THREE-IN-ONE GAME SYSTEM

Abstract

A three-in-one game system includes a first base member and a second base member. Each of the first and second base members includes a bag toss game target located thereon and a washer toss game target located thereon. The three-in-one game system also includes at least one ladder golf game target sized to fit within a perimeter of each of the first and second base members.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/934,489, filed Nov. 2, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a multi-game system, and more specifically, to a three-in-one game system constructed for use with ladder golf, bean bag toss, and washer toss.

Games of skill in which objects are thrown or tossed at targets are a well known form of entertainment. Various games are based on this premise, including games such as beanbag toss, washer toss, and ladder golf (i.e., ladder shoes, ladder ball, etc.).

Beanbag toss is a game in which players take turns pitching small bags filled with beans at a raised target with an opening or hole in the far end. The target is generally positioned to have a surface at an incline and the target is relatively small to heighten game challenge. The targets typically measure 4 ft×2 ft and are generally made of wood, although plastic can be a suitable replacement, and the opening is approximately 6 inches in diameter. The beanbags are generally 3″×3″, made with duck cloth, and filled with beans. The players stand about 30 ft from the target and toss beanbags towards the target.

Washer toss games typically have two spaced apart scoring boxes that receive tossed washers. The scoring boxes are typically manufactured from wood, metal, plastic and other materials in a square or rectangular form with an open top. A plastic cylinder is placed in the center of the scoring box to receive washers that are tossed. The dimensions of the scoring box can vary, but typically it is approximately 20″×20″×3″. The players stand about 21 ft from the scoring box and toss washers towards the box.

Ladder golf involves tossing pairs of tethered balls/beanbags (i.e., a “bola”) at a set of horizontal rungs on a support stand. The balls are usually tethered by a short piece of rope or cord that is 8-12″ in length. The rungs that are used as the target are usually about 24″ across and are positioned at vertical heights of approximately 36″, 24″ and 12″ above the ground. The rungs are supported by vertical columns on either side of the bars that extend upward from a base platform. Players stand about 10 paces from the rungs and toss the bola toward the rungs.

While each of these games is well known in the prior art, each of these games has typically included its own separate playing apparatus. That is, each game, beanbag toss, washer toss, and ladder golf, is constructed as a stand-alone game that includes its own base and own components specific to that game. For users desiring to play multiple games in succession, the need to set up and disassemble each individual game can be cumbersome and time consuming. Additionally, the plurality of stand-alone games can be difficult for a single user to transport efficiently and can also consume a large amount of space when being transported in a vehicle or packed away for storage. Thus, it is believed that there is a need for a multi-game system that incorporates the features of beanbag toss, washer toss, and ladder golf into a single apparatus that is easy to use, assemble, and transport.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-game system designed to incorporate the components of a washer toss game, beanbag toss game, and ladder golf game into a single unitary system to allow for flexibility in game play and convenience in transportation and storage of the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a three-in-one game system that is configured to be used for ladder golf, bean bag toss, and washers.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a three-in-one game system is disclosed that includes a first base member and a second base member. The three-in-one game system also includes a bag toss game target located on each of the first and second base members and a washer toss game target located on each of the first and second base members. The three-in-one game system further includes at least one ladder golf game target sized to fit within a perimeter of each of the first and second base members.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a multi-game system includes a pair of target boxes with an open top, each target box having a planar surface with a hole formed in the planar surface that is sized to receive a beanbag therethrough. The multi-game system also includes a receptacle attached to each of the planar surfaces and extending out from the planar surface, with the receptacle being sized to receive a washer therein. The multi-game system further includes a tubing structure configured to be stored in the pair of target boxes, wherein each tubing structure further includes a plurality of vertical support rods and a plurality of horizontal rods attached to the plurality of vertical support rods to form a ladder arrangement.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a game kit includes a case having a top section and a bottom section, the top section and bottom section attached to one another by a detachable hinge on one end and a clasp section on another end of each of the top section and bottom sections. The game kit also includes a ladder game having a plurality of bolas and two ladder sections, with each ladder section being storable within the top and bottom sections of the case. The game kit further includes a bag toss game having a plurality of bags, with the top section and bottom sections of the case each forming a base for the bag toss game.

Various other features and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate one preferred embodiment presently contemplated for carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a three-in-one game system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the three-in-one game system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a case formed by the three-in-one game system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectioned view of the case taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectioned view of the case of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a three-in-one game system that is configured to be used for ladder golf, bean bag toss, and washers.

Referring to FIG. 1, a three-in-one game system 10 (i.e., multi-game system or game kit) is shown. The three-in-one game system 10 includes two identical base members 12, 14 (i.e., top and bottom sections) that can be separated from one another to form target boxes for use in game play. Each of the first 12 and second 14 base members is comprised of a base board 16, which is in the form of a flat, planar surface. A wall 18 extending perpendicularly out from base board 16 (e.g., wall extending 3.5″ up from base board 16) runs about the perimeter of the base board. The base board 16 and wall 18 thus form a target box with an open top to allow for game play. The dimensions of the base members 12, 14 can vary, but in one embodiment the members measure approximately 2 ft×3 ft. Additionally, any well known material and technique suitable for game construction can be implemented, such as blow molding of the base members 12, 14 from a polymer material or constructing the members of wood.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of base members 12, 14 is positioned for play with a washer toss game. A washer toss game target 20 is included on each of base members 12, 14. Washer toss game target 20 includes a bottom surface 22 of base member 16 and a cup-shaped receptacle 24 (i.e., hollow cylinder) positioned on base board 16. The cup 24 extends upward perpendicularly from bottom surface 22 to receive washers 26 that are thrown by a user. In one embodiment, cup 24 is approximately 6″ in diameter and is positioned in proximity to wall 18 on an end of the base member 12, 14. It is also envisioned, however, that cup 24 can be varied in size/shape and positioned at other locations on base board 16, such as in the center of base board 16.

Cup 24 is preferably formed with a quick-lock mechanism 27 (i.e., twist lock, quick-lock connection) on a bottom portion thereof. Quick-lock mechanism 27 is configured to mate with a cup holder 28 molded into base board 16. Cup 24 can be quickly added to and removed from base members 12, 14 by engaging quick-lock mechanism 27 with cup holder 28 by a simple twisting of cup 24 to lock it into place. Thus, quick-lock mechanism 27 provides for a simple connection and disconnection between cup 24 and base members 12, 14 when a user desires to switch the mode of game play or store the three-in-one game system 10.

Base board 16 includes washer retainers 29 (i.e., holders) formed therein on bottom surface 22 to house and store washers 26 when not in use. Washer retainers 29 can be placed adjacent one of the walls 18 at an end of base member 12, 14 and washers 26 can be snapped into holders 28 to secure them therein. Also formed into bottom surface 22 of base board 16 is a stand retainer 30 (i.e., groove) formed for securing a rotatable base stand 32 (i.e., support stand, foldable base stand). That is, rotatable base stand 32 fits into groove 30 such that rotatable base stand 32 is flush with bottom surface 22 when secured therein. Fitting of rotatable base stand 32 into groove 30 in such a manner prevents rotatable base stand 32 from interfering with washers tossed by a user during game play. As will be explained in greater detail below, rotatable base stand 32 allows for transformation of the three-in-one game system 10 from a washer toss game to a bag toss game.

Referring still to FIG. 1, three-in-one game system 10 can be transformed into a ladder golf game by adding a ladder golf game target 34 (i.e., ladder ball frame) to one or both of the base members 12, 14 or as a stand-alone target. Ladder golf game target 34 is formed as a tubing structure that is comprised of a pair of vertical support rods 36 and a plurality of horizontal rods or bars 38. The horizontal rods 38 are positioned between vertical support rods 36 and are connected thereto to form a ladder arrangement that comprises the ladder golf game target 34. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, three horizontal rods 38 are included in the ladder golf game target 34, however, it is also envisioned that a greater or lesser number of horizontal rods 38 could also be attached. In one embodiment, vertical support rods 36 and horizontal rods 38 are formed from extruded plastic tubing (e.g., PVC tubing) to form rods of approximately 1″ in diameter; however, different materials and dimensions can be used for forming the horizontal rods. Horizontal rods 38 snap onto connections 39 formed on vertical support rods 36. Horizontal rods 38 are spaced apart along vertical support rods 36 to allow for bolas 42 (i.e., bean bags 52 attached by a clip tether 43) that are thrown by a user to wrap around the horizontal bars 38.

Ladder golf game target 34 can be connected to base members 12, 14 by way of rod supports 44 (i.e., stanchions). The ladder golf game target 34 can be attached to and removed from base members 12, 14 by sliding vertical support rods 36 into and out of rod supports 44 as desired to allow for use of the three-in-one game system 10 as a ladder golf game, or alternatively, as a beanbag toss or washer toss game. It is also envisioned that ladder golf frame 34 can be positioned separate from base members 12, 14 by connecting a foot member 40 to the bottom of each vertical support rod 36. Foot members 40 are configured to support ladder golf frame 34 in a vertical, standing position separate from base frames 12, 14. Regardless of whether ladder golf frame 34 is supported by rod supports 44 or foot members 40, the vertical support rods 36 and horizontal rods 38 of ladder golf game target 34 have a height and width such that, when the ladder golf game target 34 is detached from base members 12, 14, ladder golf game target 34 can be laid flat and placed within the perimeter walls 18 of base members 12, 14 for easy storage.

Referring now to FIG. 2, one of base member 12, 14 is shown as oriented for use with a bag toss game. When a user desires to play a bean bag toss game on three-in-one game system 10, base members 12, 14 are turned over to the side opposed from the washer toss game target 20 (shown in FIG. 1) and foldable base stand 32 attached to base member 12, 14 is rotated out from within the target box area to extend out from base member 12, 14. Foldable base stand 32 is rotatably attached to base member 12, 14 in any manner known in the art that allows the stand to rotate freely relative to the base members. The foldable base stand 32 positions the base board 16 of base member 12, 14 at an angle relative to a support surface on which three-in-one game system 10 is placed (e.g., grass or concrete ground surface) when rotated out therefrom. The rotatable base stand 32 can be adjusted by a user to form a desired tilt angle between the base members 12, 14 and the support surface. In one embodiment, the rotatable base stand 32 allows for a maximum angle of 11 degrees between the base member 12, 14 and the support surface, although it is envisioned that a greater maximum angle could also be attainable based on the size of rotatable base stand 32.

As shown in FIG. 2, a hole or opening 46 is formed in base board 16 of base support 12, 14. Opening 46, along with a top surface 48 of base board 16, forms a bag toss game target 50. The opening 46 is formed and sized such that a beanbag 52 tossed by a user can fit through the opening 46. In one embodiment, the opening 46 is a circular hole having a diameter of approximately 6″, although other sizes and shapes for the opening 46 are also envisioned (e.g., square opening). In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 2, opening 46 is aligned with cup 24 (shown in FIG. 1) to form a hollow cylinder that passes through base board 16.

Referring now to FIG. 3, three-in-one game system 10 is shown as a one-piece case 53 that is formed when base members 12, 14 are connected. One-piece case 53 allows for easy storage and transport of three-in-one game system 10 when it is not in use. As a way to store game components (i.e., washers 26, bolas 42, and beanbags 52), a zipper pouch 62 can be affixed to an outer surface 64 of one-piece case 53. Zipper pouch 62 can thus be used to store the individual components of the three-in-one game 10 when game-play is finished to reduce the number of loose components in three-in-one game system 10 when assembled for storage.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is a handle 66 affixed to at least one of the base members 12, 14. The handle 66 is attached to a side wall 56 of base member 12, 14 and is fastened to base member 12, 14 so as to allow for pivoting of the handle 66 relative to the base members. After securing the first 12 and second 14 base members to one another by way of latch mechanism 54 to form the one-piece carrying case 53, the three-in-one game system 10 can be easily transported by a user by way of handle 66.

Referring now to FIG. 4, base members 12, 14 are shown in cross-section as taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. Base members 12, 14 are latched together to form one-piece case 53. Each base member 12, 14 includes a latch mechanism 54 thereon. Latch mechanisms 54 are attached on side walls 56 of base members 12, 14. In one embodiment, latch mechanism 54 comprises a detachable hinge 58 (e.g., flexible plastic clip) attached to first base member 12 to secure second base member 14 by snap fitting into a clasp 60 (e.g., molded snap receptacle) formed on second base member 14. Both side walls 56 of the base members 12, 14 include such a detachable hinge 58 or clasp 60 to form a secure connection between first and second base members 12, 14. Thus, by securing the latch mechanisms 54 of base members 12, 14, the first 12 and second 14 base members of three-in-one game system 10 connect to form a one-piece carrying case 53.

As shown in the side cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, to retain game pieces within one-piece carrying case 53 formed by latching first 12 and second 14 base members together, openings 46 formed in the base members 12, 14 can be closed off to a remaining interior volume of the three-in-one game system 10. That is, when cup 24 is aligned with opening 46, the latched first 12 and second 14 base members effectively seal an interior volume contained therein. Cups 24 extend from the base board 16 of one of the base members 12, 14 over to the base board 16 of the other base member 12, 14 when the base members are latched together by latch mechanisms 54. Thus, washers 26, bean bags 52, and clip tethers 43 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) are securely contained within one-piece carrying case 53 formed by latched first 12 and second 14 base members when three-in-one game system 10 is to be stored and transported.

Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a three-in-one game system is disclosed that includes a first base member and a second base member. The three-in-one game system also includes a bag toss game target located on each of the first and second base members and a washer toss game target located on each of the first and second base members. The three-in-one game system further includes at least one ladder golf game target sized to fit within a perimeter of each of the first and second base members.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a multi-game system includes a pair of target boxes with an open top, each target box having a planar surface with a hole formed in the planar surface that is sized to receive a beanbag therethrough. The multi-game system also includes a receptacle attached to each of the planar surfaces and extending out from the planar surface, with the receptacle being sized to receive a washer therein. The multi-game system further includes a tubing structure configured to be stored in the pair of target boxes, wherein each tubing structure further includes a plurality of vertical support rods and a plurality of horizontal rods attached to the plurality of vertical support rods to form a ladder arrangement.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a game kit includes a case having a top section and a bottom section, the top section and bottom section attached to one another by a detachable hinge on one end and a clasp section on another end of each of the top section and bottom sections. The game kit also includes a ladder game having a plurality of bolas and two ladder sections, with each ladder section being storable within the top and bottom sections of the case. The game kit further includes a bag toss game having a plurality of bags, with the top section and bottom sections of the case each forming a base for the bag toss game.

The present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.

Claims

1-11. (canceled)

12. A three-in-one game system comprising:

a pair of base members, each base member including a base board having a top surface and a bottom surface;

a bag toss game target located on the top surface of each base board, each bag toss game target including an opening formed through an associated base board;

a washer toss game target located on the bottom surface of each base board, each washer toss game target including a receptacle attachable to the bottom surface of the associated base board to extend outwardly from the bottom surface;

a ladder golf game target supportable by each base member; and

a pivotable base stand connected to each base board, each base stand being pivotable relative to the associated base board to extend outwardly from the bottom surface of the associated base board and position the associated base member at an oblique angle relative to a support surface on which the associated base member is placed.

13. The three-in-one game system of claim 12, wherein each base stand extends generally parallel to the bottom surface of the associated base board when in a folded position.

14. The three-in-one game system of claim 12, wherein each base member further includes a wall positioned around a perimeter of the base board and extending perpendicularly from the bottom surface of the base board.

15. The three-in-one game system of claim 14, wherein the base stand is coupled to the wall of the associated base member.

16. The three-in-one game system of claim 14, wherein the base board and the wall define a target box with an open top, and wherein each base stand, when in a folded position, is positioned within the target box of the associated base member.

17. The three-in-one game system of claim 12, wherein the base stand includes a wire stand.

18. The three-in-one game system of claim 12, wherein the receptacle of each washer toss game target is receivable in the opening of the bag toss game target on the associated base board.

19. The three-in-one game system of claim 12, wherein each ladder toss game target includes two vertical support rods and a plurality of horizontal rods extending between the two vertical support rods.

20. The three-in-one game system of claim 12, wherein each ladder toss game target, when supported by the base member, extends perpendicularly from the bottom surface of the associated base board.

21. The three-in-one game system of claim 12, further comprising a case to facilitate storage and transport of the three-in-one game system.

22. The three-in-one game system of claim 21, wherein the pair of base members are connectable together to define the case.

23. A three-in-one game system comprising:

a pair of base members, each base member including a base board having a planar surface;

a bag toss game target located on each base board, the bag toss game target including an opening formed through an associated base board;

a washer toss game target located on each base board, the washer toss game target including a receptacle attachable to the associated base board;

a ladder golf game target supportable by each base board to extend perpendicularly from the planar surface of the associated base board, the ladder golf game target including two vertical support rods and a plurality of horizontal rods extending between the two vertical support rods, the two vertical support rods being removably affixed to the associated base board adjacent opposing edges of the base board, the base member forming a base of the ladder golf game target to support the ladder golf game target upright relative to a support surface on which the base member is placed; and

a pivotable base stand connected to each base board, the base stand being pivotable relative to the associated base board to position that base member at an oblique angle relative to the support surface on which the base member is placed.

24. The three-in-one game system of claim 23, wherein the two vertical support rods are positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the opening when affixed to the associated base board.

25. The three-in-one game system of claim 23, wherein the two vertical support rods are receivable in spaced-apart openings to affix the two vertical support rods to the associated base board.

26. The three-in-one game system of claim 25, wherein the spaced-apart openings are defined by two spaced-apart rod supports mounted to the associated base board.

27. The three-in-one game system of claim 23, wherein each base member further includes a wall positioned around a perimeter of the base board, and wherein the two vertical support rods are removably affixed to the associated base board adjacent the wall.

28. The three-in-one game system of claim 23, wherein the receptacle extends outwardly from the planar surface when attached to the base board.

29. The three-in-one game system of claim 23, wherein the planar surface is a first planar surface of the base board, wherein each base board has a second planar surface positioned on an opposite side of the base board from the first planar surface, wherein the washer toss game target is located on the first planar surface, and wherein the bag toss game target is located on the second planar surface.

30. The three-in-one game system of claim 23, further comprising a case to facilitate storage and transport of the three-in-one game system.

31. The three-in-one game system of claim 30, wherein the pair of base members are connectable together to define the case.