THROWING CARD GAME

Abstract

A kit and method for a game with a target board and projectile game cards. The game may comprise projectile game cards, a target board, and other items. The target board may be made of a material that can be at least partially penetrated by the projectile game cards. The cards may be similar to playing cards or credit cards. An instruction manual on how on rules of play may be included. The cards are tossed at the board to strike and penetrate specific targets on the board surface. Points may be granted for proximity to the specific target on the board, the order which the cards are thrown or the number of times the game player strikes a target.

Description

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 13/939,297 entitled “Throwing Card Game” filed Jul. 11, 2013 by the same inventor, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 61/701,561 filed Sep. 14, 2012, both of which are included by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Target games have long been known, for example, to users of early throwing weapons, including the games of archery and darts. Focus and skill are used to develop techniques of being able to consistently hit a target with accuracy. Most target games that involve partially penetrating the surface of a target include projectiles that are pointy and sharp, such as arrows or darts. The boards that are used in these games are often made by layering different partially permeable materials onto a base and may include a metal frame and a metal mesh to define playing areas. These boards may be complex to construct and are bulky and heavy. Some new dart game systems (U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,204) have recently been developed which use a dart with a flat magnet at the front end rather than a sharp point. The board is made of materials that attract the magnet and the dart is thrown at the board and sticks to the surface due to the magnetic attraction. These games are safer than conventional dart games, however, the board for this game is even more complex than conventional boards, requiring multiple layers of different materials, including circuitry to create a magnetized region on the board. What is needed in the art is a target game which is safe and does not require a complex or bulky target board or pointed and sharp projectiles.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of certain embodiments of the invention, a throwing game is disclosed. The game has a target and a plurality of projectile cards having edges for penetrating at least a portion of the target with an edge.

According to another aspect, the present invention may include a method for playing a throwing card game. The method includes setting a throwing spot, setting a target an agreed upon distance from the throwing spot, wherein the target has designated areas, throwing a plurality of projectile cards having edges from the throwing spot to the target for penetrating at least a portion of the target with an edge of a card, and determining a winner of the game by computing the number of cards hitting designated areas on the target.

The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objectives and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an angled front view of one embodiment of the game target together with a tossed card in flight traveling toward the target.

FIG. 2 is an angled front view of another embodiment of the game target.

FIG. 3 is a front view of another embodiment of the game target having a shape in relief on a portion of its front surface.

FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of the game target having other target shapes.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a moveable target.

FIG. 6 shows a Side angle of a spike board embodiment.

DESCRIPTION

Generality of Invention

This application should be read in the most general possible form. This includes, without limitation, the following:

References to specific techniques include alternative and more general techniques, especially when discussing aspects of the invention, or how the invention might be made or used.

References to “preferred” techniques generally mean that the inventor contemplates using those techniques, and thinks they are best for the intended application. This does not exclude other techniques for the invention, and does not mean that those techniques are necessarily essential or would be preferred in all circumstances.

References to contemplated causes and effects for some implementations do not preclude other causes or effects that might occur in other implementations.

References to reasons for using particular techniques do not preclude other reasons or techniques, even if completely contrary, where circumstances would indicate that the stated reasons or techniques are not as applicable.

Furthermore, the invention is in no way limited to the specifics of any particular embodiments and examples disclosed herein. Many other variations are possible which remain within the content, scope and spirit of the invention, and these variations would become clear to those skilled in the art after perusal of this application.

Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Read this application with the following terms and phrases in their most general form. The general meaning of each of these terms or phrases is illustrative, not in any way limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While particular implementations and applications of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise construction and compositions disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes, and variations can be apparent from the foregoing descriptions without departing from the spirit and scope of an invention as defined in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, which is a game that includes a target 10 and a game piece 11. The game piece 11 is shown as a tossed card in flight in positions a and b traveling toward the target. The tossed card is then shown in position c with an edge 12 at least partially embedded into the target. The target 10 includes one or more target areas 1, 2, 3, and 4. These target areas may define an order of play or a specific hierarchy of play depending on the game of choice. Alternatively, the target areas may designate a number of points that is achieved in order to win the game.

The target is typically made of a material that is at least partially permeable to at least a portion of the game piece such that a portion of a game piece can penetrate the surface to which the game pieces are aimed. This material may be, for example, Styrofoam® or any other material that would be partially permeable by a portion of the game piece. The target material should be sufficiently brittle and porous as to allow the edge of the card 12 to at least partially penetrate upon striking the target. In one embodiment of the game, the consistency of the target should be consistent across its entire target surface, for example, the same type of foam.

Alternatively, the target may have different areas, each of which may have a different composition and permeability. Another alternative target may have a variety of modular parts which can be placed at different areas of the target depending on the game desired. Yet another alternative target may include some parts of the target that prevent the throwing card from penetrating, thereby further increasing the difficulty of the game.

The target may be affixed on a vertical surface, such as a wall. Alternatively, the target may suspended in a way that allows for spinning or, it may be attached to a base that provides vibration to further increase the complexity of the game. In either scenario, the target is typically 4 placed an agreed upon distance from an agreed upon throwing spot over which the thrower may not step. Alternatively, different players may each have different throwing spots.

The game may further include a set of instructions for setting up the target or parts of targets in a frame, playing techniques, and rules for a game or multiple games. The projectile game cards should generally be of a sufficient size, weight, and thickness to allow an edge to at least partially penetrating the surface of the target 10 when thrown towards it at a sufficient speed and velocity. The projectile game cards should also generally be of a suitable size to be held in a player's hand. The card may typically be made of plastic or other lightweight material, for example, paper or cardboard, or paper or cardboard that has been coated with plastic. It has been found that a card of substantially 30 mm thickness may be thrown at typical Styrofoam® target and at least partially embed therein. The card may either be perforated, solid, or have a single hole therethrough. The single hole through the card may be used to insert a thrower's finger to thereby increase the spinning speed provided to the card. The projectile game cards may typically be of a similar in size and weight than that of standard playing cards, hotel room keys, or credit cards. However, it should be noted that the game cards may be of varying sizes, shapes, and thicknesses and may also be constructed of a variety of materials.

A further embodiment of a set of cards for the game may include cards having different characteristics (density, shape, thickness, or weight) such that some cards are easier to throw than others to provide different levels of play.

The projectile game cards may be collectable cards or cards that are custom made with specific attributes (e.g. a picture). The cards may also include RFID or QR codes or bar codes to enable features through a web site or other media.

A further embodiment of the game may include a card reader/writer device for keeping statistics, points, or any other data pertaining to the players and the game.

A still further embodiment of the game may include a throwing device for projecting the cards towards the target. The throwing device may alternatively be combined with the card reader/writer device.

In play, the aim of the game is to throw the card at the target and to have the card partially penetrate the surface of the target and remain there until the player removes it at the end of play. Each player may take turns throwing a single card or a plurality of cards. The number of cards thrown at a given turn can be based on age or may be determined randomly at each turn using, for example, dice. When more than one card is used in a turn, they can be thrown all at the same time with the intent that as many as possible stick to the target, or they can be thrown one after another. An embodiment may be a game in which the players try to hit the numbered areas 1, 2, 3, and 4 in sequence with the final target being the center area 5. Alternatively, the player may need to strike the numbered targets first and then once that is completed in sequence, strike the center area, or the opposite may be true in which the players must start of by successfully striking the center area first.

FIG. 2 illustrates an angled front view of another embodiment of the game target 20. This game target 20 includes a central target area 22 and two outer target areas 24 and 26, respectively. In this embodiment of the game, a player may try to hit the central target area and would receive points for either hitting the central target or hitting one of the outer target areas whereby a higher level of points would result from hitting the central target and fewer points for the outer target areas, with the outermost target area providing the least number of points because 6 it is furthest from the central target. The game may also include a game order whereby a player must hit one specific target area first before progressing to the next area on a hierarchical basis.

In one embodiment of play, each player may take turns, which may further include each player tossing one card each or each player tossing a plurality of cards. The cards may be tossed overhand, underhand, with a flick of the wrist, or any other technique.

FIG. 3 is another embodiment of the present invention and shows a game target 30 having an animal shape 32 defined thereon which further may be recessed on the surface of the game target or may be projected in relief therefrom. A possible game for this embodiment may include either different point values, or a defined order of play, depending on a specific area on the target 32 that a projectile game card strikes. Alternatively, a player must hit the tail first, then the head, and so on. Furthermore, a specific area may have a higher point value such that the tail may be the highest point value and the head or body the lowest.

Alternative embodiments of targets may include figures of people, different logos, or playing cards as targets for the target board. A target board with a “Playing Cards Target” would enable the games of blackjack or poker to be used for game play. In some embodiments, players would aim at certain playing cards on the target board to create a hand. For example, for the game of blackjack, players would try to obtain the best hand by aiming for certain playing cards on the target board such that their hand adds up to 21, without going over 21.

Another embodiment of play may be included in a rule book which may include many alternative directions on how to play the game. For example, a recommended throwing distance, and rules for different games that can be played with the projectile throwing cards. One example 7 of a game that can be played is called “Around the World”. In this game, players are required to hit each number on the target board in order (ascending or descending) ending with the star. Numbers hit out of order do not count. The first player to complete Around the World wins.

Another game is “Death Star.” In this game, players take turns throwing one card at a time, trying to hit the star on the target board. Once a player hits the star, he/she is safe. The last player remaining who has not hit the star loses. In some games, different color cards can be worth different point values, which can be added to the point values hit on the target board by the cards. Individual cards can also have specific rules that pertain to game play.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of another embodiment of the game target 400. This embodiment may include different parts 401, 402, 403, 404, and 405 each of which may have a different composition with different characteristics (for example, each target area may have a different density and/or permeability). The parts may be permanently positioned, or alternatively, be moveable to alter the target when needed. One or more of the parts may also be solid such that the card cannot penetrate that section.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a moveable target. In this embodiment, the target may be attached to a post 500. The post 500 may be rigid, or it may be flexible so has to make the card penetration in the target more difficult. The post 500 may have a base 501 that comprises a motor to generate oscillations or vibrations for increasing the game's difficulty. Alternatively, the post and base may be removed and the target may be hung so that it may move side to side or twirl to further increase the difficulty of successfully hitting the target.

FIG. 6 shows a side angle of a spike board embodiment 600. In FIG. 6, a series of elongated members (“fingers”) 610 formed from semi-rigid material are positioned extending from the surface of a game target. The elongated members may be formed from plastic, rubberized compounds, fabric and the like. Certain embodiments may use different color fingers to indicate different target areas. Moreover, different densities of fingers may be employed to create different gaming affects. For example and without limitation, a premium area will have a lower density of fingers creating a target that is harder to stick to than a higher density area. In operation, a player throws a card 612 which is captured by the fingers. Games similar to those described herein may be effectuated by users. Additional elements may include spinning portions of targets, the addition of buckets along with targets and netting to catch cards.

Certain embodiments are included in the attached appendix which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

The game may further be implemented in software using a Wii® like or any type of smart-gaming system that includes a motion detector. It should be noted by a person of ordinary skill in the art that other configurations of the game target, including different target types, game spaces, and target shapes target textures, target and card colors, card textures, and card shapes may be also be provided and would accordingly, also be included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore additional game pieces, such as dice, time pieces, a rule book, and score sheets may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The above illustration provides many different embodiments or embodiments for implementing different features of the invention. Specific embodiments of components and processes are described to help clarify the invention. These are, of course, merely embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention from that described in the claims.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

a target, said target including a plurality of flexible members extending from a surface of the target, and

a plurality of projectile cards having edges for penetrating at least a portion of the flexible members with an edge.

2. The game of claim 1, wherein the target has designated areas for aiming the cards thereto.

3. The game of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the target is permeable material.