Portable party system and method
A portable party system and associated method for providing entertainment and amusement at parties, such as birthday parties and other parties for children, teenagers, and adults, includes one or more portable storage containers containing various different target assemblies and projectiles for use in the play of games. A cover of the container also functions as a supporting base adapted for the removable attachment of a target support assembly. Various diverse target assemblies including a basketball target, a milk bottle target, a rectangular target, a soccer net, a goalpost target, a knock-down target, a receptacle target, and a tiered coin toss target, allow participants to compete in projectile tossing and throwing games using the various different target assemblies and diverse projectiles such as footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, beanbags and soft throwing disks, in contests to win coupons or tickets which may be exchanged for arcade-type prizes, such as toys, candy, balls, pencils, erasers, figurines, stuffed animals and the like.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,533,138 issued Aug. 6, 1985 to Rodriguez, Jr. et al discloses a multiple sport training device in which a user may selectively attach multiple different attachment members including batting training devices, ball rebounders, catching nets, and batting tees. U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,592 issued Feb. 23, 1988 to Callaham discloses an amusement device and method in which portions of a foldable container form a play board for playing a game in which balls are dropped onto the play board in attempting to cause the balls to bounce and fall on rebound into a cylindrical member. U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,976 issued Jan. 3, 1995 to Matherne et al. discloses a portable basketball system with a ballast-fillable base configured to house component parts of the basketball system for storage and transportation. The entire disclosure of each of the foregoing patents is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to a portable party system and associated method for providing entertainment and amusement at parties such as birthday parties, and other parties for children, teenagers and adults. The invention contemplates the provision of one or more portable storage containers containing various different target assemblies and projectiles for use in the play of games. Advantageously, a cover of the container also functions as a supporting base adapted for the removable attachment of a target support assembly. The invention contemplates the provision of various diverse target assemblies including a basketball target, a milk bottle target, a rectangular target, a rectangular net target, a goalpost target, a knock-down target, a receptacle target, and a tiered coin toss target. In a method according to the present invention, participants compete in projectile throwing, tossing, and kicking games using the various different target assemblies and diverse projectiles such as footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, beanbags and soft throwing disks in contests to win coupons or tickets which may be exchanged for arcade-type prizes, such as toys, candy, balls, pencils, erasers, figurines, stuffed animals and the like.
These and various other advantages and features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views, and referring in particular to
With reference to
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The basketball target assembly 68 includes a backboard portion 70 provided with a generally U-shaped tubular frame portion 72 for the purpose of connecting the basketball target assembly 68 to the vertical extension member 62 by cooperative engagement of the threaded members 66 and 74, and also for the purpose of support of a basketball rim 78 and associated basketball net 80 through engagement of a bracket 76. The bracket 76 is preferably formed from a flexible or resilient material to allow some flexing and displacement of the rim 78 without damage to the associated target assembly.
In addition to the basketball target assembly 68, the present invention contemplates the use of various different target assemblies to permit the play of many different party games, while affording compact and convenient storage and transportation of the entire portable party system according to the present invention.
The particular details of the connections of the base member, extension members, and target assemblies as described and illustrated are exemplary only, and other alternative constructions and connectors may be employed, without departing from the intended scope of the present invention.
In addition, other, non-target, game attachments may be employed to allow participants to play other types of games. For example, duck pond, ring toss, dart board, soccer goal, and various other diverse types of game attachments may be employed in connection with the portable party system of the present invention.
As a further enhancement, the portable party system of the present invention may include carnival type decorations and amenities such as balloons, music, tents, banners, partitions, and the like to assist in the provision of a party or carnival type atmosphere and ambience.
In a preferred method of entertaining participants at a party according to the present invention, a plurality of projectile tossing, throwing, and/or kicking games are preferably conducted in an organized manner by a party service provider or host. Winners of the various games are awarded points, tickets, or coupons, which may be exchanged for arcade-type prizes such as, toys, candy, balls, pencils, erasers, figurines, stuffed animals, games, and the like. A further aspect of the invention contemplates that a parent, teacher, coach or other individual having a need to provide a party for children, teenagers, or adults, may hire a commercial party service provider. The party service provider may readily and easily transport the portable party system according to the present invention to a desired site at a home, school or other facility, thus avoiding the inconvenience, danger, and expense associated with transporting the participants to a central party facility.
It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
Claims
1. A portable party system, comprising:
- a container including an open top portion;
- a removable cover dimensioned to selectively close said open top portion of said container;
- cooperating latch and catch members on said cover and said container for selectively securing said cover to said container;
- a target attachment assembly including a base member;
- at least one fastener for removably securing said base member of said target attachment assembly to said cover;
- at least one target assembly;
- said target attachment assembly and said target assembly including cooperating connectors for selectively and removably securing said target assembly to said target attachment assembly; and
- said target attachment assembly and said target assembly dimensioned and configured for storage in said container when not in use to facilitate transportation and storage of said portable party system.
2. The portable party system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of different interchangeable target assemblies for securement to said target attachment assembly.
3. The portable party system of claim 2, wherein said interchangeable target assemblies are selected from the group consisting of a basketball hoop target assembly, a rectangular target assembly, a goal post target assembly, a knock down target assembly, a receptacle target assembly, a milk bottle target assembly, a tiered coin toss target assembly, and a rectangular net target assembly.
4. The portable party system of claim 1, wherein said cooperating connectors comprise threaded connectors.
5. The portable party system of claim 1, wherein said at least one fastener comprises a cooperating threaded stud and wing nut.
6. The portable party system of claim 1, further comprising a second target attachment assembly dimensioned and configured for interchangeable attachment to said cover in place of said target attachment assembly, said second target attachment assembly dimensioned and configured for selective connection of at least one second target assembly.
7. A portable party system, comprising:
- a container including an open top portion:
- a removable cover dimensioned to selectively close said open top portion of said container;
- cooperating latch and catch members on said cover and said container for selectively securing said cover to said container;
- a first target attachment assembly;
- a second target attachment assembly;
- at least one fastener for removably securing one of said first or second target attachment assemblies to said cover;
- a first group of interchangeable target assemblies including a first fastener for selective connection with said first target attachment assembly;
- a second group of interchangeable target assemblies including a second fastener for selective connection with said second target attachment assembly; and
- said target attachment assemblies and said target assemblies dimensioned and configured for storage in said container when not in use to facilitate transportation and storage of said portable party system.
8. The portable party system of claim 7, wherein said first group of interchangeable target assemblies are selected from the group consisting of a basketball hoop target assembly, a rectangular target assembly, a goal post target assembly, a receptacle target assembly, a milk bottle target assembly, a tiered coin toss target assembly, and a rectangular net target assembly.
9. The portable party system of claim 7, wherein said second group of interchangeable target assemblies are selected from the group consisting of a knock down target assembly and a receptacle target assembly.
10. The portable party system of claim 7, wherein said first target attachment assembly comprises:
- a base member;
- at least one fastener for removably securing said base member of said first target attachment assembly to said cover;
- an upstanding support member attached to said base member and extending upwardly therefrom;
- a substantially vertical tubular standard supported by said upstanding support member, said vertical tubular standard terminating at a distal end portion in a first threaded connector; and
- a vertical extension member terminating at a lower end in a cooperating second threaded connector dimensioned for engagement with said first threaded connector of said vertical tubular standard and terminating at an opposite upper end in a third threaded connector dimensioned for engagement with said first fastener of one of said first group of interchangeable target assemblies.
11. The portable party system of claim 7, wherein said second target attachment assembly comprises:
- a support plate;
- at least one fastener for removably securing said support plate of said second target attachment assembly to said cover;
- a support column upstanding substantially centrally and vertically from said support plate; and
- a platform substantially perpendicularly connected at an upper end of said support column, said platform provided with at least one aperture dimensioned for engagement with said second fastener of one of said second group of interchangeable target assemblies.
12. The portable party system of claim 7, wherein said first target attachment assembly comprises:
- a base member;
- at least one fastener for removably securing said base member of said first target attachment assembly to said cover;
- an upstanding support member attached to said base member and extending upwardly therefrom;
- a substantially vertical tubular standard supported by said upstanding support member, said vertical tubular standard terminating at a distal end portion in a first threaded connector; and
- a vertical extension member terminating at a lower end in a cooperating second threaded connector dimensioned for engagement with said first threaded connector of said vertical tubular standard and terminating at an opposite upper end in a third threaded connector dimensioned for engagement with said first fastener of one of said first group of interchangeable target assemblies; and
- said second target attachment assembly comprises:
- a support plate;
- at least one fastener for removably securing said support plate of said second target attachment assembly to said cover;
- a support column upstanding substantially centrally and vertically from said support plate; and
- a platform substantially perpendicularly connected at an upper end of said support column, said platform provided with at least one aperture dimensioned for engagement with said second fastener of one of said second group of interchangeable target assemblies.
13. The portable party system of claim 12, wherein said first group of interchangeable target assemblies are selected from the group consisting of a basketball hoop target assembly, a rectangular target assembly, a goal post target assembly, a receptacle target assembly, a milk bottle target assembly, a tiered coin toss target assembly, and a rectangular net target assembly.
14. The portable party system of claim 12, wherein said second group of interchangeable target assemblies are selected from the group consisting of a knock down target assembly and a receptacle target assembly.
15. The portable party system of claim 7, further comprising at least one projectile for a participant to throw, toss, or kick at said target assemblies.
16. The portable party system of claim 15, wherein said at least one projectile comprises a mask adapted to be both thrown or tossed at said target assemblies and worn by a participant.
17. The portable party system of claim 7, further comprising at least one projectile for a participant to throw, toss, or kick at said target assemblies, said projectile selected from the group consisting of a throwing disk, football, baseball, softball, wiffle ball, soccer ball, beanbag, and mask.
18. The portable party system of claim 7, further comprising a plurality of different projectiles for a participant to throw, toss, or kick at said target assemblies, said projectiles including at least one of each of a throwing disk, a football, a baseball, a softball, a wiffle ball, a soccer ball, beanbag, and mask.
19. The portable party system of claim 7, further comprising a projectile storage box and a plurality of different types of projectiles dimensioned for storage in said projectile storage box and adapted to be thrown, tossed, or kicked at said target assemblies, said projectile storage box dimensioned for reception in said container for storage and transportation.
20. A method of providing entertainment for parties, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a portable party system comprising:
- a container including an open top portion;
- a removable cover dimensioned to selectively close said open top portion of said container;
- cooperating latch and catch members on said cover and said container for selectively securing said cover to said container;
- a target attachment assembly including a base member;
- at least one fastener for removably securing said base member of said target attachment assembly to said cover;
- at least one target assembly;
- at least one projectile;
- said target attachment assembly and said target assembly including cooperating connectors for selectively and removably securing said target assembly to said target attachment assembly; and
- said target attachment assembly and said target assembly dimensioned and configured for storage in said container when not in use to facilitate transportation and storage of said portable party system;
- (b) transporting said portable party system to an intended party site;
- (c) attaching said target attachment assembly to said cover;
- (d) attaching said target assembly to said target attachment assembly;
- (e) conducting at least one game in which participants attending the party compete by throwing, tossing, or kicking said projectile at said target assembly; and
- (f) awarding at least one prize to at least one of the participants attending the party based upon results of said game.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 3, 2003
Publication Date: Mar 1, 2007
Applicant: ABC Party Games, Inc. (Aurora, CO)
Inventor: Ronald Petras (Riverpoint, IL)
Application Number: 10/605,877
International Classification: A63F 9/02 (20060101); A63F 7/20 (20060101); A63B 63/00 (20060101); F41J 1/10 (20060101);