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: 6869374
    Abstract: An outdoor dart game includes a plurality of darts having a shaft section and a tip member removably attachable to the front end portion of the shaft. A flight section is removably engageable with the shaft section and includes a plurality of flight members integral with each other and extending radially and outwardly from the longitudinal axis. Rubber covers may be connected to the shaft and flight sections respectively for providing a surface that a user may grip while handling the plurality of darts. Each dart may further include a flexible cord attachable to the shaft section and defining a loop for receiving a portion of a hand of a user so that same can throw the plurality of darts further. The game further includes a target pad, which may be selectively positioned at a remote distance from the plurality of darts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Keith E. Lane
  • Publication number: 20040227296
    Abstract: A system and method for playing a game, comprising one or more players tossing balls with the object of having the balls stop in a scoring zone of a playing surface. The system comprises: a playing surface with a scoring zone, balls, backstops for each end of the playing surface, a game carry bag, and rules. The method of playing comprises: one or more players tossing a predetermined number of balls with the object of having the balls stop in the scoring zone of the playing surface; designating point amounts corresponding areas of the scoring zone; designating a winning point amount corresponding to the number of points required to win the game; and having the one ore more players continue to toss the ball until one player reaches the designated winning point amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Edward Gannon
  • Publication number: 20040195773
    Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols where a plurality of paylines are associated with the reels. Each of the paylines includes a fixed modifier, such as a fixed multiplier, which multiplies any awards associated with winning symbol combinations on that to enhance the awards provided to the player. In one embodiment, the paylines are numbered and the values of the multipliers are based on the payline numbers. Any winning symbol combinations occurring on the paylines are modified or multiplied by the multiplier associated with those paylines. The enhanced award is then provided to the player in the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph D. Masci, Howard M. Marks, Anthony M. Singer, Daniel M. Marks
  • Publication number: 20040145117
    Abstract: Cupstick is an outdoor game that can be played on a field course of grass, like the game of golf. The game of Cupstick is played by two or more players, and uses a stick and a cup. At play time, the cup is inserted into the ground, and the players stand approximately 200 yards from the cup. Point marks are placed on the field which designate point scores. The game is played by having each player throw the stick towards the cup to score points. A predetermined maximum number of throws may be specified. Upon scoring the predetermined score, a player can attempt to throw the stick into the cup. The game is over when a player lands the stick in the cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jimmy Lee Henry
  • Publication number: 20040107431
    Abstract: An annular protective ring attachment designed to grip the outer peripheral edge of all compact discs (CDs) and digital video discs (DVDs) which, when used in combination with said CD or DVD, creates an airfoil. The airfoil ring consists of an inner periphery, which is molded to form a top lip (3) and bottom lip (4), and between these lips, a gripping mouth (6), which securely holds the CD or DVD (7,76) inside the aperture of the airfoil ring. The body of the airfoil ring is curved in such a way as to create an airfoil adequate to enable the airfoil ring with inserted CD or DVD to be safely tossed into the air and to exhibit controllability in flight. The airfoil ring is constructed of a soft, flexible plastic material, and uses a hinge groove (5) on the top side of the airfoil skirt (1) and a hinge groove reaction area (9) on the underside of the airfoil skirt (1) to dissipate the contact force upon impact and create a cushioning effect so as to avoid resultant injury or damage when tossed into the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Cynthia H. Wilcoxson, Don G. Harland
  • Publication number: 20040090010
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a learning system that uses the concept of tossing a token (dart) at a specifically designed game board for individual or team players. Included in this invention are variations of the learning system involving religious, phonetic and phonological awareness, vocabulary, geography, mathematical, historical, and other facts. This system incorporates the concepts of the general game playing skills and tactics of a commonly known game, darts, but further incorporates the concept of using various facts and a point earning scheme to constitute a learning system that while educational is also entertaining. This learning system includes but is not limited to darts and dart boards because the game board can be made from various materials that will allow it to be safely used by children and adults of all ages both indoors and outdoors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Carla G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6714284
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a distance measuring device for measuring athlete throws in a throwing event at a track and field meet. The device is setup in a position outside a throwing circle and a landing area for the event being measured and is aimed at a target placed at a landing position of a thrown object. The present invention also relates to a method of using a distance measuring device to measure athlete throws in a throwing event at a track and field meet from a position outside of a throwing area and a landing area for a event being measured by aiming the device at a target placed at the landing position of a thrown object. The present invention further relates to a method of using a laser distance measuring device to determine the height of a cross bar in a leaping event at a track and field meet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Grant Norman, James K. Hesch
  • Patent number: 6702292
    Abstract: A game ball system is presented including a ball, a means for position sensing for determining and producing information regarding the ball's position, an input device to receive user input, a processor connected with the means for position sensing and the input device to receive the information representing ball's position. The processor is also configured to receive the user input, and to process the information representing the ball's position and the user input according to a set of game rules to generate game output messages, which are outputted to the user via an output device in a user-understandable form. In operation, when a user tosses the ball upward, the processor receives a combination of user input and information about the ball's position, and processes them according to a set of game rules, providing feedback to the user regarding the game in the form of output messages from the output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Gary S. Takowsky
  • Patent number: 6695698
    Abstract: A dispensing game system includes a prize capsule storage hopper above two automatic hopper loaders that replenish the game below with prize capsules as needed. Two Ferris wheels carry free swinging gondolas that receive and hold the prize capsules from the loaders. Two or more player-activated actuator arms located next to the outer edge of the Ferris wheels are used to hit targets attached to the moving gondolas, in turn causing the gondolas to tip forward and release the prize capsule, which then falls down and rolls into the prize opening for the player to collect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Pixy Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Python Anghelo, Bryan Hansen, William Pfutzenreuter
  • Publication number: 20040029094
    Abstract: A simulator structure with a deck for mounting various components including controls, one or two seats, an instrument panel and an image projector. The components are mounted to the deck using suitable fasteners, such as bolts and nuts. The image projector displays a computer-generated simulated environment. The instrument panel can include actual instruments or a computer-generated image. A dome-shaped image screen can be attached to the structure that can be tiltable on a horizontal axis or, alternatively, can be movable along an arcuate support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Robert W. McGraw
  • Patent number: 6682072
    Abstract: A game piece and game board assembly includes a game piece body having a weight mounting section. A weight member can be mounted at various locations on the weight mounting section to vary the center of gravity. The game piece can strike an opponent's game piece on a game board to score points. A cover can obscure the location of the weight member on the game piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignees: Takara Co., Ltd., Wonder Farm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Horikoshi, Masayoshi Kubota
  • Publication number: 20040007818
    Abstract: A game for one or more players comprising the following components: a set of tokens; a puck or ball adapted to rebound off a surface; a playing surface marked with a plurality of various indicia; a rebound surface relocatably mountable on the playing surface; a scoring zone relocatably mountable on the playing surface; the game further comprising of the following steps: each player throwing one or more tokens onto the playing surface wherein the indicium on which a token lands determines one or more of the number of scoring attempts allowed to the player, the points-value of a score and the level of difficulty of a scoring attempt in terms of the relative positions of the scoring zone and the rebound surface; placing the rebound surface and the scoring zone in their determined positions; as determined by the throwing of the tokens, each player causing the puck or ball to rebound off the rebound surface and, by that action, to strike or pass through a predetermined area on the scoring zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Shane Newman
  • Patent number: 6598882
    Abstract: A game suited for children from five years to adulthood. Game apparatus is spider or web shaped electronic device having a grounding stake. Included are 25 foot spider or web-like attachments, having a corresponding colored lights thereon disposed. A proximity sensor monitors a specified perimeter triggering a signal light and/or buzzer, and, alas, cause for elimination. In play, the game involves two ball tossers who attempt to hit the other participating players with web-like round balls, each tosser having five chances to do so. When a player is hit, that player is deemed “snarled,” and ousted. Players are “snarled” by crossing a perimeter defined by a pre-set proximity sensor. The tosser may replace the “snarled” player. The last remaining un-“snarled” player wins. Other rules are contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Veronica M. Stubberfield
  • Publication number: 20030085523
    Abstract: A novel simple low cost paintball velocimeter is described. It is small, utilizing a light source and photodetection methods that can serve as a stand-alone velocimeter or integrated into the firing mechanism for greater control and accuracy. Additional features include an ability to collect, store and process data for graphical display and analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Glenn F. Spaulding, Anthony Spaulding
  • Patent number: 6530865
    Abstract: A method of forming a molded article and a molded article itself having a passage therein which has a cross-sectional dimension adjacent an end which is less than at a location which is spaced from the end are disclosed. In the method an elongate, rigid mandrel is covered over a substantial portion of its length with a flexible mandrel. The flexible mandrel, when covering the rigid mandrel, has an exterior surface which has a cross-sectional dimension which is less adjacent an end thereof than at a location which is spaced from that end. The flexible mandrel is then covered with a material which is to form the molded article with the rigid and flexible mandrels defining the mold about which the article is formed by the material. The material is then set to form the molded article about the mandrels with the mandrels defining the passage in the molded article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Gill Athletics, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Held
  • Publication number: 20030038426
    Abstract: A training device for baseball hitting has a baseboard, a resilient column with one end securely yet rotatably engaged with the baseboard and having a receiving tube securely connected to the other end of the resilient column. The rotatable engagement between the resilient column and the baseboard allows the resilient column to incline to any desired direction and the resilience of the resilient column allows the resilient column to bend to any desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Grace Liao
  • Patent number: 6482090
    Abstract: After a batter hits a ball, the height of the ball moving on a trajectory passing through present movement positions is judged. For example, future movement positions positioned on a time axis ahead of the present movement positions are indicated on the ground by elliptical marks. The peak of the height becomes a boundary, and in the rising process of the ball, the mark is displayed in, for example, a star shape and blue, and in the falling process of the ball, the mark is displayed in, for example, an elliptical shape and red. Therefore, enjoyment of operations by the combination of the operation support of a computer and the operation skill of the user himself can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Square Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shiyu Rimoto, Toshiaki Nagashima
  • Patent number: 6478678
    Abstract: After a batter hits a ball, the height of the ball moving on a trajectory passing through present movement positions is judged. For example, future movement positions positioned on a time axis ahead of the present movement positions are indicated on the ground by elliptical marks. The peak of the height becomes a boundary, and in a rising process of the ball, the mark is displayed in a first color, and in a falling process of the ball, the mark is displayed in a second color. Therefore, the enjoyment of operations by the combination of the operation support of a computer and the operation skill of the user himself can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Square Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Shiyu Rimoto, Toshiaki Nagashima
  • Patent number: 6471585
    Abstract: Input of a manipulation by a user is accepted before a player receives the ball. Upon occurrence of input of a manipulation, motion of the player including catching and throwing of the ball is determined in response to the input of the manipulation. By using the motion, transitions of display is made from a state before a catch of the ball by the player to a throw of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Square Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shiyu Rimoto, Tomoaki Yoshinobu
  • Patent number: 6461237
    Abstract: A computer readable program product stores a program for a ball-playing type game enabling continuous action at the time a player catches a ball in a ball-playing game to be expressed smoothly. When a fielder starts a catching action, a difference between a position of a glove at the time the fielder catches the ball by a group of motion and an arrival position of the ball is calculated. The position of the glove at one motion based on a group of motion for catching in the catching motion of the fielder is corrected in accordance with the difference between the position of the glove and the arrival position. Other motion with the position of the glove corrected is displayed, and the position of the glove of the fielder is matched to the arrival position of the ball when the fielder catches the ball in the motion after correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Square Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Yoshinobu, Kazuhiko Iino
  • Patent number: 6413196
    Abstract: An exercising device for strengthening the muscles used in pitching or throwing a baseball or softball or swinging a baseball or softball bat. In a preferred embodiment the exercising device is characterized by a base and a vertical support post upward-standing from the base. A pulley housing is provided on the support post and a pulley and an eccentric cam wheel are rotatably mounted in the housing. A cam tensioning device is provided on the rear of the housing for exerting a preselected torsional resistance on the cam wheel and a torque cable connects the pulley and cam wheel, such that the cam wheel rotates with the pulley. A pull cable trained on the pulley extends through an opening provided in the pulley housing and a baseball, softball or the impact end of a bat is removably attached to the extending end of the pull cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Joel L. Crowson
  • Patent number: 6402153
    Abstract: A game includes a base and a toy figure holding a basketball-type hoop. The toy figure is resiliently supported upon the base by a spring support. A sensing lever on the figure responds to the passage of a ball through the hoop to provide a first switch condition. A motion sensor within the figure responds to impacts against the figure to provide a second switch condition. A sound and control circuit is operative within the figure and responds to the switch conditions to play appropriate audible messages from a stored memory set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc
    Inventor: Charles Edward Stewart
  • Publication number: 20020067001
    Abstract: A method for engaging in an activity, the activity to be engaged in by a plurality of players, each player provided with at least one disc with identifying indicia, the method including each player throwing at least one disc at a target, each disc having identifying indicia for identifying the player throwing said disc, and scoring for each player based on a final resting location of said at least one disc; and a method for engaging in an activity, the activity to be engaged in by at least two players, the players divided into a first team and a second team each team with at least one player, the first team provided with at least one disc, the method including at least one player of the first team throwing the at least one disc at a player of the second team.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: John Michael McClung, Karen Therese McClung, Guy L. McClung
  • Patent number: 6386997
    Abstract: A game for play between opposing teams on a field involves a resilient ring that is thrown by a team member to be caught by another member of the same team. The field is marked to display a rectangular playing area having a midfield location and scoring or URT areas extending across opposing ends of the playing area. Supplemental scoring or PAU areas are marked by fiat rings situated a predetermined distance beyond the ends of the playing area. Scoring occurs when a player on offense catches the resilient ring within the defense URT area. Supplemental scoring occurs when the player on the offense throws the ring from the defense URT area to come to rest in the defense PAU area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Brown
  • Publication number: 20020017759
    Abstract: A flying disc with a disc body and a compact or computer disc on the disc body; in one aspect the compact or computer disc disposed between a first flying disc and a second flying disc; and, in one aspect, the second flying disc releasably attached to the first flying disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: Guy L. McClung, Charlie H. VanNatter
  • Publication number: 20020014741
    Abstract: A polo training apparatus comprises a dummy horse and conveyor belts arranged one each side of the dummy horse. A ball located on one of the conveyor belts will be displaced relative to the dummy horse, thereby simulating the movement of the horse relative to the ground and the ball. The dummy horse may also be movable to simulate the movement of a horse and the speed of movement of the dummy horse may be linked to the speed of the conveyor belts to simulate the riding of a horse more closely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: William Ronald Greenwood
  • Patent number: 6318724
    Abstract: Machine for competition and entertainment through impulse of an object with three-dimensional freedom of movement where two teams of participants play a game, one team on either side shooting an object with three-dimensional freedom of movement (1.3) to one another. The object moves on a gameboard (1.1) until one team fails to repel it, thus scoring points for one of the participants. Repulsion of the object originates from a repulsion sector (1.9) from which, by working a group of controls (1.7 and 1.8), movement can be provoked. The mobile object (1.3) has freedom within a zone where it is controlled by a mechanical system (1.6) where the movements are produced as a result of the action of motive elements which are governed by a control unit according to the position of the mobile object, the position of the repulsion sector and the operation of the controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Jose Antonio Carames
  • Patent number: 6155569
    Abstract: A coated golf ball has an ionomer cover and a paint layer thereon, wherein an ionomer resin cover substantially contains no fluorescent brightener, Wcie reading which indicates whiteness after coating of the paint is within the range of 110 to 125, Tw reading which indicates greenishness is within the range of 4 to 6.5, and the Wcie (Cw) and Tw (C.sub.T) reading of the cover and the Wcie (Pw) and Tw (P.sub.T) reading obtained after coating of the paint have a following relation:4.ltoreq.Pw-Cw.ltoreq.120<C.sub.T -P.sub.T .ltoreq.1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuniyasu Horiuchi, Tadahiro Ebisuno, Keiji Moriyama
  • Patent number: 6076829
    Abstract: These and other objects are met by a ball throwing apparatus including an elongated shaft with a half-spherical structure attached to or formed at its distal end designed to easily engage and pick up a ball for throwing without having to touch the ball with your hand or fingers. Also disclosed herein is a method of playing the game of fetch with an animal using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Mark Oblack
  • Patent number: 6022024
    Abstract: An underwater dart board game which includes a dart board that may be thrown into a pool and settles on the bottom. The dart board has target areas thereon and a plurality of weighted darts are provided for throwing in the water on top of the dart board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Louis F. Kahn
  • Patent number: 6015151
    Abstract: A new bocce ball type game device for playing a disc throwing game with rules similar to bocce ball. The inventive device includes a plurality of discs including a number of tossing discs and a marker disc. Each disc has a center, generally circular first and second faces, and a perimeter side edge between the first and second faces of the disc. Each disc has a generally cylindrical bore extending between its first and second faces. The device also includes a disc carrier comprising a generally U-shaped elongate handle rod having a pair of elongate arms and an elongate crossbar. The disc carrier also has an elongate carrying rod with one of the ends of the carrying rod coupled to the terminal end of one of the arms of the handle rod. The carrying rod is extended from the one of the arms of the handle rod towards the other arm of the handle rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventors: G. Walter Carovillano, Carrie A. Carovillano
  • Patent number: 5988645
    Abstract: A method has been invented for monitoring an object passing through a frame space of a light panel, the light panel having at least one light emitter on the first side, the at least one light emitter for continuously emitting a fan-shaped light beam, across the frame through which and beyond which an object may pass, and at least one light detector on the second side of the frame and associated electronic sensing apparatus connected to the at least one light detector for continuously detecting the fan-shaped light beam from the at least one light emitter, the method including detecting with the at least one light detector and associated electronic sensing apparatus interruption by an object of the fan-shaped light beam continuously emitted by the at least one light emitter; and generating with the electronic sensing apparatus a signal signalling the interruption of the fan-shaped beam by the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Dennis L. Downing
  • Patent number: 5933892
    Abstract: A multipurpose bottle cap launcher (14) comprising a body member (16). An assembly (18) in the body member (16) is for shooting a bottle cap (20) therefrom for recreational target practice. A structure (22) in the body member (16) is for removing a bottle cap (20) from a bottle (24), which can be held and manipulated by a hand (26) of a person (28). A facility (30) in the body member (16) is for holding at least one key (32) thereon, to prevent loss of the at least one key (32), so that it can be used by the person (28) to unlock locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Steve Tramontano
  • Patent number: 5881402
    Abstract: An in-ground pool with an inflatable flange and a non-rigid flexible body to permit the body to conform to the interior surface of a hole. The pool is designed with an exterior circumferential flange which is placed around the ledge of a hole dug in sand or soil which positions the body of the pool over the interior surface of the hole. The pool may then be filled with water with the interior surface of the hole acting as lateral support for the pool. The flange is secured to the ground with stakes which engage the flange and are driven into the ground around the exterior perimeter of the flange. When it is desired to remove the pool, the water is removed and the flange deflated so that the pool may be folded for storage and/or transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventors: Dennis Michael Devino, Lynn Estelle Devino
  • Patent number: 5850885
    Abstract: A new game and apparatus for playing the game are disclosed. The game involves throwing darts onto specially designed dart board. The board is subdivided into different targets each having a number of point areas. Each target is associated with a specific player although only the player knows the identity of his or her target. During the game, players take turns throwing darts at the targets. When a dart lands on a target's point area, the points are scored against that target. When a target's score reaches or exceeds a set elimination value, the player associated with that target is eliminated from the game. Further, during the game, a player may identify his or her target after their score exceeds a set 'FESSUP.TM. value. After identifying one's own target, the player can deduct points from his or her score by landing darts in his or her own target point areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventors: W. Steve Clark, Eric J. Theriot
  • Patent number: 5845908
    Abstract: A flying disk game is provided including at least one disk with a top planar circular face and a cylindrical periphery coupled to a peripheral edge of the top planar circular face and depending downwardly therefrom. In use, the disk is placed on a palm of a first hand of a user. Thereafter, the periphery of the disk is flicked with fingers of a second hand of the user thereby imparting flight to the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Lloyd Franklyn Reichardt, Darren Banks
  • Patent number: 5833242
    Abstract: A method for playing a targeting game including launching aimed objects toward targeted receptacles until aimed objects are deposited in all targeted receptacles except a home receptacle. The player who deposits aimed objects into all of his targeted receptacles and further deposits and aimed object in the home receptacle wins the game or round depending on the format of play. Targeting game apparatus includes a target base containing holes which are the targeted receptacles and a target line panel spaced vertically above the base from which the aimed objects are aimed and dropped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: James V. Watkins
  • Patent number: 5833241
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of propelling a disc from a user's legs which involves the following steps. Providing a string in the form of a closed loop through which a positions his or her legs. Providing a disc with a peripheral edge and positioning this disc within the loop. Winding the disc and loop together in a manner which creates tension between the disc and the user's knees. Releasing the disc and moving one's legs apart one another in a manner to unwind the loop and propel the disc from between the user's legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: Tony J. Araujo, Manny C. Rebelo
  • Patent number: 5676548
    Abstract: A target for use in interactive target practice by a shooter firing bullets thereat with a controller for controlling the target's operation. The target includes a target plate, indicators, such as lights, for indicating that a practice round has begun, a target sensor, such as a vibration sensor switch, for detecting when the target plate has been struck by a bullet, and a firing mechanism for firing a projectile, such as a paint ball, at the shooter if the shooter does not hit the target plate within the allotted time. The target plate is hingeably attached to a target stand, a shock absorber is provided for absorbing the impact of bullets upon the target plate, and both the target plate and the target stand are angled forwardly downwardly so as to minimize ricochet of bullets back at the shooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventors: Jim L. McAlpin, Lyndon G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5624121
    Abstract: A game comprising a plurality of substantially rigid playing discs each having an upper and lower surface bound by a circumferential ridge which is up-raised with respect to the upper and lower surfaces so as to provide a recess in the upper surface for accommodating therein a corresponding protrusion in the lower surface of an adjacent playing disc placed thereon, the upper surface having a visual image thereon. In use, the playing discs are stacked one top of another and each player is provided with a turn for striking a topmost one of the playing discs towards a periphery thereof so as thereby to upturn a number of the playing discs in the stack, the player claiming for himself those discs whose upper surface is downmost. An object of the game is to maximize the number of upturned playing discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: N. B. Hoppies Marketing (1994) Ltd.
    Inventor: Israel Stern
  • Patent number: 5611541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of playing a ball game with a soft, malleable ball. The game is particularly suited to play on a beach or other soft surface such as a lawn. The method of playing the game requires each player to accurately throw or roll this ball with the specific purpose of landing closest to an object ball. Scoring is kept over each round of play and the player exhibiting the greatest skill in placing his or her ball nearest to the object ball earns the greatest number of points. The player having the most points at the end of the game wins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Robert Paino
  • Patent number: 5577733
    Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, is a targeting system for a shooter of a gun, the system having a target image created by a projector and projected on a target screen or, in one embodiment, a pre-printed target. A light panel is disposed between the target and the gun so that a bullet from the gun passes through the light panel which sends signals indicative of the bullet's location and velocity to a computer in which the signals are stored and, in one aspect, analyzed and compared with additional data such as previous bullet locations, velocity, and ballistic parameters for such a bullet. In one embodiment a light panel has one or more light emitters which emit a fan-shaped beam of light in a plane and spaced apart from the emitter(s) one or more light detectors. In one aspect such a panel has on-board electronics for calculating: object (e.g. bullet) velocity; and/or object (e.g. bullet) size. Methods are described for using such systems and such panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Dennis L. Downing
  • Patent number: 5577732
    Abstract: A toy missile having a hollow head created by a collapsible plastic film casing and a balloon inflated therein, causing the head to assume a globular form. Projecting from the casing are shaped pieces which impart a figurative or fanciful form to the head. Extending from the rear pole of the globular head and held thereto by a tail is a streamer. When a player grasps the streamer and then whirls the missile and lets it fly, the streamer then acts as a tail fin to stabilize the flight pattern. Deposited in the balloon is a liquid charge which due to centrifugal forces generated by the whirling action causes the liquid to form a concentrated mass at the leading pole of the head which acts to lengthen the flight path of the missile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 5559490
    Abstract: An electronic scoring apparatus for use in a plurality of dart games, which apparatus minimizes a user's mathematical calculations, thus keeping scoring errors to a minimum and avoiding tedious mental calculations. The apparatus includes input switches to input data, lighted displays which inform the user, and selection input switches by which the user selects and customizes a plurality of games and enters scoring information. The apparatus is provided with displays which inform users and spectators of game circumstances. The apparatus suggests targets at which to throw, in response to game situations. Games can be played versus the apparatus at various selected skill levels. A plurality of games can be played with more than two teams. Lighted displays portray characters historically used in the dart game of Cricket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Majek, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. McDonald, Algis E. Karosas
  • Patent number: 5522372
    Abstract: A ball throwing bat comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, and a middle portion that is located between the upper and lower portions, the upper portion being cylindrical and having a larger diameter than the lower portion, which is also cylindrical. The middle portion tapers and joins the upper portion to the lower portion. The lower portion is used to grasp and swing the ball throwing bat. The upper portion has a bore that extends down into the ball throwing bat. The diameter of the bore is selected to have a sufficient size to accommodate the ball or ball-like object to be thrown. The ball is ejected from the bore by swinging the bat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Daniel G. Gerstikov
  • Patent number: 5470078
    Abstract: A computer controlled target shooting system having a plurality of clay bird throwers which can be positioned at substantial distances and angles of throw from one another, preferably to throw clay birds in a safe direction for shooter(s) to engage. The throwers include a device for mechanical activation (electrical, air, hydraulic, etc.) and allow for varying horizontal and vertical angle of clay bird projection (flight). The plurality of clay bird throwers are interfaced to a microprocessor. The shooter can specify levels of difficulty which will set levels of time delays and difficulty of randomness between clay birds thrown. These shooter specified levels include two clay birds thrown at the same time (doubles) and extended time delay to allow for reloading of double barrel shotgun (double barrel).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Tye M. Conlan
  • Patent number: 5465976
    Abstract: A substantially planar elliptical gamepiece with one or more indentations provided in the outer perimeter thereof. The position of an indentation is predetermined so that a finger flick, when applied to the indentation, is likely to propel the gamepiece with optimum height, length and accuracy. A substantially planar protector is also disclosed, with a hole provided to receive the gamepiece therein for storage when not in use. When the gamepiece is received into the protector, a substantially continuous common planar surface is formed, suitable for imposing collectable and tradeable images thereon by printing or other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: MGwhiz, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 5405673
    Abstract: A backstop for firearm projectiles includes a body of an ionomeric polymer disposed so as to slow and stop projectiles. The body of ionomeric material may comprise a plurality of spaced-apart sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: George M. Seibert
  • Patent number: 5395121
    Abstract: A bubble skill game which is comprised ofa handle including an orifice 25a targeta reservoir for holding bubble forming liquid connected to a base 3.The game is played by holding the handle and dipping the orifice 25 into the reservoir of bubble liquid 40 forming a membrane of bubble liquid over the orifice 25. The handle is then moved through the air in the direction of the target producing numerous bubbles travelling in the direction of the target. The object is to have one or more bubbles go into the target.The handle and target can be constructed to resemble various common games of skill (golf, hockey, croquet, tennis, baseball, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Michael J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5382027
    Abstract: A simulated dough tossing and placement game of both skill and enjoyment. The game comprises a flexible material sheet simulating a sheet of dough and having a flexibility approximately equivalent to that of a sheet of dough used for the making of a pizza. A sheet-receiving member, such as a simulated pizza plate or pan, forms part of the game and is designed to receive the sheet of material when tossed in the same manner as the tossing of a sheet of pizza dough. The sheet-receiving member has a flat bottom wall to receive and catch the sheet of material when the latter is tossed with a twisting or rotating motion, much in the same manner as simulating the tossing the sheet of pizza dough onto a pizza pan. In this way, skill is involved in the play of the game and substantial enjoyment is also generated therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: Pauline Eatherly