Floating Game Assembly and Float with Game Features

Abstract

A floating game assembly including a float, a field goal post, a game mat, and a ball is provided. The float includes a body defining a central opening and a mount secured to the body. The float is configured to float on a water surface. The field goal post is inflatable or is formed from a plurality of pipes and a plurality of connection fittings. The plurality of pipes are connected with the plurality of connection fittings to form the field goal post, allowing the field goal post to be constructed and deconstructed. At least a portion of the field goal post can be inserted into the mount to removably secure the field goal post to the float.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/608,125 filed on Dec. 20, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a device that allows for game playing in an aquatic environment such as a swimming pool. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a float with game features.

BACKGROUND

During all times of the year, individuals often go to aquatic environments such as swimming pools (outdoor and indoor), lakes, etc., to relax, socialize, and play games with each other. In this regard, floats, e.g., swimming pool floats, are often used by individuals at the aquatic environment to float on the water and relax. These floats take many forms, but often times will be toroidal in shape with a central opening where the person can sit, allowing the individual to float on the water. Additionally, aquatic games are often played by both adults and children at these aquatic environments. These games can include the use of ball.

While at an aquatic environment, individuals or families may want to switch between relaxing and playing games. This requires them to pack their vehicles with not only floats for relaxing, but also games for playing, along with any other equipment that they may need, e.g., chairs, umbrellas, etc., and transport such equipment to the aquatic environment. Since vehicles have limited space, and, as a result, it may be difficult to find adequate room in the vehicle to transport additional equipment such as floats or equipment for sports and games. Furthermore, even when the aquatic environment is at an individual's house, e.g., a personal pool, and travel is not necessary, equipment storage becomes an issue. Not only does a home owner have store their typical and essential aquatic equipment, they must find storage space for their leisure equipment, e.g., floats, and equipment for sports and games.

Accordingly, what is desirable is a float that can function both as a float on which a person can sit to float on the water, but which can also function as a game that can be used at an aquatic environment.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a float with game features. The float can function as a conventional float used at aquatic environments, and can also function as a game that can be played at such aquatic environments. By combining multiple features into one compact package, the float is space-saving and easily transported. The float is uniquely designed to provide an enhanced experience at an aquatic environment by providing a device to relax on, and a gameplay area into a combined package.

In some example embodiments, a floating game assembly includes a float, a field goal post, a game mat, and a ball. The float includes a body defining a central opening and a mount secured to the body. The float is configured to float on a water surface. The field goal post includes a plurality of pipes and a plurality of connection fittings. The plurality of pipes are connected with the plurality of connection fittings to form the field goal post, allowing the field goal post to be constructed and deconstructed. At least a portion of the field goal post can be inserted into and secured to the mount to removably secure the field goal post to the float. In some aspects, the floating game assembly can include a paddle for hitting the ball.

In some aspects, the floating game assembly can include a second float and a second field goal post. The second float includes a body defining a central opening and a mount secured to the body. The second float is configured to float on a water surface. The second field goal post includes a plurality of pipes and a plurality of connection fittings. The plurality of pipes are connected with the plurality of connection fittings to form the second field goal post, allowing the second field goal post to be constructed and deconstructed. At least a portion of the second field goal post can be inserted into and secured to the mount to removably secure the second field goal post to the second float.

In another exemplary embodiment, a float with game features includes a float and a field goal post. The float includes a body defining a central opening and a mount secured to the body. The float is configured to float on a water surface. The field goal post includes a plurality of pipes and a plurality of connection fittings. The plurality of pipes are connected with the plurality of connection fittings to form the field goal post, allowing the field goal post to be constructed and deconstructed. At least a portion of the field goal post can be inserted into and secured to the mount to removably secure the field goal post to the float.

In another exemplary embodiment, a float with game features includes a float and an inflatable field goal post. The float includes a body defining a central opening and a mount secured to the body. The float is configured to float on a water surface. The field goal post includes an inflatable body having a mounting post. The inflatable field goal post can be inflated and deflated. The mounting post of the inflatable field goal post can be inserted into and secured to the mount to removably secure the inflatable field goal post to the float. The float can also include a pouch secured thereto that is configured to receive and store the inflatable field goal post when it is deflated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floating game assembly of the present disclosure provided in an aquatic environment, e.g., a swimming pool;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a float with game features of the floating game assembly of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an alternative float with game features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a floating game assembly and float with game features, as described in detail below in connection with FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floating game assembly 10 provided in an aquatic environment 12, e.g., a swimming pool. The floating game assembly 10 includes two floats with game features 14, a game mat 16, a paddle 17, and a ball 18. Each float with game features 14 includes a float 20 and a field goal post 22. The float 20 can have an annular body 24 that defines a central opening 26 providing access to a water surface 28. The central opening 26 can function to retain the ball 18 if a user throws the ball 18 into the central opening 26 of the float 20. The float 20 can be formed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and can be inflatable. Alternatively, the float 20 can be a solid structure made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. The field goal post 22 generally comprises a plurality of pipes 30 and a plurality of connection fittings 32. The float with game features 14, the game mat 16, the paddle 17, and the ball 18 are configured to float on the water surface 28 so that they are engageable by a user. The paddle 17 is a generally rigid component that can be used to strike the ball 18 to “kick” the ball 18 through the field goal post 22, discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the float with game features 14, showing the field goal post 22 exploded from the float 20. As described in connection with FIG. 1, the float 20 includes an annular body 24 that defines a central opening 26. The annular body 24 of the float 20 additionally includes a mount 34 sized and configured to receive a portion of the field goal post 22, e.g., one of the pipes 30. The mount 34 can be a recess or a through-hole that extends into or through the annular body 24. In such a configuration, the mount 34 can be a flexible or a rigid PVC cup or sheath that is secured to the annular body 24 of the float 20 so that it extends into or through the annular body 24. In the case of an inflatable float 20, the mount 34 is secured to the annular body 24 so that it does not impair the structural integrity of the float 20, e.g., the mount 34 is sealed to the annular body 24 such that they annular body 24 maintains its airtight seal. The mount 34 can also be an external structure, e.g., a rigid PVC cup, that is secured to the exterior of the annular body 24. A portion of the field goal post 22, e.g., a pipe 30, can be inserted into the mount 34 to secure the field goal post 22 to the float 20 in an upright position. The mount 34 and the pipe 30 can have a tight tolerance between them so that the pipe 30, and thus the field goal post 22, is secured to the mount 34 with a friction fit engagement. The float 20 can include a counter-balance opposite the mount 34 to prevent the float 20 from flipping over when the field goal post 22 is secured thereto.

As referenced above in connection with FIG. 1, the field goal post 22 comprises a plurality of pipes 30 and a plurality of connection fittings 32. It is recommended that the components of the field goal post 22 are manufactured out of PVC or like materials, but is not limited to these materials. PVC would satisfy the required criteria of lightness, strength, and durability. The connection fittings 32 are slightly larger in diameter than the pipes 30 so that the pipes 30 can be inserted into the connection fittings 32 to connect to each other. The pipes 30 are inserted into the connection fittings 32, and due to the tight tolerances between components, the field goal post 22 can be securely constructed. The plurality of pipes 30 are generally connected to the plurality of connection fittings 32 in a Y-shaped form, e.g., a U-shaped form with a single pipe 30 extending therefrom for connection to the mount 34. Alternatively, the plurality of pipes 30 can be connected to the plurality of connection fittings 32 in an H-shaped form, e.g., with two pipes 30 extending therefrom for connection to a plurality of mounts 34. In this “H”-configuration, the float 20 would include two mounts 34 sized, shaped, and spaced to match with the two pipes 30. Furthermore, it should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the pipes 30 and connection fittings 32 can be of various suitable diameters. For example, the pipes 30 and connection fittings 32 can be of a larger diameter, e.g., a three inch diameter, or they can be of a smaller diameter, e.g., a one inch diameter. Smaller and larger diameters than those listed are also contemplated by this disclosure. The field goal post 22 can also be constructed as a single unitary component instead of being formed of a plurality of pipes 30 and a plurality of connection fittings 32.

The above-described construction allows the float 20 to remain intact without any additional modifications to allow the field goal post 22 to be mounted to it. That is, the mount 34 facilitates the installation and removal of the field goal post 22, while allowing the float 20 to be used by an individual as pool float when the field goal post 22 is detached. By making the field goal post 22 easily removable, the float 20 remains portable and retains the capability of being used by an individual as a floatation device, e.g., for relaxation purposes. Accordingly, the float with game features 14 serves a dual purpose as it can be used as a game playing device and a floating chair.

The floating game assembly 10 is shown in FIG. 1 with two floats with game features 14. However, it should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the floating game assembly 10 could include a single float with game features 14, or more than two floats with game features 14. For example, if space is limited then a single float with game features 14 can be used, or if space is not limited and three individuals want to play the game then three floats with game features 14 can be used. The utilization of more than three floats with game features 14 is also contemplated by the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an alternative float with game features 36. The alternative float with game features 36 can be used in place of the first float with game features 14 shown in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. The alternative float with game features 36 includes a float 38 and an inflatable field goal post 40. Similar to the float 20 described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2, the float 38 includes an annular body 42 that defines a central opening 44. The annular body 42 of the float 38 additionally includes a mount 46 sized and configured to receive a portion of the inflatable field goal post 40. The mount 46 can be a recess or a through-hole that extends into or through the annular body 42. The mount 46 of the float 38 can be similar in construction to the mount 34 of the float 20 discussed in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. The float 38 can also include a pouch 48 secured to the annular body 42. The pouch 48 can be a closed by a zipper or can have a cover flap. The pouch 48 is configured to receive and hold the inflatable field goal post 40 when it is deflated. Accordingly, the pouch 48 functions as storage for the inflatable field goal post 40.

The inflatable field goal post 40 is an inflatable unitary structure that includes a body 50 having at least one mounting post 52 and two uprights 54. The mounting post 52 is configured to be inserted into and engage the mount 46. The inflatable field goal post 40 is generally Y-shaped, e.g., a U-shaped form with the mounting post 52 extending therefrom for connection to the mount 46. Alternatively, the inflatable field goal post 40 can be H-shaped, e.g., with two mounting posts 52 for connection to a plurality of mounts 46. In this “H”-configuration, the float 20 would include two mounts 46 sized, shaped, and spaced to match with the two pipes 52. The inflatable field goal post 40 can be deflated and stored in the pouch 48.

The inflatable field goal post 40 can be secured to the float 38 by inserting the mounting post 52 into the mount 46, which secures the inflatable field goal post 40 to the float 38 in an upright position. The mount 46 and the mounting post 52 can have a tight tolerance between them so that the mounting post 52, and thus the inflatable field goal post 40, is secured to the mount 46 with a friction fit engagement. If necessary, the float 38 can include a counter-balance opposite the mount 46 to prevent the float 38 from flipping over when the field goal post 40 is secured thereto.

In an alternative embodiment contemplated by the present disclosure, the alternative float with game features 36 can be a single structure with the float 38 and the inflatable field goal post 40 permanently secured to each other. In such a configuration, the inflatable field goal post 40 can be permanently secured to the float 38 at the location of the mount 46. Furthermore, the float 38 and the inflatable field goal post 40 can be isolated such that their air chambers are not in fluidic communication. This arrangement allows the float 38 and the inflatable field goal post 40 to be inflated separately, thus allowing a user to selectively inflate and deflate the inflatable field goal post 40. As such, a user can choose to only inflate the float 38 and use it as a flotation device while maintaining the inflatable field goal post 40 in a deflated condition. In this alternative embodiment, the mount 46 can function as a storage compartment for the inflatable field goal post 40 such that when the inflatable field goal post 40 is deflated it can be packed into the recess of the mount 46 for storing the inflatable field goal post 40 out of the way.

The games provided by the present disclosure can be played in a plurality of player configurations, such as one player versus one player, two players versus two players, etc. To set-up the floating game assembly 10 for gameplay, two of the floats with game features 14 can be provided and positioned to face opposing teams, with a predetermined distance separating the floats with game features 14. The game mat 16 is placed between the floats with game features 14. Optionally, the game mat 16 can be connected to the front of the floats 20 so that the spacing of the floats 20 is maintained during gameplay. If a single float with game features 14 is utilized then the game mat 16 will be placed in front of the single float with game features 14. Once the floating game assembly 10 is set-up, a player can throw the ball 18 into the central opening 26 of the float 20 opposite from where the user is standing. Various point scoring rules could be used. For example, if the ball 18 is thrown and hits any part of the float 20 on a fly, three points could be awarded. If the ball 18 goes into the central opening 26, seven points could be awarded. Further, if the ball 18 enters the central opening 26, there could be an opportunity to gain one more point by “kicking” the ball 18 through the field goal post 22 with the paddle 17 or with a user's hand. To prepare for the kick, the ball 18 should be positioned at midfield, while a teammate holds the ball 18 and the player “kicks” it, e.g., strikes it with the paddle 17, towards the field goal post 22. If the ball 18 goes through the field goal post 22, the player receives a point. If, in the process of kicking the extra point, the player “kicks” the ball 18 and it enters the central opening 26 of the float 20, the player or team could win the game regardless of score. Further, if a player throws the ball 18 and it skims off the water surface 28 and manages to land in the central opening 26, the player could receive two points. Conceivably any point and/or scoring scheme could be utilized.

To ensure a fair game, and to minimize any potentially advantages pertaining to weather, or uneven water depth, opposing players should change position when the leading team reaches the following point milestones: twelve points, twenty-four points, thirty-six points, and forty-eight points. First team to reach fifty-four points is declared the winner. If during the play, the ball 18 touches the float 20 and the opposite team catches it before it touches the water 28, the opposing team could be awarded three points. Any variations or game rules could be utilized.

It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that when playing the above described game, the alternative float with game features 36 shown in FIG. 3 can be used in place of the float with game features 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Additionally, it should be understood that the floats 20, 38 and the field goal posts 22, 40 are interchangeable.

Having thus described the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is not intended to limit the spirit or scope thereof. It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make any variations and modification without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A floating assembly, comprising:

a float including a body defining a central opening and a mount; and

a field goal post, including a plurality of pipes and a plurality of connection fittings,

wherein the plurality of pipes are connectable with the plurality of connection fittings to form the field goal post; and

wherein at least a portion of the field goal post can be inserted into the mount to removably secure the field goal post to the float.

2. The float assembly of claim 1, further comprising a floating game mat and a ball.

3. The float assembly of claim 2, further comprising a paddle for hitting the ball.

4. The float assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a second float including a second body defining a second central opening and a second mount; and

a second field goal post including a second plurality of pipes and a second plurality of connection fittings, wherein the second plurality of pipes connectable with the second plurality of connection fittings to form the second field goal post; and

wherein at least a portion of the second field goal post can be inserted into the second mount to removably secure the second field goal post to the second float.

5. The float assembly of claim 1, wherein the float is configured to float on a water surface.

6. The float assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pipes and the plurality of connection fittings allow for the field goal post to be constructed and deconstructed.

7. The float assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the float or the plurality of pipes are manufactured from polyvinyl chloride.

8. The float assembly of claim 1, wherein the float has an annular body.

9. The float assembly of claim 1, wherein the float is manufactured from foam.

10. The float assembly of claim 1, wherein the float includes a counterbalance opposite the field goal post.

11. A floating assembly, comprising:

a float including a body defining a central opening and a mount; and

a field goal post comprising an inflatable body having a mounting post, wherein the field goal post can be inflated and deflated, and the mounting post can be inserted into the mount to removably secure the field goal post to the float.

12. The float assembly of claim 11, further comprising a floating game mat and a ball.

13. The float assembly of claim 12, further comprising a paddle for hitting the ball.

14. The float assembly of claim 11, further comprising:

a second float including a second body defining a second central opening and a second mount secured to the second body, and

a second field goal post comprising a second inflatable body having a second mounting post, wherein the second field goal post can be inflated and deflated, and the second mounting post can be inserted into the second mount to removably secure the second field goal post to the second float.

15. The float assembly of claim 11, wherein the float is configured to float on a water surface.

16. The float assembly of claim 15, further comprising a pouch, wherein the pouch is secured to the float.

17. The float assembly of claim 16, further comprising a zipper or a cover flap for closing the pouch.

18. The float assembly of claim 16, wherein the pouch is configured to receive and hold the field goal post when the field goal post is deflated.

19. The float assembly of claim 11, wherein the float has an annular body.

20. The float assembly of claim 11, wherein the float includes a counterbalance opposite the field goal post.