BACKYARD TAILGATING GOLF GAME
A tailgating game assembly including a first platform, a second platform, a projectile a first deformable target, a second deformable target, a third deformable target, and a club. In use, the club is used to hit the projectile off of the platform towards the three deformable targets. The game is meant to simulate the chipping aspect of golf. The club included in the assembly is capable of height adjustment, and is suitable for both right and left handed competitors. The projectile included may be a golf ball, a shuttlecock, or any projectile suitable to strike with a club.
The invention relates to backyard tailgating games, and more particularly to a backyard tailgating game that simulates some aspects of the game of golf.
BACKGROUNDGolf is a very popular game. There are millions of amateur golfers in the United States, and there are thousands of professional golfers. However, a golf course is often a distance from a person's home, and private courses require a membership. This may deter many from playing on a golf course. Also, some people may desire to hone their golf skills, but are unable or unwilling to travel to a golf course to work on one particular aspect of their game.
Golf is also a game that requires a tremendous amount of practice and skill. The average person cannot easily learn the game and become proficient; rather, it takes years of practice. Even with years of practice, it can still be an extremely frustrating endeavor that deters some from attempting to play in the first place. For these reasons as well, many people may avoid playing traditional golf on a golf course, and would rather play a similar, less skill-based game in a backyard setting.
These issues with playing golf on a golf course have in part led to the development of simulated golf games that do not require a golf course or all of the requisite skills to be an adequate golfer.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,665 (Schultz et al.) discloses a ball-hitting assembly and a target assembly with a first surface area and a second target region with a second surface area. The ball-hitting assembly and the target assembly are laid out flat on a ground or floor surface, and the ball-hitting assembly and the target assembly include a connection assembly to connect the two assemblies into a “storage mode.” The connection assembly includes a hinge assembly connected between an edge portion of the ball-hitting assembly and an edge portion of the target assembly. A first handle assembly is connected to the ball-hitting assembly, and a second handle assembly is connected to the target assembly. In use, it is necessary to have two opposing sets of ball-hitting assemblies and target assemblies. Also, there are no straps that enable the connection assemblies to be transported in a fashion similar to a backpack. Therefore, it is difficult and cumbersome to transport two separate connection assemblies. Further, there is no way to alter or change the set ups of the targets. Instead, they are predefined, and only the difference in distance may be changed. The game disclosed also requires a golf ball to play, which can be a difficult projectile to hit for an unskilled competitor.
U. S. Patent application publication number 2017/0095715 (Maginnis) discloses a rectangular portable playing system for a golf chipping game. The playing system has a first surface with a shooting region and a scoring region, and a second surface parallel to the first that has substantially the same dimensions. The first and second surfaces each have a circular hole with a center located within about 12 inches of one end of the first and second surfaces. The first surface has a goal disposed on one end of the first surface. The goal has at least two vertical side posts, a horizontal crossbar, and a mesh net connected to the side posts and crossbar extending within the entire goal and configured to trap a ball within the goal. While the disclosure is said to be portable, there are a number of elements within the boards itself and particularly within the goal setup. This makes assembly, disassembly, and transportation an issue. It is also necessary to have two opposing boards and targets for the game disclosed to be played. The game disclosed also requires a golf ball to play as well, which again may be a difficult projectile to hit for an unskilled competitor.
Thus, there has been a long felt need for a highly portable backyard tailgating game that incorporates many themes of golf and enables a competitor of any skill level to play.
SUMMARYThe present invention broadly comprises a tailgating game assembly, having a first platform, a second platform, a projectile, a first deformable target, a second deformable target, and a third deformable target.
According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tailgating game assembly including a club, a first platform, a second platform, a projectile, and a first deformable target.
According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tailgating game assembly including a first platform, a second platform, a club, a projectile, and a deformable target.
According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a method of playing a tailgating game including the steps of placing a first platform at a first distance from a second platform, placing a deformable target between the first platform and the second platform, hitting a projectile with a club from the first platform towards the deformable target in an attempt to place the projectile within the target, and allowing an opponent to hit a projectile with a club from the second platform towards the deformable target.
A general object of the invention is to provide a tailgating game assembly that can be easily transported via straps and handles attached to one or both platforms.
Another object of the invention is to provide a means to connect the first and second platforms, such as a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, or an adhesive material.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a target that is capable of lighting up with LED lights or a “glow-in-the-dark” material to enable gameplay at night.
Another object of the invention is to provide a projectile with a lighting element, such as an LED light or a “glow-in-the-dark” coating to illuminate the projectile at night.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a club with a telescoping shaft.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a club with threaded portions on separate shaft elements that enable the club to have a varying length.
Another object of the invention is to provide cylindrical deformable targets.
These, and other objects and advantages, will be readily appreciable from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the accompanying drawings and claims.
The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the embodiments taken with the accompanying figures, in which:
At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. While the embodiments are described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspect. The present invention is intended to include various modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
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 present invention, which is limited only by the appended 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 invention pertains. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.
Adverting now to the Figures,
To play the backyard tailgating game, competitor 11 strikes projectile 90 with club 70 from platform 21 in an attempt to make projectile 90 land within deformable target 60. If competitor 11 successfully places projectile 90 within deformable target 60, competitor 11 is awarded a predetermined number of points depending upon which sub deformable target projectile 90 lands within. In this embodiment, projectile 90 is a ball, and, more specifically, a golf ball. If competitor 11 is unable to make projectile 90 land within deformable target 60, then competitor 11 is awarded no points. After competitor 11 takes his turn, then competitor 111 has the opportunity to make projectile 90 land within deformable target 60 in the same fashion as competitor 11.
First shaft 76, in the preferred embodiment, is made from metal or plastic, and is hollow. However, it should be appreciated that first shaft 76 may be made from a different material, and may be solid throughout with a partial through bore to receive threaded portion 75 of handle 72. First shaft 76 comprises ends 77 and 78. End 77 is proximate to the user, and end 78 is distal to the user. End 77 comprises internal threading 79 arranged to optimally engage threaded portion 75 of end 74. Threaded portion 75 is secured to internal threading 79 by twisting handle 72 clockwise until club 70 is at the desired length. In an alternative embodiment, once club 70 is at the desired length, then a fastening mechanism, such as a clip, may be attached to handle 72 and first shaft 76 to further secure the two pieces. End 78 is substantially identical to end 74, and comprises threaded portion 80. Threaded portion 80 is threaded in a way to optimally engage internal threading 85 of second shaft 82. In an alternative embodiment, end 78 comprises an aperture with internal threading, and end 83 comprises a protruding threaded portion optimally arranged to engage the internal threading of end 78.
Second shaft 82, in the preferred embodiment, is made from metal or plastic, and is hollow. However, it should be appreciated that second shaft 82 may be made from a different material, and may be solid throughout with a partial through bore to receive threaded portion 80 of first shaft 76. Second shaft 82 comprises ends 83 and 84. End 83 is proximate to the user, and end 84 is distal to the user. End 83 is substantially similar to end 77, and comprises internal threading 85 arranged to optimally engage threaded portion 80 of end 79. Threaded portion 80 is secured to internal threading 85 by twisting first shaft 76 clockwise until club 70 is at the desired length. In an alternative embodiment, once club 70 is at the desired length, then a fastening mechanism, such as a clip, may be attached to first shaft 76 and second shaft 82 to further secure the two pieces. End 84 comprises rod 87 and abutment 88. Both rod 87 and abutment 88 are used to connect club head 96 to end 84. Rod 87 serves as an axis of rotation upon which club head 96 may rotate provide a desired club head angle for the user. Rod 87 is operatively arranged to friction fit into aperture 98 of club head 96. However, the friction fit is not so tight as to prevent rotation of club head 96 about rod 87, or to prevent the user from removing club head 96 from club 70 entirely. Abutment 88 is a substantially flange-like semi-circle perpendicular to rod 87. In the preferred embodiment, abutment 88 comprises aperture 89 through which rod 97 of club head 96 may fit. Aperture 89 follows the same curvature of the top of abutment 88, and serves as a track for rod 97. When club head 96 is in the desired position, washer 101, split lock washer 102, and wing nut 103 are rotated clockwise to tighten rod 97 against abutment 88 to prevent movement of club head 96. However, it should be appreciated that a plurality of apertures in abutment 88 may also be used to receive rod 97 instead of a single aperture.
First telescoping shaft 176, in the preferred embodiment, is made from metal or plastic, and is hollow. However, it should be appreciated that first telescoping shaft 176 may be made from a different suitable material. First telescoping shaft 176 comprises ends 177 and 178. End 177 is proximate to the user, and end 178 is distal to the user. End 177 is attached directly to end 174 of handle 172. End 78 is hollow, and is operatively arranged to receive end 183 of second telescoping shaft 182. The inside diameter of hollow first telescoping shaft 176 is larger than the outer diameter of second telescoping shaft 182 such that second telescoping shaft 182 may be slid in and out of first telescoping shaft 176. When the relationship between first telescoping shaft 176 and second telescoping shaft 182 becomes such that club 170 is at the desired length, then a locking mechanism may be applied to first telescoping shaft 176 and second telescoping shaft 182 to keep them in place. Possible mechanisms include a lever press lock, a screw lock mechanism, or other possible twist-lock mechanisms for telescoping members. The locking mechanism may be a separate piece applied to club 176, or it may be integral to first shaft 176 and second shaft 182.
Second telescoping shaft 182, in the preferred embodiment, is made from metal or plastic, and is hollow. However, it should be appreciated that second shaft 182 may be made from a different material, and may be solid. Second shaft 82 comprises ends 183 and 184. End 183 is proximate to the user, and end 184 is distal to the user. End 183 is operatively arranged to be received by end 178 as described above. End 184 comprises abutment 186 and spring 188, which is also connected directly to club head 190. Abutment 186 is a substantially flange-like semi-circle located at end 184. Abutment 186, in the preferred embodiment, comprises apertures 187. It should be appreciated that apertures 187 could comprise more or less total apertures. Apertures 187 follow the same curvature of the semi-circle of abutment 186. Spring 188 is permanently secured to both abutment 188 and club head 190, and allows club head 190 to rotate about abutment 186. Club head 196 comprises first face 191, second face 192 (not shown), grooves 193, and aperture 194. Aperture 194 (not shown) is located on the same section of club head 190 as spring 188, and is positioned along club head 190 such that it may align with any one of apertures 187. When club head 190 is in the desired position, and aperture 194 is aligned with one of apertures 187, then pin 189 may be inserted through one of apertures 187 and aperture 194 to lock club head 190 in place against abutment 186. First face 191 and second face 192 (not shown) are substantially identical, similar to first face 100a and second face 100b of club head 96. Identical first face 191 and second face 192 in conjunction with spring 188 and pin 189 allow for club 170 to be used by both right and left handed competitors. Grooves 193 provide aerodynamic lift when striking projectile 90.
Thus it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained, although changes and modifications to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which changes would not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
- 10 Assembled tailgating game
- 11 Competitor
- 15 Line
- 16 Line
- 20 Cavity
- 21 Platform
- 25 Top surface
- 28 Inside fabric
- 30 Base
- 31 Side
- 31a Edge
- 32 Side
- 32a Edge
- 33 Side
- 33a Edge
- 34 Side
- 34a Edge
- 35 Hard sheet
- 37 Bottom surface
- 38 Top surface
- 40 Protrusions
- 42 Zipper
- 44 Leg
- 45 Leg
- 46 Leg
- 47 Leg
- 50 Strap
- 51 End
- 52 End
- 54 Strap
- 55 End
- 56 End
- 57 Handle
- 58 End
- 59 End
- 60 Deformable target
- 61 Zone
- 62 Sub target
- 64 Sub target
- 66 Sub target
- 67 Zone
- 68 Zone
- 69 Zone
- 70 Club
- 72 Handle
- 73 End
- 74 End
- 75 Threaded portion
- 76 First shaft
- 77 End
- 78 End
- 79 Internal threading
- 80 Threaded portion
- 82 Second shaft
- 83 End
- 84 End
- 85 Internal threading
- 87 Rod
- 88 Abutment
- 89 Aperture
- 90 Projectile
- 91 Shuttlecock
- 92 Base
- 93 Feathers
- 94 Cover
- 96 Club head
- 97 Rod
- 98 Aperture
- 99 Grooves
- 100a First face
- 100b Second face
- 101 Washer
- 102 Split lock washer
- 103 Wing nut
- 111 Competitor
- 121 Platform
- 125 Top surface
- 128 Inside fabric
- 130 Base
- 131 Side
- 131a Edge
- 132 Side
- 132a Edge
- 133 Side
- 133a Edge
- 134 Side
- 134a Edge
- 135 Hard sheet
- 137 Bottom surface
- 138 Top surface
- 140 Protrusions
- 144 Leg
- 145 Leg
- 146 Leg
- 147 Leg
- 157 Handle
- 158 End
- 159 End
- 160 End
- 162 End
- 164 Tab
- 165a Protrusion
- 165b Protrusion
- 166a Aperture
- 166b Aperture
- 168 Edge
- 169a Arrow
- 169b Arrow
- 170 Club
- 172 Handle
- 173 End
- 174 End
- 176 First telescoping shaft
- 177 End
- 178 End
- 182 Second telescoping shaft
- 183 End
- 184 End
- 186 Abutment
- 187 Apertures
- 188 Spring
- 189 Pin
- 190 Club head
- 191 First face
- 192 Second face
- 193 Grooves
- 194 Aperture
- 196 Club head
- 197 Base
- 199 Grooves
- 200a First face
- 200b Second face
- 295 Threaded portion
- 296 Club head
- 297 Arm
- 298a End
- 298b End
- 299 Internal threading
Claims
1. A tailgating game assembly comprising:
- a first platform;
- a second platform;
- a projectile;
- a first deformable target;
- a second deformable target; and,
- a third deformable target.
2. The tailgating game assembly recited in claim 1 further comprising a club.
3. The tailgating game assembly recited in claim 2 wherein said club further comprises:
- a handle;
- a first shaft member;
- a second shaft member; and,
- a head.
4. The tail gating game assembly recited in claim 3 wherein said first shaft member is hollow, and second shaft member is operatively arranged to fit within and telescope out of said first shaft member.
5. The tailgating game assembly recited in claim 4 wherein a locking mechanism attaches to said first shaft member and said second shaft member, locking said club at a fixed length.
6. The tailgating game assembly recited in claim 3 wherein said second shaft member comprises a threaded aperture at a first end, and said head comprises a threaded arm operatively arranged to engage said threaded aperture.
7. The tailgating game assembly recited in claim 3 wherein said head is symmetrical.
8. The tailgating game assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said first platform comprises a first edge with a first plurality of projections.
9. The tailgating game assembly recited in claim 8 wherein said second platform comprises a second edge comprising a second plurality of projections that are operatively arranged to interlock with said first plurality of projections.
10. The tailgating game assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said projectile is a ball.
11. The tailgating game assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said projectile is a shuttlecock.
12. The tailgating game assembly recited in claim 11 wherein said shuttlecock further comprises a lighting element.
13. The tailgating game assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said first deformable target is a net.
14. The tailgating game assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said first deformable target comprises:
- a first end comprising an aperture; and,
- a second end comprising a tab operatively arranged to engage said aperture.
15. The tailgating game assembly recited in claim 1 wherein:
- said first deformable target has a first diameter;
- said second deformable target has a second diameter less than said first diameter;
- said third deformable target has a third diameter less than said second diameter.
16. The tailgating game assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said first deformable target comprises LED lights.
17. The tailgating game assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said first platform further comprises a strap.
18. The tailgating game assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said first platform further comprises artificial turf.
19. A tailgating game assembly comprising:
- a first platform;
- a second platform;
- a club;
- a projectile; and,
- a deformable target.
20. A method of playing a tailgating game comprising the steps of:
- placing a first platform at a first distance from a second platform;
- placing a deformable target between said first platform and said second platform;
- hitting a projectile with a club from said first platform substantially towards said deformable target; and,
- allowing an opponent to hit a projectile with a club from said second platform substantially towards said deformable target.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 25, 2017
Publication Date: Mar 1, 2018
Inventors: Bernard Cohen (Campbell Hall, NY), Joseph Ricciardi (Schenectady, NY)
Application Number: 15/687,098