Game Apparatus for playing tossing game

Abstract

Disclosed is a game apparatus for playing a tossing game. The game apparatus includes a pair of receptacles, a pair of detachable caps and a plurality of washers. Each receptacle of the pair of receptacles includes a base, a projection extending from a periphery of the base and an elongated hollow member configured to detachably couple with the base. Each detachable cap of the pair of detachable caps is configured to seal an opening, configured at a central portion of the base of the receptacle. The plurality of washers is capable of being tossed into the pair of receptacles for scoring points while playing the tossing game.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a game apparatus, and, more particularly, to a game apparatus for a playing tossing game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tossing games are played by people during various gatherings such as picnics, outings in a park or a beach, and so on. These tossing games are played as friendly competitions by people for entertainment. The tossing games may involve tossing a plurality of disks, such as washers, targeted at a hole for scoring points. The hole is positioned at a predetermined distance from a person tossing the disks.

Earlier, people used to dig a hole in the ground, and considered the hole as the target area for playing the tossing game. In such instance, the game is limited to an outdoor game. Moreover, construction of such target areas is a tedious task at places where the ground is covered with concrete.

Nowadays, people use other ways of playing the tossing game. Typically, people utilize a washer tossing game apparatus, which includes a pair of open top boxes having elongated cylindrical holes. While playing, a player may toss a plurality of washers into these elongated cylindrical holes to score points. However, such game apparatuses are bulky and inconvenient to transport. Further, such game apparatuses are difficult to store when not in use. Accordingly, it is desirable to have a game apparatus that is relatively compact, portable, easily storable, and easily set up for playing.

Additionally, there is a need for a game apparatus that is capable of being played with minimum level of skill and yet provides a sufficient mental and physical challenge for keeping the excitement of the game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of foregoing disadvantage inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus, to include all the advantages of the prior art, and overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus for a tossing game.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus that is compact and easily storable.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus that is lightweight and easily portable.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of playing a game apparatus for a tossing game that requires a minimum level of skills.

In light of the above objects, in one aspect of the present invention, a game apparatus for a tossing game is disclosed. The game apparatus includes a pair of receptacles, a pair of detachable caps, and a plurality of washers. Each receptacle of the pair of receptacles includes a base, a projection, and an elongated hollow member. The base is configured with an opening at a central portion thereof. The projection extends about a periphery of the base to configure a first cavity therewithin. The elongated hollow member includes a first open end and a second open end opposite to the first open end. The first open end and the second open end configure a second cavity therebetween. The second open end is configured to detachably couple with the opening of the base. Each detachable cap of the pair of detachable caps is configured to seal the opening of the base. The plurality of washers is tossed into at least one position of a plurality of predetermined positions for scoring points for playing the tossing game.

In another aspect of the present invention, a game apparatus is provided that is capable of being packaged, thereby enabling convenient storage thereof.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a game apparatus is provided that is lightweight and portable. More specifically, various components of the game apparatus, for example, a pair of receptacles and a pair of detachable caps, are composed of a plastic material, thereby enabling a convenient portability thereof.

These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a game apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a receptacle of a game apparatus with a detachable cap, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a game apparatus in a packaged configuration, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a game apparatus positioned for playing a tossing game with a player tossing a washer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for playing a tossing game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes and are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular game apparatus for a tossing game, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

The present invention provides a game apparatus for a tossing game. The game apparatus is capable of being played by players of all ages. The game apparatus may be used as an indoor as well as an outdoor game apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a game apparatus 100 is illustrated. More specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective assembled view of the game apparatus 100. The game apparatus 100 includes a receptacle 102a, and a receptacle 102b. The game apparatus 100 further includes a set of washers corresponding to each receptacle. For example, the game apparatus 100 includes a first set of washers corresponding to the receptacle 102a; and a second set of washers corresponding to the receptacle 102b. As illustrates in FIG. 1, the first set of washers may include washers 104a and the second set of washers may include washers 104b.

The receptacle 102a includes a base 106a, a projection 108a extending about a periphery of the base 106a, and an elongated hollow member 110a. The base 106a includes an opening 112a configured at a central portion thereof. The projection 108a extends from a periphery of the base 106a to configure a first cavity.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the base 106a of the receptacle 102a is square in shape, as shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, the projection 108a is shown to include four walls extending from periphery of the square base. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the base 106a may have a circular configuration, a polygonal configuration, or any other configurations. In such instances, a projection may extend from a periphery of the base 106a, thereby forming the first cavity of the receptacle 102a.

The receptacle 102a further includes the elongated hollow member 110a detachably coupled at the opening 112a of the base 106a to configure a second cavity therewithin. The elongated hollow member 110a includes a first open end 114a, a second open end 116a opposite to the first open end 114a, and an intermediate body portion 118a extending between the first open end 114a and the second open end 116a. The second open end 116a of the elongated hollow member 110a is capable of detachably coupling with the base 106a at the opening 112a. More specifically, the second open end 116a of the elongated hollow member 110a encloses the opening 112a when the elongated hollow member 110a is coupled with the base 106a. In one embodiment, the hollow elongated member 110a have a tapered structure such that the first end 114a thereof may have a smaller diameter as compared to a diameter of the second open end 116a. The tapered structure of the hollow elongated member 110a will be explained further in conjunction with FIG. 3.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the elongated hollow member 110a may have a height greater than a height of the projection 108a. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the height of the elongated hollow member 110a may be less than or equal to the height of the projection 108a depending on the requirements or rules of the tossing game.

The receptacle 102a further includes a lip 120a extending outwardly from a top end portion of the projection 108a in a direction away from the base 106a. The lip 120a enables a user to hold and lift the receptacle 102a. Moreover, the game apparatus 100 includes a detachable cap 122a for sealing the opening 122a of the base 106a. The use of the detachable cap for sealing the opening 122a of the base 106a will be explained further in conjunction with FIG. 3.

As disclosed herein, the game apparatus 100 further includes the receptacle 102b, and the second set of washers 104b corresponding to the receptacle 102b. The receptacle 102b is similar to the receptacle 102a, and the second set of washers 104b is similar to the first set of washers 104b. More specifically, all the components of the receptacle 102b are structurally and configurationally similar to the corresponding components of the receptacle 102a. For example, the receptacle 102b includes a detachable cap 122b structurally similar to the detachable cap 122b of the receptacle 102a; and a base 106b, a projection 108b and an elongated hollow member 110b similar to the base 106a, the projection 108a and the elongated hollow member 110a of the receptacle 102a. Moreover, the base 106b includes an opening 112b similar to the opening 112a of the receptacle 102b. Furthermore, the elongated hollow member 110b includes a first open end 114b, a second open end 116b, and an intermediate body portion 118b similar in configuration to the first open end 114a, the second open end 116a, and the intermediate body portion of the receptacle 102a. Accordingly, the receptacle 102b includes components having functionalities similar to that of corresponding components of receptacle 102a, and an explanation thereof will thus be omitted.

Referring back to the plurality of washers 104a and 104b, the plurality of washers 104a and 104b (hereinafter referred to as washers 104a, 104b) may have a flat disk-like structure configured with a hole at the center thereof. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the washers may posses a flat polygonal structure or any other structure with or without the hole configured at the center thereof. Preferably, the washers 104a and 104b are composed of a metallic material.

In the present embodiment, each of the first set of washers and the second set of washers includes three washers as illustrated in FIG. 1. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that each of the first set of washers and the second set of washers may include any number of washers. In an alternate embodiment, the first set of washers may have a color different from the color of the second set of washers.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the first set of washers, for example, washers 104a may have a color similar to the color of the receptacle 102a, and the second set of washers 104b may have a color similar to the color of the receptacle 102b. Such color combinations of the receptacles 102a, 102b and the plurality of washers imparts an aesthetic look to the game apparatus 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the game apparatus 100 may include components having the following dimensions: a pair of receptacles, for example, the receptacle 102a and 102b, each receptacle having a base, such as the base 106a and the base 106b of about 12 inches×12 inches; a projection includes four walls as shown in FIG. 1, each wall having a height of about 3 and ½ inches; a lip, such as the lip 120a and the lip 120b having a width of about 1 and ½ inches; and an elongated hollow member, such as the elongated hollow member 110a and the elongated hollow member 110b including a first open end, such as the first open end 114a and the second open end 114b having a diameter of about 3 and ½ inches, a second open end, such as the second open end 116a and the second open end 116b having a diameter of about 4 inches. Preferably, the elongated hollow member has a height 4 inches. The game apparatus 100 further includes a plurality of washers, such as the plurality of washers 104a, 104b, each having a diameter of about 2 inches. Each washer of the plurality of washers has a hole of diameter of about ¾ inches.

The game apparatus 100 is capable of being configured in packaged configuration and a game-playing configuration. More specifically, the game apparatus 100 may be packaged to form the packaged configuration thereof when the game apparatus 100 is not in use. The packaged position of the game apparatus 100 will be explained further in conjunction with FIG. 3. In use, the game apparatus 100 may be arranged in the game-playing configuration. The game-playing configuration of the game apparatus 100 will be explained further in conjunction with FIG. 4.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the game apparatus 100 in the packaged configuration thereof, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The game apparatus 100 is configured in the packaged configuration by positioning the receptacle 102a on top of the receptacle 102b. In such a packaged configuration, the opening 112a of the base 106a receives a portion of the elongated hollow member 110b of the receptacle 102b upon detaching the detachable cap 122a from the opening 112a. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the position of the receptacles 102a and 102b may be altered in the packaged configuration of the game apparatus 100. The packaged configuration of the game apparatus 100 enables easily portability and storage thereof. Further, the receptacles 102a and 102b and the detachable caps (not shown) of the receptacles 102a and 102b may be composed of a plastic material, thereby imparting a light-weight configuration to the game apparatus 100. Furthermore, the game apparatus 100 can be easily configured for playing the tossing game, as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the game apparatus 100 being utilized for playing the tossing game, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates a player 200 tossing a washer for example, the washer 104a in a receptacle, for example, the receptacle 102a of the game apparatus 100. In one embodiment of the present invention, tossing game may be played by two teams for example, a first team and a second team. In such a case, each team may have at least one player. For the purpose of this description, FIG. 4 is shown with the player 200 playing the tossing game using the gaming apparatus 100. However, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the game apparatus 100 may be played on by a plurality of teams at a time.

The game apparatus 100 may be set in the game-playing configuration for playing the tossing game by positioning apart the receptacle 102a and 102b at a predefined distance. The predefined distance is measured from a central portion of the elongated hollow members 110a and 110b.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the game apparatus 100 may include a distance measuring means (not shown) for positioning apart the receptacle 102a and 102b at the predefined distance. Example of the distance measuring means may include, but is not restricted to a string, a measuring tape, and the like. More specifically, the distance measuring means may be used to ensure that the distance between the receptacles 102a and 102b is equal to the predefined distance. Preferably, the predefined distance is about 20 feet. However, it should be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the predefined distance may vary for different games and teams. For example, in case the teams include adult members, the predefined distance may be more than 20 feet. However, in case the teams include child members, the predetermined distance may be much less than 20 feet.

After, configuring the game apparatus 100 in the playing configuration, the tossing game may be played among the first team and the second team. The method of playing the tossing game using the game apparatus 100 may be explained further in conjunction with FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method 500 for playing the tossing game. The method for playing the tossing game starts at 502. For playing the tossing game, the tossing game apparatus 100 having a pair of receptacles, a pair of detachable caps, and a plurality of washers is provided at 504.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tossing game apparatus 100 includes the pair of receptacles, for example, the receptacles 102a, 102b. The receptacle 102a includes the base 106a, the projection 108a, and the elongated member 110a. The base 106a is configured with an opening 112a at a central portion thereof. The projection 108a extends about the periphery of the base 106a for configuring a first cavity therewithin. The elongated hollow member 110a detachably couples to the opening 112a of the base 106a. The elongated hollow member 110a encloses the opening 112a for configuring a second cavity therewithin. The lip 120a extends outwardly from the projection 108a in a direction away from the base 106a. Similarly, the receptacle 102b includes components constructionally identical to respective components of the receptacle 102a.

The pair of detachable caps may include the detachable cap 122a and the detachable cap 122b. The detachable caps may be utilized for sealing the opening 112a when the receptacle 102a is positioned on ground for playing the tossing game. By sealing the opening 112a, the washers 104b falling into the second cavity (while playing the tossing game) may be held inside the second cavity.

The plurality of washers may include a first set of washers, for example, the washers 104a; and a second set of washers, for example, the washers 104b. The washers 104a and 104b may be tossed into the receptacles 102a and 102b for earning points while playing the tossing game.

The tossing game apparatus 100 including the pair of receptacles, the pair of detachable caps, and the plurality of washers may be configured in a playing configuration. More specifically, a first receptacle and second receptacle of the pair of receptacles are positioned apart at 506. As explained in conjunction with FIG. 4, the first receptacle such as, the receptacle 102a and the second receptacle such as, the receptacle 102b may be positioned apart at a predefined distance for example, 20 feet, for playing the tossing game.

Thereafter, a pair of teams for playing the tossing game may be provided at 508. Each team of the pair of teams may include a plurality of players. Subsequently, a first team and a second team may be identified from the pair of teams based on a predetermined criteria at 510. In one embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined criteria is tossing of a coin. More specifically, a coin may be tossed to decide the first team that may get a first chance to toss the washers. As disclosed herein, the first team may use the first set of washers 104a, and second team may use the second set of washers 104b for playing the tossing game. The first team and the second team of the pair of teams may be positioned apart at 512. More specifically, the first team and the second team may be positioned in proximity of the receptacle 102a and the receptacle 102b, respectively.

Thereafter, at least one player of the first team winning the toss of the coin, hereinafter called the coin toss, is given a chance to first toss the first set of washers in the corresponding receptacle at 514. For example, the first team may the toss the washers 104a in the receptacle 102b when the first team wins the coin toss. Moreover, the plurality of washers may be tossed by the team who wins the coin toss. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the player 200 of the first team may toss the washers 104a into the receptacle 102b to earn points. Alternatively, the player 200 may toss all the washers 104a in one attempt to earn points for the first team. For example, if the washers 104a include three washers, the player 200 of the first team may toss the three washers 104a at a time aiming at the receptacle 102b for earning points for the first team.

Subsequently, the second set of the plurality of washers may be tossed by at least one player of the second team, at 516. More specifically, a second player of the second team may toss the washer 104b aiming at the receptacle 102a. Alternatively, the second player of the second team may toss all the washers 104b simultaneously aiming at the receptacle 102a for earning point for the second team. Thereafter, a number of points earned by the first team and the second team may be counted at 518.

Preferably, the number of points earned by each team is based on positions where the washers 104a and 104b falls after tossing. For example, when a team tosses a washer, such as the washer 104a into the first cavity of the receptacle 102b, the first team may earn one point. Moreover, for the washer 104a tossed into the second cavity of the receptacle 102b, the first team may earn three points. Further, for the washer 104a tossed on to the lip 120a, the first team may earn one point. Further, for the washer 104a hitting the ground, the first team may get zero points and the washer 104a may be considered as a dead washer. Furthermore, the washer 104a hitting the ground and tossing into either of the first cavity or the second cavity of the receptacle 102b may be considered as point less.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a series of rounds of tossing game may be played and the points earned by the teams may be collectively counted. Preferably, for all rounds of tossing subsequent to a first round, the team scoring a last point in a previous round may be given a first chance to toss washers. Finally, a team that scores a predefined number of total points first may be declared the winner at 520. In one embodiment, the predefined number of total points may be 21 points. In one embodiment of the present invention, when each of the first team and the second team of the pair of teams earn the predefined total of points at the same time, an additional round or rounds of tossing may be conducted to identify a winning team.

The present invention provides a game apparatus for playing a tossing game. The game apparatus disclosed herein includes a pair of receptacles such that each receptacle includes a hollow elongated portion. Moreover, the game apparatus includes plurality of washers for tossing into the hollow elongated portion. The pair of receptacles and the washers may be provided in a variety of colors, thereby enhancing an aesthetic value of the game apparatus. Moreover, the game apparatus disclosed herein is easy to configure. Further, the game apparatus may be packaged in a compact structure, thereby enabling an easy portability and convenient storage thereof.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A game apparatus for a tossing game, comprising:

a pair of receptacles, each receptacle of the pair of receptacles comprising, a base, the base configured with an opening at a central portion of the base, a projection extending about a periphery of the base for configuring a first cavity therewithin; and an elongated hollow member comprising, a first open end, and a second open end opposite to the first open end, wherein the second open end is configured to detachably couple with the base for enclosing the opening of the base, the first open end and second open end configuring a second cavity therebetween, and

a pair of detachable caps, each detachable cap of the pair of detachable caps configured to seal the opening of the base; and

a plurality of washers capable of being tossed into at least one position of a plurality of predetermined positions of the pair of receptacles for scoring points for playing the tossing game.

2. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pair of receptacles is spaced apart at a predefined distance for playing the game, the predefined distance comprising a distance between centers of the pair of receptacles.

3. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the game apparatus is configurable in a packaged position by positioning a first receptacle of the pair of receptacles on a second receptacle of the pair of receptacles, wherein the first receptacle having a base with an opening receiving a portion of an elongated hollow member of the second receptacle upon detaching a detachable cap from the opening of the first receptacle.

4. The game apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a distance measuring means for positioning apart the pair of receptacles at the predefined distance.

5. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pair of receptacles further comprises a lip extending outwardly from the projection in a direction away from the base for enabling holding and lifting of the pair of receptacles.

6. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated hollow member possess height greater than equal to height of the projection.

7. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of washers includes washers having a flat disk-like structure configured with a hole.

8. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pair of receptacles and the pair of detachable caps are composed of a plastic material.

9. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of washers are composed of a metallic material.

10. A method of playing a tossing game, comprising:

providing a game apparatus for playing the tossing game, the tossing game apparatus comprising pair of receptacles, each receptacle of the pair of receptacles having a base configured with an opening at a central portion of the base, a projection extending about a periphery of the base for configuring a first cavity, an elongated hollow member detachably coupled to the base enclosing the opening for configuring a second cavity, and a lip extending outwardly from the projection in a direction away from the base; a pair of detachable caps, each detachable cap of the pair of detachable caps is configured to seal the opening of the base of the receptacle; a plurality of washers to be tossed, wherein the plurality of washers includes a first set of washers and a second set of washers;

positioning apart a first receptacle and a second receptacle of the pair of receptacles at a predefined distance in opposite directions;

providing a pair of teams, the pair of teams comprising a plurality of players;

identifying a first team and a second team based on a predetermined criteria;

positioning apart the first team and the second team of the pair of teams in opposite directions, wherein the first team is positioned at the first receptacle and the second team is positioned at the second receptacle;

tossing the first set of washers by at least one player of the first team into the second receptacle;

tossing the second set of washers by at least one player of the second team into the first receptacle;

counting a number of points earned by the first team and the second team, wherein the points are earned when a washer is tossed into at least one position of a plurality of predetermined positions, the plurality of predetermined positions comprising the first cavity, the second cavity, and the lip of the game apparatus; and

declaring a team from the pair of teams as a winning team when the team earns a predefined total of points first.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the predefined distance is about 20 feet.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the predefined distance is a distance between central portion of the first receptacle and the second receptacle.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of washers comprises a first set of washers tossed by the first team and a second set of washers tossed by the second team.