WO2015188059A2

WO2015188059A2 - Throwing game assemblies and methods of use

Info

Publication number: WO2015188059A2
Application number: PCT/US2015/034403
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph William HANLIN
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-05
Filing date: 2015-06-05
Publication date: 2015-12-10
Anticipated expiration: 2016-12-05
Also published as: WO2015188059A3

Abstract

A throwing game assembly includes at least one toy launch apparatus. The toy launch apparatus includes a base portion and a launching portion extending out from the base portion. The launching portion is a long, slender protrusion with a generally circular cross-section. A thrown object includes a hollow body with an inner surface, a top end, a bottom end, and an opening extending from the top end to the bottom end. Methods of playing a throwing game include use of at least one toy launch apparatus and at least one thrown object.

Description

THROWING GAME ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF USE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.

62/008, 168, filed June 5, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/041 ,252, filed August 25, 2014, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] The disclosed technology relates generally to an interactive throwing game for one or more players.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In one aspect, a throwing game assembly comprising at least one toy launch apparatus is disclosed. The toy launch apparatus may comprise a base portion and a launching portion extending out from the base portion. The launching portion may be a long, slender body having a generally circular cross-section and comprise a curved distal portion located distally from the base portion.

[0004] According to one feature, the base portion comprises a handle portion and an end portion.

[0005] According to one feature, the end portion is removably attached to the end portion.

[0006] According to one feature, the launching portion is removably attached to the handle portion.

[0007] According to one feature, the curved distal portion has a curvature ranging from 0 to about lm ¹.

[0008] In another embodiment, the launching portion may comprise at least one plastic selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides, acrylonitrile, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and mixtures thereof. In yet another embodiment, the launching portion comprises polymethyl methacrylate.

[0009] In another aspect, the base may be connected to, or integral with, a handle and/or securing device. In yet another aspect, the base may be integral with a handle. In another embodiment, the securing device may selected from a hook, strap, glove, or combinations thereof.

[0010] In another embodiment, the throwing game assembly may further comprise at least one thrown object. The thrown object may include a hollow body with an inner surface, a top end, a bottom end, and an opening extending from the top end to the bottom end. In another aspect, the thrown object may comprise a foam ring on the top end. In yet another aspect, the thrown object may comprise a clinging ring on the top end, wherein the clinging ring comprises an adhesive and/or fasteners.

[0011] In another embodiment, the throwing game assembly further comprises a target. The target may be a substantially flat target, a three-dimensional target, a body suit, or combinations thereof.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the throwing game assembly may further comprise a portable playing surface. The playing surface may be a foam or rubber mat.

[0013] In one aspect, a thrown object for use with a toy launch apparatus is disclosed. The thrown object includes a hollow body with an inner surface, a top end, a bottom end, and an opening extending from the top end to the bottom end. In another aspect, the thrown object may comprise a foam ring and/or a clinging ring on said top end, wherein the clinging ring comprises an adhesive and/or fasteners. In yet another aspect, the thrown object may comprise a clinging ring on the top end. The clinging ring may comprise fasteners that are hook and loop fasteners.

[0014] In another embodiment, the thrown object may comprise at least one plastic selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides, acrylonitrile, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and mixtures thereof. In yet another embodiment, the thrown object of may comprise an annulus within the opening extending from the top end to the bottom end.

[0015] Methods of playing a throwing game using at least one toy launch apparatus and at least one thrown object are also disclosed. The method may comprise using at least one toy launch apparatus and at least one thrown object. The toy launch apparatus may comprise a base portion and a launching portion extending out from the base portion. The launching portion may be a long, slender protrusion with a generally circular cross-section. In another aspect, the launching portion may comprise a curved distal portion located distally from said base portion.

[0016] During play, a first player may use the toy launch apparatus to throw at least one thrown object at an opponent and/or target.

[0017] These and further features of the disclosed technology will be apparent with reference to the following description and attached drawings. In the description and drawings, particular embodiments or aspects of the disclosed technology have been disclosed in detail as being indicative of some of the ways in which the principles of the disclosed technology may be employed, but it is understood that the disclosed technology is not limited correspondingly in scope. Rather, the disclosed technology includes all changes, modifications and equivalents coming within the spirit and terms of the claims appended thereto.

[0018] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

[0019] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] These and other features of the disclosed technology, and their advantages, are illustrated specifically in embodiments of the disclosed technology now to be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: [0021] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a toy launch apparatus.

[0022] FIG. IB is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a toy launch apparatus.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows multiple views of an exemplary embodiment of a thrown object.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows multiple views of an exemplary embodiment of a thrown object.

[0025] FIG. 4 shows multiple views of an exemplary embodiment of a thrown object.

[0026] FIG. 5 shows multiple views of an embodiment of a thrown object.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a thrown object with an annulus.

[0028] It should be noted that all the drawings are diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts of these figures have been shown exaggerated or reduced in size for the sake of clarity and convenience in the drawings. The same reference numbers are generally used to refer to corresponding or similar features in the different embodiments. Accordingly, the drawing(s) and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The disclosed interactive throwing game includes throwing game assemblies and methods of use. A throwing game assembly may comprise at least one toy launch apparatus (e.g. , a toy launch apparatus in the form of a "wand") and one or more or thrown objects or scoring objects (e.g. , thrown objects in the form of "spells"). The wands and spells can be of different shapes and sizes. The methods of use are various games that may be played using the throwing game assembly. In accordance with one exemplary method of play, the main object of the game is for a first player to use the wand or toy launch apparatus to throw, flick or otherwise propel the spells or thrown objects at an opponent or opponents. The opponent(s) will, in turn, attempt to deflect the spells and/or catch the spells on their wand. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment points may be awarded if a thrown spell hits an opponent's body. Point values may depend on the particular spell being thrown and/or the area of the body the spells hits. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, if a player catches a thrown spell on their wand, they automatically win the game. Of course, it could also take on other embodiments where instead of an automatic win, there could be an increased point value assigned to the person who catches a spell thrown by their opponent. In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, if a player catches a thrown spell on their wand, they automatically win the game and their opponent's wand. It is contemplated that one or more of the exemplary embodiments can be carried out during the course of a tournament (e.g. , a Dueling Wizards Tournament).

[0030] In accordance with one embodiment, the wand or toy launch apparatus (FIG. 1A and FIG. IB) may have a base portion (2) and a launching portion (4). The launching portion may be a long and slender body or protrusion extending out of the base with a blunt tip. The launching portion may be configured similar to a fencing foil with a generally rectangular cross-section or alternatively it may have a generally circular cross-section like a stick or wand. In one embodiment, the launching portion may be made of a material, such as plastic, that is somewhat flexible such that it will flex slightly when low to moderate forces are applied and returns to its original shape when the forces are removed. Suitable plastics include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides, acrylonitrile, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA or Plexiglas^®), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon^®), and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the launching portion may be made of polymethyl methacrylate.

[0031] In another embodiment, the launching portion may comprise a curved distal portion (6) located distally from the base. Alternatively, the entire launching portion can be curved. In one embodiment, the launching portion can have a curvature of 0° to about 30°. In another embodiment, the launching portion can have a curvature from about 10° to about 20°. Alternatively, the launching portion can have a curvature of about 15°. In one embodiment, the lunching portion of the launch apparatus can have a length of about 12 inches to about 20 inches. In one embodiment, the curved distal portion of the launching portion has a curvature of about 0 to about lm ¹. In another embodiment, the curved distal portion of the launching portion has a curvature of about 0 to about 2m^"1.

[0032] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the launching portion of the launching apparatus can have a length of about 14 inches to about 18 inches. The launching portion of the launching apparatus can be configured of a length and thickness such that the launching portion of the launching apparatus flexes or otherwise curves when the launching apparatus is used to launch or otherwise throw a spell or thrown object. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the launching portion is configured to flex or otherwise curve in a range of about 0 degrees to about 30 degrees when used during normal operation. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the launching portion is configured to flex or otherwise curve in a range of about 0 degrees to about 15 degrees when used during normal operation. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the launching portion is configured to flex or otherwise curve in a range of about 15 degrees to about 30 degrees when used during normal operation. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the launching portion is configured to flex or otherwise curve in a range of about 0 to about lm ¹. In another embodiment, the launching portion is configured to flex or otherwise curve in a range of about 0 to about 2m^"1.

[0033] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the base portion (2) includes a handle portion (8) and an end portion (10). The end portion (10) can be removably attached to the handle portion (8), such that the toy launch apparatus can be configured or customized to include different end portions depending on the preference of the user. The end portion (10) can be removably attached to the handle portion (8) using a number of different attachment mechanisms, including, but not limited to, a threaded mechanism, a twist-and-lock mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, or the like. In addition, the launching portion (4) can be removably attached to the base portion (2), for example, using any suitable attachment mechanism, including those discussed above.

[0034] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the toy launch apparatus may comprise a battery cavity to house one or more batteries to power lights, such as LED lights, and/or speakers embedded in one or more portions of toy launch apparatus. In accordance with another aspect, the launching portion may be made of clear plastic, such as PMMA, and lights may be embedded between the base and the launching portion such that the light is projected through the launching portion. In accordance with another aspect, the base portion may have a speaker to generate sound. In yet another embodiment, the base portion may have an accelerometer or gyroscope or other motion detector embedded therein to motion-activate the light and/or sound.

[0035] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the base may be connected to, or integral with, a handle or securing device. In one embodiment, the base is integral with a handle, for example, as shown in FIG. 1A and/or FIG IB, that players may grip in the palm of their hands. In another embodiment, the base may be connected to a securing device such as a hook or strap that may be used to connect the launch apparatus to players' arms or wrists. In another embodiment, the base may comprise both a handle and a securing device. In yet another embodiment, the securing device may be a glove, wherein the launching portion extends from a glove worn on players' hands.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the spells, or thrown objects, can include a hollow body (10) with an inner surface (12) and is open at a top end (14) and a bottom end (16). The inner surface, may have a cross-section of any shape, including, but not limited to, a square, triangular, and circular cross-section. In one embodiment, the inner surface may have a circular cross-section as shown in FIGS. 2-5. Similarly the outer surface (18) of the hollow body may have a cross-section of any shape. The cross-sections of the inner surface (12) and outer surface (18) may be the same or different. For example, turning to FIG. 4, the inner surface (12) has a generally circular cross-section and the outer surface (18), has a generally triangular cross-section.

[0037] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS 2-6, the thrown object may have a generally cylindrical body or frustoconical body. The thrown object may have fins or other projections (shown generally as 20) extending outward from the outer surface of the body. The hollow body defines an opening along the length of the thrown object. In accordance with one embodiment, the thrown object or spell is made of a relatively lightweight yet sturdy plastic material. Suitable plastics include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides, acrylonitrile, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA or Plexiglas^®), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon^®), and mixtures thereof.

[0038] In another embodiment, the thrown object or spell could be made of a suitable foam plastic material, such as polystyrene or polyurethane foam. In yet another embodiment the thrown object may include both a solid plastic portion and a form plastic portion. For example, the thrown object may have a plastic body with a foam ring on the top surface wherein the foam ring contacts the opponent when thrown with the toy launch apparatus. In yet another embodiment, the thrown object could include a clinging ring of sticky material or fasteners that secure and release easily to an opponent's clothing, wall, or a fastener-equipped target or fastener-equipped suit. Suitable sticky materials include polymer adhesives or similar materials. Suitable fasteners include hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro^®. In yet another embodiment, the foam ring and/or clinging ring maybe removable and/or interchangeable with the same or different thrown object shapes. The rings may be threaded or secured with a ring fastening device, such as a snap or other suitable friction fit.

[0039] Other embodiments for the thrown object may include an embodiment where the generally cylindrical or frustoconical body includes an inner cylindrical sleeve or annulus (22) within the opening along the length of the thrown object as shown in FIG. 6. The annulus (22) may be configured such that the thrown object can receive the launching portion of the launch apparatus and may assist the player in more accurately throwing a spell or thrown object.

[0040] In yet another embodiment, the overall game rather than being an interactive game between two or more participants, could be embodied as a single user target game. In one embodiment, the throwing game assembly may further comprise a target. In one embodiment, the target may be substantially flat and made of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, paper, cloth, or plastic. In another embodiment, the target may be a 3- dimensional target of any shape. Exemplary shapes include, but are not limited to, human figures, animal figures, and monsters, fanciful, or grotesque figures. The flat or 3-dimensional target may include graphics or pictures on the surface that may indicate different point totals in a particular region and/or may be purely decorative. Alternatively, the targets may have one or more openings of different sizes such that when the thrown object enters a smaller sized opening, more points are awarded than when the thrown object enters a larger opening. In yet another embodiment, the target may have one or more pressure or motion sensors that power lights or speakers when activated.

[0041] In yet another embodiment, the throwing game assembly may further comprise a court or playing surface. The playing surface is a flat surface that lays on the on the ground or floor. The playing surface may be made of any material that is easily portable and upon which players may stand, run, play, etc. In one embodiment, the playing surface may be a foam or rubber mat. As with the targets, the mats may include graphics or pictures on the surface that may indicate different point totals in a particular region and/or may be purely decorative. Alternatively, the graphics may indicate "safe zones" where no points are awarded if an opponent is struck in the safe zone. In another embodiment, the mat may include a "scoring zone" where the players need to be within the scoring zone in order to score points. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will anticipate that other embodiments could be contemplated as well.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, one or more throwing game assemblies may be used in team play. The team play may be played in any location, woods, gymnasiums, etc. The team play may be played like the children's game "tag" wherein opponents are "tagged" or "It" when hit with a thrown object. In another embodiment, team play may be separated by a line, wherein players on each team may approach the line but not cross it. Players are eliminated when they are hit with a thrown object. The first team to eliminate all the players on the opposing team wins. In another aspect, if eliminated players catch a thrown object on their launching portion, they are back in the game and the player that through the spell is eliminated. In yet another embodiment, team play may be on the court described above.

[0043] In one aspect, a throwing game assembly comprising at least one toy launch apparatus is disclosed. The toy launch apparatus may comprise a base portion and a launching portion extending out from the base portion. The launching portion may be a long, slender body or protrusion with a generally circular cross-section and comprise a curved distal portion located distally from the base portion. In another aspect, the curved distal portion may have a curvature ranging from 0° to about 30° (when the device is stationary or when the device is used during normal operation).

[0044] In another embodiment, the launching portion may comprise at least one plastic selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides, acrylonitrile, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and mixtures thereof. In yet another embodiment, the launching portion comprises polymethyl methacrylate. [0045] In another aspect, the base may be connected to, or integral with, a handle and/or securing device. In yet another aspect, the base may be integral with a handle. In another embodiment, the securing device may selected from a hook, strap, glove, or combinations thereof.

[0046] In another embodiment, throwing game assembly may further comprise at least one thrown object. The thrown object may include a hollow body with an inner surface, a top end, a bottom end, and an opening extending from the top end to the bottom end. In another aspect, the thrown object may comprise a foam ring on the top end. In yet another aspect, the thrown object may comprise a clinging ring on the top end, wherein the clinging ring comprises an adhesive and/or fasteners.

[0047] In another embodiment, the throwing game assembly further comprises a target. The target may be a substantially flat target, a three-dimensional target, a body suit, or combinations thereof.

[0048] In yet another aspect, the throwing game assembly may further comprise a portable playing surface. The playing surface may be a foam or rubber mat.

[0049] In one aspect, a thrown object for use with a toy launch apparatus is disclosed. The thrown object includes a hollow body with an inner surface, a top end, a bottom end, and an opening extending from the top end to the bottom end. In another aspect, the thrown object may comprise a foam ring and/or a clinging ring on said top end, wherein the clinging ring comprises an adhesive and/or fasteners. In yet another aspect, the thrown object may comprise a clinging ring on the top end. The clinging ring may comprise fasteners that are hook and loop fasteners.

[0050] In another embodiment, the thrown object may comprise at least one plastic selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides, acrylonitrile, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and mixtures thereof. In yet another embodiment, the thrown object of may comprise an annulus within the opening extending from the top end to the bottom end.

[0051] Methods of playing a throwing game using at least one toy launch apparatus and at least one thrown object are also disclosed. The method may comprise using at least one toy launch apparatus and at least one thrown object. The toy launch apparatus may comprise a base portion and a launching portion extending out from the base portion. The launching portion may be a long, slender protrusion with a generally circular cross-section. In another aspect, the launching portion may comprise a curved distal portion located distally from said base portion.

[0052] During play, a first player may use the toy launch apparatus to throw at least one thrown object at an opponent and/or target. It will be appreciated that the toy launch apparatus and thrown object can be used in games following a number of different sets of rules. The following provides examples of rules in accordance with exemplary aspects of the disclosed technology. It will be appreciated that the toy launch apparatus and thrown object can be used together with rules or guidelines without departing from the scope of the present technology. One example of a variation to the rules provided below includes the provision of the losing player removing his/her removably attached end portion and providing it to the winning player as a prize for winning the contest or duel.

CASTING SPELLS BETWEEN TWO DUELING WIZARDS

1. Spells are cast from each Wizard's Wand. Flip a Wizard coin to determine who goes first.

The Spell is cast from one Wizard Wand, toward the Opposing Wizard, in an effort to STRIKE the opponent ANYWHERE on the opponent's body. The Wizards will alternate with three Casts each.

2. The first Wizard to score 11 STRIKES wins the duel.

3. The Spells are marked with a different STRIKE value, because of the difficulty in casting the Spell.

4. The Dueling Wizards should always be separated by a 10 foot safe zone for casting.

5. Choose your Spell and place the Spell on your Wand.

6. To cast your Spell, flick your Wand towards the opposing Wizard to cast the Spell to attempt a STRIKE.

7. The opposing Wizard can only block the Spell with the Wand.

8. A rectangle area 5' wide and 10' deep for each Wizard, divided by a 10' safe zone, is the suggested playing area.

Rules for Dueling Wizard Team Battles

2 on 2 4 on 4 6 on 6

1. The First Wizard Team that eliminates their opponent's or scores 10 Strikes wins.

2. The field of play is separated by a 10' safe zone and Wizards cannot enter the zone

3. Wizards are eliminated with any Strike of a Spell

4. If you catch a Spell on your Wand the Wizard who cast the spell is eliminated and 1 of your teammates can return to the game [0053] Although the disclosed technology has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred aspect, embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described elements (components, assemblies, devices, members, compositions, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a "means") used to describe such elements are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any element which performs the specified function of the described element (i.e. , that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary aspect, embodiment or embodiments of the disclosed technology. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosed technology may have been described above with respect to only one or more of several illustrated aspects or embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

1. A throwing game assembly comprising at least one toy launch apparatus, the toy launch apparatus comprising:

a base portion; and

a launching portion extending out from the base portion, wherein said launching portion includes a long, slender body having a generally circular cross-section and a curved distal portion located distally from said base portion.

2. The throwing game assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base portion comprises a handle portion and an end portion.

3. The throwing game assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the end portion is removably attached to the handle portion.

4. The throwing game assembly of any of claims 1-3, wherein the launching portion is removably attached to the base portion.

5. The throwing game assembly of any of claims 1-4, wherein said curved distal portion has a curvature of about 0 to about lm ¹.

6. The throwing game assembly of any of claims 1-4, wherein said curved distal portion has a curvature of about 0 to about 2m^"1.

7. The throwing game assembly of any of claims 1-6, wherein said launching portion comprises at least one plastic selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides, acrylonitrile, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and mixtures thereof.

8. The throwing game assembly of any of claims 1-7, further comprising at least one thrown object, wherein said at least one thrown object includes a hollow body with an inner surface, a top end, a bottom end, and an opening extending from said top end to said bottom end.

9. The throwing game assembly of any of claims 1-8, wherein the at least one thrown object includes one or more fins extending away from the hollow body.

10. The throwing game assembly of any of claims 1-9, wherein said thrown object comprises a pliable or resilient ring on said top end.

11. The throwing game assembly of any of claims 1-10, wherein said thrown object comprises a clinging ring on said top end, said clinging ring comprising an adhesive and/or fasteners.

12. A throwing game assembly of any of claims 1-11 , wherein said assembly further comprises a target, selected from a substantially flat target, a three-dimensional target, a body suit, and combinations thereof.

13. A throwing game assembly of any of claims 1-12, wherein said assembly further comprises a portable playing surface.

14. The throwing game assembly of claim 13, wherein said playing surface is a foam or rubber mat.

15. A thrown object for use with a toy launch apparatus, wherein said thrown object includes a hollow body with an inner surface, a top end, a bottom end, and an opening extending from said top end to said bottom end.

16. The thrown object of claim 15, further comprising one or more fins extending away from the hollow body.

17. The thrown object of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein said thrown object comprises a foam ring and/or a clinging ring on said top end, said clinging ring comprising an adhesive and/or fasteners.

18. The thrown object of any of claims 15-17, wherein said thrown object comprises a clinging ring on said top end, said clinging ring comprising fasteners, and wherein said fasteners are hook and loop fasteners.

19. The thrown object of any of claims 15-18, wherein said thrown object comprises at least one plastic selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides, acrylonitrile, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and mixtures thereof.

20. The thrown object of any of claims 15-19, wherein said thrown object further comprises an annulus within said opening extending from said top end to said bottom end.

21. A method of playing a throwing game, said method comprising using at least one toy launch apparatus and at least one thrown object, wherein;

(a) said toy launch apparatus comprises a base portion; and

(b) a launching portion extending out from the base portion, wherein said launching portion is a long, slender protrusion with a generally circular cross-section and comprises a curved distal portion located distally from said base portion.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein a first player uses said toy launch apparatus to throw said at least one thrown object at an opponent and/or target.