COMBINATION GAME
A game device can be configured to support play of various types of games. Specifically, the game device is reversibly configurable to support play of multiple entertainment games using one primary structure, which could include ladder ball, beanbag toss, and washer toss. Further, the structure of the game device allows users to reconfigure the game device between the aforementioned configurations without disassembling the game device.
The present application claims the benefit of previously filed U.S. Provisional Application 62/029,303, filed Jul. 25, 2014 entitled “COMBINATION GAME”, which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELDThe present invention is directed to recreational entertainment games. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a game device that is configurable to support different forms of game play.
BACKGROUNDOutdoor lawn games have become popular forms of entertainment. These games give users the ability to enjoy the outdoors while engaging in friendly competitions with others.
Naturally, some games are interesting and attractive to certain individuals, while others games will be enjoyable to individuals with other interests. Also, certain individuals prefer the option of having multiple games from which to choose. To provide variety in the type of games available to users, a large inventory of equipment is often necessary, as each game will be slightly different. The need for separate equipment to allow users to play multiple games can create undesirable conditions and situations since space will be necessary to store all this equipment. Combination games can be convenient and attractive to many users since they reduce by reducing costs and the need for storage space. This functionality is often achieved at the expense of durability however, thus creating game devices that are prone to breakage.
Accordingly, there is a need for equipment that is re-configurable between different configurations for multiple types of game play. There is also a further need for the configurability of the equipment to be relatively self-evident and user-friendly without detracting from the sturdiness of the equipment.
SUMMARYTo meet several of the needs outlined above, an apparatus and method for setting up multiple outdoor lawn games from a single game device are provided. In an embodiment, the game device includes a first frame structure rotatably coupled to a second frame structure. A flexible panel is removably attached to the first frame structure. The first and second frame structures can be selectively positioned with respect to one another, thus supporting different forms of game play. In a further embodiment, a pair of separate devices is provided to accommodate play by multiple individuals.
Many outdoor games are well-known and popular among the general public. Some of these games include ladder ball, washer toss (also referred to as coin toss), beanbag toss, target games (e.g. targets for balls or bean bags, etc.) and others. In order to provide a convenient and efficient device that supports diverse game play, the game structure described below is configurable to support multiple entertainment games using a single primary structure. For example, the game device described below supports a framework that can be configured for ladder ball, beanbag toss, target games and washer toss. Further, the structure of the game device facilitates a straight-forward and user-friendly transition between the various configurations used to support play of these games.
Referring now to the figures, examples of the various gaming configurations to support the above-mentioned games are illustrated in
Described below, and illustrated in the various figures, is a particular embodiment of game device 10 that can be configured to support play of the ladder ball, bean bag toss, and washer toss games. Again, one skilled in the art will also recognize that game device 10 can be configured and/or constructed to support any combination of these games. For example, another embodiment of game device 10 could be constructed to support play of ladder ball and bean bag toss, but not washer toss. In yet another embodiment, game device 10 can be constructed to support play of a single game.
As illustrated in
Referring now to
First frame structure 24 is generally configured to support flexible panel 80 in a desired orientation and position. As illustrated in
As depicted in
Second frame structure 30 may be configured similarly to the first frame structure 24 such that lateral ladder member 31, cross ladder members 29, and longitudinal ladder members 32 and 33 form a substantially planar outer framework. The outer framework thus formed is substantially rectangular but unenclosed since proximal ends 32a and 32b of longitudinal ladder members 32 and 33 are configured to be attached to hinge mechanism 40. Again, second frame structure 30 may include a second lateral leg member (not shown) such that second frame structure 30 is substantially enclosed.
In an embodiment, first frame structure 24 is rotatably attached to second frame structure 30 with a hinge mechanism 40 to allow for movement and repositioning of these components relative to one another. One skilled in the art will recognize that any number of hinge mechanisms 40 can be employed. As one example, a barrel hinge can be used to facilitate reconfiguration of game device 10. The barrel hinge may include a fastening mechanism such as a screw or bold-and-wing-nut for increasing or decreasing rotational tension on the pivot joint.
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Referring now to
The various components of game device 10 can be made from any number of different materials. Components are preferably made from a material that provides sufficient rigidity to support gameplay while being of a weight that promotes assembly, reconfiguration, and transport by a user. In an embodiment, first frame structure 24, second frame structure 30, and corner braces 36 and 38 are generally made from one-half inch (½″) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing, and first and second support members 46 and 48 are made from extruded PVC, and flexible panel 80 is made from an elastic nylon or canvas fabric material. In alternative embodiments, select components can be made from steel, aluminum, or other metal, including a combination of these materials and/or a polymer such as PVC.
The dimensions of the outer frameworks of first frame structure 24 and second frame structure 30 are substantially the same, but can be different without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. In an embodiment, first frame structure 24 has a length of between approximately twenty inches (20″) and approximately fifty inches (50″) and a width of between approximately 10 inches (10″) and approximately forty inches (40″) and second frame structure 30 has a length of between approximately twenty inches (20″) and approximately fifty inches (50″) and a width of between approximately ten inches (10″) and approximately forty inches (40″). In an embodiment, the dimensions of first frame structure 24 are approximately thirty-six inches long by twenty-two inches wide (36″ L×22″ W) and the dimensions of second frame structure 30 are approximately thirty-seven inches long by twenty-two inches wide (37″ L×22″ W).
OperationIn accordance with the preferences of a user, game device 10 is positionable into an infinite number of configurations by rotating second frame structure 30 with respect to first frame structure 24.
One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the various configurations of game device 10, including the aforementioned upright, inclined, folded, and unfolded configurations, can be varied by changing the respective lengths and/or positioning of the various components of game device 10. For example, increasing the length of first and second support members 46 and 48 will increase the angle between first frame structure 24 and second frame structure 30 in the inclined configuration. Similarly, the lengths of longitudinal ladder members 32 and 33 can be shortened such that the angle between first frame structure 30 and second frame structure 30 is reduced in the inclined configuration.
As illustrated in
To disconnect or otherwise release corner braces 36 and 38, the hinged mechanism is swung outward, thereby causing snap-on connectors 37 and 39 to be disengaged from the respective longitudinal ladder members 33 and 32.
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Game device 10 can then be rotated (or flipped), causing a front surface of flexible panel 80 to be oriented upwardly. This is a similar orientation to the orientation illustrated in
Game device 10 may also include a number of accessories in addition to beanbags 110, washers 120 and bolos 130. In an embodiment, game device 10 includes straps (not depicted) that can be attached to second frame structure 30. The straps can be positioned parallel to longitudinal ladder members 32 and 33 and transverse to cross ladder members 29 and lateral ladder member 31 to form a 3×3 grid out of second frame structure. Game device 10 can thereby support play of tic-tac toss with bolos 130 when in the upright configuration. In another embodiment, game device 10 includes a backboard and rim (not depicted). The backboard and rim are removably attachable to either first frame structure 24 or second frame structure 30 to support play of basketball. The height of the backboard and rim can be adjusted by selecting one of cross ladder members 29 and or ladder member 31 as a point of attachment. The height of the backboard and rim can be further adjusted by shifting game device 10 between the upright and unfolded configurations.
The above-described game device 10 allows users to set up and play multiple games with a single piece of equipment. Since game device 10 can be easily configured to accommodate at least the three above-mentioned games, game device 10 reduces the amount of equipment that a user must purchase and store to play multiple games. Furthermore, the re-configurability of game device 10 as shown in the various figures and as described above facilitates transport of game device 10 and storage of game device 10 where space may be limited. A further feature of the above-described game device 10 is tool-less assembly and reconfiguration.
In an embodiment, game device 10 is provided to a user unassembled and with an instruction manual outlining the assembly steps to create and reconfigure game device 10. The instruction manual may be substantially in the form of the Ladderball, Bean Bag Toss, & Washer Toss Assembly Instructions (EastPoint Sports Ltd., 2014), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Various embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustrating the details thereof and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiment(s) are not intended to be limiting, as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. The materials, dimensions, shape, and certain structural features may be modified in certain respect to support different forms of game play and functionality. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Claims
1. A game device comprising:
- a substantially planar first frame structure having a proximal end and a distal end, the first frame structure generally situated in a first single plane;
- a substantially planar second frame structure rotatably couplable to the proximal end of the first frame structure, the second frame structure generally situated in a second single plane;
- a flexible panel removably attachable to one of the frame structures;
- a first corner brace attachable to the first frame structure and the second frame structure; and
- a first connecting member attachable to the first frame structure and the second frame structure.
2. The game device of claim 1, wherein the game device is configurable in an upright configuration when the second frame structure is positioned with respect to the first frame structure at a first angle of approximately 90 degrees, and the game device is configurable in an inclined configuration when the second frame structure is positioned with respect to the first frame structure at a second angle of between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 5 degrees.
3. The game device of claim 2 which is also configurable in a folded configuration when the second frame structure and the first support structure are positioned in substantially parallel planes.
4. The game device of claim 3 wherein the upright configuration supports the play of ladder ball, and the inclined configuration supports the play of bean bag toss in, and the folded configuration supports the play of washer toss.
5. The game device of claim 2, wherein the first frame structure defines a substantially open first framework and the second frame structure defines a substantially open second framework, the flexible panel adapted to substantially cover the substantially open first framework.
6. The game device of claim 2, wherein the first frame structure includes a first longitudinal first-frame member spaced apart from a second longitudinal first-frame member, a distal lateral first-frame member positioned at the distal end of the first frame structure and intermediate the first and second longitudinal first-frame members, a proximal lateral first-frame member positioned at the proximal end of the first frame structure and intermediate the first and second longitudinal first-frame members, and first and second cross first-frame members positioned intermediate the first and second longitudinal first-frame members.
7. The game device of claim 6, wherein the second frame structure includes a first longitudinal second-frame member spaced apart from a second longitudinal second-frame member, a distal lateral second-frame member positioned intermediate the first and second longitudinal second-frame members, and first and second cross second-frame members positioned intermediate the first and second longitudinal second-frame members.
8. The game device of claim 7, wherein the first corner brace is rotatably attached to the first longitudinal first-frame member and the first connecting member is rotatably attached to the distal lateral first-frame member.
9. The game device of claim 2, wherein the first corner brace is releasably coupled to the first longitudinal second-frame member to support the game device in the upright configuration.
10. The game device of claim 9, wherein the first corner brace is releasably coupled to the proximal lateral first-frame member to support the game device in the inclined configuration or the folded configuration.
11. The game device of claim 10, wherein the first connecting member is coupled to the distal lateral second-frame member to support the game device in the inclined configuration
12. The game device of claim 11, wherein the first connecting member is coupled to the distal lateral second-frame member to support the game device in the folded configuration.
13. The game device of claim 9, further comprising:
- a second corner brace attachable to the first frame structure and the second frame structure; and
- a second connecting member attachable to the first frame structure and the second frame structure;
- wherein the second corner brace is coupled to the second longitudinal second-frame member to support the game device in the upright configuration and the second connecting member is coupled to the distal lateral second-frame support member to support the game device in the inclined position.
14. The game device of claim 13, wherein:
- the second corner brace is rotatably attached to the first frame structure and releasably couplable to the second frame structure; and
- the second connecting member is rotatably attached to the first frame structure and reversibly couplable to the second frame structure.
15. The game device of claim 3, wherein the first corner brace and the first connecting member remain attached to the first frame structure while the game device is shifted between the upright, inclined, and folded configurations.
16. The game device of claim 3, wherein when the game device is in the folded configuration, the first single plane and the second single plane are substantially parallel and the first corner brace and the first frame structure are substantially coplanar.
17. The game device of claim 4, further comprising:
- a set of bolos for use with the game device in the upright configuration;
- a set of bean bags for use with the game device in the inclined configuration; and
- a set of washers for use with the game device in the folded configuration.
18. The game device of claim 1 wherein the second frame structure is infinitely positionable with respect to the first frame structure within a range of approximately 180 degrees to approximately 0 degrees.
19. The game device of claim 1, wherein the first corner brace is rotatably attached to the first frame structure and releasably couplable to the second frame structure and the first connecting member rotatably attached to the first frame structure and releasably couplable to the second frame structure.
20. A method of reconfiguring a game device for the play of multiple games, the method comprising:
- providing a substantially planar first frame structure having a proximal end and a distal end and generally situated in a first single plane, a substantially planar second frame structure rotatably coupled to the proximal end of the first frame structure and generally situated in a second single plane, a flexible panel removably attached to the first frame structure, a first corner brace attached to the first frame structure and the second frame structure, and a first connecting member attached to the first frame structure and the second frame structure;
- shifting the game device into an upright configuration by positioning the second frame structure at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first frame structure to accommodate play of a ladder ball game; and
- shifting the game device into an inclined configuration by positioning the second frame structure at an angle of between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 5 degrees with respect to the first frame structure to accommodate play of a bean bag toss game.
21. The method of claim 20 further comprising shifting the game device into a folded configuration by positioning the second frame structure and the first frame structure into substantially parallel planes to accommodate play of a washer toss game.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of shifting the game device into the upright configuration comprises:
- rotating the first corner brace about a first longitudinal first-frame member of the first frame structure; and
- coupling the first corner brace to a first longitudinal second-frame member of the second substantially planar frame structure.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of configuring the game device into the inclined configuration comprises:
- de-coupling the first corner brace from the first longitudinal second-frame member;
- rotating the first corner brace about the first longitudinal first-frame member such that the first corner brace and the first frame structure are substantially coplanar;
- coupling the first corner brace to a proximal lateral first-frame member of the first frame structure;
- rotating the second frame structure about a first axis of rotation defined by the proximal lateral first-frame member;
- rotating the first connecting member about a second axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation defined by a distal lateral first-frame member; and
- coupling the first connecting member to a distal lateral second-frame member of the second frame structure.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of configuring the game device into the folded configuration comprises:
- decoupling the first connecting member from the distal lateral second-frame member;
- rotating the second frame structure about the first axis of rotation such that the second frame structure and the first frame structure are positioned in substantially parallel planes;
- rotating the first connecting member about the second axis of rotation such that the first connection member is substantially coplanar with the first frame structure; and
- coupling the first connecting member to the distal lateral second-frame member.
25. A kit for assembling a game device, the kit comprising:
- components to form a substantially planar first frame structure having a proximal end and a distal end, the first frame structure generally situated in a first single plane;
- components to form a substantially planar second frame structure rotatably couplable to the proximal end of the first frame structure, the first frame structure generally situated in a second single plane;
- a flexible panel removably attachable to the first frame structure;
- a first corner attachable to the first frame structure and the second frame structure;
- a first connecting member attachable the first frame structure and the second frame structure; and
- an instruction manual containing instructions for assembling the game device from the first frame structure, the second frame structure, the flexible panel, the first corner brace, and the second corner brace.
26. The kit of claim 25, wherein the instruction manual further contains instructions for shifting the game device into an upright configuration when the second frame structure is positioned with respect to the first frame structure at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, into an inclined configuration when the second frame structure is positioned with respect to the first frame structure at an angle of between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 5 degrees, and into a folded configuration when the second frame structure and the first support structure are positioned into substantially parallel planes, the game device supporting play of ladder ball in the upright configuration, play of bean bag toss in the inclined configuration, and play of washer toss in the folded configuration.
27. The kit of claim 26, wherein the first corner brace is rotatably attachable to the first frame structure and releasably couplable to the second frame structure and the first connecting member is rotatably attachable to the first frame structure and releasably couplable to the second frame structure.
28. A game device comprising:
- a substantially planar first frame structure having a proximal end and a distal end and generally situated in a first single plane, the first frame structure comprising: a first longitudinal first-frame member; a second longitudinal first-frame member spaced apart from the first longitudinal first-frame member; a distal lateral first-frame member positioned at the distal end of the first frame structure and intermediate the first and second first-frame longitudinal members; a proximal lateral first-frame member positioned at the proximal end of the first frame structure and intermediate the first and second longitudinal first-frame members; a first cross first-frame member positioned intermediate the first and second longitudinal first-frame members; and a second cross first-frame member positioned intermediate the first and second longitudinal first-frame members;
- a substantially planar second frame structure rotatably couplable to the proximal end of the first frame structure and generally situated in a second single plane, the second frame structure comprising: a first longitudinal second-frame member; a second longitudinal second-frame member spaced apart from the first longitudinal second-frame member; a distal lateral second-frame member positioned intermediate the first and second longitudinal second-frame members; a first cross second-frame member positioned intermediate the first and second longitudinal second-frame members; and a second cross second-frame members positioned intermediate the first and second longitudinal second-frame members;
- a flexible panel removably attachable to one of the frame structures;
- a first corner brace attachable to the first frame structure and the second frame structure;
- a second corner brace attachable to the first frame structure and the second frame structure;
- a first connecting member attachable to the first frame structure and the second frame structure;
- a second connecting member attachable to the first frame structure and the second frame structure;
- wherein the game device is configurable in an upright configuration when the second frame structure is positioned with respect to the first frame structure at a first angle of approximately 90 degrees, the game device is configurable in an inclined configuration when the second frame structure is positioned with respect to the first frame structure at a second angle of between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 5 degrees, and the game device is configurable in a folded configuration when the second frame structure and the first support structure are positioned in substantially parallel planes, the game device supporting play of ladder ball in the upright configuration, play of bean bag toss in the inclined configuration, and play of washer toss in the folded configuration.
29. The game device of claim 28, wherein:
- the first and second corner braces are rotatably attached to the first frame structure and releasably couplable to the second frame structure; and
- the first and second connecting members are rotatably attached to first frame structure and releasably couplable to the second frame structure.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 23, 2015
Publication Date: Jan 28, 2016
Inventor: Michael Nally (Succasunna, NJ)
Application Number: 14/807,380