US20150069708A1

US20150069708A1 - Toss Game

Info

Publication number: US20150069708A1
Application number: US14/021,897
Authority: US
Inventors: Todd Mashburn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-09
Filing date: 2013-09-09
Publication date: 2015-03-12

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of playing a new toss game. The apparatus is compact and portable. The apparatus comprises two identical stand-alone units and is intended for use by players of all ages and is designed to be played competitively requiring the players use their skills and abilities to toss a projectile into a receiving member. The present invention provides a number of benefits including a source of entertainment, recreation, social interaction, and improving eye-hand coordination.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not applicable

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus that may be used in connection with a new toss game. The present invention further relates to a method of playing a new toss game.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to be used in connection with a new toss game. The apparatus is compact, portable and is comprised on two identical stand-alone units. The present invention is intended for use by players of all ages and is designed to be played competitively requiring the players use their skills and abilities to toss a projectile into a receiving member. The present invention provides a number of benefits including a source of recreation and social interaction.
The present invention generally relates to the game of “Beirut” or “Beer Pong,” which involves placing drinking cups in a triangular formation at each end of a table. Each of the cups is filled with a liquid, such as beer or some other alcoholic beverage. After the cups are filled, two teams standing at opposite ends of the table take turns tossing a ping pong at the cups located at the opposite end. When a ball goes into the opponent's cup, the cup is removed from the table and the liquid is consumed. This process is repeated until all cups are removed.
Certain shortcomings have been associated with the present form of the game “Beirut” or “Beer Pong.” For example, the game is difficult to play outdoors due to a ping pong's susceptibility to being blown by the wind. Another problem with the current form of the game is that it is not designed to be readily transported. As described above, the game requires a number of separate, individual pieces. Further, the game is often enjoyed in social settings such as tailgates, picnics, beach parties, etc. Thus, the game is normally played at a “destination” location. Transporting the game and its multiple separate parts over a distance is difficult. Another problem with the current form of the game is the unsanitary conditions in which the game is played. Oftentimes, the ping pong misses its target and frequently lands on the ground where it can become soiled with dirt, sand, or other impurities. The ping pong is then tossed again and if successful, lands into one of the cups filled with liquid which in turn contaminates the liquid. Additionally, oftentimes in practice cups are toppled over in the course of play which further contaminates the playing surface.
The present invention addresses these shortcomings by providing a compact, portable apparatus comprised of two stand-alone units. The stand-alone units can be easily assembled into a carrying container for easy transport. The carrying container can be further utilized to carry all the necessary components of the new toss game. The new toss game further comprises a projectile of sufficient size and density to eliminate the effects of the outdoor elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus and method of playing a new toss game. The apparatus is compact and portable. The apparatus comprises two identical stand-alone units. In the preferred embodiment, the two identical stand-alone units are substantially in the shape of a box, having a planar playing surface with a border extending from the planar playing surface. The stand-alone units further contain fastener means and a carrying means such that the units can be secured together for conversion into a storage unit and for ease of transport.
In the preferred embodiment, each stand-alone unit further comprises a plurality of upright receiving members, each with an opening therein to allow for the reception of a projectile. The present invention further includes a lid that is designed to engage with the upright receiving member to form a seal or closed container. Each lid may further contain an indentation to allow for the reception of a liquid. The apparatus further includes a lightweight projectile that is not easily blown by the wind. The apparatus includes all the necessary features to allow the game to be pleasurable and hassle free.
In play, the game involves two teams. The two identical stand-alone units are positioned opposite each other several feet apart. Players then take turns tossing the projectile into their opponent's upright receiving members. When a player lands a projectile in their opponent's upright receiving member, a player on the opposing team is to remove the projectile and place a lid on the upright receiving member. The game continues in this manner with each team taking turns. The first team to have a lid placed on all of its opponent's upright receiving members is declared the winner.
The present invention improves upon prior inventions by providing a projectile that is resistant to outdoor weather conditions. The invention further eliminates the unwanted sliding or knocking over of cups presently associated with prior inventions and eliminates the need for assembling and arranging cups. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can be easily assembled, transported, and stored.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus in the closed position ready for transportation or storage.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus in the closed position ready for transportation or storage.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus upon opening.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the stand-alone unit.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the stand-alone unit in conjunction with a projectile and lid.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus arranged in a position ready for play.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand-alone unit.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand-alone unit.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand-alone unit.

DRAWINGS

Reference Numerals

10 Carry means
15 Fastener means
16 Latch
17 Catch
20 First identical stand-alone unit
25 Planar playing surface
26 Border
30 Second identical stand-alone unit
40 Upright receiving member
50 Opening of upright receiving member
60 Lid
70 Projectile

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, one embodiment of the claimed invention is shown. The claimed invention comprises two identical stand- alone units 20,30. As shown in FIG. 4, the stand- alone units 20,30 are comprised of a planar playing surface 25 and a border 26 extending perpendicularly from the planar playing surface 25. The planar playing surface 25 and border 26 may be comprised of plastic, rubber, foam, treated wood, or metals, or any other suitable material which is resistant to moisture and is of a sufficient strength and durability to allow for repeated use as described herein.
As shown in FIGS. 1-6, in the preferred embodiment, the stand- alone units 20,30 are substantially in the shape of a box with the planar playing surface 25 being substantially rectangular in shape. As shown, the border 26 is comprised of four walls 26 which extend perpendicularly from the planar playing surface 25. However, it is envisioned that the two identical stand- alone units 20,30 and border 26 make take other forms and shapes to facilitate use and play as described herein. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, the two stand- alone units 20,30 can be circular, triangular or any other shape having a planar playing surface 25 and a border 26 extending perpendicularly from the planar playing surface 25.
As shown in FIG. 1, each stand- alone unit 20,30 further comprises a plurality of fastener means 15 to allow for securing the two stand- alone units 20,30 together. The fastener means 15 are positioned circumferentially about the outside of the border 26 of each stand- alone unit 20,30. As shown in FIG. 3, the fastener means comprises a latch 16 and a catch 17 operable to receive a portion of the latch 16. In the preferred embodiment, the stand-alone unit 20 includes the latch 16 of each of the fasteners means 15 and the stand-alone unit 30 includes the catch 17 of each of the fastener means 15. In this manner, the two stand- alone units 20,30 are operable to be secured together in a storage configuration as shown in FIG. 1. It is envisioned that other suitable fastener means may be utilized without deviating from the scope of the present inventive concept, such as an eyelet and hook arrangement as shown in FIG. 2. Each stand- alone unit 20,30 further comprises at least one carrying means 10 shown as a handle. In the preferred embodiment, each stand- alone unit 20,30 may be stacked upon one another such that the handles 10 may also cooperate with each other. In the preferred embodiment, the handles 10 are resilient and made of a nylon material. However, it is envisioned that the handles 10 may be made of any other suitable resilient material, such as leather, plastic, polyester, or metal, without deviating from the scope of the present inventive concept.
As shown in FIGS. 4-5, extending from the planar playing surface 25 on each stand- alone unit 20,30 is a plurality of upright receiving members 40. The upright standing members 40 are securedly attached to the planar playing surface 25 and are further equipped with an opening 50 therein. The upright standing members 40, and the opening 50 therein, are of a sufficient size and shape to allow for the reception of a projectile 70. In the preferred embodiment, the upright receiving members 40 are arranged in a geometric pattern, such as the triangular configuration shown in FIGS. 3-6. However, it is envisioned that the upright receiving members 40 may be arranged in a different pattern or configuration without deviating from the scope of the present inventive concept as shown in FIG. 9.
As shown in FIG. 5, the preferred embodiment of the claimed invention further comprises a plurality of lids 60 which are designed to engage the opening 50 of each upright receiving members 40. The projectile 70 is a sufficient size and shape to cooperate with the opening 50 of each upright receiving member 40 to allow for reception. In the preferred embodiment, the projectile 70 is comprised of a durable polyester rubber or plastic material filled with lightweight material such as sand, plastic beads, or other suitable lightweight materials. However, it is envisioned a projectile 70 of a different configuration and construction, such as a die, a washer, a bean bag, etc., may be employed provided it is of sufficient size and shape to cooperate with the opening 50 of the upright receiving members 40 and is water resistant, bounce resistant, and not susceptible to gusts of wind.
In play, as shown in FIG. 6, the claimed invention involves placing two identical stand- alone units 20,30 opposite each other, several feet apart. Two teams of players are them assembled and positioned behind each stand- alone unit 20,30. Players on each team then take turns tossing the projectile 70 into the opposing team's upright receiving members 40. If successful, a member of the opposing team is to remove the projectile 70 from the upright receiving member 40, and then place a lid 60 on the upright receiving member 40. The lid 60 cooperates with the opening 50 on the upright receiving member 40 to form a seal. In the preferred embodiment, the lid 60 includes an indentation of sufficient size to allow for the reception of a liquid. However, it is envisioned that a lid may be employed without such an indentation such that its use does not deviate from the scope of the present inventive concept.
The game continues with the players on each team taking turns tossing the projectile 70. The first team to have each of the opposing team's upright receiving members 40 covered with a lid 60 is declared the winner. The two stand- alone units 20,30 can then be arranged in the closed position as shown in FIGS. 1-2, secured using the fasteners means and then transported via the handles 10.

Claims

I claim:

1. A game apparatus comprising:

a. A projectile;

b. A first stand-alone unit;

c. A second stand-alone unit; whereby the first stand-alone unit and second stand-alone unit are adapted to stack upon one another to form a storage container;

d. Said first stand-alone unit and said second stand-alone unit each having a planar playing surface and a border extending perpendicularly from said planar playing surface;

e. A plurality of upright receiving members extending from the planar playing surface of said first stand-alone unit and the planar playing surface of said second stand-alone unit, each upright receiving member having an opening therein adapted to receive said projectile;

f. A plurality of lids adapted to cooperate with the opening of said plurality of upright receiving members;

g. A carrying means attached to the border of said first stand-alone unit and the border of said second stand-alone unit; and

h. A plurality of fastener means attached to the border of said first stand-alone unit and the border of said second stand-alone unit.

2. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

a. Said carrying means is a handle, and

b. Said fastener means is a latch and catch assembly.

3. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

a. Said carrying means is a handle, and

b. Said fastener means is an eyelet and hook assembly.

4. The game apparatus of claim 2, wherein the projectile is comprised of a durable polyester material filled with lightweight material.

5. The game apparatus of claim 3, wherein the projectile is comprised of a durable polyester material filled with lightweight material.

6. A game apparatus comprising:

a. A projectile, wherein said projectile is comprised of a durable polyester filed with a lightweight material;

b. A first stand-alone unit having a planar playing surface and a border extending perpendicularly from said planar playing surface;

c. A second stand-alone unit having a planar playing surface and a border extending perpendicularly from said planar playing surface; whereby the first stand-alone unit and second stand-alone unit are adapted to stack upon one another to form a storage container;

d. A plurality of upright receiving members extending from the planar playing surface of said first stand-alone unit and the planar playing surface of said second stand-alone unit, each upright receiving member having an opening therein adapted to receive said projectile;

e. A plurality of lids adapted to cooperate with said opening of said plurality of upright receiving members;

f. A carrying means attached to said border of said first stand-alone unit and said border of said second stand-alone unit; and

g. A plurality of fastener means attached to said border of said first stand-alone unit and said border of said second stand-alone unit.

7. The game apparatus of claim 6, wherein said carrying means is a handle.

8. The game apparatus of claim 7, wherein said lids further include an indentation.

9. The game apparatus of claim 8, wherein said fastener means is a latch and catch assembly.

10. The game apparatus of claim 8, wherein said fastener means is an eyelet and hook assembly.

11. A method of playing a toss game comprising:

a. Providing a projectile;

b. Providing a first stand-alone unit having a planar playing surface, a border extending perpendicularly from said planar playing surface, a carrying means attached to said border, a plurality of fastener means attached around said border, and a plurality of upright receiving members extending from the planar playing surface with each upright receiving member having an opening therein adapted to receive said projectile;

c. Providing a second stand-alone unit having a planar playing surface, a border extending perpendicularly from said planar playing surface, a carrying means attached to said border, a plurality of fastener means attached to said border, and a plurality of upright receiving members extending from the planar playing surface with each upright receiving member having an opening therein adapted to receive said projectile, whereby the first stand-alone unit and second stand-alone unit are adapted to stack upon one another to form a storage container;

d. Providing a plurality of lids adapted to cooperate with said opening of said plurality of upright receiving members;

e. Providing a first team of players and a second team of players;

f. Arranging said first stand-alone unit and said second stand-alone unit opposite each other;

g. Positioning said first team of players behind said first stand-alone unit and positioning said second team of players behind said second stand-alone unit;

h. Allowing a player from each team to take turns tossing said projectile into said plurality of upright receiving members;

i. Placing a lid onto the upright receiving member each time a player puts said projectile into an upright receiving member;

j. Continuing to allow players to take turns tossing said projectile until a lid is placed on each upright receiving member.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said projectile is comprised of durable polyester filled with a lightweight material and said lid has an indentation.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said fastener means is a latch and catch assembly.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said fastener means is eyelet and hook assembly.