Hopscotch buddy

Abstract

The Hopscotch Buddy is a line of specially designed bean bag markers, configured expressly for use when playing Hopscotch. The Hopscotch Buddy is designed expressly as a user friendly alternative to using stones, rocks and sticks as markers. Double stitched and reinforced, the Hopscotch Buddy is a cushiony soft bean bag toy measuring approximately 2-3″ in length, 2-3″ in width and approximately 0.5-1″ in depth.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/194,453 filed Sep. 26, 2008, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Hopscotch Buddy.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of playground games, and more specifically to field of hopscotch, and even more specifically to the field of markers for hopscotch and even more specifically to the field of bean bag hopscotch markers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for bean bags.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,421 to Rink and Rink describes a series of bean bags in the shapes of alphanumeric figures.

US Des. 532,057 to Boutin describes a bean bag in the shape of a turtle.

US Des. 532,058 to Boutin describes a bean bag in the shape of a duck.

None of these prior art references describes the present invention, namely, a bean bag fashioned specifically for use as a hopscotch marker.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved bean bags useful for markers for the play of hopscotch.

Hopscotch is a fun and exciting game played on playgrounds across the country and throughout the world. The game of Hopscotch is believed to have originated in Britain during the early Roman Empire. This beloved game was actually initially designed as a training regimen for Roman foot soldiers who ran the course in full armour and field packs as it was thought this would improve their footwork. Roman children imitated the soldiers by drawing their own boards and creating a scoring system.

Today, Hopscotch is played on grass, sidewalks and parking lots and is comprised of a grid that is drawn on the ground, with the player tossing a marker, (typically a stone or rock) into the first square. The marker must land completely within the designated square and without touching a line or bouncing out. If the marker lands in the wrong square, the player forfeits a turn. If the tossing of the marker is successful, the player hops through the court omitting the square with the stone in it. Single squares must be hopped on one foot. For the first single square, either foot may be used. Side by side squares are straddled, with the left foot landing in the left square, and the right foot landing in the right square. Optional squares marked “Safe” “Home” or “Rest” are neutral squares, and may be hopped through in any manner without penalty. When players reach the end of the grid, or “court” they turn around and hop back through the court, moving through the squares in reverse order and stopping to pick up the marker on the way back (and hops in the square). Upon successfully completing the sequence, the player continues the turn by tossing the marker into square number two, and repeating the pattern. If while hopping through the court in either direction the player steps on a line, misses a square, or loses balance, the turn ends. Players begin their turns where they last left off. The first player to complete one course for every numbered square on the court wins the game.

Having recognized the vast popularity, longevity and fun of Hopscotch, as well as the potential for new and exciting ways to play this game, the present invention was developed, and is hereinafter referred to as the Hopscotch Buddy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a hopscotch grid with the present invention in use thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Hopscotch Buddy is a line of specially designed bean bag markers, configured expressly for use when playing Hopscotch. The Hopscotch Buddy is designed expressly as a user friendly alternative to using stones, rocks and sticks as markers. Double stitched and reinforced, the Hopscotch Buddy is a cushiony soft bean bag toy measuring approximately 2-3″ in length, 2-3″ in width and approximately 0.5-1″ in depth. This unique toy boasts a soft fabric casing, stuffed with natural or synthetic “bean” filling. The Hopscotch Buddy can be produced in a variety of fun and whimsical animal shapes, sports shapes, flowers and other abstract images. Further, this unique stuffed marker can be produced in an array of vibrant colors and printed designs. As can be imagined, design possibilities for the Hopscotch Buddy are virtually limitless.

Use of the Hopscotch Buddy is very simple and straight forward. A child simply tucks one of these toys into a pocket, lunch box or book bag for easy access when needed. Using the Hopscotch Buddy as a marker, the user then engages in a spirited game of Hopscotch with their pals. After play, the Hopscotch Buddy can simply be stored away until again needed.

The Hopscotch Buddy is an innovative product invention which offers consumers a number of significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, the Hopscotch Buddy provides children of all ages a user friendly marker to be utilized when playing Hopscotch. A cushiony soft bean bag sized appropriately for easy transport and handling, the Hopscotch Buddy enables consumers to engage in a game of Hopscotch whenever and wherever desired. A practical and safe alternative to using stones, sticks and other debris as markers, the Hopscotch Buddy will never roll away during play and the bright colors and designs of the unit enable players to easily discern their marker from those used by other players. Produced in a wide array of vibrant colors and designs, there will be a Hopscotch Buddy to appeal to any Hopscotch fanatic, regardless of age or skill level. Further, consumers might enjoy collecting and trading the Hopscotch Buddy, sharing these unique toys with their friends. Durably constructed, this unique bean bag toy will withstand repeated use with ease. The Hopscotch Buddy is a unique product invention which would provide Hopscotch enthusiasts a fun and colorful marker with which to enjoy their favorite game. Lightweight and compact in design, this whimsical marker could prove a favorite commodity of any Hopscotch player.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bean bag for use as a hopscotch marker configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of: football, heart, flower, skull and cross-bones, insect, racecar, train, smiley face, bear, lion, kitten, dog, and other animal.

2. A bean bag for use as a hopscotch marker which measures about two to three inches in length, about two to three inches in width, and about one half to one inch in depth.

3. The bean bag of claim 1, wherein the bean bag is encased with a soft fabric casing.

4. The bean bag of claim 1 wherein the bean bag comprises double stitching construction.