Aerial Projectile Game; Game Element (e.g., Target, Etc.) Or Accessory Therefor Other Than Projector Or Projectile, Per Se Patents (Class 273/317)
  • Patent number: 10828523
    Abstract: A protective frame, comprising: a plurality of stripes comprising an elastic material; and configured to cooperate to define a plurality of openings; wherein the frame is configured to be positioned on the edges of a rectilinear polyhedron; and wherein the frame is deformable from a rest position to an operative position; and wherein, in the operative position, the stripes of the frame are configured to cover respective edges of the rectilinear polyhedron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventor: Jade Briggs
  • Patent number: 10522051
    Abstract: The system has in one embodiment a representative structure having a predefined area having a plurality of changeable targets, each of the changeable targets having at least first and second positions. At least one aiming device has an activator for effecting a change of a selected changeable target between the first and second positions thereof when the activator is triggered while the aiming device is aimed at the selected changeable target. At least one signal device is activated by changes from respective first positions to respective second positions of at least some of the changeable targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventor: Warner C. Russell
  • Patent number: 10493343
    Abstract: An apparatus for playing a game includes a plurality of channels, each of the plurality of channels configured to hold and display a column of spherical game-pieces, each of the plurality of channels having an upper end and a lower end, each upper end configured to individually receive at least one of the spherical game-pieces, each lower end configured to support a respective column of spherical game-pieces by preventing passage of a bottom game-piece from a respective channel; a funnel affixed to the plurality of channels and configured to receive a thrown spherical game-piece and to direct the thrown spherical game-piece into the upper end of one of the plurality of channels; and a base stand operably connected to the plurality of channels and configured to rest upon a horizontal surface and to retain the plurality of channels at an acute angle relative to the horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventors: Russell James Horner, Deborah Lee Horner
  • Patent number: 10265596
    Abstract: A molded plastic game surface that is a target for table tennis balls pitched by players. Balls may come to rest on one of the multiple terraced levels, roll into the hole on the surface, or roll off of the game surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Theodore Skala
  • Patent number: 10139899
    Abstract: A system designed to provide a dynamic physical interaction for a user during a virtual reality (VR) experience in a VR experience space. The system includes a VR system having a headset with a display screen and a VR rendering module generating a video output, and the display screen displays an image of a virtual world using the video output. The system includes an object delivery system delivering a physical object into the VR experience space to move toward or near to the user wearing the headset. The system includes, in the VR system, an interaction module generating a predicted trajectory for the physical object in the VR experience space. The image of the virtual world includes a virtual object corresponding to the physical object, and the image of the virtual object follows a virtual object trajectory in the virtual world differing from the predicted trajectory for the physical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Gunter D. Niemeyer, Matthew K Pan
  • Patent number: 10130861
    Abstract: A ball toss game and method of playing enables multiple players that form two teams to take turns tossing two sets of uniquely colored or patterned balls into two silos positioned at a predetermined distance from each other, and then award points for a final ball thrown into a top position of the silo. Two sets of balls having unique color or patterns are tossed into the receiving opening of silo. As balls are tossed into the silos, a stacked arrangement forms until final ball is tossed into a top position of stacked arrangement. Points are awarded to the team having the final ball in the top position. The silos have a top funnel forming a receiving opening, a bottom base, and a tube extending between top funnel and bottom base. A restriction member block and releases the balls from falling into the bottom base to be retrieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Schirmer
  • Patent number: 9981190
    Abstract: Techniques are described for performing telemetry based interactive content generation for online services. For example, telemetry data can be obtained from individual users of the online service and/or from multiple users of the online service (e.g., and processed to generate aggregate telemetry data). Other types of data can also be obtained, including service management data. Service management data can be generated from the users of the online service and can comprise user density information for virtual areas of the online service. Using telemetry data (e.g., user-specific telemetry data and/or aggregate telemetry data), service management data, and/or other types of data related to the online service, new interactive experiences can by dynamically created for the users of the online service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Alex Liu, Sebastian Grinke, Robert Chase Jones, Kenneth A. Lobb, James Yarrow
  • Patent number: 9921076
    Abstract: Provided is a display control device allowing the direction of a map information shown on a display to be correctly recognized. A display control unit displays on a display of a mobile terminal map information reproducing a scenery, thus making it possible to display on top of the map information a coordinate position display section corresponding to the current location of the mobile terminal. Here, there are provided a map information display determination section for displaying on the display the map information in a fixed orientation; and an angular difference display determination section for displaying on the display an angular difference between an angle of direction in which the mobile terminal is pointed and an angle of direction of the map information shown on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Techno Craft Corporation Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanari Togasaka
  • Patent number: 9875400
    Abstract: A notification device includes a difference calculation section adapted to calculate differences between index values of a plurality of indexes, which are calculated by analyzing an exercise of a user using an inertial sensor, and are related to an athletic ability of the user, and target values set to the respective indexes, an index selection section adapted to select some of the indexes based on the differences with respect to the respective indexes, and an output section adapted to output the some of the indexes selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Uchida, Hideo Sasahara, Kazumi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9833717
    Abstract: To provide an ornament mechanism comprising a light-emitting element applied to an elastic material, and, a sports equipment and an amusement equipment decorated by the ornament mechanism. This ornament mechanism is provided with a transparent air cover and a light-emitting element. The transparent air cover is a cover that covers a core body and has air sealed inside. The light-emitting element is disposed between the core body and the transparent air cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: BLD Oriental Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Ochi
  • Patent number: 9579556
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring jump distances has a housing with a bottom surface, a track extending longitudinally along the housing, a carriage translatably affixed to the track, and a laser mounted to the carriage so as to direct the beam in a direction away from the housing. A scale is affixed to or adjacent to the track. The scale has distance indicia formed therein. The carriage has an indicator thereon that is directed to the scale such that the distance indicia corresponding to the indicator corresponds to a location of a surface to which the beam of the laser is directed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen Austin
  • Patent number: 9308461
    Abstract: A toy with an exterior structure. Constructed to transform from a rollable first shape to a second shape. An interior structure inside the exterior structure is endowed with a magnetic body that moves by way of a magnetic force that acts from the exterior of the toy, an interior locking portion that moves simultaneously with the movement of this magnetic body, and a biasing member that effects a force which moves or turns this interior locking portion in a particular direction. If the magnetic force does not act from the exterior of the toy, the first shape of the exterior structure maintained. In the event that a magnetic force has acted from the exterior of the said toy, the exterior structure transforms from the first shape to the second shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Spin Master Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamada, Fujio Nobata
  • Publication number: 20150069708
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Todd Mashburn
  • Patent number: 8967625
    Abstract: A game machine includes a chest, a frame vertically disposed in an upper portion of the chest for containing prizes, a shoot unit disposed in the chest and corresponding to the frame, a ball recover unit disposed in a lower portion of the chest and a control unit disposed on the chest for controlling the shoot unit and the ball recover unit. The player can shoot a ball to strike a wanted prize by using the shoot unit. The player can take the prize after being stricken and falling from the frame. After shooting the ball, the control unit drives the ball recover unit to recover the shot ball and feed into the shoot unit for next operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Youal-Jifh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Chieh Wang
  • Patent number: 8947253
    Abstract: The invention relates to an immersive vehicle multimedia system that that is affected by vehicle sensors and collected data concerning environmental. The immersive vehicle multimedia system includes a vehicle, at least one sensor or other vehicle component gathering input as data from an external and internal vehicle environment, an immersive multimedia device connected to each sensor, and media content run through the multimedia device. The media content includes a primary script and a secondary script, the secondary script depending on the gathered input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: David Bloom, Jeff Zabel
  • Patent number: 8939136
    Abstract: A hand-held flinging device includes a launcher that engages the projectile and improves control of the launcher and projectile, during a throwing/flinging motion, until centrifugal force causes disengagement of the projectile from the launcher. The engagement system involves the rearward portions of a launcher shaft and the projectile bore, so that, upon disengagement, frictional engagement and interference of the engagement system with the projectile is prevented or limited as the projectile moves forward to fly off the launcher. The engagement system may include a member that snaps into engagement with a hole or recess to hold the projectile on the launcher even through the wind-up portion of the throw that may include the launcher distal end being pointed downward. The preferred projectile covers the entire or nearly the entire launcher shaft distal of the hand grip and is heavier toward its front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: Douglas M. Gaus, Caleb Chung
  • Patent number: 8925922
    Abstract: An apparatus for playing a game and particularly a table-top game which represents soccer. The apparatus includes a figure for playing a game comprising a model player fitted to a hollow base (5) wherein the base has at least one opening (2, 3, 4) in communication with the cavity and the player has at least one opening (1) in communication with the cavity, and wherein a ball can enter the cavity through the opening on the base or the opening on the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Dozie Nwanna
  • Patent number: 8864136
    Abstract: A toy projectile is provided which is preferably constructed of TPR, and thus, can be used as an inherently stretchable elastic toy projectile. A handle section is also provided which can be used as a projectile launcher. Further, a storage container is also provided which can also act as a projectile launcher. In a preferred embodiment, a game is also described in which the projectiles are launched by hand, or with the handle or by the storage container/launcher, in order to impact targets, and preferably moving targets. A child's toy projectile and projectile launcher, with a game, are thereby provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Tech 4 Kids, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley D. Pedersen, Kyle Jeffs
  • Publication number: 20140239591
    Abstract: A system is provided having a launch mechanism with an energy generation capability and a capability to launch toy entities such as surface based entities and flying entities. The launch mechanism may include multiple orientations and configurations to facilitate launch sequences for the toy entities. The energy generation capability may include a handle, a trigger and a rack extending from the trigger capable of charging a gear box. The launch mechanism may also include a capability to transfer energy from the gear box to the toy entity. The system may also be used with game play to launch the flying entities and then utilize an upper portion of the launch mechanism to catch the flying entities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Michael Kadile
  • Patent number: 8757625
    Abstract: A computer readable media and computing device for computing and displaying a path trajectory and an aim point icon for directing a putted golf ball from a starting point on a golf course to a target point based on pre-computed putting data for the putting green is provided. The aim point icon is graphically displayed on a visual representation of the putting green at an aim point distance perpendicular to the left or right of the target location, the aim point distance representing a location on the putting green for properly aiming a putt in order to propel the golf ball from the start position to the desired target location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Sweeney Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Mark Sweeney
  • Patent number: 8696460
    Abstract: A game controller having at least one arm mobile in relation to a base over a nominal range of displacement between two extreme positions, which implements a stopping mechanism of the aim 1n an intermediary locking position between the extreme positions to avoid reaching involuntarily a zone of the nominal range of displacement. An element of the stopping mechanism is removable and/or retractable with respect to the base so that this element is able to take two positions, an active position, wherein the stopping mechanism in the intermediary locking position is active and cooperates with the base and the arm, and an inactive position, wherein the stopping mechanism is inactive. The game controller also implements mechanical means of crossing the intermediary locking position under the action of a specific control carried out by a user when the stopping mechanism is active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Guillemot Corporation S.A.
    Inventors: Catherine Odinot, Guillaume Leleve, Patrick Pennaneac'h
  • Publication number: 20140084544
    Abstract: A game piece for a fighting game is movable on a surface when an external force is applied to the game piece, and includes a mount, and a figurative body provided on the mount and having an attack unit for overturning a game piece of an opponent. The mount includes a front portion that protrudes to the front with respect to a support position on the mount for the figurative body, a front side portion that protrudes to at least one of the left and right from the front portion, and side portions, at least a portion of one of the side portions provided with the protruding front side portion being located at a position close to the support position with respect to a protruding end of the front side portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: BANDAI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takuya NAKAYAMA, Kaori KITSUGI, Kosuke YANO
  • Publication number: 20140070490
    Abstract: A game machine includes a chest, a frame vertically disposed in an upper portion of the chest for containing prizes, a shoot unit disposed in the chest and corresponding to the frame, a ball recover unit disposed in a lower portion of the chest and a control unit disposed on the chest for controlling the shoot unit and the ball recover unit. The player can shoot a ball to strike a wanted prize by using the shoot unit. The player can take the prize after being stricken and falling from the frame. After shooting the ball, the control unit drives the ball recover unit to recover the shot ball and feed into the shoot unit for next operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: YOUAL-JIFH ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIH-CHIEH WANG
  • Patent number: 8651492
    Abstract: An apparatus for playing a drinking game includes a base support member and a vertical pole extending upwardly from the base support member. A vertically extending backboard is secured to the pole adjacent the top thereof and a plurality of hoops are removably secured to the backboard. Plastic drinking cups are held in each of the hoops. The apparatus further includes a plurality of ping pong balls capable of being tossed into and maintained in the cups. The entire apparatus can be disassembled so that it is portable. That is, the hoops are removably secured to the backboard which is removably secured to the vertical pole. In addition, the vertical pole is comprised of several pole sections that fit together in a telescoping manner. The base includes a carrying handle and functions as a carrying case for holding and transporting the pole sections and the hoops with the backboard serving as a cover for the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Cappuccio
  • Patent number: 8617008
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to improving player performance for trajectory-based sports are described. In particular, sporting devices are described that can be utilized to improve player performance in basketball. The sporting devices can include a camera-based system configured to capture and analyze the trajectory of a shot taken by a player. The camera-based system can be configured to provide feedback that allows a player to optimize the trajectory mechanics associated with shooting a basketball. In one embodiment, the camera-based system can be used in conjunction with a training aid that is attached to a basketball rim. The training aid can be configured to improve the trajectory mechanics of individuals utilizing the modified basketball rim to practice their shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Pillar Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Marty, Thomas A. Edwards, John Carter
  • Patent number: 8616270
    Abstract: An apparatus for the conditioning, storage and transportation of tennis balls. The tennis ball conditioning, storage, and transportation apparatus is used to condition tennis balls, primarily by heating to a desired operating temperature. Conditioning modifies the internal pressure of the balls and warms the composition of the balls to the desired playing temperature. The tennis ball conditioning, storage, and transportation apparatus includes a housing which may have handles and which has an interior which contains heating and/or cooling elements and which functions as a conditioning and storage chamber. The chamber is divided by a screen upon which the balls rest. A thermostatically controlled heater, cooler and fan achieve the desired temperature then stabilizes the balls at the desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Ralph Samuel Granchelli, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8597095
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed that includes instructing a human player to perform a plurality of different actions in a determined order with a physical basketball, including actions of bouncing the physical basketball, and obtaining, with one or more electronic sensors, data that characterizes motion of the physical basketball being handled by the human player who is performing the instructed actions at a location. The method also includes communicating the data from the sensors to a console videogame system that is proximate to the location, and graphically representing, in a videogame displayed on a display device, performance by the human player, the performance being affected by the captured data, the representation of performance by the human player being compared against a standard of performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: InfoMotion Sports Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James Crowley, Kevin King
  • Patent number: 8556692
    Abstract: To provide a game device that allows a user to grasp a positional situation of a user character relatively easily in a game device for executing a game based on a position of the user character that moves in a game space according to an operation of the user. Position storage means (70a) stores the position of the user character that moves in the game space according to the operation of the user. Determination means (74) determines whether or not the position of the user character satisfies a positional condition regarding the position of the user character. Display control means (76) controls, based on a determination result obtained by the determination means (74), display-output related to a game character that is not being operated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryuji Mimura
  • Patent number: 8540560
    Abstract: A computer-implemented athletic performance analysis method includes obtaining, at a computer system, first motion data generated by a test subject moving a test ball containing motion sensors through a predetermined exercise; analyzing in the first motion data, with the computer system, the data from the inertial sensors; and providing to a remote computer at a location of the subject a report regarding the first motion data, the report reflecting a comparison of the first motion data with corresponding motion data of other users who have performed the predetermined exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: InfoMotion Sports Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James Crowley, Kevin King
  • Patent number: 8523645
    Abstract: A golf club head has structure for assisting a golfer, and a head cover has structure for supporting the golfer-assisting structure. In one aspect, the golfer-assisting structure provides a visual indicator, such as an alignment marker, a ball impact indicator, a temperature indicator, or the like. In another aspect, the golfer-assisting structure includes sensor(s) and/or other electronic components for measuring swing characteristics, course conditions, global position, or the like. The supporting structure may provide a source of energy, such as a power source, a light source, or a heat source. In some aspects, the supporting structure may include a processor for receiving data from the golfer-assisting structure, and may transmit data to a display on the head cover and/or to an external source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Lee
  • Patent number: 8523184
    Abstract: The invention relates to table or floor games based on throwing a ball into the game field, and can be used in organizing leisure and entertainment for both children and adults. The game comprises a game field with a plurality of holes and at least one movable trap for the ball outside the game field. The trap for the ball may be fixed to a rod, which is slidably mounted on a bar, said bar being attached to the sidewall, which limits the game field. The trap for the ball may be fixed to a rod, which is mounted on a movable platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod
    Inventors: Sergei Nikolaevich Ershov, Aleksandr Igorevich Malyshev
  • Patent number: 8517386
    Abstract: A system and method for digitally marking sprinkler head or other item locations for a geographical location, such as a golf course hole, where the digital marking is performed from a location remote to the area of the golf course. An individual at the golf course provides a digital representation of the golf course hole including any bunkers, greens, teas and transmits such information back to a remote location where a second individual marks sprinkler head locations on an overhead layout of the golf course hole, along with type of sprinkler head information. The mark information is then transmitted back to the individual at the golf course hole who uses such information to physically mark the golf course hole such as with flags or stakes to represent the various sprinkler hole locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Harold D. Kilpatrick
  • Patent number: 8512158
    Abstract: An amusement ride system includes: a shooting device adapted to shoot a projectile; an aiming facility operable by a user to aim the shooting device; and a triggering device operable by the user to fire the shooting device. The user rides the vehicle, aims the shooting device, and fires the device to shoot the projectile. A method for a ride includes: providing a shooting device; providing a plurality of projectiles; and aiming and shooting the projectiles utilizing the shooting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Blammo, LLC
    Inventors: Philip Stephen Bloom, Bing Yeh
  • Patent number: 8444149
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program for computing a path, starting velocity, aim angle, and aim points for directing a putted golf ball from a point on a golf course to another point and incorporating such data into easily read charts or electronic media is provided. The invention also provides a means of determining the initial launch conditions and actual path a putted golf ball traveled on given its starting and ending ball positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Sweeney Holdings, LLC.
    Inventor: Mark Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20130106057
    Abstract: Apparatuses for playing miniaturized recreational games can include a base, a coupler, and a projectile launcher. The coupler can be rotatably positionable and engaged with the base. The projectile launcher can include a deformable elongate rod which can be engaged with the coupler. The apparatus can also include a second coupler and a projectile putter. The second coupler can be rotatably engaged with the base assembly. The projectile putter can include a rigid elongate rod which can be engaged with the second coupler. In use, the projectile launcher can aerially discharge a playing piece such as a ball, and the projectile putter can impart motion of the playing piece resting on a playing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Doyle Dean Perry, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130075972
    Abstract: A bocce modifying game includes a gameplay setup, the gameplay setup including at least one target object and at least two movable objects, wherein the at least two moveable objects contain indicia thereon; assigning a plurality of players to at least two opposing teams, wherein at least one player on each team is assigned at least one of the moveable objects containing indicia; commencing gameplay, wherein teams attempt to project at least one of the corresponding assigned moveable objects containing indicia closest to the at least one target object; first scoring opportunity, wherein the moveable object of the corresponding team closest to the at least one target object determines a distribution of points; and modifying gameplay, wherein there is a second scoring opportunity, wherein further distribution of points during gameplay is effected by a display of a plurality of indicia corresponding to the at least two moveable objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher M. Payer
  • Patent number: 8403326
    Abstract: A game table comprises a playing surface, two ramps, and two target boards arranged along a longitudinal axis of the game table. The two ramps are disposed between the two target boards, and the playing surface is disposed between the two ramps. The playing surface is substantially flat, and each of the two ramps rises upward away from the playing surface. Each of the two target boards, in turn, defines a respective set of openings therein. Two sidewalls are disposed on opposing sides of the playing surface and rise up therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy D. Flanagan, Benjamin I. Cohen, Andrew M. Trachta
  • Patent number: 8398449
    Abstract: A light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: William Mark Corporation
    Inventor: William Mark Forti
  • Patent number: 8376869
    Abstract: An amusement ride system includes: a shooting device adapted to shoot a projectile; an aiming facility operable by a user to aim the shooting device; and a triggering device operable by the user to fire the shooting device. The user rides the vehicle, aims the shooting device, and fires the device to shoot the projectile. A method for a ride includes: providing a shooting device; providing a plurality of projectiles; and aiming and shooting the projectiles utilizing the shooting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Blammo, LLC
    Inventors: Philip Stephen Bloom, Bing Yeh
  • Publication number: 20120283051
    Abstract: A stack-and-avoid game kit includes a container and game pieces held in the container. The game pieces include stackable figures and a soft projectile. Each stackable figure includes a base that forms a plug and an upper part that forms a cup. Each stackable figure is configured such that a plug of one is stackable in the cup of another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Tewabtch Belete, Marechet Belete
  • Publication number: 20120267854
    Abstract: An aerial toy is formed by coupling a ring to an insulating sleeve used with disposable paper cups. The ring is attached to the smaller diameter conical end of the insulator sleeve creating a flying gyroscope. The flight of the toy is protracted due to the airfoil characteristics of the tubular body and is thrown like a football for distance, accuracy, fun and competition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Reid Lopatka
  • Patent number: 8282511
    Abstract: A multiple player team sport, rules and equipment combining features of volleyball, dodge ball, hand ball and table tennis. Two player teams are positioned opposite one another with multiple elevated playing surfaces between them. A tennis ball sized spheroid having a leather cover and resilient inner core for bounce is initially served by one team from one of its elevated playing surfaces toward and onto the opposing team's playing surface. The defending team may then strike the ball with any part of the body to return it, or it may be passed from one teammate to another to set up a kill shot onto either the opposing teams playing surface or by attempting to strike one of the opposing team's players. When the ball is not successfully returned, the last team successfully striking the ball is awarded a point. During play the ball may only be struck by a player's hand or body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Ben Fatherree
  • Patent number: 8282104
    Abstract: The reduction in real operation objects in game systems that use real operation objects is detected. The quantity of real operation objects, which are repeatedly used by being circulated, is detected, it is judged whether the quantity is sufficient or not, and the judging results are output. For example, in a ball throwing game, balls are used in rotation by repeatedly supplying and recovering the balls. The quantity of balls in circulation is detected, and if the quantity is less than a threshold value, the manager of the game system is notified whether a sufficient quantity of balls is being supplied to the player or not, by for example outputting a warning message. By playing with an insufficient quantity of balls the level of difficulty of the game is essentially increased, so the player will feel that this is unfair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuya Okuda, Toru Takeda, Shingo Onkoshi, Tadasu Kitae
  • Patent number: 8246050
    Abstract: A game manager receives a request from a user to play a cue sport, which includes a table and a plurality of balls. The game manager retrieves user attributes corresponding to the user that include a user skill level. Next, the game manager detects ball locations for each of the plurality of balls, and determines one or more beginning shot opportunities based upon the user skill level and the plurality of ball locations. In turn, the game manager provides the beginning shot opportunities to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lydia Mai Do, Pamela Ann Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 8246051
    Abstract: An electronic scoring display for tennis includes a display box connected to support pole affixed to a tennis net support post. The display box has identically opposed faces that include numeric light emitting diode displays for completed game scores and LED indicators for completed sets. Switches control each players completed game displays from 0 to 9 in a circular rotation. A switch controls both completed set indicator lights in a circular sequence of all possibilities. A switch reverses each players respective score information on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Kelly Heyward Nygaard
  • Patent number: 8241153
    Abstract: A sports activity device playable, for example, as a device for launching and catching objects and as a tossable flying disc. Embodiments of the sports activity device includes an outer annular ring member and an inner annular ring assembly detachably engaged to the outer annular ring member. The inner annular ring assembly may include an inner annular ring member and an engagement assembly configured and operable to facilitate detachable engagement of the inner annular ring assembly with the outer annular ring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: OgoSport, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Williams
  • Publication number: 20120200040
    Abstract: Collectible playing pieces and methods of playing games with such collectible pieces are provided. The playing piece is generally discus-shaped and includes a top convex shell and a bottom convex shell. The top shell may be connected or attached to the bottom shell using any of a variety of attachment mechanisms. The top shell, the bottom shell, or both shells of the playing piece may be decorated with a graphic design, image, logo, symbol, print pattern, etc., so as to render the playing piece distinct among a plurality of other such playing pieces comprising, for example, a set or group of playing pieces. The playing piece can be manually flipped into the air during a game so as to land on a playing surface in one or more orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Itzhak Bar Yona
  • Publication number: 20120169012
    Abstract: Provided are a stacked beverage game system and methods of playing a stacked beverage game. The provided game system comprises at least one stackable tier, each tier being adapted to receive a plurality of beverage receptacles and stack onto each other to form a stack. The provided methods of playing a game comprise assembling a provided game system into a stack with each stackable tier holding a plurality of beverage receptacles containing a liquid beverage of choice, and having a player toss or bounce a ball towards the stack in an attempt to cause the ball to be received within a beverage receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Jimmy D. Parker, Andrea N. Hill
  • Patent number: 8205887
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a game table that has a plurality of cups that may be automatically moved from a storage position to a playing position. In certain other embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a game table that has a plurality of cups that may be manually moved from a storage position to a playing position. In certain other embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to devices and methods that allow a user to provide a payment mechanism, and upon the acceptance of the payment mechanism, a game table will move a plurality of cups from a storage position to a playing position. In some embodiments, provision is made for the dispensing of a liquid drink or other reward when predetermined actions occur during play of the game. Although the presently disclosed embodiments will work with any game requiring cups for play, the disclosure makes reference to the game of Beer Pong for convenience of description.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Ryan Wyland
  • Patent number: 8201829
    Abstract: This invention, stack and avoid game, presents a method of playing a tag game with stackable figures, a projectile and three or more players. The method of playing this tag game requires at least three players; the suggested number being two teams composed of two members each. One team tries to tag all members of the other team before all the stackable figures are stacked up. The opposing team tries to stack up the stackable figures before all team members are tagged out. If at least one member of the tagged team finishes stacking up the stackable figures while avoiding being tagged, s/he will be able to bring back tagged team members back in the game. If the tagger's team has achieved tagging everyone before all stackable figures are stacked-up, the teams will change roles. Using three players will exclude the capacity of players bringing back tagged team members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventors: Tewabtch Belete, Marechet Belete