DARTBOARD ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING INTERCHANGEABLE GAME SHEETS DEPICTING A VARIETY OF SPORT AND RECREATIONAL THEMES

Abstract

The present invention is an assembleable game board assembly including a structurally supporting frame including a planar shaped and dart tip absorbing backing for receiving at least one insert sheet representative of a game play variant. A pair of upper and lower edge extending members are positioned in retaining fashion over corresponding upper and lower edges of the insert sheet and which receiving threaded compression screws with turn knobs through apertures defined in the ends of the elongate members and which align with threaded apertures associated with upper and lower edge locations of the frame.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/440,206 filed Feb. 7, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a game board assembly with interchangeable game sheets. A suspendable frame contains the sheets which can be arranged to depict a selected sport or theme. A magnetic sheet is also provided and, when placed under a selected game sheet, can be employed with magnetic adhering darts, such as for ensuring child safety.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART

The prior art is well documented with various types of dartboard assemblies, including framed dartboards. One known example is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,482, to Kim, and which teaches a framed dartboard in which a magnetic rubber pad is combined with a case member of a picture frame for providing interior decorations for the dartboard. A further example of a football dartboard game is depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,782, to Lacks. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0131811, to Satomi, further teaches a darts game set depicting a target showing letters to learn and having a magnetic board to which a magnetic sheet is attached, associated darts each having a magnet portion attachable to and detachable from the target.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is an assembleable game board assembly including a structurally supporting frame including a planar shaped and dart tip absorbing backing for receiving at least one insert sheet representative of a game play variant. A pair of upper and lower elongated and edge surface adhering members are positioned in retaining fashion over corresponding upper and lower edges of the insert sheet and which receiving threaded compression screws with turn knobs through apertures defined in the ends of the elongated surface members and which align with threaded apertures associated with upper and lower edge locations of the frame. The individual game sheets exhibit designs indicated of a number of sporting, recreational, educational or other themes which can be incorporated into a dart playing game and include, without limitation, each of battle-n-darts, tennis-n-darts, tennis-n-darts, bowl-n-darts, golf-n-darts, horseshoe-n-darts, hunt-n-darts, pong-n-darts, shuffle-n-darts, pool-n-darts, and poker-n-darts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective of the dart game board assembly;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the game board assembly of FIG. 1 and depicting the removable nature of the individual game sheet;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the supporting frame and upper and lower edge extending and game sheet retaining members;

FIG. 4 is an edge partial cutaway taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 of a selected compression screw installed through apertures in the elongate member and aligning interiorly threaded apertures within the frame;

FIG. 5 is a further partial edge perspective of a substantially rigid and absorptive planar sheet material according to one non-limiting example and which is secured, such as by installation screws, over an open inner perimeter of the game board frame;

FIG. 6 is a first example of an insert sheet for a battle-n-darts game;

FIG. 7 is a second example of an insert sheet for a tennis-n-darts game;

FIG. 8 is a third example of an insert sheet for a bowl-n-darts game;

FIG. 9 is a fourth example of an insert sheet for a golf-n-darts game;

FIG. 10 is a fifth example of an insert sheet for a horseshoe-n-darts game;

FIG. 11 is a sixth example of an insert sheet for a hunt-n-darts game;

FIG. 12 is a seventh example of an insert sheet for a pong-n-darts game;

FIG. 13 is a eighth example of an insert sheet for a shuffle-n-darts game;

FIG. 14 is a ninth example of an insert sheet for a pool-n-darts game; and

FIG. 15 is a tenth example of an insert sheet for a poker-n-darts game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As will be further described with reference to the succeeding illustrations, the present invention discloses a game board assembly incorporating a plurality of sport, recreational and other thematic topics in the from of interchangeable game sheets which are selectively arrayed in exposed and positioned fashion within an outer defining frame component associated with a suspendable and support frame

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a perspective view is shown of a game board and frame, generally at 10, according to a first embodiment. The game board can exhibit any desired dimensions, such as by non-limiting example depicted as a rectangular frame exhibiting a set of dimensions of 33¾″ height×23½″ width×1¼″ depth and which is constructed of any suitable material not limited to wood, durable polymer, or metal.

As collectively depicted in FIGS. 1-5, a structurally supporting frame is provided for supporting the game sheets (further depicted by example in exploded fashion in FIG. 2 and in individual fashion as subsequently depicted in FIGS. 6-15). With additional reference to the exploded view of FIG. 3, a plurality of elongate and outer perimeter defining frame members 12 (top), 14 (bottom), 16 (first side) and 18 (second side) are assembled in end to end fashion, in order to create a four sided rectangular enclosure.

A plurality, such as three shown, of elongated and substantially flattened inner extending and supporting boards 20, 22 and 24 are mounted in vertically (as well as optionally horizontally) extending fashion between the top 12 and bottom 14 perimeter defining members via sets of upper 26, 28, 30 and lower 32, 34 and 36 pairs of screws which align with end surface locations of the inner supporting boards 20, 22 and 24 and engage through apertures defined in the perimeter defining frame members. These, in combination with additional screws 38, 40, 42 and 44 interconnecting the outer frame members 12, 14, 16 and 18, defining a structurally supporting backing for receiving a dart tip absorptive surface, further depicted by planar sheet members 46 and 48, each having a specified and sufficient thickness and which are mounted within the perimeter defined by the outer frame members 12, 14, 16 and 18 and upon the structurally backing supporting boards 20, 22 and 24.

The planar sheet members 46 and 48 can be reconfigured as a single sheet and which is constructed of a suitably absorptive material including cork, Bristol board, polystyrene or the like and which provides for secure engagement with a tip 50 of a projectile dart (such as shown in FIG. 4). Without limitation, the absorptive backing layer can include any functionally effective material and, as again depicted in exploded fashion in FIG. 3, adhered to the inner structural supporting boards 20, 22 and 24 by any suitable means including recess mounted screws (not shown and such as which engage upper and lower edge defined pairs of apertures 52, 54, 56 and 58), as well as hook and loop fasteners positioned upon opposing rear surfaces of the absorptive sheet members 46 and 48 and front surfaces of the underneath positioned supporting boards 20-24.

A pair of upper 60 and lower 62 edge surface adhering members are provided and which are positioned in retaining fashion over corresponding upper and lower inserting edges of the selected game insert sheet in compressive fashion against the surfaces of the supporting frame. Pairs of opposite end proximate apertures 64 & 66 and 68 & 70 are defined through the surface adhering members 60 and 62.

Upon aligning the apertures 64 & 66 and 68 & 70 with additional aperture pairs 72 & 74 and 76 & 78 located proximate the top and bottom of each side member 16 and 18 (each of these capable of being interiorly threaded or, as best shown by recessed location 79 in FIG. 4, being configured so as to receive in a rear inserting side a female threaded insert 80, 82, 84 and 86), tightening screws are provided with integrally formed turning knobs (see knob ends 88, 90, 92 and 94 each including integrally formed and exteriorly threaded stems 96, 98, 100 and 102), and which are installed in order to align, lock and draw the ends of the surface members 60 and 62 against the inserted game sheet such as depicted in FIG. 1. The knobs 88-94 can be partially loosened without removal in order to remove a previously installed game sheet and replaced with a further selected sheet.

FIG. 5 is a further partial edge perspective of a substantially rigid and absorptive planar material 104 according to any non-limiting example and such as again which exhibits a polymeric or polystyrene construction. The configuration of FIG. 5 contemplates a modified mounting arrangement in which a recessed ledge profile 106 is configured along at least one underside extending edge of the absorptive material 104, this aligning and seating in lip edge engaging fashion with a mating ledge exhibited by angled surfaces 108 and 110 defined along such as a modified version of top or side proximate edge extending and structural backing board 112 (as compared to those previously described at 20-24).

Any number of screws (see at 114) can be provided and engage through aligning apertures 116 and 118 in the absorptive material 104 and structural backing 112, such as previously described. Also, and although not shown, the assembled frame structure is amenable to being affixed or suspended from such as wall surface using any known combination of hooks, mounting screws or the like and which can be applied without interfering with the manner of substituting the individual game play sheets.

Referring now collectively to each of succeeding FIGS. 6-15, a plurality of game play sheets are depicted and which are capable of being substituted within the game board apparatus in order to achieve a variety of game play variants in combination with the darts 50. Following is provided a brief description and associated functional game play protocol, according to non-limiting applications.

Referring first to FIG. 6, a depiction is provided at 120 of a first rectangular insert sheet generally matching the surface dimensions of the frame construction previously described and so that the sheet can be installed in the manner previously shown in FIG. 1. The depiction 120 is for a battle-n-darts game and which depicts a grid pattern including horizontal letters A-F and vertical numbers 1-9, these establishing a total of 54 sub-divided squares numbering from A1 to F9.

An associated and non-limiting game play protocol can include the following steps:

deciding size and amount of bunkers you want to play with (such as which corresponds to any collection or arrangement of continuous boxes including such as any of a. 2 box, 3 box, 4 box, 5 box, etc. arrangement similar to that encountered when playing the conventional game board and game piece game entitled Battleship™). Examples of 2 box arrangements include A1 (122) to B1 (124) and E9 (126) to F10 (128).

requiring each player to write down on a separate sheet paper (while not showing opponent) where their bunkers are located (and such as which can extend up, down, across, or diagonally);

limiting a size of aggregated bunkers to the number of players (e.g. the more players, for instance, use only one bunker, playing with 6 or more people, then maybe use one bunker (3 or 4 box ship);

providing for a 3 box bunker extending onto 3 boxes, example A1, A2, A3;

initiating game play by having each player throw one dart at a box, taking turns;

having a dart landing in a white circle (see at 130 for box A1) located in a middle of each box earning the player an extra throw;

requiring when a dart lands in a box, all opponents to state hit or miss; placing a post it note or other temporary identifier in the instance of a hit on a given box, or placing an appropriate mark on a separate score sheet;

requiring a player to not say anything in the event he or she lands on an own declared bunker;

allowing more than one player to hit on the same box, in which instance different colored sticky applied notes can be used for each player, and whom may write their own names on the sticky-notes;

requiring, when a players bunker is destroyed (all boxes hit) the player says destroyed and is out of the game, when all bunkers are destroyed;

declaring a winner when a last remaining player or opponent remains with at least one non-destroyed bunker;

keeping score by placing sticky-notes on all bunkers that are hit or print out a score sheet such as which can be provided from an associated online website associated with the game assembly;

FIG. 7 depicts at 132 a second example of an insert sheet for a tennis-n-darts game. Similar to a typical tennis court, identified areas on the sheet include each of net 134 which separate contiguous areas 1-3 (136, 138 and 140) located on a first side of the net and identical areas 1-3 (142, 144 and 146) located on an opposite side of the net. A foul area band 148 encircles all four sides of the court perimeter defined by the net 134 and opposite subdivided areas 136-140 and 142-146.

An associated game play protocol includes each of the following steps:

requiring opponents to stand next to each other at a throwing line established an arbitrary distance from the game play surface, each with 3 darts in hand;

having one player pick top area 136-140 and one picking the bottom area 142-146;

if playing teams of two persons each, one player from each team steps up to the line to battle each other;

requiring player 1 to throw a dart at the top or bottom collective area, depending on which was picked;

requiring the player 1 to hit his first dart into his #1 box (either 136 or 144 as depicted) in order to gain serve;

requiring, in the instance player 1 hits the net 134, that a foul be declared on the serve, following which the player throws another dart again aiming for the #1 box (136 or 144);

requiring, if player 1 hits the net 134 again, the player 2 receives a point;

requiring, if player 1 hits #2 or #3 box or anywhere but #1 on 1^st dart, player 2 gets point;

if player 1 hits #1 box, then player 2 immediately throws dart into his #1 box opposite player 1;

if player 2 hits #1 box, then player 1 throws to hit player 1 #2 box;

player 2 then throws for player 2's #2 box;

player 1 throws at #3 and if hit, player 2 throws at #3;

if the volley is made safely in all 3 boxes by each opponent then it is a push (no points).

the 1^st opponent to miss his own box gives opponent a point;

white lines are in play (safe);

after a push or a point is made, team members rotate and the next team member steps to the line to battle the opponent;

1^st team to 11 points win;

teams can also keep score like you would play tennis also;

hitting net on serve is a foul, but hitting net when aiming at 2 or 3 boxes, gives opposite team a point;

last team with point can pick top or bottom to throw at;

keep score by printing out the score sheet from the associated online website;

Referring now to FIG. 8, a third example of an insert sheet is depicted at 150 for a bowl-n-darts game (see as also exemplified in the game sheet employed in FIGS. 1 and 2). The game sheet 150 depicts a series of ten pins, a series of numbered lane locations, foul areas, and strike and split designations, reference to which will be provided consistent with the following game play protocol.

played and scored just like bowling;

300 max score;

frames;

spare in 10^th gives you an extra throw;

strike in 10^th gives you two extra throws;

1 to 10 players;

1 on 1 or team up on 2 on 2, 3 on 3, 4 on 4, 5 on 5 total number of players;

can set up two boards next to each other and switch lanes like a real bowling alley

each player throws two darts to complete a frame;

only throw one dart if a strike (see areas 152, 154 and 156) is thrown on the first throw

a gutter thrown on first throw (see foul areas 158 and 160), then get a strike, counts as a spare;

a gutter is if you don't hit a pin (162-180) or lane (182-196);

hit an X on the 1^st dart and you get a strike;

X's only count as strikes on the 1^st dart;

X's are used as the headpin (1 pin) on the second dart;

entire head pin 162 & all the X's (again areas 152 and 154) in the headpin are used only as headpin on second throw;

anything back on angle or behind are down after the headpin 162 is hit on second throw;

if you hit a pin already down on the second throw, then you missed your pins;

the red (or other designated coloring) in the lanes on the second throw count just like the 1^st throw;

• • the red number is your pin still standing unless it was already down with the first throw;

the small circles in the neck of the pin (see by example at 175 for 7 pin 174) is a mark (spare or strike);

hit circle on 1^st throw get a strike;

hit circle on second throw and get a spare (only on standing pins);

if an X or circle isn't hit, the pin that is hit is knocked down along with any pin diagonal and behind the pin you hit;

the rest of the pins are left up;

for instance, hit the 2 pin (164) on 1^st throw, and the 2 (164), 4 (168), 7 (174), 5 (170), 8 (176), and 9 (178) pins are all considered as having been knocked down;

head pin or bulls eyes on the 1 (162), 3 (166), 6 (172), and 10 (18) pins must be hit for a spare;

hit the 3 pin (166) and then the 3 (166), 6 (172), and 10 (18) pins to be considered as knocked down on the second throw, and your score for that frame would be 9 with the head pin (162) still standing;

to achieve the 3/8 split, you would need to hit the 3 pin (166), or the bulls eyes in the 3 (166) or 8 (176) pin, for a spare on second throw;

hit 8 pin (176) & only end up with 9 pins after second throw;

2/9 split must hit the 2 pin (164) or the bulls eye, in the 2 (164) or 9 (178) pin, for a spare;

hit the lane (182-196) & the number indicated in the lane (e.g. 7 for lane 182, 4 for lane 184, 2 for lane 186, 7 for lane 188, 10 for lane 190, 3 for lane 192, 6 for lane 194, and 10 for lane 196), is the pin you hit;

any area with a red number, represent the pins that are left standing;

hit lane 188 with red 7, then only seven pin stands (nine pins total down)

hit lane 190 with red 10, then only ten pin stands;

hit red 7,4/6,10 in head pin (162) and you have a split. This means the 7 (174), 4 (168), 6 (172), and 10 (180) pins are standing.(only way to get spare is to hit a bulls eye on the standing pins;

player 1 adds score in frame 1 after darts are thrown; player 2 goes, and so on and son on;

after all players, go player 1 starts frame 2;

player with highest score after 10 frames wins;

hit the white area on top of the head pin around the X and around the bulls eye or in the blue strips on the 1^st throw and count it as 8 pins down, (bowler picks the 7,4 or 6, 10 still standing);

keep score by printing out associated score sheet, such as which is found on the online website associated with the game apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a fourth example of an insert sheet 198 for a golf-n-darts game and which includes tee and flag depictions for individual areas 200, 202, 204 and 206 associated with identified holes 1-4. An associated game play instructional protocol includes the following:

score is kept the same as golf;

lowest score wins;

no limit on players;

each hole 200, 202, 204 and 206, has a tee-box (208, 210, 212 and 214), green, (where the hole is and identified by flags 216, 218, 220 and 222), and fairways, see at 224 for first hole, 226 and 228 for second hole, 230 for third hole, and 232 for fourth hole;

player 1 must throw at 1^st tee box (208) until he lands dart within a tee box (208-214);

count each dart as a stroke;

player 1 takes darts out of board;

player 2 throws at 1^st tee box (208) until landing dart in tee box and counts strokes;

repeat with all players;

once all players are done, player 1 then throws at 1^st fairway (224) till landing in fairway counting all darts as strokes;

repeat with all players;

then player 1 throws at green, which is considered the hole, until landing in the green;

if you land in the white circle surrounding each flat (at 234, 236, 238 and 240), then subtract 1 stroke (don't add that dart);

if you land in the little black dot in white circle then you got a hole in one and disregard all strokes for that hole and give yourself a one for that hole;

after all players made it in the #1 green 216) and added strokes then proceed to the #2 tee box;

landing on the green also counts as the hole, landing in the white is a bonus, subtracting one stroke;

hole #2 has two fairways 226 and 228;

keep the same routine through all 4 holes;

landing in the water (see at 242) is a 2 stroke penalty. That dart in the water counts as two strokes;

land in a sand bunker 246-250 and throw next dart 3 feet back;

person with the lowest amount of strokes after finishing four holes wins the game;

can play with 5 or 10 darts max throw per turn;

if playing max 5 throws and land two in the water, then you count 7 strokes;

next turn move to next spot even if you didn't make it within max throws on last turn;

keep score by printing out the score sheet from the website listed below;

FIG. 10 is a fifth example of an insert sheet 262 for a horseshoe-n-darts game. An associated instructional protocol is described as follows:

game played just like horseshoes;

game works good with 2-8 players broken up into teams;

2 players to a team or 1 on 1;

teammates throw opposite of each other, 1 on top horseshoe depicting 264, 1 on bottom depiction 266;

if playing 1 on 1, then challenge your opponent on bottom, the top, and so on and so on back and forth;

each player throws 2 darts trying to get a ringer which is the #3 bulls eye (top 268 and bottom 270);

a 3 (268, 270) is 3 points, 2 (272, 274) is 2 points, and 1 (276, 278) is 1 point;

each opponent can cancel out the their opponents darts just like horseshoes;

a ringer cancels another opponents ringer;

1 person from each team throws at the top challenging the other opponents;

the other teammate from each team challenges each other on the bottom;

the team closest to the ringer gets points;

if both darts thrown are closer than the opponents, then add up points (two 2's are 4 points);

only one team gets points;

if landing in the 2, then the dart closest to the 3 gets points;

if nobody is in the 2 then the dart in the 1 circle closest to the 2 gets point; team with last point throws first;

first team to 15 or 21 wins depending on what required aggregate score you want to play to;

score is kept just like horseshoes;

keep score by recording on such as provided score sheet;

FIG. 11 is a sixth example of an insert sheet 280 for a hunt-n-darts game. The game includes a series of outline depictions 282-298 which match that of commonly hunted animals. An associated (and again non-limiting) instructional protocol is provided as follows.

played just like a 3-D archery target;

each player throws 1 dart at each target 282-298;

player 1 throws 3 darts;

one at top left, one at top middle, one at top right;

add up score;

land in 3, (kill zone identified within each designated outline 282-298 and shown for example at 283 for moose 282) get 3 points;

hit animal (wounded) get one point;

miss animal completely and get 0 points;

player 2 throws 3 darts repeating steps by player 1;

when all players go across top and up scores, middle row is the next stage of targets to throw;

add up scores and finish bottom row;

player with highest score wins; can be played alone or with as many players as you want;

easy and fun to play for anyone;

Tag the Animal

another way to play is by adding up amount of throws it takes to kill an animal by landing in a kill zone or hitting animal with 2 darts outside of the kill zone is also a kill;

for each dart thrown in a kill zone, minus a throw;

player with least amount of darts thrown is winner;

keep score by printing out score sheets from the website listed below;

FIG. 12 is a seventh example of an insert sheet 300 for a pong-n-darts game. An associated operational and instructional protocol, such as according to one non-limiting game play variant, is provided as follows:

each team or player picks top or bottom ten circle triangular depiction (at 302 for upper and 304 for lower, with opponents throwing opposite of each other) player/team 1 throws one dart into intermediate positioned bounce 306 area (must hit inside bounce area to get a chance to throw the second dart);

after hitting the bounce area, player 1 throws second dart aiming at players cups (object is to land dart inside cup);

player 2 must do the same, get one dart in bounce area and one dart in his cups, opposite side of opponent;

2 darts are the max to be thrown per turn;

players go back and forth with the object of the game being the first to get all ten cups hit to be winner; each player or team is allowed 2 shuffles;

after 4 cups are hit, the player can move around the sticky-notes to narrow in the cups for an easier shot;

if team forgets to shuffle before throwing for the fifth cup the team/player loses the shuffle;

the second shuffle comes after hitting the sixth cup;

the team/player can move the sticky notes one more time to narrow in cups for easier shots at cups;

if team forgets to shuffle before throwing at seventh cup, team/player loses its shuffle;

for more advanced throwers, the thrower has to throw in bounce closer to throwers cup; Otherwise the entire area with both boxes are included as bounce area;

all darts must be inside cup or breaking inside cup, if hit the rim of cup line, red or blue (dart bounces off cup);

all darts must break the surface of the target inside the line to count as a hit. The entire dart doesn't have to be inside the line, just as long as the hole punctures the target;

(For Beginners and Casual Game)

each team takes a turn throwing two darts;

the bounce doesn't have to be hit;

throw two darts at his or her cup (red or blue) may hit 1 or 2 cups with darts;

take turns against opponent until one team hits all their cups to win;

two shuffles are allowed on 4^th and 6^th cup;

use sticky notes to cover the cups you land in;

move around the sticky notes to the cups of choice on a shuffle;

FIG. 13 is a eighth example of an insert sheet 308 for a shuffle-n-darts game. A center court line 310 separates an upper half and lower half of the playable game area. A center circle 312 reveals an inner coaxial circle and inner circular space 314. Each of the upper and lower halves are separated into four sections of succeeding smaller area, these including a most proximate foul line area 316 upper and 318 lower, number 1 area 320 and 322, number two area 324 and 326, and number three (smallest) area 328 and 330. An associated game play instruction and protocol is provided with the following alternate variants:

2 to 10 players;

1 on 1 or 2 people to a team, 1 on top half & 1 on bottom half of board;

teammates throw opposite each other challenging the opposing teammates;

Scoring just like shuffle board;

2 to 10 players, each player from each team throws 2 darts;

player 1 team throws at top or bottom trying to get closest to red line at end of table; which is considered a leaner or 4 points, #3 is 3 points, #2 is 2 points, #1 is 1 point;

each player takes turns throwing 1 dart at a time till all darts are thrown;

team to get closest to end of table without going off table gets points;

only one team can get points;

opponent can cancel out teams other points;

team with last point goes first in next turn;

score can be 15 or 21 to win depending on what you decide;

to be able to knock a player off the board you must land in the red bulls eye in center of board;

hitting the bulls eye allows you to pick which opponents dart you want to knock off the board and you take opponents point;

a 1 is a 1 until it breaks past black line and breaks into the #2;

a 2 is a 2 until it breaks past black line and breaks into the #3;

a 3 is a 3 until it breaks past black line and breaks into the red line (leaner) 4 points;

a foul is no points until it breaks past the black line and breaks into the #1 for 1 point;

keep score by printing out a score sheet from the website listed below;

(8 Ball)

play with 2 people or 2 teams;

played just like pool, but with darts;

each player throws up to 3 darts;

to begin game of 8 ball, the player breaking must land a dart in a pocket within the 1^st 2 darts;

once in a pocket, breaker throws into the rack;

whatever ball hit is the ball in pocket on the break;

don't hit a pocket or a ball, then there is an open table;

now balls spread around table are in play;

inside rack is no longer in play;

for instance, if guy breaking sunk a stripe ball in the pocket on the break, then that player is stripes and goes again hitting the pocket 1^st, then next player goes;

if player makes his ball in within 3 darts, player goes again;

hit 8 ball before all your balls are in, layer loses, game over!;

game ends when 1 player sinks all of his balls he or she is shooting for, either stripes or solids;

after hitting all balls in, the 8 ball must be hit in a pocket to win;

sink a cue ball in and you scratch;

scratch when shooting for the 8 ball loses, game over!;

no balls or scratches count unless a pocket is hit first;

if player scratches, the next player cannot hit a ball above the scratch line, must shoot at a ball under the line;

you can keep track of balls in pockets by either using a pool score sheet or placing a sticky note over the ball that has been hit into a pocket (print score sheets from the website listed below);

rules can be adjusted to the way each player plays pool;

*note, hit a pocket with 1^st dart, hit a ball with 2^nd dart, you have 1 more dart to throw, try for a combo and hit a ball with the 3^rd dart;

if you scratch on 3^rd dart, put ball hit with 2^nd dart back on table;

Cut Throat

play with 3 people or 3 teams;

the rack isn't used in this game;

each player or team picks balls 1-5, 6-10,11-15 to protect;

for instance, if you are balls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (1-5) then you want to sink you opponents balls and keep yours on the table;

make a ball in a pocket and go again;

miss and next players turn;

FIG. 14 is a ninth example of an insert sheet 332 for a pool-n-darts game. For ease of description, reference is made to the following instructional protocols according to alternate game play variants.

(8 Ball)

play with 2 people or 2 teams;

played just like pool, but with darts;

each player throws up to 3 darts;

to begin game of 8 ball, the player breaking must land a dart in a pocket (334, 336, 338, 340, 342, 344) within the 1^st 2 darts;

once in a pocket, breaker throws into the rack, collectively identified at 346 and further including edge boundary scratch designations 347;

whatever ball hit within rack 346 is the ball in pocket (334-344) on the break;

in the event the player does not hit a pocket or a ball, then there is an open table;

now balls spread around table (identified as 348 for solid ball 1 through 386 for striped ball 15) are in play, with it noted further that a total of three 8 balls (372) are provided as well;

inside rack is no longer in play following break;

for instance, if a player breaking has sunk a striped ball (nine ball 374 through 15 ball 386) in the pocket on the break, then that player is stripes and goes again hitting the pocket 1^st then next player goes;

if player makes his ball in within 3 darts, player goes again;

hit 8 ball before all your balls are in, layer loses, game over!;

game ends when 1 player sinks all of his balls he or she is shooting for, either stripes 374-386 or solids (348-372);

after hitting all balls in, the 8 ball (372) must be hit in a pocket to win;

sink a cue ball (see scratch balls 388) in and you scratch;

scratch when shooting for the 8 ball loses, game over!;

no balls or scratches count unless a pocket is hit first;

if player scratches, the next player cannot hit a ball above the scratch line, must shoot at a ball under the line;

you can keep track of balls in pockets by either using a pool score sheet or placing a sticky note over the ball that has been hit into a pocket (print score sheets from the website listed below);

rules can be adjusted to the way each player plays pool;

*note, hit a pocket with 1^st dart, hit a ball with 2^nd dart, you have 1 more dart to throw, try for a combo and hit a ball with the 3^rd dart;

if you scratch on 3^rd dart, put ball hit with 2^nd dart back on table;

Cut Throat

play with 3 people or 3 teams; the rack isn't used in this game;

each player or team picks balls 1-5, 6-10,11-15 to protect;

for instance, if you are balls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (1-5) then you want to sink you opponents balls and keep yours on the table;

make a ball in a pocket and go again;

miss and next players turn;

Finally, FIG. 15 is a tenth example of an insert sheet 390 for a poker-n-darts game. For purposes of ease of illustration and explanation, the areas depicted on the game sheet represent the cards of a typical poker deck and, for the most part, are not individually identified and enumerated. A fold designation is further referenced as a surrounding boundary 392 An operational protocol for playing includes the following:

Played just like any poker game but with darts;

(Splitter)

each player gets 5 cards dealt to them from a deck of cards provided separately;

up to 10 players;

players then place a bet with chips;

object is to hit your cards depicted on the insert sheet in your hand on the dartboard with darts;

each player gets a turn throwing 3 darts;

you can only hit your own cards;

if you hit your exact card, for instance an A of hearts (as exemplary shown at 394), you aim to hit A of hearts on the board;

any cards hit that are in your hand after throwing your 3 darts, you lay them on the table in front of you an everyone to see;

this repeats around the table;

place another bet;

and repeat around the table again;

there will be two winners or 1 winner will take the whole pot;

once one player hits all the cards dealt to him or her, the game is over and that player takes half the pot;

now everyone lays all their cards down and the player with the highest poker hand takes the other half of the pot;

if the 1^st player to hit all of the cards also has high poker hand, then that player takes the whole pot;

each player places 3 chips in front of them;

the last man standing with chips wins;

each player throws 3 darts;

object is to get closest to 31 all with same suit;

get a 31, all one suit, and all opponents throw 1 chip in the pot;

player with lowest (furthest) from 31 loses that round, if a 31 isn't hit and throws 1 chip in the pot;

2-10 are 2-10 points, J,Q,K are all 10 points each, A's are all 11 points;

cards can't be hit more than once out of the 3 darts, if so the dart is dead and only count the other two darts;

for instance, hit K of hearts with all three darts, you only have 10 points, not 30;

pick the suit with most points out of 3 darts and that is your score;

Poker Points

each player throws 5 darts;

object is to make a poker hand;

add your points, according to your hand;

hit same card twice and 1 dart is a dead dart, only count the other 4 darts;

keep rotating until a player reaches point level set to win;

for instance if 100 points is winner, then the 1^st player to 100 points wins the game;

you have to get a poker hand to get points;

no pair or poker hand, you get 0 points for your turn;

Poker Hand Points

1 pair         5
2 pair         10
3 of a kind    15
Straight       30
Flush          35
Full House     40
Straight flush 75
4 of a kind    25
Royal Flush    winner

5 Card Loser

each player throws 5 darts;

lowest poker hand wins;

Tic Tac Tom

played with 2 people or 2 teams;

place 3 rows of cards, 3 cards to a row, face down;

each player uses different color poker chip;

1^st player flips any card and has to throw a dart and hit that card;

if player hits his card, player keeps that card face up and places his own chip on the card;

next player picks a card and flips it, player must throw dart to hit card flipped;

if player hits, player keeps card face up and places his or her colored chip on that card;

if player misses, card gets flipped back over and player tosses 1 chip in pot;

player 1 turn again;

1^st one to get 3 in a row wins pot;

any missed cards are in play until someone hits it;

(4 Straight)

played like tic tac tom, but instead of nine cards, there are 49 cards laid face down;

play with as many players you want;

the 1^st player to get 4 cards in a row hit with their color chips on them across, down, or diagonal, wins the pot;

keep score by printing the score sheet provided with the game apparatus;

Having described our invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims. Specifically, the present design replaces typical limiting dartboard constructions known in the prior art with a unique and novel board which encompasses all known popular sports and games. Additional variants can include substituting the darts and, optionally, the absorptive backing surface, with a magnetic backing sheet (this provided behind the target sheet) utilized with magnetic supporting darts. Alternatively, suction foam darts can be employed with a suitably rigid backing surface provided behind the target sheet and which provides adequate to maintain the suction darts in contact with the target surface.

Furthermore, and unlike traditional dartboards, the game board and assembly offers a variety of individual sheet designs and variations which appeal to all age groups and skill levels. Additional considerations include the ease of switching between different game sheets, design considerations of the sheet and game board/frame such as for matching a desired home decor, and the manner in which the game board design saves space by incorporating the plurality of game sheets into a single structural support and display component (this replacing multiple game boars and/or related sports equipment).

Claims

1. A game board assembly, comprising:

a body exhibiting a structurally supporting and planar shaped backing having a surface area and thickness and including at least one planar supported portion exhibiting absorptive properties for receiving and embedding a tip of a dart; and

at least upper and lower surface adhering members applied against an exterior of said body at locations for securing underneath inserting edges of a game play sheet covering said absorptive backing.

2. The game board assembly of claim 1, said body further comprising a plurality of elongate and outer perimeter defining frame members assembled in end to end fashion in order to create a four sided rectangular enclosure.

3. The game board assembly of claim 2, further comprising a further plurality of elongated and substantially flattened inner extending and supporting boards mounted in at least one of vertically or horizontally extending fashion between top and bottom perimeter defining members by sets of upper and lower screws.

4. The game board assembly of claim 3, further comprising additional screws interconnecting said outer frame defining members and, in combination with said inner supporting boards, defining a structurally supporting backing for receiving said dart tip absorptive surface.

5. The game board assembly of claim 4, said planar supported portion further comprising a pair of sheet members each having a specified thickness and which are mounted within the perimeter defined by said outer frame members and upon said structurally backing supporting boards.

6. The game board assembly of claim 5, said absorptive sheet members being constructed of any of cork, Bristol board, polymeric or polystyrene material.

7. The game board assembly of claim 2, further comprising a pair of apertures formed in opposite ends of said upper and lower surface adhering members and which are positioned in alignment with additional interiorly threaded receiving apertures defined in end locations of said frame members, a plurality of tightening screws with integrally formed turn knobs install within said aligning apertures in order to draw said surface adhering members against said planar supported portion so as to compress the inserted edges of said game play sheet therebetween.

8. The game board assembly of claim 3, further comprising a recessed ledge profile configured along at least one underside extending edge of said planar backing which aligns and seats in lip edge engaging fashion with a mating ledge exhibited by angled surfaces defined along at least one of said supporting boards.

9. The game board assembly of claim 1, said game play sheet exhibiting a generally rectangular shape corresponding to an outline of said body and further comprising a battle-n-darts game.

10. The game board assembly of claim 1, said game play sheet exhibiting a generally rectangular shape corresponding to an outline of said body and further comprising a tennis-n-darts game.

11. The game board assembly of claim 1, said game play sheet exhibiting a generally rectangular shape corresponding to an outline of said body and further comprising a bowl-n-darts game.

12. The game board assembly of claim 1, said game play sheet exhibiting a generally rectangular shape corresponding to an outline of said body and further comprising a golf-n-darts game.

13. The game board assembly of claim 1, said game play sheet exhibiting a generally rectangular shape corresponding to an outline of said body and further comprising a horseshoe-n-darts game.

14. The game board assembly of claim 1, said game play sheet exhibiting a generally rectangular shape corresponding to an outline of said body and further comprising a hunt-n-darts game.

15. The game board assembly of claim 1, said game play sheet exhibiting a generally rectangular shape corresponding to an outline of said body and further comprising a pong-n-darts game.

16. The game board assembly of claim 1, said game play sheet exhibiting a generally rectangular shape corresponding to an outline of said body and further comprising a shuffle-n-darts game.

17. The game board assembly of claim 1, said game play sheet exhibiting a generally rectangular shape corresponding to an outline of said body and further comprising a pool-n-darts game.

18. The game board assembly of claim 1, said game play sheet exhibiting a generally rectangular shape corresponding to an outline of said body and further comprising a poker-n-darts game.

19. A dart game board assembly, comprising:

a body comprising a plurality of elongate and outer perimeter defining frame members assembled in end to end fashion in order to create a four sided rectangular enclosure;

a further plurality of elongated and substantially flattened inner extending and supporting boards mounted in at least one of vertically or horizontally extending fashion between top and bottom perimeter defining members;

an absorptive backing surface mounted over said inner extending and supporting boards and between said outer perimeter defining frame members; and

upper and lower surface adhering and elongated members applied against an exterior of said body at locations for securing underneath inserting edges of a game play sheet covering said absorptive backing.

20. The game board assembly of claim 19, further comprising a pair of apertures formed in opposite ends of said upper and lower surface adhering members and which are positioned in alignment with additional interiorly threaded receiving apertures defined in end locations of said frame members, a plurality of tightening screws with integrally formed turn knobs install within said aligning apertures in order to draw said surface adhering members against said planar supported portion so as to compress the inserted edges of said game play sheet therebetween.