GAME SYSTEM INCLUDING BALL ON A STRING AND TARGET
A stylized game system which includes a tossable object such as a ball affixed to a string. The tossable object is suspended from the string a distance away from a backboard and is attached to a raised surface such as a ceiling or a telescoping pole. The object is tossed along a path toward the backboard with the intent of placing the object into a goal located on the backboard. The goal and backboard could be a cup, a hoop, or other receptacle for receiving the object.
This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/164,388 filed May 20, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a game system, and more specifically to a ball toss game system including an anchored string, a ball, and a target.
2. Description of the Related Art
Popular gaming systems including ring toss games involving a ring, a hook, and a board have existed for a long time. Similar games which also involve a rod extending out above the board with a string affixed to the rod and the ring have also been around for quite some time. Variants of this game come in a number of names, such as “Bimini Ring,” “Bimini Toss,” “Tiki Toss,” “Wallhooky,” and, simply, “Ring Toss.”
The typical set-up for such a game requires the user to place a hook somewhere, either temporarily or permanently. A ring is then affixed to a string by tying the string directly to the edge of the ring. The other end of the string is affixed to a rod or other object, allowing the user to swing the ring from a starting position and attempt to hook the ring onto the hook.
What is desired is a new gaming system with new challenges for players. Heretofore there has not been available a game system with the advantages and features of the present invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a highly-portable game which includes a ball on a string anchored to a point, such as a telescoping rod, and a target for receiving the ball when tossed. The backboard and goal can be stylized for unique looks and altered aspects of the game, such as a goal resembling a basketball net with a recess resembling a basketball hoop. The telescoping rod is connected to and received within the backboard and telescopes out to provide a vertical connection point for the string to attach when a ceiling or other structure is not suitable. A cord lock located at the tip of the telescoping rod secures the end of the string. This provides a highly mobile, self-contained game system.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.
As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.
II. Preferred Embodiment Ball Game System 2A preferred embodiment ball game system 2 includes a ball 4 connected to a string 14 which is tied or otherwise connected to a ceiling 16 or other raised element. As shown in
Similar to above,
It is to be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms, and is not to be limited to the examples discussed above. The range of components and configurations which can be utilized in the practice of the present invention is virtually unlimited.
Claims
1. A game system comprising:
- a backboard with a front face, said backboard mounted to a vertical surface;
- a tossable object connected to a string affixed to a raised surface, said raised surface located above said backboard;
- a goal connected to said backboard, said goal configured for receiving said tossable object; and
- a receiver mounted within said backboard for receiving said goal.
2. The game system of claim 1, further comprising:
- said tossable object comprising a ball;
- said goal comprising a base having a receptacle for receiving said ball;
- a hook piercing said ball, said hook including a proximal end and a distal end;
- said proximal end of said hook comprising a loop for receiving one end of said string; and
- said distal end of said hook comprising at least one barb for securing said ball.
3. The game system of claim 2, further comprising:
- said receptacle comprising a hoop; and
- said goal comprising a net suspended from said hoop, said hoop and net configured for receiving said ball.
4. The game system of claim 2, further comprising:
- said barb of said hook including an interior face configured for interfacing with an exterior face of said ball; and
- wherein said barb rests against said exterior face of said ball, thereby preventing said ball from disengaging with said hook.
5. The game system of claim 2, further comprising:
- said barb of said hook including a pointed tip for piercing said ball; and
- wherein said barb resides within an interior space of said ball, said barb configured to prevent said ball from disengaging with said hook.
6. The game system of claim 1, further comprising:
- a telescoping arm including a first end and a second end;
- said first end of said telescoping arm comprising an insert to be received by a receive located within said backboard;
- said raised surface comprising said second end of said telescoping arm configured for receiving a first end of said string; and
- said telescoping arm comprised of a plurality of interlocking telescoping segments.
7. The game system of claim 6, further comprising:
- said tossable object comprising a ball;
- said goal comprising a base having a spherical receptacle for receiving said ball;
- a hook piercing said ball, said hook including a proximal end and a distal end;
- said proximal end of said hook comprising a loop for receiving a second end of said string; and
- said distal end of said hook comprising at least one barb for securing said ball.
8. The game system of claim 7, further comprising:
- said receptacle comprising a hoop; and
- said goal comprising a net suspended from said hoop, said hoop and net configured for receiving said ball.
9. The game system of claim 7, further comprising:
- said barb of said hook including an interior face configured for interfacing with an exterior face of said ball; and
- wherein said barb rests against said exterior face of said ball, thereby preventing said ball from disengaging with said hook.
10. The game system of claim 7, further comprising:
- said barb of said hook including a pointed tip for piercing said ball; and
- wherein said barb resides within an interior space of said ball, said barb configured to prevent said ball from disengaging with said hook.
Type: Application
Filed: May 20, 2016
Publication Date: Nov 24, 2016
Inventor: Kyle P. McGetrick (Santa Barbara, CA)
Application Number: 15/161,042