                 20 Feet 
                 Tournament play 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0173]    The following distances in Table 2 can be used for average yard surfaces such as grass or dirt. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 DISTANCE 
                 AGE 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 12 Feet 
                 8-12 years 
               
               
                   
                 15 Feet 
                 13 and older 
               
               
                   
                 18 Feet 
                 Tournament play 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0174]    The following distances in Table 3 can be used for play in soft sand or at the beach. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 DISTANCE 
                 AGE 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 5 Feet 
                 8-12 years 
               
               
                 8 Feet 
                 13 and older 
               
               
                 10 Feet  
                 Tournament play 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0175]    In doubles, team partners face can each other from opposite Wheel Hole assemblies. 
         [0176]    Each team can play with 2 wheels. If a wheel rolls at least ½ way back, roll it again. 
         [0177]    Opponents can alternate turns until all wheels are rolled. 
         [0178]    For example, the round is then scores (See Game Scoring Rules). The team with the highest score rolls first. Also, the team that ties the score, rolls first. The winning team rolls first at the starting of the next game. Opponents may call a foot foul and the call must be honored. Alternate rolling sides and R/L positions after each game 
       Game Scoring Rules: 
       [0179]    Winner can be the first player or team to acquire 21 points or more 
         [0180]    1 point can be scored for the 1 st  wheel rolled into the Wheel Hole target area. 
         [0181]    2 points can be scored for the 2 nd  wheel rolled in by either team. 
         [0182]    3 points can be scored for the 3 rd  wheel rolled in by either team. 
         [0183]    4 points can be scored for the 4 th  wheel rolled in by either team. 
         [0184]    5 points can be scored for a wheel rolled through the Wheel Hole at any times, by it doesn&#39;t count as a wheel rolled in for added points. 
         [0185]    Playing examples will now be described. 
       Example 1 
       [0186]    Red Team rolls first wheel in for 1 point 
         [0187]    Blue Team rolls in the next wheel (2 nd ) for 2 points 
         [0188]    Red Team misses next roll 
         [0189]    Blue Ream rolls in next wheel (3 rd ) for 3 points SCORE: Red Team=1, Blue Team=5 
       Example 2 
       [0190]    Blue Team rolls first, and in for 1 point 
         [0191]    Red Team rolls a Wheel Hole through for 5 points 
         [0192]    Blue Team rolls next wheel in (2 nd ) for 2 points 
         [0193]    Red Team rolls next wheel in (3 rd ) for 3 points 
         [0194]    SCORE: Red Team=8, Blue Team=3. 
         [0195]    If Example 1 and 2 team SCORES are added together, Red Team=9, Blue Team=8, then the Red Team rolls first, starting the next round. If a foot foul is called on either team, that wheel is disqualified from all scoring. 
       Game Set-Up 
       [0196]    For location, any surface will suffice but a reasonably level playing area should be preferred. 
         [0197]    Playing area should be approximately 10 feet wide and 30 feet long. Participants nearest the target Wheel Hole should stop long-rolled wheels with their foot, once they pass the back edge. 
         [0198]    If playing in sand, the distance between Wheel Holes should be no more than 10 feet and the forward roll should be used instead of the backspin technique. 
       The Lingo for the Game 
     Roller—Players/participants 
       [0199]    High Roller(s)—the player or team with the highest or tying score, or winner(s) of the previous game. High Roller would roll first in the next round or to begin the next game.
 
The Dog House—another name for the target area.
 
Grey Hound—a wheel rolled too fast and/or too far.
 
Fender Bender—when the wheel is rolled too hard and bounces back off the target.
 
Blood Hound—a wheel rolled too slow and/or not far enough which makes it land in . . . .
 
The Bone Yard—the playing area between both ramps where the wheels fall and stop.
 
The Bone—any wheel blocking the path of a roller
 
Lucky Dog—when the wheel comes at least % way back towards the roller. A re-roll is awarded.
 
The Dog—any wheel, anywhere on the playing surface where it lands.
 
Run Over the Dog—any wheel that rolls over another wheel on the playing field.
 
Prairie Dog—when the wheel doesn&#39;t go all the way through the cut-out hole in back.
 
Wheel Hole—when the wheel drops into the target area and totally out of the cut-out.
 
Wee Ho! Or Wheel Ho!—shouted out when the player rolls a Wheel Hole.
 
       The Stance and Roll 
       [0200]    Players can stand upright and behind or to the side of the game assembly when using the back spin roll. Player(s) can also sit on the station boxes during play or at rest. To start, each player can hold the wheel with their thumb and fore-fingers of one hand and loft it with a forward and up flick of the wrist, to within a few feet from the target area, so it lands and rolls forward and straight at a reasonable speed. 
         [0201]    To employ the forward roll, players can cup the bottom section of the wheel in your palm, with your fore-fingers extended along the bottom part of the wheel, pointing forward. Players can stand on either side of the Wheel Hold assembly, slightly bent over at the hips to roll and release the wheel low and forward, off your fingers, similar to bowling. 
         [0000]    PROGRESSIVE SCORING or UNDERDOG SCORING—favors the person/team with the lower score.
 
Whether playing singles or doubles, one round is complete after 4 wheels are rolled.
 
       In Singles: 
       [0202]    Each player stands behind, or sits on the opponents target. Each player can start with 2 wheels. The first wheel is always rolled by the winner of the previous game or the defending champion. If no prior game was played and there is not a determined champion to roll, a coin toss is appropriate to get started. 
         [0203]    Points cam be accumulated by the progression of wheels successfully rolled into either of the Wheel Hole target areas. First wheel in, regardless of who rolls it or which target it is, garners 1 point, second wheel in garners 2 points. Third wheel in garners 3 points and forth wheel in garners 4 points. If a wheel goes all the way through the cut out in the back, 5 points is awarded to that roller but it doesn&#39;t count as a wheel in. 
         [0000]    Example: players are standing for this example
 
Player A stands behind Wheel Hole™ station box B. Twenty feet away is Player D standing behind Wheel Hole™ station box C.
 
Player A|Wheel Hole™ station box B ______20 ‘______ Wheel Hole™ station box C|Player D Player A rolls first wheel and misses Wheel Hole™ station box C—00 points.
 
Player D rolls next and the first wheel goes into Wheel Hole™ station box B—01 point (first wheel in).
 
Player A rolls his/her last wheel into Wheel Hole™ station box C—02 points (second wheel in).
 
Player D rolls his/her last wheel into Wheel Hole™ station box B—03 points (third wheel in).
 
*One round of play is complete. Player D has 4 points, player A has 2 points.
 
Player D rolls first wheel into Wheel Hole™ station box B — 01  point (first in)—now has 5 points total.
 
Player A rolls next and his/her wheel goes into Wheel Hole™ station box C—02 points (second in) now has 4 points.
 
Player D rolls his/her last wheel into Wheel Hole™ station box B—03 points (third in)—now has 8 points total.
 
Player A rolls his/her last wheel into Wheel Hole™ station box C—04 points (4th In)—now has 8 points total.
 
*Second round is over Player D and Player A are tied at 8 points. Now Player A rolls first in next round.
 
FIRST one to reach 21 points is the winner of that game regardless of how many wheels remain. The winner then rolls the first wheel to starts the next round.
 
       In Doubles: 
       [0204]    Player A &amp; Player E stand behind Wheel Hole™ station box B.
 
Twenty feet away, Player D and Player F stand behind Wheel Hole™ station box C.
 
Player A and Player F are partners. Player D and Player E are partners.
 
Each opposing player standing on one side starts with 2 wheels. The first wheel is always rolled by one of the winners of the previous game or the defending champion team. If no prior game was played and there is no determined champions to roll, a coin toss is appropriate to get started.
 
         [0205]    The scoring can be accumulated in the same manner as in singles, but the players are rolling towards the same Wheel Hole target taking alternating turns, beginning with the team that has the highest score or the team that has just tied the score. All four wheels can be rolled to end the round. The wheels will then be rolled back in the other direction starting with the team player that has the highest score or just tied the score from the previous round. Continue back and forth until a team reaches 21 points to win. 
         [0206]    After a roll, if the wheel rolls back at least half way towards the original roller, he/she gets to roll that wheel again. Otherwise, the wheels can remain where they fall, even if it is blocking the path or ramp. Wheels that are obviously going to miss the target should be stopped by the closest player&#39;s foot so the wheel will not keep rolling past. 
       Degree of Difficulty 
       [0207]    Difficulty level can be increased or decreased by changing the distance between Wheel Hole™ station box targets. 
         [0000]    *5 point Wheel Hole™ station box (through the back) can be made more easily by changing the width of the cut-out. 
         [0208]    The invention components can be formed from various types of materials, such as but not limited to plastic, fiberglass, wood, and the like. 
         [0209]    Although the slot described in the back of the box or rear panel is described as keyhole shaped, the slot shape can vary to any geometrical shape or configuration. 
         [0210]    While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0