BAG TOSS GAME BOARD WITH SCORE TRACKING
A game board for playing a bag toss game and methods for playing and scoring the same are provided. A playing surface includes a hole located at a distal half of the playing surface sized to receive a bag. A leg is attached to a distal half of the game board for orienting the playing surface at a non-zero angle relative to a ground surface. Attachment mechanisms are spaced apart along a side surface which extends downward from the playing surface or an underside of the playing surface. The attachment mechanisms removably receive, and temporarily secure, a scoring indicator, a first portion of which extends in a first direction away from the side surface and a second portion of which extends in a second direction towards an upper side of the playing surface when the scoring indicator is attached to one of the attachment mechanisms.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/942,870 filed Jul. 30, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/880,858 filed Jul. 31, 2019, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully restated herein.
TECHNICAL FIELDExemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to systems and methods for tracking scores during a bag toss game.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONWhen attending any sort of event, such as, but not limited to, a sporting event, cookout, or graduation, it is common to find various lawn games available for guests to play. One such lawn game is a bag tossing game sometimes referred to as “cornhole”, “bags”, “sack toss”, or “bean bag” which generally features four players, 8 bean bags, and two game boards that are propped up by legs at the top of each board to place the game board at a slightly elevated angle.
Each player takes turns throwing one of the four bean bags on behalf of their team at the opposite game board. Each bag may come to rest off of the opposite game board, on the opposite game board, or pass through the hole at the top of the opposite game board. In one version of this popular game, where a bean bag passes through the hole at the top of the board the player receives three points, where the bag lands and comes to rest on the board (having not passed through the hole), the player receives one point, and where the bag comes to rest off of the board, but has not passed through the hole at the top of the board, the player receives no points. After one round of tossing all eight bags, a score is calculated for each team based on the number of points received. In some versions of the game, a player may cancel an opponent's points with their points earned. For example, without limitation, if Team A puts one bag in the hole and two bags on the board that team would normally earn 5 points. If Team B fails to put a bag in the hole and places all four bags on the board, they would normally earn 4 points. However, when tallying up points for that round, Team A would receive only 1 point in this example as Team B landed four of their bags on the board, thereby earning four points which cancelled four of the five points earned by Team A.
The complex scoring method of this and similar variations of this popular lawn game often results in confusion, misstated scores, and generally causing players to experience difficulty in remembering the score of an ongoing game, which may result in frustration, arguments, or a lack of desire to continue play. Players typically have to rely upon their memory as to how many points each team has at any time during the game. The present invention includes a bag toss game board with one or more scoring features.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprise an attachable scoring indicator for tracking ongoing game scores. The scoring indicator may be attached to the board by way of a slot or holes, for example without limitation. Such slot or holes may be provided in a side of the board and/or underside of the playing surface and may be configured to hold one or more scoring indicators in place.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include, alternatively or additionally, scoring lines placed on the bag toss game board. Similar to a football field, for example, simulated horizontal yard lines may be added to the game board. These scoring lines may be provided from near the proximal end to near the distal end (by the hole) of the game board. Such scoring lines may be provided, for example, on a playing surface for the game board, on a side surface extending therefrom, some combination thereof, or the like.
In exemplary embodiments, these scoring lines may permit players to actively track the score of the game. For example, without limitation, the scoring indicator may be moved along the score lines on the game board to correlate with the present score of the game. This scoring may be determined by the line or other numbering on the board, but such is not required. For example, placing the scoring indicator at the 20-yard line may be correlated with 2 points for the team. In one version of a bag toss game playable with the described game board, the lines may be provided in 5- or 10-yard line increments and the scoring indicator may be moveable by 5- or 10-yard line increments in relation to the 5- or 10-yard field lines (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, etc.).
In other exemplary embodiments, these lines may provide scoring for the bag toss game playable with the board. For example, without limitation, where a bag comes to rest on the board, the corresponding line may determine the points associated with the toss. As a more specific example, without limitation, a toss landing on or about the 10-yard line may be associated with 1 point.
These are merely examples. Any type of correlation may be utilized. In other versions of a bag toss game associated with the board, no points correlating with lines are provided.
Further features and advantages of the systems and methods disclosed herein, as well as the structure and operation of various aspects of the present disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.
In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments, wherein like reference numerals across the several views refer to identical or equivalent features, and wherein:
Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. In the following description, specific details such as detailed configuration and components are merely provided to assist the overall understanding of these embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
Lines 110 may be provided at some of all of the playing surface 105. Such lines 110 may extend horizontally across the playing surface 105. For example, without limitation, the line 110 may extend parallel to top and bottom edges of the board 100. The lines 110 may be spaced apart from one another. The lines 110 may extend parallel to one another. The lines 110 may simulate field lines, such as but not limited to yard lines found on a football field. However, any arrangement, number, placement, size, and/or shape of lines 110 may be utilized to create any style, pattern, or effect. As further examples, without limitation, the lines 110 may be arranged to match another sporting field such as but not limited to, soccer, baseball, hockey, some combination thereof, or the like, or they may be arranged to form targets such as but not limited to circles, a bullseye, some combination thereof, or the like.
In other exemplary embodiments, the scoring lines 110 may be provided on one or more of the side surfaces 130. For example, without limitation, the lines 110 may be provided on a left-side, a right-side one, a top one, or a bottom one of the side surfaces 130, some combination thereof, or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the scoring lines 110 may be provided on an upper, lower, or side of the playing surface 105.
A scoring indicator 115 may be provided. The scoring indicator 115 may be configured for selective attachment to each of a number of locations along the board 100. In exemplary embodiments, the scoring indicator 115 may be configured for selective attachment to at least one of the side surfaces 130 of the board 100. The scoring indicator 115 may comprise a post 120. The post 120 may be configured to extend above the playing surface 105, or other portion of the game board 100, when the scoring indicator 115 is secured to at the various locations. The post 120 may be configured to extend flush with, to, above, or partially below an underside of the playing surface 105, or other portion of the game board 100, when the scoring indicator 115 is secured to at the various locations.
For example, without limitation, when a player takes a turn tossing one or more bags 140 to the opponent's board 100, where the bags 140 land and come to rest on the board 100 may be equated to a certain point value. The scoring indicator 115 may be moved to a location adjacent a particular one of the lines 110 to reflect the current score for the team.
Alternatively, or additionally, the score value attributed may be relative to the lines 110. For example, without limitation, if a player's bag 140 comes to rest at a particular one of the lines 110 closest to the target hole 200 (designated in
In an exemplary embodiment, like a football field, 21 major yard lines 110 may be provided at the board 100. For each 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, etc., yard line, a corresponding hole 170 may be provided which is configured to selectively receive the scoring indicator 115. In one exemplary scoring technique for a game associated with this embodiment, players may receive one point for each bag 140 the player lands on the board 100. For each point received, the scoring indicator 115 may be moved forward one score line 110 to indicate the increased score.
For example, without limitation, Team A Player 1 tosses a bag 140 which passes through a hole 200 in the board 100 (which may be scored, for example without limitation, as 3 points), two bags 140 which land and come to rest on the board 100 (which may be scored, for example without limitation, as 1 point each), and one bag 140 that misses the board 100 altogether. Team A Player 1 would then move its scoring indicator 115 ahead by four simulated yard lines 110 (representing a total of 4 points for that round). Another example, if Team A Player 1 landed all bags 140 on the board 100, Team A Player 1 would move the scoring indicator 115 ahead by four simulated yard lines 110 (representing 4 points for each of 4 bags left on the board). Any number, type, or combination of scoring approaches or points may be assigned to the game as the players so agree. Points may be assigned for tossing a bag 140 into the hole 200, and increasing points may be assigned for a bag 140 resting on or next to one of the lines 110 on the board 100, and in another embodiment of the invention point values may increase as the lines 110 get closer to the hole 200, or in yet another embodiment point values may be assigned for just landing a bag 140 on the playing surface 105. The lines 110 on the playing surface 105 may provide additional ways to play and score the game.
At least one leg 107 may be provided at the board 100. The leg 107 may be attached to a distal half of the board 100. The leg 107 may be configured to elevate the playing surface 105 at an angle relative to the ground. The leg 107 may be pivotally or otherwise moveably attached to the board 100. In exemplary embodiments, two legs 107 are provided along an upper edge of the board 100, though any number and location of such legs 107 may be utilized.
The hole inserts 170 may be spaced apart along substantially the length of the board 100. As each team scores more points, the scoring indicator 115 may be removed from a particular one of the hole inserts 170 (indicated in
Manual movement of the scoring indicator 115 up or down the board 100 may be permit players to track their progress and visually see how close their team is to winning the game. The scoring indicator 115 may be in the shape of, for example without limitation, a yard line marker, a flag, a pole, helmet, team indicia, mascot, some combination thereof, or any other shape or configuration (sometimes referred to as a visual indicator) and may be easily removed from a hole insert 170 and placed in another hole insert 170 on the side 130 of the board 100. Once the scoring indicator 115 is placed in the most distal insert hole 170 (closest to the target hole in the board game surface) the game may be considered over and the team who first got their scoring indicator 115 to the final line insert hole 170 may be declared the winner, for example without limitation. In exemplary embodiments, the final insert hole 170 may be located relative to the lines 110 on the playing surface 105 such that the scoring indicator 115 is adjacent to an end zone of a simulated football field, such that placement within the end zone indicates that the team has won the bag toss game.
The scoring indicator 115 may comprise the post 120. The scoring indicator 115 may comprise a peg 180 extending from the post 120. The post 120 may extend vertically from the peg 180. Stated another way, the peg 180 may extend horizontally from the post 120. The peg 180 may be sized to fit in the insert holes 170. The peg 180 may comprise a material strong enough and durable enough to hold the scoring indicator 115 in place for many uses of the game over time. Many different types of extensions or pegs 180 may be used for the present invention, and they may comprise wood, metal, and/or durable hard plastic, or many other alternatives materials.
Numerical markings 155 may be provided in association with some or all of the lines 110. The numerical markings 155 may simulate yard line markings, represent a score, some combination thereof, or the like.
Team logos, names, or other insignia may be provided at the board 100.
In exemplary embodiments, the scoring indicator 115 may take the form of a yard marker, flag, post, peg, some combination thereof, or other shape or configuration.
Many other examples of how to attach the scoring indicator 115 to the board 100 are possible and are included in the scope of the present invention.
The scoring lines 110 may be provide in addition to, or alternatively to, ornamental lines, insignia, or other markings provided at the playing surface 105, the side 130, some combination thereof, or the like. The scoring lines 110 may be printed, painted, or otherwise demarked on one more surfaces of the game board 110, provided as raised lines or inlays, some combination thereof, or the like.
Scoring lines 110 may be provided at the upper side of the playing surface 105 and/or at one or more of the side surfaces 130. The scoring indicator 115 may be configured to extend outward and/or downward from the underside of the playing surface 105 when attached, such as generally indicated at item 115′. This embodiment may be particularly useful, for example without limitation, where scoring lines 130 are provided at the side surface 130 so that the scoring indicator 115 is visually aligned with one of such scoring lines 130 when attached.
Alternatively, or additionally, the scoring indicator 115 may be configured to wrap at least partially towards or around a side edge of the playing surface 105 to extend to, just below, flush with, above and/or laterally over at least a portion of the upper side of the playing surface 105 when attached, such as generally indicated at item 115″. This embodiment may be particularly useful, for example without limitation, where scoring lines 110 are provided at the upper side of the playing surface 105 to be visually aligned with one of such scoring lines 130 when attached.
Advantageously, these embodiments would disguise at least part of the scoring indicator 115 when the board 100 is casually viewed from an upper side as is common during routine play, and help prevent the scoring indicator 115 from interfering with play, such as bag movement along the playing surface 105.
Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the features of the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A game board for a bag toss game comprising:
- a playing surface comprising a hole located at a distal half of the playing surface and sized to receive a bag of the bag toss game;
- a side surface extending downward from said playing surface;
- at least one leg attached to a distal half of the game board for orienting the playing surface at a non-zero angle relative to a ground surface;
- a scoring indicator; and
- attachment mechanisms spaced apart along said side surface and configured to removably receive, and temporarily secure, said scoring indicator;
- wherein a first portion of said scoring indicator extends outward from said side surface and a second portion of said scoring indicator extends upward towards said playing surface when said scoring indicator is attached to one of the attachment mechanisms.
2. The game board of claim 1 wherein:
- the first direction is primarily horizontal; and
- the second direction is primarily vertical.
3. The game board of claim 2 wherein:
- the first portion of the scoring indicator comprises a peg; and
- the second portion of the scoring indicator comprises a post and a visual indicator.
4. The game board of claim 3 wherein:
- the first and second portions of the scoring indicator extend substantially perpendicular to one another.
5. The game board of claim 1 further comprising:
- scoring lines provided at the side surface.
6. The game board of claim 5 wherein:
- the scoring lines are aligned with the attachment mechanisms.
7. The game board of claim 6 further comprising:
- additional scoring lines provided at the playing surface; and
- numbering provided in association with at least some of the scoring lines.
8. The game board of claim 7 wherein:
- at least some of the scoring lines are aligned with the attachment mechanisms; and
- each of said scoring lines at the playing surface extend along a width dimension of the playing surface.
9. The game board of claim 1 wherein:
- the second portion of the scoring indicator extends above the playing surface when the scoring indicator is attached to one of the attachment mechanisms.
10. The game board of claim 1 wherein:
- each of said attachment mechanisms comprise an insert hole.
11. The game board of claim 10 wherein:
- the first portion of the scoring indicators is sized to fit within any of said insert holes.
12. The game board of claim 1 wherein:
- each of said scoring indicator and said attachment mechanisms comprise one of:
- a ferrous metal and a magnet.
13. The game board of claim 1 further comprising:
- a slot located along said side surface and configured to accommodate and retain the scoring indicator, wherein said attachment mechanisms comprise obstructions located along the slot configured to frictionally engage the scoring mechanism when moved along the slot.
14. The game board of claim 1 wherein:
- said scoring indicator comprises a loop; and
- each of said attachment mechanisms comprise a hook.
15. A method for playing a bag toss game, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing two game boards, each comprising: a playing surface comprising a hole located at a distal half of the playing surface and sized to receive bags of the bag toss game; a side surface extending downward from said playing surface; and at least one leg attached to a distal half of the game board for orienting the playing surface at a non-zero angle relative to a ground surface; at least one of said two game boards further comprising: a scoring indicator; and attachment mechanisms spaced apart along said side surface and configured to removably receive, and temporarily secure, said scoring indicator, wherein a first portion of said scoring indicator extends outward from said side surface and a second portion of said scoring indicator extends upward towards said playing surface when said scoring indicator is attached to one of the attachment mechanisms;
- tossing a number of the bags at one of said two game boards to complete a round of play;
- determining a score for said round of play; and
- connecting said scoring indicator to one of said attachment mechanisms corresponding to said score to visually indicate the score.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising:
- completing additional rounds of play;
- determining the score after each of the additional rounds of play; and
- connecting the scoring indicator to a different one of the attachment mechanisms following change to the score to visually indicate the score.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising:
- declaring a winning team when said scoring indicator reaches a final one of said locations.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein:
- said at least one of said two game boards comprises scoring lines and numerical markings provided in associated with at least some of the scoring lines; and
- said scoring indicator is placed at a respective one of the attachment associated with a respective one of said numerical markings corresponding to the score to visually indicate the score.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein:
- at least some of the scoring lines are provided at the playing surface of each of said two game boards comprise scoring lines located at said playing surface;
- at least some of the scoring lines are provided at the side surface of the at least one of said two game boards; and
- the scoring lines are provided to simulate yard lines of a regulation American football field.
20. A game board for a bag toss game comprising:
- a playing surface comprising a hole located at a distal half of the playing surface and sized to receive a bag of the bag toss game;
- a side surface extending downward from said playing surface;
- at least one leg attached to a distal half of the game board for orienting the playing surface at a non-zero angle relative to a ground surface;
- a scoring indicator; and
- attachment mechanisms spaced apart along an underside of said playing surface and configured to removably receive, and temporarily secure, said scoring indicator, wherein a first portion of said scoring indicator extends outward relative to said side surface and a second portion of said scoring indicator extends upward towards an upper side of said playing surface when said scoring indicator is attached to one of the attachment mechanisms.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 28, 2023
Publication Date: Jun 29, 2023
Inventor: David P. Jones (Columbus, OH)
Application Number: 18/115,152