Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to amusement devices, and more specifically, to an amusement ball having a retractable propelling mechanism. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Sales of toys and other amusement devices form a large part of the economy. Some popular amusement devices are conventional ball devices that are propelled or launched through the air by human power. Propelling with human power is conventionally achieveed in one of two methods. In a first method, a conventioral ball device is first physically gripped. Once gripped, the conventional ball device is then launched by using forward momentum of an outward force. 
     In a second method, the conventional ball device is attached to the end of a rope. The amusement device again first gripped by the rope. Once gripped, the rope is used to twirl the conventional ball device in a circular motion. Using the developed centrifugal force the conventional ball device is released and launched forward. Frequently, the second method produces the furthest throwing results. 
     Conventional ball devices that can be gripped and then physically launched are known. A problem, however, with these conventional ball devices is that they lack a rope or a cord. The lack of a rope or a cord limits the amount of total force to be applied to the conventional ball device to launch it. This results in limiting or decreasing the distance that the conventional ball device can be propelled. 
     Conventional ball devices having a rope or a cord attachment that may generate momentum with a circular motion and with the help of centrifugal force be launched are also known. A problem with conventional ball devices having a rope or a cord attachment is that the rope or the cord consistently trails the conventional ball device. The trailing rope increases drag on the conventional ball device. The increased drag clearly hinders the flight of the ball. This results in limiting or decreasing the distance that the conventional ball device can be propelled. 
     Another problem with conventional amusement devices having a rope or a cord attachment is that the rope consistently flails once it is released. This also increases drag on the ball and results in limiting or decreasing the distance the amusement device can be propelled. The flailing rope also disrupts the aerodynamics of the conventional ball device. More particularly, the flailing rope causes the flight path of the conventional ball device to be altered as the whipping force of the trailing rope causes a shift in the direction of force in which the conventional ball device is propelled. This also reduces the distance the ball can be propelled. Moreover, it reduces the accuracy with which the ball may be directed once it is propelled. 
     Yet another problem with conventional ball devices having a rope or a cord is that they may be susceptible to causing increased damage in the surroundings where they are propelled. More particularly, the trailing rope may be flaiLing out of control. The trailing and flailing rope causes whip-like forces to be applied to innocent objects and things resulting in damage to those items. 
     Therefore, there is a need for an amusemnent ball device that may (1) be launched through a rope or a cord and (2) that minimizes or eliminates the application of external forces on the amusement ball device that may unnecessarily hinder the forces to propel the amusement ball device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, a retractable amusement ball device includes a retract assembly. The retract assembly includes a recoil mechanism. A line or cord is attached to the recoil assembly at one end. The other end of the line may include a handgrip assembly such as a knob, a ring, or a handle. 
     When the retractable amusement ball device is at rest, the line is wound about the recoil assembly. The handgrip assembly comes to rest against an exterior of the retractable amusement ball device. When a participant plans to launch the retractable amusement ball device, the participant grips or grabs the handgrip assembly and pulls the line into an extended position. A force is applied to the ball through the extended line and handgrip mechanism. For example, a centrifugal force, may be applied by gripping the handgrip assembly and twirling the ball in a circular manner. 
     When the participant releases the handgrip assembly, the recoil mechanism rewinds the line back into the retract assembly as the retractable amusement ball device is propelled through the air. By the time the retractable amusement ball device is back at rest, the line is completely recoiled within the retractable amusement ball device and the handgrip assembly is again at rest against the retractable amusement ball device. 
     An advantage of the present invention is that because the line is recoiled back into the retractable amusement ball device, the line is not consistently trailing the retractable amusement ball device. Therefore, the present invention beneficially reduces drag force on the retractable amusement ball device. Further, another advantage of the present invention is that the line is not flailing around as the retractable amusement ball device is propelled. Therefore, the present invention beneficially reduces or eliminates extraneous whipping forces on the retractable amusement ball device. Moreover, the present invention increases aerodynamic capabilities of the retractable amusement ball device, and thereby beneficially increases propulsion distances. 
     The present invention also allows for a retractable amusement ball device having increased versatility for the propulsion methods. The present invention beneficially allows a participant to grip this device and propel it in a forward motion without it being hindered by a trailing line. In addition, the present invention allows a participant to grip the handgrip device, pull the line from the retract assembly, and launch the retractable amusement ball device with centrifugal force to propel it in a forward motion. The versatility of the present invention beneficially allows a participant to utilize these methods, as well as numerous other methods, without being hindered from one method or the other when propelling the retractable amusement ball device. Some of these methods may also challenge or improve participant dexterity in that more intricately performed propulsion maneuvers can be realized. 
     The present invention also allows for a variety of unique handgrip assemblies. In addition to, for example, a knob, a ring, or a handle, the handgrip assembly may be, for example, an optical or light assembly or a parachute assembly. This feature beneficially increases the number of configurations that the ball amusement device may be assembled into, and therefore, increases the number and variety of activities for which the retractable amusement ball device can be used. 
     The features and advantages described in the specification are not all inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an end view perspective of one embodiment of a retractable amusement ball device in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a side view perspective of one embodiment of a retractable amusement ball device in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG.  3   a  illustrates an axonometric view of a retractable amusement ball device in an executing position in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG.  3   b  illustrates a flow chart of one embodiment of a general process for using the retractable amusement ball device in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view from the end perspective of a retractable amusement ball device having a retract assembly in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view from the side view perspective of the retractable amusement ball device having the retract assembly in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded axonometric view of the retractable amusement ball device having the retract assembly in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIGS.  7   a ,  7   b,  and  7   c  illustrate alternative embodiments of a retractable amusement ball device that may be coupled to different handgrip assemblies, for example, a streamer, parachute handle assembly, or a ring or handle in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIGS.  7   d ( 1 ) and  7   d ( 2 ) illustrate a first embodiment and a second embodiment for a locking assembly to couple a handgrip assembly to a second end of a line in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIGS.  8  and  9   a - 9   c  illustrate additional alternative embodiments of a retractable amusement ball device having a retract assembly in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIGS.  10   a  and  10   b  illustrate embodiments of an amusement game using a retractable amusement ball device in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The figures depict a preferred embodiment of the present irivention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods ilhlstrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the claimed invention. 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an end view perspective of one embodiment of a retractable amusement ball device  100  in accordance with the present invention. The retractable amusement ball device  100  includes a ball or ball assembly  105  and a handgrip assembly  130 . The ball assembly  105  includes an outer surface or outer portion that may be comprised of a cover material  140 . The ball assembly  105  also includes an inner portion that may be comprised of a filler material. 
     It is noted that in a first embodiment the ball assembly  105  is comprised of an outer cover material and an inner filler material. The cover material may be any soft and/or pliable material, for example, a cloth material, a vinyl material, a leather material, a pliable plastic material, a rubber or rubber-like material, or the like, including any combination of such soft and/or pliable material. The filler material may be any material that the cover material can cover. The filler material may be, for example, a cloth or cloth pieces material, a vinyl material, a leather material, a foam material, a Styrofoam™ material, a balloon material that can be filled with a gas or a liquid, a pliable plastic material, or the like, including any combination of filler material that the cover material can cover. The cover over the filler material may be attached in any manner, for example, stitching, tacking, adhesive, pins, staples, rivets, or the like. 
     In a second embodiment, the ball assembly  105  is comprised of a cover material that is hardened. In the second embodiment of the ball assembly  105 , the cover material can be, for example, a Styrofoam™ material, a hard plastic material, a wood material, a metallic material, or the like, including any combination of a cover material that is hardened. In the second embodiment, the filler material can be any filler material that can be used to fill an inner portion of the ball assembly  105 , including, but not limited to, gas, liquid, or a material or materials that can be used as a packing material. 
     In a third embodiment, the ball assembly  105  is comprised completely or substantially completely of a solid pliable material. The solid pliable material may be, for example, a pliable foam material, a pliable polyurethane, a rubber or rubber-like material, or the like, including any combination of solid pliable materials. 
     In a fourth embodiment, the ball assembly  105  is comprised completely or substantially completely of a solid material. The solid material may be, for example, a metallic substance, a wood substance, a hard plastic substance, or the like, including any combinations of solid materials. 
     Turning to the handgrip assembly  130 , in a first embodiment the handgrip assembly  130  is a knob or knob-like structure. In a second embodiment the handgrip assembly  130  is a handle or handle-like structure. In a third embodiment, the handgrip assembly  130  is a gripping type structure. The gripping type structure includes any structure that can be gripped in some manner, for example, by a hand, a finger or fingers, or the like. In a fourth embodiment, the handgrip assembly  130  is a grasping type structure 
     The grasping type structure includes any structure that can be grasped in some manner, for example, a hand, a finger or fingers or the like. The grasping structure may also be mechanical, for example, a clip, a robot arm, a release mechanism that grasps the assembly and releases at some instance, or the like. The handgrp assembly  130  may be constructed of any soft or rigid structure, for example, cloth, leather, vinyl, nylon, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), plastic, metal, or the like. 
     One end of the handgrip assembly  130  couples to a line (not shown). A first end of the line is disposed within an interior of the ball assembly  105  as is further described below. A second end of the line couples to one end of the handgrip assembly  130 . The handgrip assembly  130  comes to rest against an outer surface of the ball assembly  105  when the handgrip assembly  130  is in a rest position. 
     Referring back to the retractable amusement ball device  100 , in one embodiment the retractable amusement ball device also includes a grommet  120 . The grommet  120  couples to the ball assembly  105  so that it comes to rest against the outer surface of the ball assembly  105  or just within the interior of the ball assembly  105 . In this embodiment of the retractable amusement ball device  100 , the one end of the handgrip assembly  130  comes to rest against the grommet  120  rather than the outer surface of the ball assembly  15 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the grommet  120  has a concave structure. The grommet  120  with a concave structure has one end relatively flush with respect to the outer surface of the ball assembly  105  and the other end slightly recessed below the outer surface of the ball assembly  105 , for example, slightly within the interior of the ball assembly. In this embodiment the concavity of the grommet  120  is sufficient so that a substantial portion of the handgrip assembly  130  is within the concave area when the handgrip assembly  130  is in a rest position  220   a . When the handgrip assembly  130  is in the rest position  220   a  against the grommet  120 , they are as a unit substantially flush with respect to the outer surface of the ball assembly  105 . 
     It is noted that the grommet  120  may be comprised of any soft or hard material. The grommet  120  may be comprised of, for example, a Styrofoam™ material, a pliable plastic material, a hard plastic material, a foam material, a pliable foam material, a rubber or rubber-like material, ABS, or the like. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a side view perspective of one embodiment of the retractable amusement ball device  100  in accordance with the present invention. The retractable amusement ball device  100  includes the ball assembly  105 , the grommet  120 , a line  310 , and the handgrip assembly  130 . It is noted that the line  310  may be any flexible or rigid line. The line  310  may be, for example, a rope, a string, a wire, a cord, a chain, or the like. 
     A first end of the line  310  is disposed within the ball assembly  105 . A second end of the line  310  couples to the handgrip assembly. It is noted that the line  310  is illustrated in FIG. 3, but is shown in FIG. 2 as a dashed line to indicate that the line may extend from within the ball assembly  105 . The line  310  passes through the grommet  120  if the grommet  120  is present. The grommet  120  couples with the ball assembly  105  so that at least a portion of it rests against the surface of the ball assembly  105 . 
     To a limited extent, FIG. 2 illustrates the retractable amusement ball device  100  in both a rest position and an executing (or extended) position  220   b  in accordance with the present invention. FIG.  3   a  illustrates an axonometric view of a retractable amusement ball device  100  in the extended position  220   b  in accordance with the present invention. FIG.  3   b  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a general process for using the retractable amusement ball device, for example, as illustrated in FIGS.  2  and  3   a.    
     Generally, in one embodiment at the start  350  a user (or player) may use (or executes) the retractable amusement ball device  100  by first grabbing the handgrip assembly  130 . The user pulls  355  the handgrip assembly  130  away from the rest position  220   a  so that a line from the interior of the retractable amusement ball device  100  is now in an extended position  220   b . The user may apply  360  a force (a momentum) on the retractable ball device using the handgrip assembly  130  in the extended position. For example, the user may use the handgrip assembly  130  in the extended position to whirl the retractable amusement ball device  100 . When the user releases  365  the retractable amusement ball device  100 , the line retracts or recoils back into the interior of the retractable amusement ball device  100 . The line continues to retract until the handgrip assembly  130  returns back (end  370 ) to the rest position  220   a  against the surface of the ball assembly  105  or the grommet  120 . 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view from the end perspective of a retractable amusement ball device  100  having a retract assembly  410  in accordance with the present invention. The cross-sectional view is through a center axis  210 H,  210 H′ as illustrated in FIG.  2 . The cross-sectional view illustrates an embodiment of the retractable amusement ball device  100  having an interior portion  420 . The interior portion  420  may be, for example, the filler material encompassed by the cover material described above. The interior portion  420  may also be, for example, the solid material or the solid pliable material described above. Preferably, the retract assembly  410  is disposed to the interior portion  420  of the ball assembly  105  at a center (or substantially at the center). Alternatively, the retract assembly is disposed within another location in the interior portion  420  of the ball assembly  105 . 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view from the side view perspective of the retractable amusement ball device  100  having the retract assembly  420  in accordance with the present invention. The cross-sectional view is through a center axis  110 H,  110 H′ as illustrated in FIG.  1 . The retractable amusement ball device  100  includes the ball assembly  105 , including the interior portion  420 , the retract assembly  410 , the line  310 , the handgrip assembly  130 , and the grommet  120 . 
     The retract assembly  410  includes a retract assembly housing  510 , a flange portion  515  of the retract assembly housing, and a recoil mechanism  520 . It is noted that in one embodiment the housing  510  includes the flange portion  515  and is a single piece unit. The retract assembly and its components, including the housing  510  and the flange portion  515 , may be comprised of a substantially rigid material, for example, plastic, metal, Styrofoam™, ABS, or the like. It is also noted that in another embodiment, the housing  510  may include the flange portion  515  and the grommet  120  so that all three portions comprise a single unit. In yet another embodiment, the flange  515  and the grommet  120  may be a single piece unit. 
     The recoil mechanism  520  may be a conventional recoil or retract mechanism that includes a spool. The spool allows the line  310  to be wound about it at the first end side of the line  310 . The recoil mechanism  520  also allows the line  310  to be unwound when the first end of the line  310  is pulled and then allows the line to be automatically wound about it when the second end of the line  310  is released. 
     In a preferred embodiment, retract assembly  410  is disposed within the center (or substantially center) of the interior portion  420  of the ball assembly  105 . The housing  510 , including the flange  515 , couples with the grommet  120  at the outer surface or just below the outer surface of the ball assembly  105 , depending on whether grommet  120  is concave. The grommet  120  couples to the ball assembly  125  so that a portion of it is at rest against the outer surface of the ball assembly  105 . The first end of the line  310  couples to the spool and the remainder of the line  310  is wound about the spool. The second end of the line  310  passes through the flange  515  and the grommet  120  and couples to the handgrip assembly  130 . 
     FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded axonometric view of one embodiment of the retractable amusement ball device  100  having the retract assembly  410  in accordance with the present invention. The retractable amusement ball device  100  includes the ball assembly  105 , the retract assembly  410 , the line  310  and the handgrip assembly  130 . The retract assembly is illustrated with a single piece housing  510  that includes the flange  515 . The line  310  is wound about the recoil mechanism at the first end side, passes through the grommet  120  and couples with the handgrip assembly  130  as the second end. 
     This embodiment also illustrates the retractable amusement ball device  100  having for the interior portion  420  the pliable solid material or the solid material as described above. The embodiment includes a cavity  410 ′ that is shaped such that the retract assembly  410  may be disposed within a cavity  410 ′ itself. This allows the retract assembly  410  to be secured within the interior portion  420  of the ball assembly  105 . 
     FIGS.  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c  illustrate other embodiments of a retractable amusement ball device  100  that couple to different types of handgrip assemblies  130 . For example, FIG.  7   a  illustrates an embodiment of a retractable amusement ball device  700   a  having a ball assembly  705   a  and a parachute assembly  710 . The ball assembly  705   a  is functionally similar to the ball assembly  105  described above. The parachute assembly  710  couples with the line  310  through a locking assembly  740 . In addition, the ball assembly includes a cavity  710 ′ in which the housing of the parachute assembly  710  can rest when it is in the resting position. 
     The parachute assembly  710  includes a parachute housing. The parachute housing may be used finctionally similar to the handgrip assembly  130  described above with regard to the application of a force when a user executes use of the ball. The parachute assembly  710  opens when the user releases the parachute assembly. As tile retractable amusement device  700   a  floats to a landing, the line  310  recoils the opened parachute so that it comes to rest substantially within the cavity of the ball assembly  705   a.    
     In another example, FIG.  7   b  illustrates an embodiment of a retractable amusement ball device  700   b  having a ball assembly  705   b  and a knob or handle  720 . The ball assembly  705   b  is functionally similar to the ball assembly  105  described above. The knob or handle  720  is finctionally similar to the handgrip assembly  130  described above. The knob or handle  720  couples to the line  310  through the locking assembly  740 . The ball assembly  705   b  may include a cavity in which the knob or handle  720  call rest when in the resting position. 
     In another example, FIG.  7   c  illustrates an embodiment of a retractable amusement ball device  700   c  having a ball assembly  705   c  and a streamer knob  730 . The ball assembly  705   c  is finctionally similar to the ball assembly  105  described above. The streamer knob  730  is finctionally similar to the handgrip assembly  130  described above. The streamer knob  730  couples to the line  310  through the locking assembly  740 . The ball assembly  705   c  may include a cavity in which a small knob portion of the streamer knob  730  can rest when it is in the resting position. 
     FIGS.  7   d ( 1 ) and  7   d ( 2 ) illustrate a first embodiment  740   a  and a second embodiment  740   b  for a locking assembly to couple the handgrip assembly  130  to the second end of the line  310  in accordance with the present invention. Both the first embodiment  740   a  and the second embodiment  740   b  of the locking assembly  740  include a first portion  750  and a second portion  760 . The second end of the line  310  couples with the first portion  750  of the locking assembly  740   a ,  740   b  (generally  740 ). The handgrip assembly  130  couples with the second portion  760  of the locking assembly  740 . 
     The first portion  750  of the locking assembly  740  may be, for example, a female assembly component, and the second portion  760  of the locking assembly  740  may be, for example, a male assembly component, or vice versa. Further, the first embodiment of the locking assembly  740   a  may include an L-shaped groove on the first portion and a protrusion from the second portion. To couple the locking assembly  740   a , the protrusion is slid through the straight portion of the groove and is rotated ninety degrees (or thereabouts) into the slot portion of the groove. 
     The second embodiment of the locking mechanism  740   b  may include a small hole in the first portion and a spring or spring type protrusion on the second portion. To couple the locking assembly  740   b , the second portion is fit through the first portion so that the spring is lowered. When the protrusion is over the hole, the spring pops the protrusion into the hole. To release, a release mechanism can be used to re-lower the spring and pull apart the two portions of the locking mechanism  740   b.    
     FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a hollowed retractable amusement ball device  800  in accordance with the present invention. The hollowed retractable amusement ball device  800  includes a ball assembly  805 , a retract assembly  810 , and a first and a second retract assembly support  820 . The retract assembly  810  is functionally similar to the retract assembly  410  described above. The first and the second retract assembly support  820  are comprised of a structurally rigid material. The ball assembly  805  is comprised of a cover material that may also be a structurally rigid material. The interior of the ball assembly  805  is substantially hollowed. 
     The first and the second retract assembly supports  820  couple to the retract assembly  810  and to the interior wall of the ball assembly  805 . The cover material of the ball assembly  805  need only be sufficiently rigid to support the first and the second retract assembly support  820 . The retract assembly  805  is positioned so that its flange allows the second end of the line  310  to protrude from the ball assembly  805  and couple to the handgrip assembly  130 . 
     It is noted that the ball assembly described above, e.g., ball assembly  105 , is generically portrayed as a spherical-like structure. One skilled in the art will understand that the ball assembly may be of other regular (e.g., a pyramid) and irregular three-dimensional (e.g., trapazoidal) shapes without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, FIG.  9   a  illustrates another embodiment of a retractable amusement ball device  900  in accordance with the present invention. The retractable amusement ball device  900  includes a ball assembly that is an American football-like structure  905 . Similar to the ball-assembly  105  described above, the retract assembly  410  is located in the interior of the American football-like structure  905 . The flange  513  of the retract assembly  110  is disposed such that the line  310  may be pulled form one point end of the American football-like structure  905 . 
     FIG.  9   b  illustrates still another embodiment of a retractable amusement ball device  910  in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment the retractable amusement ball device  910  includes a ball assembly that is a cylinder-like structure  915 . Similar to the ball assembly  105  described above, the retract assembly  410  is located in substantially a center of the interior of the cylinder-like structure  915 . The flange  510  of the retract assembly  410  is disposed such that the line  310  may be pulled from an end of the cylinder-like structure  915 . FIG.  9   c  illustrates yet another embodiment of a retractable amusement ball device  920  includes a ball assembly that is a cube-like structure  925  having the retract assembly  410  located in substantially a center of the interior. 
     FIGS.  10   a  and  10   b  illustrate two embodiments of an amusement game system using a retractable amusement ball device  1000  in accordance with the present invention. The retractable amusement ball device  1000  is functionally equivalent to the retractable amusement ball device  100 . A first embodiment of an amusement game system  1005  includes a basket assembly  1010  divided into two or more compartments, e.g.,  1015   a ,  1015   b . In one embodiment, the basket assembly  1010  is comprised of individual rods, e.g.,  1020   a - 1020   e , that are assembled to create the compartments. The rods may be comprised of any rigid material, for example, metallic pipes, wood dowels, or plastic tubes. In an alternative embodiment, the basket assembly  1010  structure comprises a single piece unit. 
     In addition, the basket assembly  1010  also includes a net, e.g.,  1025   a ,  1025   b , that couples to each compartment to form a basket for that compartment. A line or adhesive may be used to couple the net to each compartment. Alternatively, a single net that couples with all the compartments may be used. In yet another embodiment, each compartment may be formed by having a solid wall separate each compartment, e.g.,  1025   a ,  1025   b.    
     One embodiment of the amusement game system  1005  may be played by one user or multiple users, either individually or in teams. In one embodiment, at the onset of a game, each compartment may be pre-assigned to a user or a team. In addition, in one embodiment, an object of the game is to have the retractable amusement ball device  1000  be placed in the user&#39;s or team&#39;s pre-assigned compartment or basket. Each time the ball is placed in the pre-assigned compartment, this results in a score of points that is predetermined at the onset. The game may continue until an overall score of a number of points is re ached. This overall score may also be predetermined at the onset of the game. The basket system  1010  may be placed horizontally (parallel to the ground) or vertically (perpendicular to the ground). 
     To play the amusement game device, a user is placed at a predetermined distance away from the basket system  1010 . Using the retractable amusement ball device  1000 , the user uses a handgrip assembly of the amusement ball device  1000  to generate a momentum on the ball device  1000 . The user then takes aim at the predetermined compartment that may be assigned to that user. When the user is ready, the user releases the handgrip assembly at such time so that the retractable amusement ball device  1000  can fall within the predetermined compartment. If the retractable amusement ball device  1000  falls into the predetermined compartment, the user earns the predetermined number of points for this “basket.” The amusement game system  1005  continues until the overall predetermined number of points is scored by at least one user or team. 
     FIG.  10   b  illustrates a second embodiment of an amusement game system  1035  using the retractable amusement ball device  1000  in accordance with the present invention. The second embodiment of the amusement game system  1035  includes a target system  1030 . The target system  1030  may be structurally similar to the basket system  1010 . For example, the frame may be comprised of a single rigid member or two or more rigid members. In addition, an interior may be comprised of a single net or bask(t or two or more nets. Alternatively, the interior may be comprised of two or more compartments in which each compartment is separated by a solid wall. 
     In one embodiment the compartments of the target system  1030  interior  1040  may be structured conceptually similar to, for example, a dartboard target or a bow-and-arrow target, with the highest number of points for the retractable amusement ball device  1000  thrown in the middle  1045  and lesser points for the retractable amusement ball device  1000  landing farther away from the middle  1045 . When playing the game, the target system  1030  may also be placed horizontally or vertically. To play the game, a user is placed at a predetermined distance away from the target system  1030 . Using the retractable amusement ball device  1000 , the user uses a handgrip assembly of the amusement ball device  1000  to generate a momentum on the ball device  1000 . The user then takes aim at the target system  1030  and releases the handgrip assembly at such time so that the retractable amusement ball device  1000  can hit within the interior  1045  of the target system  1030 . The user scores points based on where the ball lands within the interior  1045  of the target system  1030 . This game also may be played individually or in teams. 
     The present invention provides a retractable amusement ball device that uses a handgrip assembly that couples with a line that is wound within a ball assembly. The present invention beneficially allows for the line to be unwound using the handgrip assembly. The present invention also allows for an application of a momentum force on the retractable amusement ball device as the line is in the unwound position. When the handgrip assembly is released, the amusement ball device is projected over some distance. Moreover, when the handgrip assembly is released, the line beneficially recoils into the ball assembly. The present invention may also be advantageously applied to a number of unique games. 
     While particular embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes and variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus of the present invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Technology Category: 1