DISC THROWING GAME HAVING ILLUMINATION AND FLOTATION MEANS
A target for a disc throwing game, including a receptacle including an open top, an open bottom connected to the open top, at least one aperture arranged between the open top and the open bottom, a first reflective member arranged elevationally below the at least one aperture, and a second reflective member arranged proximate the open top, and an illumination means securable only to an inside surface of the receptacle a distance from the at least one aperture, the illumination means operatively arranged to transmit light through the at least one aperture and the open top.
This application is filed under 35 U.S.C. §120 as a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/991,591, filed Jan. 8, 2016, which application is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/013,646, filed Aug. 29, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELDThe disclosure relates generally to games, and more specifically, to disc throwing games which can be played in the dark and/or in a swimming pool.
BACKGROUNDDisc throwing games are commonly played in basements, playrooms, backyards, front yards, playgrounds, and campgrounds. Traditionally, disc throwing games involve little time and effort in assembling and disassembling the game components making such games highly portable. Game components typically include one or more discs and one or more receptacles arranged as targets set up to receive the discs. Points can be earned when a disc is thrown into the target receptacle from a distance. However, these games often lack versatility, such as playing in the dark or in water. Unfortunately, a game can be prematurely cut short when the sun sets and/or the players can no longer see the target receptacles. As a result, consumers must purchase separate games to be played in lighted environments, other games to be played in the dark, and still other games to be played in the water.
One such backyard game, sold under the trademark Kan Jam®, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,028 (Sciandra et al.) Sciandra et al. disclose an apparatus and method for playing a disc throwing game. The disc throwing game includes two targets, each having an open top and a slot proximate the top of each target. The game is played by placing the two targets a distance from each other. Each target faces the other. Players take turns throwing a disc toward each target, with each throw being scored. While this patented game has enjoyed wide commercial success, thus far, game play is limited to play during the day and on dry land.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,940 (Cohen et al.) discloses a throwing disc which has a solid circular shape containing a light source. Unfortunately, the light source requires an electrical input which can affect the longevity of the flying disc and the construction of the disc.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 8,348,713 (Groft et al.) discloses a flying disc formed of knotted filaments having a photo luminescent property. The disc described in the patent is flexible and designed for indoor use. Unfortunately, the disc is not designed for indoor and outdoor use in conjunction with a disc throwing game.
Therefore, there is a long-felt need for a versatile disc throwing game that can be played in the dark and/or in a swimming pool.
SUMMARYAccording to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a target for a disc throwing game, comprising a receptacle including an open top, an open bottom connected to the open top, at least one aperture arranged between the open top and the open bottom, a first reflective member arranged elevationally below the at least one aperture, and a second reflective member arranged proximate the open top, and an illumination means securable only to an inside surface of the receptacle a distance from the at least one aperture, the illumination means operatively arranged to transmit light through the at least one aperture and the open top.
According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a target for a disc throwing game, comprising a receptacle including an open top, an open bottom connected to the open top, a first end including at least two gaps, a second end securable to the first end so that the receptacle is formed from a single continuous sidewall, the second end includes at least one tab arranged to engage the at least two gaps to form a seam, at least one aperture arranged between the open top and the open bottom, a first reflective member arranged elevationally below the at least one aperture, and a second reflective member arranged proximate the open top, and an illumination means securable only to an inside surface of the receptacle a distance from the at least one aperture and arranged substantially diametrically opposite the seam, the illumination means operatively arranged to transmit light through the at least one aperture and the open top.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the disclosure, in view of the drawings and appended claims.
Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:
At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.
Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments. The assembly of the present disclosure could be driven by hydraulics, electronics, and/or pneumatics. It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.
Adverting now to the Figures,
Target receptacle 10 is cylindrical in shape and serves as the goal for a disc throwing game. Target receptacle 10 is constructed of a pliable plastic film. The plastic film is durable, lightweight, bendable, and highly portable. Any material displaying these or similar qualities can be used to construct target receptacle 10, for example, fabric with a plastic or metal frame or a cardboard receptacle. Additionally, target receptacle 10 could be constructed of a hard plastic such that it cannot be rolled-up; eliminating the need for ends 17A, 17B.
The rear of target receptacle 10 is shown in
A bottom view of target receptacle 10 and illumination assembly means 21 is shown in
Illumination assembly means 21 further comprises light source 21A secured to inner wall 11 of target receptacle 10 (not shown). Light source 21A is secured by fastener 27. Fastener 27 includes one side with fastening means 29 preferably made of hook and loop fastener to hold light source 21A. Fastener 27 further includes another side which includes a strong adhesive protected by peel off backing. Light source 21A comprises housing button 28, a removable back, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and a plurality of batteries, preferably three batteries having a size of AAA, arranged to power the LEDs. The removable back of light source 21A comprises fastening means 29, also preferably made of hook and loop fastener, arranged to engage fastening means side 29 of fastener 27. Fastening means 29 of light source 21A is arranged approximately in the center of the removable back of light source 21A. The removable back of light source 21A is removable by a typical twist and lock mechanism. When coupled, the removable back is in the locked position. Additionally, the removable back of light source 21A can include screws, preferably three, to further secure the removable back to light source 21A. Any suitable number of screws in any suitable arrangement, for example, a triangular arrangement, could suffice. To remove the removable back, the back is twisted to the unlocked position and pulled away from the housing button 28. Batteries can be installed and replaced when the removable back is pulled away. In order to secure light source 21A to inner wall 11 (not shown), a user removes the peel off backing of fastener 27 and positions fastener 27 approximately in the center of first reflective member 22A arranged on inner wall 11 (not shown). Light source 21A can be removably secured to fastener 27 by means of the hook and loop material arranged on both the back of light source 21A and fastener 27. The LEDs arranged within light source 21A are preferably green because it is the color that is easiest to perceive by people but, it should be appreciated that the LEDs could be any color or could be LEDs that change color. Further, it should be appreciated that light source 21A can be set to flash. Additionally, in an example embodiment, light source 21A comprises three LEDs but, it could comprise additional or fewer LEDs. The three LEDs of the preferred light source 21A are arranged in a triangular pattern. However, again it should be appreciated that the LEDs could be arranged in any suitable pattern. It should be appreciated that light source 21A can take any form, including incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, or glow sticks. Additionally, while the preferred fastener 27 is a hook and loop fastener, fastener 27 can include sticky adhesives, clips, or any other suitable attachment means. Once light source 21A is attached to inner wall 11 (not shown), the LEDs can be activated when housing button 28 is pressed. Housing button 28 is located on the top of light source 21A proximate LEDs. Housing button 28 is transparent to allow light emitted from the LEDs to pass from light source 21A. Light source 21A functions as a standard push light.
In an example embodiment, target receptacle 10 (not shown) can be lined with fiber optics. For example, fiber optics could line the perimeter of aperture 18 and/or top 13 (not shown). Target receptacle 10 (not shown) can include reflective members 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D. Furthermore, in an example embodiment, light source 21A or fiber optics could be placed on outer wall 12 or bottom 14 (not shown).
A disc throwing game including the components described herein can be played by two teams of two. However, it should also be appreciated that the game can be played by two opposing teams, each team having only a single player. In an example embodiment, a disc throwing game can be played by only two players, a first player and a second player P1 and P3, respectively or P2 and P4, respectively, for example. The method of such play involves the steps of: (a) arranging first receptacle 10 and a second receptacle 10 a distance apart wherein the receptacles 10 and 10 face each other and each of the receptacles 10 and 10 includes aperture 18 and 18 and open top 13 and 13; (b) positioning first player P1 or P2 behind first receptacle 10 and second player P3 or P4 behind second receptacle 10; (c) throwing disc-shaped gliding object 20 at first receptacle 10 by second player P3 or P4; (d) tallying at least one point based on the throw by second player P3 or P4 if disc-shaped gliding object 20 hits first receptacle 10 directly; (e) declaring second player P3 or P4 a winner based on the throw by second player P3 or P4 if disc-shaped gliding object 20 lands inside first receptacle 10; (f) throwing disc-shaped gliding object 20 at second receptacle 10 by first player P1 or P2; (g) tallying at least one point based on the throw by first player P1 or P2 if disc-shaped gliding object 20 hits second receptacle 10 directly; (h) declaring first player P1 or P2 a winner based on the throw by first player P1 or P2 if disc-shaped gliding object 20 lands inside receptacle 10; and, (i) repeating steps (c) through (h) in alternating fashion until a player wins. It should be appreciated that disc-shaped gliding object 20 can hit, or make contact with, receptacle 10 on inner surface 11 or outer surface 12. Additionally, it should be appreciated, that disc-shaped gliding object 20 can land inside receptacle 10 through aperture 18 or open top 13.
Flotation means 50 facilitates the floating of target receptacle 10 in water in a pool 40 (not shown) or some other body of water. In an example embodiment, flotation means 50 is constructed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In an example embodiment, flotation means 50 has a density range of 1.4-1.8 lb/ft2, a cell size of 1.2 mm, and a water absorption less than 0.1 lb/ft2. Any material encompassing these or similar qualities can be used to support target receptacle 10. For example, flotation means 50 could be constructed of a polyvinyl chloride toroidal ring, a laminated polyethylene foam, or a phthalate-free polyvinyl chloride toroidal ring or any other suitable shape. Further, flotation means 50 could be constructed of a plastic toroidal ring, or a closed-cell polystyrene foam.
A partial exploded view of target receptacle 10 having flotation means 50 is shown in
Illumination assembly means 121 can be any suitable device that transmits light from within target receptacle 100 outwardly through target receptacle 100. In an example embodiment, illumination assembly means includes remote-controlled device 122 containing LEDs. In an example embodiment, ten (10) LEDs are included in device 122 and can be illuminated in a single color or varying colors. Any suitable number of LEDs is contemplated for example, additional or fewer LEDs can be included in illumination assembly means 121. In an example embodiment, nine (9) LEDs are used. For example, using remote control 123, device 122 can be set to transmit continuous light or interrupted (or blinking/flashing) light. Device 122 can also be set to transmit different colors of light in a continuous series. For example, device 122 can illuminate blue, white, green, purple, pink, and orange light one after the other and repeat the series over and over again. Alternatively, device 122 can be set to illuminate only blue light, or white light, or green light by way of example. Device 122 can be powered by three (3) AAA batteries. Device 122 can be made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any suitable alternative, so that device 122 can be submerged in water, if desired. A suitable illumination assembly means 121 having a model number of IH-101M is available from Guangzhou Ihome Lighting Co., Ltd., located at Room 201, Ladder 1, Building 2, Cuiping Garden, East of Jinxiu Park, Panyu district in the province of Guangdong and the city of Guangzhou in China.
Advantageously, target receptacle 100 can be illuminated without applying additional reflective members on inside surface IS of target receptacle 100. It should be appreciated that illumination assembly means 121 can be used with target receptacle 10 as well as in an example embodiment where target receptacle 10 is translucent or transparent and no additional reflective members are necessary.
It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
- 10 Receptacle
- 11 Inner wall
- 12 Outer wall
- 13 Top
- 14 Bottom
- 15 Front
- 16 Rear
- 17A First end
- 17B Second end
- 18 Aperture
- 20 Disc-shaped gliding object
- 21 Illumination assembly means
- 21A Light source
- 22A First reflective member
- 22B Second reflective member
- 22C Third reflective member
- 22D Fourth reflective member
- 23 Tabs
- 23A Extensions
- 24 Protrusions
- 25 Gaps
- 26 Seam
- 27 Fastener
- 28 Housing button
- 29 Fastening means
- 30 Rays
- 35 Slots
- 40 Pool
- 50 Flotation means
- P1 Player
- P2 Player
- P3 Player
- P4 Player
- 100 Target receptacle
- 100′ Target receptacle
- 101 Sidewall
- 103 Open top
- 108 Aperture
- S Ground surface
- IS Inside surface
- OS Outside surface
- 121 Illumination assembly means
- 122 Device
- 123 Remote
- 130 Rays
- W Water
- D1 Distance
- D2 Distance
- D3 Distance
- D4 Distance
Claims
1. A target for a disc throwing game, comprising:
- a receptacle including: an open top; an open bottom connected to the open top; at least one aperture arranged between the open top and the open bottom; a first reflective member arranged elevationally below the at least one aperture; and, a second reflective member arranged proximate the open top; and,
- an illumination means securable only to an inside surface of the receptacle a distance from the at least one aperture, the illumination means operatively arranged to transmit light through the at least one aperture and the open top.
2. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is opaque.
3. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is translucent.
4. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is transparent.
5. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the illumination means includes a light source which includes at least one light-emitting diode.
6. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the illumination means includes a light source which is fiber optic.
7. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the illumination means includes at least one reflective member securable to the inside surface of the receptacle.
8. The target as recited in claim 7, wherein the inside surface is black and the at least one reflective member is white.
9. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the receptacle further comprises:
- a first end; and,
- a second end securable to the first end so that the receptacle is formed from a single continuous sidewall.
10. The target as recited in claim 9, wherein:
- the first end includes at least two gaps;
- the second end includes at least one tab arranged to engage the at least two gaps to form a seam; and,
- the illumination means includes a light source arranged substantially diametrically opposite the seam.
11. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the illumination means comprises:
- a light source securable to the inside surface of the receptacle; and,
- a plurality of reflective members securable to the inside surface of the receptacle, where a first reflective member of the plurality of reflective members is arranged between the light source and the inside surface of the receptacle.
12. The target as recited in claim 11, wherein a second reflective member is securable to the inside surface at an angle from the light source.
13. The target as recited in claim 12, wherein:
- the first reflective member includes a first reflective surface; and,
- the second reflective member includes a second reflective surface arranged to face the first reflective surface when the first and second reflective members are secured to the inside surface of the receptacle.
14. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein:
- the at least one aperture is arranged closer to the open top than the open bottom; and,
- the illumination means includes a light source secured to the inside surface closer to the open bottom than the open top.
15. The target as recited in claim 11, wherein the first reflective member is disposed proximate to and circumscribing the light source.
16. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is a cylindrically-shaped target.
17. The target as recited in claim 1, further comprising a flotation member fixedly securable to the open bottom of the receptacle.
18. The target as recited in claim 17, wherein the flotation member is constructed of laminated polyethylene foam.
19. The target as recited in claim 17, wherein the flotation member is constructed of a high-density polyethylene.
20. A target for a disc throwing game, comprising:
- a receptacle including: an open top; an open bottom connected to the open top; a first end including at least two gaps; a second end securable to the first end so that the receptacle is formed from a single continuous sidewall, the second end includes at least one tab arranged to engage the at least two gaps to form a seam; at least one aperture arranged between the open top and the open bottom; a first reflective member arranged elevationally below the at least one aperture; and, a second reflective member arranged proximate the open top; and,
- an illumination means securable only to an inside surface of the receptacle a distance from the at least one aperture and arranged substantially diametrically opposite the seam, the illumination means operatively arranged to transmit light through the at least one aperture and the open top.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 26, 2017
Publication Date: Nov 9, 2017
Inventor: Charles C. Sciandra (Wheatfield, NY)
Application Number: 15/660,152