RING TOSS GAME AND SYSTEM INCLUDING PIERCED RING

Abstract

A highly-portable and stylized ring toss game which includes a pierced ring. The piercing in the ring allows a string to be threaded directly through the ring, thereby removing the need to tie a string to the ring and removing the element of string tension from the game, thus allowing for more creative tricks and more uniform gameplay. The ring is suspended from the string a distance away from a backboard with a hook. The ring is tossed along a path toward the backboard with the intent of hooking the ring onto the hook. The ring may be spun or flipped to perform this feat in more dramatic fashion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/684,445, filed Aug. 17, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a ring toss game, and more specifically to a ring toss game system including a pierced ring capable of rotating freely about a string for more complicated tricks during performance of the game.

2. Description of the Related Art

Ring toss games involving a ring, a hook, and a board have existed for a long time. Similar games which also involve a rod extending out above the board with a string affixed to the rod and the ring have also been around for quite some time. Variants of this game come in a number of names, such as “Bimini Ring,” “Bimini Toss,” “Tiki Toss,” “Wallhooky,” and, simply, “Ring Toss.”

The typical set-up for such a game requires the user to place a hook somewhere, either temporarily or permanently. A ring is then affixed to a string by tying the string directly to the edge of the ring. The other end of the string is affixed to a rod or other object, allowing the user to swing the ring from a starting position and attempt to hook the ring onto the hook.

The problem with existing ring toss games is that the string can become wound up over time as the ring twists and spins. This can cause the string to shorten and wear out prematurely. This can also affect the outcome of a game as the string unwinds and places unnatural spin onto the ring.

Another problem with typical ring toss set ups is the permanence of the game. Most set-ups require a hook to be permanently affixed to a wall. This limits the mobility of the entire game.

What is desired is a highly-portable version of the ring toss game which includes a ring that does not introduce unnatural tension into the string as the ring is tossed and spun. Heretofore there has not been available a ring toss game with the advantages and features of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a highly-portable and stylized ring toss game which includes a pierced ring. The piercing in the ring allows a string to be threaded directly through the ring, thereby removing the need to tie a string to the ring and removing the element of string tension from the game. This allows for more creative tricks and more uniform gameplay.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a ring toss game system showing the ring in motion.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of an embodiment of a portable ring toss board and hook.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a portable ring toss board and hook.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of a portable ring toss board and hook.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a portable ring toss board and hook.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of an embodiment of a ring for a ring toss game including a pierced hole.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a ring for a ring toss game including a pierced hole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment or Aspect Ring Toss Game System 2

An embodiment of the ring toss game system 2 typically includes a backboard 4, a hook 6, a ring pole 12, a string 14, and a ring 16. Alternatively, the ring pole could be replaced with a simple eye-hook placed into the overhanging structure above the backboard.

As shown in FIG. 1, the backboard 4 is mounted on a wall 24, a pole, or similar structural element using a nail or a screw 10. Alternatively, the backboard could be glued or otherwise temporarily or permanently affixed to the structure 24 using double-sided adhesive 22. A pair of mounting holes 8 are pre-drilled into the backboard 4 to facilitate mounting. The hook 6 is mounted on the front face of the backboard. A pre-drilled hole accepts the hook.

The ring pole 12 is also mounted to the structure 24. This can be done using a mounting plate screwed to the structure which holds the pole above the backboard. Alternatively, any over-hanging structure can be used, such as the ceiling or a beam running above the game system 2. For example, an eye-hook could be screwed directly into the over-hanging ceiling to accomplish the same purpose. At least 5 horizontal feet should be provided between the backboard and the eye-hook or the free end of the ring pole 12.

A string 14 descends from the free end of the ring pole 12. Alternatively, an eye-hook may be affixed to the free end of the pole, and the string could be affixed to that hook. A ring 16 is affixed to the string. The ring is free to swing from the ring pole, with the ultimate goal of encircling the hook 6 such that the ring is captured by the hook.

FIGS. 2-5 show an example of the backboard 4 in more detail. FIG. 3 shows double-sided tape 22 affixed to the rear face of the backboard. This tape can be used to mount the backboard to a structure 24. To increase mobility and portability of the game system, a hook-and-loop connecting element (such as Velcro®) could be affixed to the back-side of the backboard 4. The matching portion of the hook-and-loop connecting element could be affixed to a number of walls or vertical structures, allowing the game system to be moved to different locations with ease.

In the primary example shown in FIGS. 1-5, the backboard 4 is shaped like a surfboard. The backboard could be of any desired shape and include any desired pattern. For example, the backboard could be in the shape of an American Football helmet sporting a team logo. In the preferred embodiment, the backboard is made of bamboo; however, any material would suffice including metal and plastic. In the case of wood, multiple wood types may be used to create patterns, and the wood may be stained in creative ways. Additionally, the backboard can be painted with designs or names.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the ring 16 in more detail. The string 14 is inserted through a pierced hole 18 in the ring 16. The string may be tied off at the end to form a knot 20, thereby preventing the string from slipping out of the pierced hole. Alternatively, a fixture may be adhered to the end of the string 14 to facilitate the same result.

With the string fitted through the hole 18, rather than tied about the edge of the ring 16, the ring is free to spin about a central axis 26. This allows the user of the game to freely spin the ring to perform tricks. If the string were tied about the ring's edge, the string itself would wind up. When the string winds up, it adds tension to the string which can shorten the string's life and add unwanted spin to the ring, which could negatively affect game performance.

The present system facilitates a portable game system 2 which could easily be semi-permanently or permanently mounted to a structure during use. The system provides an easy to set up entertainment opportunity that has advantages over previous iterations of similar ring toss games.

It is to be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms, and is not to be limited to the examples discussed above. The range of components and configurations which can be utilized in the practice of the present invention is virtually unlimited.

Claims

1. A ring toss game system comprising:

a backboard with a front face;

a ring having a generally toroidal body;

a single hole piercing the body of said ring;

said ring suspended from a string threaded through said hole, wherein the distance said string is located from said backboard is approximately equal to the length of said string; and

a hook located in proximity to the center of said backboard front face, said hook adapted for receiving said ring.

2. The ring toss game system of claim 1, further comprising:

said backboard including a rear face; and

said backboard mounted to a wall, wherein said back face is placed facing said wall.

3. The ring toss game system of claim 1, further comprising:

a pole having a proximal end and a distal end, said pole extending generally horizontally above said backboard; and

said string being suspended from said distal end of said pole.

4. The ring toss game system of claim 1, wherein said backboard is comprised of bamboo.

5. A method of setting up and playing a ring toss game, the method comprising the steps:

mounting a backboard having a front face and a rear face to a wall such that said backboard rear face is facing said wall;

locating a hook in said backboard front face such that said hook is centrally located in said backboard front face;

threading a length of string through a pierced hole located in a ring and securing said ring to an end of said string via a knot located in the end of said string;

suspending the ring from said string at a distance away from said backboard approximately equal to the length of said string; and

tossing said ring toward said backboard such that said ring engages with said hook.