GAME PUCK WITH CROSSHAIRS

Info

Publication number: 20200282279
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 19, 2020
Publication Date: Sep 10, 2020
Inventor: Steven Craig Braun (Arcadia, CA)
Application Number: 16/823,855

Abstract

Handheld gaming pucks and handheld gaming bean bags each have crosshairs for determining location of the given gaming puck or location of the given gaming bean bag upon some gaming surface. The gaming pucks may be slidable across some smooth portion of the gaming surface. The gaming bean bags may be tossed onto some portion of a gaming surface. The gaming pucks and the gaming bean bags may each have a main central hole. The gaming pucks and the gaming bean bags may each have a crosshairs-member that is located within the given main central hole. Crosshairs may be located on the given crosshairs-member. Aside from the crosshairs, the crosshairs-member may be at least mostly visually transparent. At least a portion of the crosshairs may be visible from a top (or a bottom) of the given gaming puck or the given gaming bean bag.

Description

Description

PRIORITY NOTICE

The present patent application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/786,527 filed on Oct. 17, 2017, and claims priority to said U.S. non-provisional patent application under 35 U.S.C. § 120. The above-identified patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth below.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to slidable game pucks and tossable game bean bags; and more specifically to slidable game pucks with crosshairs and to tossable game bean bags with crosshairs; wherein such crosshairs are for determining a location of such slidable game pucks and of such tossable game bean bags with respect to some portion of a given game.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent application may contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of third parties affiliated or unaffiliated with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is by way of example and should not be construed as descriptive or to limit the scope of this invention to material associated only with such marks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently (circa 2020) it is the outer peripheral surfaces of gaming pucks and of gaming bean bags that are used to determine a location of the given gaming puck and of the given gaming bean bag with respect to some portion of a given game. For example, in shuffleboard games, an outer peripheral edge of the shuffleboard gaming slider may be used to determine a location of that slider upon the shuffleboard gaming surface. For example, in some carroms games, an outer peripheral edge of the disk-shaped sliders (sometimes called men or coins) may be used to determine a location of that slider upon the carroms gaming surface.

However, in some games, use of the outer peripheral surfaces of the given gaming puck and/or of the given gaming bean bag may be insufficient, uncertain, and/or ambiguous for determining a location of that given gaming puck and/or of the given gaming bean bag with respect to the given game (or the given gaming surface), due to a close proximity of different targets, regions, portions of the given gaming surface. For example, in the gaming surfaces disclosed in U.S. design patent D825,006 and in U.S. published patent application, publication number 2018/0117453, it may be important to game play to determine a particular location of the given gaming puck and/or of the given gaming bean bag with respect to various targets, regions, and/or portions that may be closely grouped together of the gaming surfaces disclosed in U.S. design patent D825,006 and in U.S. published patent application, publication number 2018/0117453. To better ascertain a location of given gaming puck and/or of the given gaming bean bag with respect to games (and gaming surfaces) it may be desirable for the given gaming puck and/or of the given gaming bean bag to include a crosshairs, that may be viewed by a player/referee from above (or below) to precisely determine a location of the given gaming puck and/or of the given gaming bean bag with respect to games/or gaming surfaces (and gaming surfaces).

It may be further desirable to provide some illumination/light means, so that such crosshairs are illuminated/lighted; and/or so that a portion of the game/gaming surface below and proximate to the crosshairs is illuminated.

There is a need in the art for gaming pucks with crosshairs; and there is a need in the art for gaming bean bags with crosshairs.

It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, embodiments of the present invention describe handheld gaming pucks with crosshairs and/or handheld gaming bean bags with crosshairs.

In some embodiments, handheld gaming pucks and/or handheld gaming bean bags may each have crosshairs for determining a location of the given gaming puck or a location of the given gaming bean bag upon some gaming surface (or with respect to some game). In some embodiments, the gaming pucks may be slidable across some smooth portion of the gaming surface. In some embodiments, the gaming bean bags may be tossed onto some portion of a gaming surface (or proximate to the game). In some embodiments, the gaming pucks and the gaming bean bags may each have a main central hole (e.g., a main central through hole). In some embodiments, the gaming pucks and the gaming bean bags may each have a crosshairs-member that may be located (housed) within the given main central hole. In some embodiments, the crosshairs may be located on the given crosshairs-member. In some embodiments, aside from the crosshairs, the crosshairs-member may be at least mostly (substantially) visually (optically): transparent, translucent, clear, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the crosshairs may be visible from a top (and/or a bottom) of the given gaming puck or the given gaming bean bag.

In some embodiments, by inclusion of such crosshairs in a given gaming puck or in a given gaming bean bag, one may be able to determine if the given gaming puck or the given gaming bean bag has come to rest in a particular region/portion location of the game, with a greater degree of certainty that if an outside edge/perimeter of the given gaming puck or the given gaming bean bag was used to determine this location with respect to the game.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a handheld slidable gaming puck with crosshairs.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a handheld tossable (throwable) gaming bean bag with crosshairs.

It is another objective of the present invention wherein the crosshairs may be located/housed within a main central hole of the given gaming puck and/or of the given gaming bean bag.

It is another objective of the present invention wherein the crosshairs may be part of a substantially optically clear crosshairs-member.

It is another objective of the present invention wherein the crosshairs-member, that may be substantially optically clear, may be located/housed within a main central hole of the given gaming puck and/or of the given gaming bean bag.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a given gaming puck and/or to provide a given gaming bean bag, wherein the given gaming puck and/or the given gaming bean bag comprises at least one light source to illuminate some portion of the crosshairs and/or to illuminate some portion of a game/gaming surface that may be located beneath and proximate to the crosshairs.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a handheld tossable (throwable) gaming bean bag with crosshairs that tends to stop moving upon landing on a surface.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a handheld tossable (throwable) gaming bean bag with crosshairs, wherein that gaming bean bag may have a top flat surface and a bottom flat surface, wherein the top flat surface and bottom flat surface may be disposed opposite from each other.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention and how to make the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1A may depict a top, side, and perspective view of a game puck with crosshairs.

FIG. 1B may depict a bottom, side, and perspective view of the puck of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C may depict a top view, with some transparency shown in broken lines, of the puck of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D may depict a side view, with some transparency shown in broken lines, of the puck of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 may depict a bottom, side, and perspective exploded view of the puck of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3A may depict a top, side, and perspective view of a top-cylindrical-member of the puck of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3B may depict a top view, with some transparency shown in broken lines, of the top-cylindrical-member of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C may depict a side view, with some transparency shown in broken lines, of the top-cylindrical-member of FIG. 3A. Note, the side views of FIG. 3C and FIG. 1D may be rotated about 90 degrees with respect to each other about a common center point.

FIG. 4A may depict a top, side, and perspective view of a bottom-cylindrical-member 151 of the puck of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4B may depict a top view of the bottom-cylindrical-member of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C may depict a side view, with some transparency shown in broken lines, of the bottom-cylindrical-member of FIG. 4A. Note, the side views of FIG. 4C and FIG. 1D may be rotated about 90 degrees with respect to each other about a common center point.

FIG. 5A may depict a top, side, and perspective view of a crosshairs-member 121 of the puck of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5B may depict a top view of the crosshairs-member of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C may depict a side view of the crosshairs-member of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A may depict a top, side, and perspective view of a low-friction-member 191 of the puck of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 6B may depict a top view of the low-friction-member of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C may depict a side view of the low-friction-member of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A may depict a side view, with some transparency shown in broken lines, of a game puck with crosshairs that may have at least one light source.

FIG. 7B may depict a bottom view of a top-cylindrical-member of a puck with crosshairs, wherein some electronics and/or at least one light source may be at least partially visible.

FIG. 7C may depict a bottom view of a bottom-cylindrical-member of a puck with crosshairs, wherein some electronics and/or at least one light source may be at least partially visible.

FIG. 8A may depict a top perspective view of a tossable (throwable) gaming bean bag with crosshairs.

FIG. 8B may depict a top view of the gaming bean bag with crosshairs of FIG. 8A. (Note, this top view of FIG. 8B could be a bottom view.)

FIG. 9A may depict a top perspective and side view of a tossable (throwable) gaming bean bag with crosshairs.

FIG. 9B may depict may depict another top perspective and side view of the gaming bean bag with crosshairs of FIG. 9A.

REFERENCE NUMERAL SCHEDULE

100 puck 100
101 top-cylindrical-member 101
103 top 103
105 central-hole 105
107 chamfer 107
109 outer-side-wall 109
111 fastener-hole 111
121 crosshairs-member 121
123 crosshairs 123
151 bottom-cylindrical-member 151
153 outer-side-wall 153
155 central-hole 155
157 fastener-hole 157
191 low-friction-member 191
193 outer-side-wall 193
195 bottom 195
197 central-hole 197
201 mechanical-fastener 201
301 bottom 301
303 cavity 303
401 top 401
403 bottom 403
601 top 601
703 light-source 703
705 electronics 705
800 bean bag 800
801 covering 801
803 central-hole 803
805 outer-perimeter 805 (outer-seam 805)
807 seam 807
821 crosshairs-member 821
900 bean bag 900
901 flat surface 901
903 outer-side-wall 903
905 central-hole 905
921 crosshairs member 921

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, where depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1A may depict a top, side, and perspective view of a game puck with crosshairs 100 (puck 100). FIG. 1B may depict a bottom, side, and perspective view of puck 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C may depict a top view, with some transparency shown in broken lines, of puck 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1D may depict a side view, with some transparency shown in broken lines, of puck 100 of FIG. 1A.

In some embodiments, puck 100 may be shaped substantially cylindrically and substantially as a disk (disc) (i.e., being relatively short in height). In some embodiments, puck 100 may be configured for sliding upon a top of a relatively smooth gaming surface. In some embodiments, puck 100 may be sized to be slid, held, and generally used by at least one human hand. In some embodiments, puck 100 may be sized to be handheld in one human hand. The human hand be that of a child of about six years old or older to that of an adult.

With respect to the relatively smooth gaming surfaces that pucks 100 are intended to be used with, see e.g., U.S. design patent D825,006 and see e.g., U.S. published patent application, publication number 2018/0117453, both of which disclose smooth gaming surfaces, wherein the disclosures of both are incorporated herein in their entireties. Another example of smooth gaming surfaces that pucks 100 may be used with, may be shuffleboard games, carrom games, games that use a sliding game piece upon a gaming surface, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, puck 100 may comprise at least one main cylindrical-member (e.g., top-cylindrical-member 101) and disposed within a main central-hole (e.g., central-hole 105) of that main cylindrical-member a crosshairs-member (e.g., crosshairs-member 121).

In some embodiments, the at least one main cylindrical-member may also be substantially disk (disc) shaped. In some embodiments, the at least one main cylindrical-member may be configured for sliding upon a top of a relatively smooth gaming surface. In some embodiments, the at least one main cylindrical-member may be sized to be slid, held, and generally used by at least one human hand. In some embodiments, the at least one main cylindrical-member may be sized to be handheld in one human hand.

In some embodiments, the crosshairs-member (e.g., crosshairs-member 121) may have crosshairs (e.g., crosshairs 123). In some embodiments, the open and/or optically clear central-hole (of the at least one main cylindrical-member), along with the crosshairs-member disposed therein, may allow a user to visually pinpoint where a sliding puck 100 may come to rest over a given target/region of the relatively smooth gaming surface.

Continuing discussing FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D, in some embodiments, puck 100 may at least comprise top-cylindrical-member 101 and crosshairs-member 121. Note, top-cylindrical-member 101 may be shown by itself in FIG. 3A through FIG. 3C. Continuing discussing FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D, in some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101 may be substantially cylinder shaped. In some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101 may be substantially disk (disc) shaped. In some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101 may be characterized as a top-disk-member 101. In some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101 may be configured for sliding upon a top of a relatively smooth gaming surface. In some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101 may be sized to be slid, held, and generally used by at least one human hand. In some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101 may be sized to be handheld in one human hand. In some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101 may comprise a top 103, a central-hole 105, a chamfer 107, and an outer-side-wall 109. In some embodiments, top 103 may be a top surface of top-cylindrical-member 101. In some embodiments, top 103 and outer-side-wall 109 may be substantially orthogonal surfaces with respect to each other. In some embodiments, outer-side-wall 109 may curve and wrap around an outside diameter of top-cylindrical-member 101. In some embodiments, an outer edge of top 103 may transition into outer-side-wall 109 via chamber chamfer 107. In some embodiments, chamfer 107 may be a chamfer of a predetermined radius disposed between (transitioning between) top 103 and outer-side-wall 109. In some embodiments, central-hole 105 may be a main (largest) hole of top-cylindrical-member 101. In some embodiments, central-hole 105 may be a through hole of top-cylindrical-member 101, running from top 103 to a bottom 301 of top-cylindrical-member 101 (see e.g., FIG. 3C for bottom 301). In some embodiments, central-hole 105 may run through a longitudinal center of top-cylindrical-member 101. In some embodiments, central-hole 105 may be substantially parallel with outer-side-wall 109. In some embodiments, central-hole 105 may be substantially parallel with a central longitudinal axis of top-cylindrical-member 101. In some embodiments, central-hole 105 may be covered, but if so, that covering may be substantially optically clear/transparent/translucent so that the crosshairs 123 may be readily visible from above (or below) top-cylindrical-member 101.

FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D may show transparency lines (broken lines) indicating locations of fastener-holes 111 in top-cylindrical-member 101 (see also FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C for fastener-holes 111). In some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101 may comprise at least one fastener-hole 111. In some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101 may comprise fastener-holes 111 that may be equally and/or symmetrically placed/located on top-cylindrical-member 101. In some embodiments, a given fastener-hole 111 may be configured to receive at least a portion of one mechanical-fastener 201 (e.g., a screw, a bolt, a peg, a dowel, a tongue, combinations thereof, and/or the like) (see FIG. 2 for mechanical-fastener 201).

Continuing discussing FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D, in some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101 may be constructed of one or more materials that are: rigid, semi-rigid, relatively hard, keep their shape after formation, maintain their shape during game play (which may entail impacts), combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101 may be constructed from one or more of: metal, plastic, wood, stone, glass, ceramic, laminates, resin, epoxy, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

Continuing discussing FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D, in some embodiments, crosshairs-member 121 may be disposed within central-hole 105 of top-cylindrical-member 101. Note, crosshairs-member 121 may be shown by itself in FIG. 5A through FIG. 5C. In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 121 may comprise crosshairs 123. In some embodiments, crosshairs 123 may be used for targeting/positioning purposes of puck 100. In some embodiments, crosshairs 123 may be configured for targeting/positioning purposes of puck 100. In some embodiments, crosshairs 123 may be a pair of intersecting lines, that may intersect at a middle/center of crosshairs-member 121. In some embodiments, the pair of intersecting lines that may form crosshairs 123 may be substantially perpendicular (orthogonal) with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the pair of intersecting lines that may form crosshairs 123 may be at a predetermined angle with respect to each other that is greater than zero degrees and less than 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the pair of intersecting lines that may form crosshairs 123 may be substantially high visibility. In some embodiments, the pair of intersecting lines that may form crosshairs 123 may be colored to enhance visibility. In some embodiments, the pair of intersecting lines that may form crosshairs 123 may be colored one or more predetermined colors. In some embodiments, the pair of intersecting lines that may form crosshairs 123 may be colored one or more of: black, blue, red, yellow, green, purple, orange, white, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the pair of intersecting lines that may form crosshairs 123 may be capable of glowing in the dark for some time period after being charged by some light source. In some embodiments, the pair of intersecting lines that may form crosshairs 123 may be at least partially illuminated by one or more of: a light source (e.g., one or more LEDs [light emitting diodes]), radioluminescence, tritium radioluminescence, tritium illumination, tritium, a member comprising tritium, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the illumination may reside in the crosshairs 123 themselves; and/or the illumination may originate from some other portion of puck 100, such as, but not limited, some portion of central-hole 105 or some portion of puck 100 proximate (e.g., within a quarter inch) to central-hole 105. See e.g., at least one light-source 703 of FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, and FIG. 7C.

Continuing discussing FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D, in some embodiments, puck 100 may comprise top-cylindrical-member 101, crosshairs-member 121, and a low-friction-member 191. In some embodiments, low-friction-member 191 may be a portion of puck 100 that is intended to and configured to be in removable sliding contact with the relatively smooth gaming surface that puck may slide on top of. In some embodiments, low-friction-member 191 (and/or its bottom 195) may be configured to have low friction with the smooth gaming surface. Note, FIG. 6A through FIG. 6C may show low-friction-member 191 by itself.

Continuing discussing FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D, in some embodiments, low-friction-member 191 may be substantially shaped as a disk (disc). In some embodiments, low-friction-member 191 may be bottom most region/portion of puck 100. In some embodiments, low-friction-member 191 may comprise an outer-side-wall 193, a bottom 195, and/or a central-hole 197. In some embodiments, outer-side-wall 193 may curve and wrap around an outside diameter of low-friction-member 191. In some embodiments, central-hole 105 may be a main (largest) hole of low-friction-member 191. In some embodiments, central-hole 197 may be a through hole of low-friction-member 191, running from top 601 to bottom 195 of low-friction-member 191 (see e.g., FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B for top 601). In some embodiments, central-hole 197 may run through a longitudinal center of low-friction-member 191. In some embodiments, central-hole 197 may be substantially parallel with outer-side-wall 193. In some embodiments, central-hole 197 may be substantially parallel with a central longitudinal axis of low-friction-member 191. In some embodiments, central-hole 197 may be covered, but if so, that covering may be substantially optically clear/transparent/translucent so that the crosshairs 123 may be readily visible from above (or below) low-friction-member 191.

Continuing discussing FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D, in some embodiments, a diameter of outer-side-wall 193 may be substantially the same as a diameter of outer-side-wall 109 and/or the same as a diameter of an outer-side-wall 153 (of a bottom-cylindrical-member 151). In other embodiments, a diameter of outer-side-wall 193 need not be the same as a diameter of outer-side-wall 109; and/or a diameter of outer-side-wall 193 need not be the same as a diameter of outer-side-wall 153.

Continuing discussing FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D, in some embodiments, a diameter of central-hole 197 may be substantially the same as a diameter of central-hole 105 and/or the same as a diameter of a central-hole 155 (of bottom-cylindrical-member 151). In other embodiments, a diameter of central-hole 197 need not be the same as a diameter of central-hole 105; and/or a diameter of central-hole 197 need not be the same as a diameter of central-hole 155.

In some embodiments, low-friction-member 191 (and/or its bottom 195) may be comprised of a material generally known to be of low friction. In some embodiments, low-friction-member 191 may be die cast disk (disc) of a predetermined thickness of felt.

Continuing discussing FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D, in some embodiments, puck 100 may comprise top-cylindrical-member 101 and crosshairs-member 121, low-friction-member 191, and a bottom-cylindrical-member 151. In some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may be configured to facilitate attachment of crosshairs-member 121 to top-cylindrical-member 101. In some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may be configured to facilitate retainment of crosshairs-member 121 within a cavity 303 of top-cylindrical-member 101. Note, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may be shown by itself in FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C.

Continuing discussing FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D, in some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may be disposed between bottom 301 of top-cylindrical-member 101 and top 601 of low-friction-member 191. In some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may be in communication with bottom 301 of top-cylindrical-member 101 and in communication with top 601 of low-friction-member 191. In some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may be attached to bottom 301 of top-cylindrical-member 101 and attached to top 601 of low-friction-member 191. In some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may be attached to top-cylindrical-member 101 by use of at least one fastener-hole 157 (of bottom-cylindrical-member 151), at least one fastener-hole 111 (of top-cylindrical-member 101), and at least one mechanical-fastener 201 received into both the at least one fastener-hole 157 and the at least one fastener-hole 111. In some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may be substantially shaped as a disk (disc). In some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may comprise an outer-side-wall 153, a top 401, a bottom 403, and/or a central-hole 155. In some embodiments, outer-side-wall 153 may curve and wrap around an outside diameter of bottom-cylindrical-member 151. In some embodiments, central-hole 155 may be a main (largest) hole of bottom-cylindrical-member 151. In some embodiments, central-hole 155 may be a through hole of bottom-cylindrical-member 151, running from top 401 to bottom 403 of bottom-cylindrical-member 151 (see e.g., FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C for top 401 and for bottom 403). In some embodiments, central-hole 155 may run through a longitudinal center of bottom-cylindrical-member 151. In some embodiments, central-hole 155 may be substantially parallel with outer-side-wall 153. In some embodiments, central-hole 155 may be substantially parallel with a central longitudinal axis of bottom-cylindrical-member 151. In some embodiments, central-hole 155 may be covered, but if so, that covering may be substantially optically clear/transparent/translucent so that the crosshairs 123 may be readily visible from above (or below) bottom-cylindrical-member 151.

FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D may show transparency lines (broken lines) indicating locations of fastener-holes 157 in bottom-cylindrical-member 151 (see also FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C for fastener-holes 157). In some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may comprise at least one fastener-hole 157. In some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may comprise fastener-holes 157 that may be equally and/or symmetrically placed/located on bottom-cylindrical-member 151. In some embodiments, each fastener-hole 157 of bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may be colinearly aligned with a given fastener-hole 111 of top-cylindrical-member 101. In some embodiments, a given fastener-hole 157 may be configured to receive at least a portion of one mechanical-fastener 201 (e.g., a screw, a bolt, a peg, a dowel, a tongue, combinations thereof, and/or the like) (see FIG. 2 for mechanical-fastener 201).

Continuing discussing FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D, in some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may be constructed of one or more materials that are: rigid, semi-rigid, relatively hard, keep their shape after formation, maintain their shape during game play (which may entail impacts), combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may be constructed from one or more of: metal, plastic, wood, stone, glass, ceramic, laminates, resin, epoxy, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may weigh more than top-cylindrical-member 101 (and more than crosshairs-member 121) so as to avoid puck 100 being top heavy and to facilitate smooth sliding operation of puck 100 upon a given smooth gaming surface.

FIG. 2 may depict a bottom, side, and perspective exploded view of puck 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 may show crosshairs-member 121 exploded away from and below top-cylindrical-member 101, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 exploded away from and below crosshairs-member 121, and low-friction-member 191 exploded away from and below bottom-cylindrical-member 151. FIG. 2 may also show mechanical-fastener(s) 201 used to attached bottom-cylindrical-member 151 to top-cylindrical-member 101. In some embodiments, a portion of a given mechanical-fastener 201 may be received into a given fastener-hole 157 and another portion of that given mechanical-fastener 201 may be received into a given fastener-hole 111, wherein both such fastener-holes may be colinear with respect to each other. In some embodiments, mechanical-fastener 201 may be one or more of: a mechanical-fastener, an elongate-member, a threaded member, a screw, a bolt, a peg, a dowel, a tongue, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, top 401 of bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may be attached to bottom 301 of top-cylindrical-member 101 by one or more of: mechanical-fastener, mechanical-fastener 201, Velcro (or Velcro like), magnets (or magnet and material attracted to a magnet), glue, adhesive, resin, epoxy, welding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, solvent bonding, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, when bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may be attached to top-cylindrical-member 101, crosshairs-member 121 may be retained within a cavity 303 of top-cylindrical-member 101. Compare FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D, to FIG. 2 and to FIG. 3C.

FIG. 3A through FIG. 3C may show top-cylindrical-member 101 of puck 100 by itself, without other components/parts of puck 100. FIG. 3A may depict a top, side, and perspective view of top-cylindrical-member 101 of puck 100. FIG. 3B may depict a top view, with some transparency shown in broken lines, of top-cylindrical-member 101 of puck 100. FIG. 3C may depict a side view, with some transparency shown in broken lines, of top-cylindrical-member 101 of puck 100. Note, the side views of FIG. 3C and FIG. 1D may be rotated about 90 degrees with respect to each other about a common center point. The transparency lines (broken lines) in FIG. 3B and in FIG. 3C may indicate positions/locations of fastener-holes 111 and of cavity 303.

Discussing FIG. 3C, in some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101 may comprise a bottom 301. In some embodiments, bottom 301 may be a bottom surface of top-cylindrical-member 101. In some embodiments, bottom 301 may be substantially flat, planar, and/or smooth. In some embodiments, top 103 may be a top surface of top-cylindrical-member 101. In some embodiments, top 103 may be substantially flat, planar, and/or smooth. In some embodiments, bottom 301 may be disposed opposite of top 103. In some embodiments, top 103 may be separated from bottom 301 by a height of top-cylindrical-member 101. See e.g., FIG. 3C.

Continuing discussing FIG. 3C, in some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101 may comprise a cavity 303. In some embodiments, 303 may be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to receive/retain crosshairs-member 121 within cavity 303. In some embodiments, a main opening to cavity 303 may from/at bottom 301. In some embodiments, cavity 303 may be a cylindrically shaped (a disk shaped) cutout within bottom 301. In some embodiments, a diameter of cavity 303 may be more than a diameter of central-hole 105. In some embodiments, a diameter of cavity 303 may be less than a diameter of outer-side-wall 109. In some embodiments, a height of cavity 303 may be less than a height of top-cylindrical-member 101. In some embodiments, a height of cavity 303 may be less than a length of central-hole 105. In some embodiments, a height of cavity 303 may be greater than a height of crosshairs-member 121. See e.g., FIG. 3C.

FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C may show bottom-cylindrical-member 151 of puck 100 by itself, without other components/parts of puck 100. FIG. 4A may depict a top, side, and perspective view of bottom-cylindrical-member 151 of puck 100. FIG. 4B may depict a top view of bottom-cylindrical-member 151 of puck 100. FIG. 4C may depict a side view, with some transparency shown in broken lines, of bottom-cylindrical-member 151 of puck 100. Note, the side views of FIG. 4C and FIG. 1D may be rotated about 90 degrees with respect to each other about a common center point.

Discussing FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may comprise a top 401. In some embodiments, top 401 may be a top surface of bottom-cylindrical-member 151. In some embodiments, top 401 may be substantially flat, planar, and/or smooth.

Continuing discussing FIG. 4C, in some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may comprise a bottom 403. In some embodiments, bottom 403 may be a bottom surface of bottom-cylindrical-member 151. In some embodiments, bottom 403 may be substantially flat, planar, and/or smooth. In some embodiments, top 401 may be disposed opposite of bottom 403. In some embodiments, top 401 may be separated from bottom 403 by a height of bottom-cylindrical-member 151. See e.g., FIG. 4C.

FIG. 5A through FIG. 5C may show crosshairs-member 121 of puck 100 by itself, without other components/parts of puck 100. FIG. 5A may depict a top, side, and perspective view of crosshairs-member 121 of puck 100. FIG. 5B may depict a top view of crosshairs-member 121 of puck 100. FIG. 5C may depict a side view of crosshairs-member 121 of puck 100. In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 121 may be substantially shaped as a disk (disc). In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 121, other than crosshairs 123, may be substantially optically clear, transparent, translucent, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

Continuing discussing FIG. 5A through FIG. 5C, in some embodiments, crosshairs-member 121 may be constructed of one or more materials that are: rigid, semi-rigid, relatively hard, keep their shape after formation, maintain their shape during game play (which may entail impacts), combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 121 may be constructed from one or more of: plastic, glass, laminates, resin, epoxy, elastomers, silicone, rubber, crystal, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

FIG. 6A through FIG. 6C may show low-friction-member 191 of puck 100 by itself, without other components/parts of puck 100. FIG. 6A may depict a top, side, and perspective view of low-friction-member 191 of puck 100. FIG. 6B may depict a top view of low-friction-member 191 of puck 100. FIG. 6C may depict a side view of low-friction-member 191 of puck 100.

Discussing FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, in some embodiments, low-friction-member 191 may comprise a top 601. In some embodiments, top 601 may be a top surface of low-friction-member 191. In some embodiments, top 601 may be substantially flat, planar, and/or smooth.

Continuing discussing FIG. 6C, in some embodiments, low-friction-member 191 may comprise a bottom 195. In some embodiments, bottom 195 may be a bottom surface of low-friction-member 191. In some embodiments, bottom 195 may be substantially flat, planar, and/or smooth. In some embodiments, top 601 may be disposed opposite of bottom 195. In some embodiments, top 601 may be separated from bottom 195 by a height of low-friction-member 191. See e.g., FIG. 6C.

Continuing discussing FIG. 6A through FIG. 6C, in some embodiments, top 601 may be disposed opposite from bottom 195 of low-friction-member 191. In some embodiments, top 601 of low-friction-member 191 may be attached to bottom 403 (of bottom-cylindrical-member 151). See e.g., FIG. 1D and FIG. 2. In some embodiments, top 601 of low-friction-member 191 may be attached to bottom 301 (of top-cylindrical-member 101) (e.g., in embodiments without a given bottom-cylindrical-member 151). In some embodiments, attachment of top 601 of low-friction-member 191 to other surfaces (e.g., bottom 403 or bottom 301) may be done by one or more of: glue, adhesive, resin, epoxy, welding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, solvent bonding, mechanical fastener, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

FIG. 7A through FIG. 7C may show depictions of puck 100 with at least one light-source 703 that may be configured to shine light onto crosshairs 123, to increase visibility of crosshairs 123. FIG. 7A may depict a side view, with some transparency shown in broken lines, of puck 100 with at least one light-source 703. FIG. 7B may depict a bottom view of top-cylindrical-member 101 with at least one light-source 703. FIG. 7C may depict a bottom view of bottom-cylindrical-member 151 with at least one light-source 703. In some embodiments, puck 100 may comprise at least one light-source 703. In some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101 may comprise at least one light-source 703. In some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may comprise at least one light-source 703. In some embodiments, a given light-source 703 may be oriented to shine light upon crosshairs 123, to increase visibility of crosshairs 123. In some embodiments, a given light-source 703 may be one or more of: a LED (light emitting diode), a light string, a light element, an incandescent light source, a fluorescent light source, a radioluminescence element, a tritium radioluminescence element, a tritium illumination element, tritium, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, a given light-source 703 may be electronically powered. In some embodiments, a given light-source 703 may be in communication with electronics 705. In some embodiments, puck 100 may comprise electronics 705. In some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101 may comprise electronics 705. In some embodiments, bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may comprise electronics 705. In some embodiments, electronics 705 may be operatively connected with at least one light-source 703. In some embodiments, electronics 705 may comprise one or more of: at least one power-source, wires, cables, circuit, printed circuit board (PCB), microcontroller, processor, memory, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the power-source of electronics 705 (and for electrically powered lightsource(s) 703) may be one or more batteries and/or one or more rechargeable batteries.

Continuing discussing FIG. 7A through FIG. 7C, in some embodiments, at least one light-source 703 may be attached to top-cylindrical-member 101. In some embodiments, the at least one light-source 703 may be located inside of and/or adjacent to central-hole 105. In some embodiments, the at least one light-source 703 may be located inside of and/or adjacent to cavity 303. In some embodiments, the at least one light-source 703 may be located inside of and/or adjacent to central-hole 155. In some embodiments, each light-source 703 may be operatively coupled to at least one electronics 705, with at least one power-source. In some embodiments, electronics 705 (e.g., the power-source) may be accessible from bottom 301 and/or from bottom 403.

In some embodiments, at least one light-source 703 may provide some illumination to a portion of crosshairs 123 and/or to a region/portion of the game/gaming surface located below and proximate (e.g., within six inches) to the crosshairs 123. That is, light from the at least one light-source 703 may shine on some portion of the crosshairs 123 and/or light from the at least one light-source 703 may shine upon some portion/region of the game/gaming surface that may be located below and proximate (e.g., within six inches) to the crosshairs 123. In some embodiments, what the at least one light-source 703 may illuminate, may be seen from above puck 100 (or from above bean bag 800/900) (as long as the human observer is within a predetermined distance [e.g., within six feet] above puck 100).

In some embodiments, puck 100 may be handheld, portable, mobile, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, a diameter, a height, a width, and/or a thickness of puck 100 may be six inches or less.

In some embodiments, puck 100 with crosshairs 123 may be configured for sliding across a portion of a gaming surface that is smooth. In some embodiments, crosshairs are located within puck 100, such that when puck 100 may be stationary above and at least proximate (e.g., within six inches or touching) to a region of the gaming surface, at least a portion of that region of the gaming surface is visible through a main-central-hole (e.g., central-hole 105) of puck 100, with at least a portion of crosshairs 123 disposed above and at a fixed distance from the region of the gaming surface, wherein the at least the portion of the region of the gaming surface and the at least the portion of the crosshairs 123 are both visible from a top (e.g., top 103) of puck 100.

In some embodiments, an exterior shape of puck 100 may be that of a first cylindrical disk with the main-central-hole (e.g., central-holes 105, 155, and/or 197). In some embodiments, the first cylindrical disk may be top-cylindrical-member 101, bottom-cylindrical-member 151, and/or low-friction-member 191. In some embodiments, this main-central-hole (e.g., a portion of central-hole 105) may house crosshairs-member 121. In some embodiments, puck 100 may comprise crosshairs-member 121. In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 121 may comprise crosshairs 123. In some embodiments, an exterior shape of crosshairs-member 121 may be that of a second cylindrical disk. In some embodiments, a diameter of the second cylindrical disk (e.g., crosshairs-member 121) is less than a diameter of the first cylindrical disk, wherein a height of the second cylindrical disk (e.g., crosshairs-member 121) is less than a height of the first cylindrical disk. In some embodiments, the second cylindrical disk (e.g., crosshairs-member 121), other than crosshairs 123, may be one or more of: substantially optically (visually) transparent; substantially optically (visually) translucent; substantially optically (visually) clear; combinations thereof; and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the first cylindrical disk may be comprised of top-cylindrical-member 101 and of bottom-cylindrical-member 151. In some embodiments, both top-cylindrical-member 101 and bottom-cylindrical-member 151 are cylindrical disk members that are stacked such that bottom 301 of top-cylindrical-member 101 is in physical contact with a top 401 of bottom-cylindrical-member 151 and with the main-central-hole (e.g., central-holes 105 and 155, respectively) running through the centers of both top-cylindrical-member 101 and bottom-cylindrical-member 151.

In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 121 is kept fixed in place within puck 100 by attachment of bottom-cylindrical-member 151 to top-cylindrical-member 101. In some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101 may comprise cavity 303 that is located around a portion of the main-central-hole (e.g., central-hole 105). In some embodiments, cavity 303 may be sized and shaped to (snuggly/securely) receive crosshairs-member 121. In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 121 may be kept fixed in place within cavity 303 by attachment of bottom-cylindrical-member 151 to top-cylindrical-member 101.

In some embodiments, both top-cylindrical-member 101 and the bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may each comprise at least one fastener-hole 111/157 that are colinear with each other. In some embodiments, puck 100 may comprise at least one fastener 201 that is received into each of the at least one fastener-holes 111/157 that are colinear to each other, to attach the bottom-cylindrical-member 151 to the top-cylindrical-member 101. In some embodiments, longitudes/lengths of fastener-holes 111/157 and of fastener 201 may be substantially parallel with longitudes of central-holes 105/155. In some embodiments, diameters of fastener-holes 111/157 and of fastener 201 may be substantially smaller than diameters of central-holes 105/155.

In some embodiments, puck 100 may further comprise low-friction-member 191. In some embodiments, top 601 of low-friction-member 191 is attached is attached to bottom 403 of bottom-cylindrical-member 151. In some embodiments, low-friction-member 191 may be another cylindrical disk member of puck 100 (e.g., top-cylindrical-member 101 and bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may be other cylindrical disk members of puck 100). In some embodiments, bottom 195 of low-friction-member 191 is configured to be of substantially low friction with respect to the portion of the gaming surface that is smooth. In some embodiments, bottom 195 of low-friction-member 191 may be at least substantially constructed of felt.

In some embodiments, crosshairs 123 may be comprised of at least a pair of lines that intersect each other at least once. In some embodiments, the intersection of the at least the pair of lines of crosshairs 123 may be intended to be visible from a top (or a bottom) of the given puck 100 (or of the given bean bag 800/900).

In some embodiments, puck 100 may comprise at least one light-source 703. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the at least one light-source 703 may be oriented to provide illumination upon a surface (predetermined surface). In some embodiments, that surface may be selected from one or more of: the at least the portion of the region of the gaming surface, the at least the portion of the crosshairs 123, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the at least one light-source 703 may be selected from one or more of: a region comprising tritium, at least one electrically operable light source (e.g., a LED, incandescent light bulb, a fluorescent light bulb, etc.) that is operatively coupled to at least one battery (e.g., electronics 705).

In some embodiments, top-cylindrical-member 101, crosshairs-member 121, and bottom-cylindrical-member 151 may be manufactured as a single integral part via injection molding, wherein crosshairs 123 may be imprinted onto crosshairs-member 121 after the injection molding process.

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B may depict embodiments wherein the puck with crosshairs is implemented as a throwable (tossable) bean bag with crosshairs (e.g., bean bag 800). FIG. 8A may depict a top perspective view of a bean bag 800 with crosshairs 123. FIG. 8B may depict a top view of bean bag 800 with crosshairs 123. In some embodiments, bean bag 800 may be used in games wherein it may be desirable to throw (and/or toss) a given bean bag at some target and/or region of game play, and wherein the crosshairs 123 may be used to determine where that thrown (tossed) bean bag 800 has come to rest upon that given target and/or region of game play, by one looking down from above through a central-hole 803 at crosshairs 123.

Continuing discussing FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, in some embodiments, bean bag 800 may be a bean bag. In some embodiments, bean bag 800 may be configured to be thrown and/or tossed by one human hand. In some embodiments, bean bag 800 may be sized, shaped, and weighted, to be thrown and/or tossed by one human hand. The human hand be that of a child of about six years old or older to that of an adult. In some embodiments, bean bag 800 may be substantially to entirely covered in a covering 801. In some embodiments, covering 801 may keep any fillers of bean bag 800 within an interior of bean bag 800. In some embodiments, fillers of bean bag 800 may be selected from one or more of: foam, batting, balls, beads, beans, sand, pellets, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, fillers of bean bag 800 may be natural, synthetic, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, covering 801 may be flexible and/or pliable. In some embodiments, covering 801 may be one or more of: a fabric, a textile, woven, an elastomer, a plastic, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, covering 801 may be natural, synthetic, combinations thereof, and/or the like. Coverings 801 and/or fillers of bean bags 800/900 may be well characterized in the relevant arts and to those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts.

Continuing discussing FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, in some embodiments, bean bag 800 in terms of its overall shape may comprise a central-hole 803. In some embodiments, central-hole 803 may be a largest/main through hole of bean bag 800. In some embodiments, central-hole 803 may be centrally located within a center of bean bag 800.

Continuing discussing FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, in some embodiments, bean bag 800 may comprise outer-perimeter 805 (outer-seam 805). In some embodiments, outer-perimeter 805 may be an outer-seam 805. In some embodiments, outer-seam 805, when viewed from above (or below) may define a predetermined two-dimensional (2D) shape of bean bag 800. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, outer-seam 805 in FIG. 8B may define a generally octagon shape for bean bag 800, when bean bag 800 may be viewed from the top (or the bottom). In some embodiments, outer-perimeter 805 may delineate between upper and lower portions of bean bag 800. In some embodiments, covering 801 may be divided by outer-perimeter 805. Note, some embodiments of bean bag 800 have no outer-perimeter 805.

Continuing discussing FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, in some embodiments, bean bag 800 may comprise one or more seams 807. In some embodiments, covering 801 may be formed from one or more seams 807 and/or outer seam 805. In some embodiments, sections of covering 801 may be joined together by one or more seams 807 and/or outer seam 805. In some embodiments, seam(s) 807 may run in substantially orthogonal directions with respect to outer seam 805. In some embodiments, seam(s) 807 and/or outer seam 805 may define a predetermined shape for bean bag 800.

Continuing discussing FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, in some embodiments, disposed within central-hole 803 may be crosshairs-member 821. In some embodiments, bean bag 800 may comprise crosshairs-member 821. In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 821 may serve substantially a same purpose/function as crosshairs-member 121. In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 821 may comprise crosshairs 123. In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 821, not including crosshairs 123, may be substantially optically/visually clear, transparent, translucent, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 821 may be attached to or proximate (e.g., within a quarter inch) to central-hole 803.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B may depict another bean bag with crosshairs embodiment, that of bean bag 900. In some embodiments, bean bag 900 may comprise a top surface and/or a bottom surface that may be substantially a float surface 901. FIG. 9A may depict a top perspective and side view of a game bean bag with crosshairs (bean bag 900). FIG. 9B may depict may depict another top perspective and side view of bean bag 900.

In some embodiments, bean bag 900 may be substantially cylindrically shaped. In some embodiments, bean bag 900 may be substantially disk (disc) shaped. In some embodiments, bean bag 900 may comprise flat surface(s) 901, outer-side-wall 903, central-hole 905, and crosshairs-member 923. In some embodiments, bean bag 900 may comprise a top and a bottom wherein the top and the bottom are disposed opposite from each other and are separated from each by a height of bean bag 900 (e.g., by a length of central-hole 905). In some embodiments, the top of bean bag 900 may be flat-surface 901. In some embodiments, the bottom of bean bag 900 may be flat-surface 901. In some embodiments, flat-surface(s) 901 of bean bag 900 may help bean bag 900 to stop moving after bean bag 900 has been thrown (tossed). In some embodiments, outer-side-wall 903 may curve and wrap around an outside perimeter of bean bag 900. In some embodiments, outer-side-wall 903 may be substantially orthogonal to flat-surface(s) 901. In some embodiments, central-hole 905 may be a largest/main through hole of bean bag 900. In some embodiments, central-hole 905 may be centrally located within a center of bean bag 900. In some embodiments, central-hole 905 may run from the top to the bottom of bean bag 900. In some embodiments, central-hole 905 may run from two opposing flat-surfaces 901 of bean bag 900.

Continuing discussing FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, in some embodiments, disposed within central-hole 905 may be crosshairs-member 921. In some embodiments, bean bag 900 may comprise crosshairs-member 921. In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 921 may serve substantially a same purpose/function as crosshairs-member 121. In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 921 may comprise crosshairs 123. In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 921, not including crosshairs 123, may be substantially optically/visually clear, transparent, translucent, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 921 may be attached to or proximate (e.g., within a quarter inch) to central-hole 905.

In some embodiments, bean bag 800/900 may be characterized as a gaming bean bag. In some embodiments, bean bag 800/900 may be handheld, portable, mobile, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, a diameter, a height, a width, and/or a thickness of bean bag 800/900 may be twelve inches or less. In some embodiments, bean bag 800/900 may comprise covering 801 and filler. In some embodiments, covering 801 may cover over and contain the filler. In some embodiments, crosshairs 123 may be located within bean bag 800/900 such that when bean bag 800/900 is stationary above and at least proximate (e.g., within six inches or touching) to a region of a gaming surface, at least a portion of that region of the gaming surface is visible through a main-central-hole (e.g., central-holes 803 and/or 905, respectively) of bean bag 800/900 with at least a portion of crosshairs 123 disposed above and at a fixed distance from the region of the gaming surface. In some embodiments, the at least the portion of the region of the gaming surface and the at least the portion of the crosshairs 123 may be both visible from a top (or a bottom) of bean bag 800/900. In some embodiments, the main-central-hole (e.g., central-holes 803 and/or 905, respectively) of bean bag 800/900 may house crosshairs-member 821/921. In some embodiments, bean bag 800/900 may comprise crosshairs-member 821/921. In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 821/921 may comprise crosshairs 123. In some embodiments, crosshairs-member 821/921, other than the crosshairs 123, may be one or more of: substantially optically (visually) transparent; substantially optically (visually) translucent; substantially optically (visually) clear; combinations thereof; and/or the like. In some embodiments, crosshairs 123 may be comprised of at least a pair of lines that intersect each other at least once. In some embodiments, bean bag 900 may have a top flat surface 901 and a bottom flat surface 901, wherein the top fat surface 901 may be disposed away from bottom flat surface 901. In some embodiments, the top fat surface 901 may be disposed away from bottom flat surface 901 by a height of outer-side-wall 903 (and/or by length/longitude of central-hole 905).

Gaming pucks with crosshairs and gaming bean bags with crosshairs have been described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the spirit of the invention.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A puck with crosshairs configured for sliding across a portion of a gaming surface that is smooth; wherein the crosshairs are located within the puck such that when the puck is stationary above and at least proximate to a region of the gaming surface, at least a portion of that region of the gaming surface is visible through a main-central-hole of the puck with at least a portion of the crosshairs disposed above and at a fixed distance from the region of the gaming surface, wherein the at least the portion of the region of the gaming surface and the at least the portion of the crosshairs are both visible from a top of the puck.

2. The puck according to claim 1, wherein an exterior shape of the puck is that of a first cylindrical disk with the main-central-hole; wherein the main-central-hole houses a crosshairs-member, wherein the puck comprises the crosshairs-member, wherein the crosshairs-member comprises the crosshairs.

3. The puck according to claim 2, wherein an exterior shape of the crosshairs-member is that of a second cylindrical disk, wherein a diameter of the second cylindrical disk is less than a diameter of the first cylindrical disk, wherein a height of the second cylindrical disk is less than a height of the first cylindrical disk.

4. The puck according to claim 2, wherein the second cylindrical disk, other than the crosshairs, is substantially optically transparent.

5. The puck according to claim 2, wherein the first cylindrical disk is comprised of a top-cylindrical-member and of a bottom-cylindrical-member; wherein both the top-cylindrical-member and the bottom-cylindrical-member are cylindrical disk members that are stacked such that a bottom of the top-cylindrical-member is in physical contact with a top of the bottom-cylindrical-member and with the main-central-hole running through the centers of both the top-cylindrical-member and the bottom-cylindrical-member.

6. The puck according to claim 5, wherein the crosshairs-member is kept fixed in place within the puck by attachment of the bottom-cylindrical-member to the top-cylindrical-member.

7. The puck according to claim 5, wherein the top-cylindrical-member comprises a cavity that is located around a portion of the main-central-hole; wherein the cavity is sized and shaped to receive the crosshairs-member; wherein the crosshairs-member is kept fixed in place within the cavity by attachment of the bottom-cylindrical-member to the top-cylindrical-member.

8. The puck according to claim 5, wherein both the top-cylindrical-member and the bottom-cylindrical-member each comprises at least one fastener-hole that are colinear with each other; wherein the puck comprises at least one fastener that is received into each of the at least one fastener-holes that are colinear to each other, to attach the bottom-cylindrical-member to the top-cylindrical-member.

9. The puck according to claim 5, wherein the puck further comprises a low-friction-member; wherein a top of the low-friction-member is attached is attached to a bottom of the bottom-cylindrical-member; wherein the low-friction-member is another cylindrical disk member.

10. The puck according to claim 9, wherein a bottom of low-friction-member is configured to be of substantially low friction with respect to the portion of the gaming surface that is smooth.

11. The puck according to claim 9, wherein a bottom of low-friction-member is at least substantially constructed of felt.

12. The puck according to claim 1, wherein the crosshairs are comprised of at least a pair of lines that intersect each other at least once.

13. The puck according to claim 1, wherein the puck comprises at least one light-source, wherein at least a portion of the at least one light-source is oriented to provide illumination upon a surface.

14. The puck according to claim 13, wherein the surface is selected from one or more of: the at least the portion of the region of the gaming surface or the at least the portion of the crosshairs.

15. The puck according to claim 13, wherein the at least one light-source is selected from one or more of: a region comprising tritium or at least one electrically operable light source that is operatively coupled to at least one battery.

16. A gaming bean bag with crosshairs that is configured to be handheld; wherein the gaming bean bag comprises a covering and filler; wherein the covering covers over and contains the filler; wherein the crosshairs are located within the gaming bean bag such that when the gaming bean bag is stationary above and at least proximate to a region of a gaming surface, at least a portion of that region of the gaming surface is visible through a main-central-hole of the gaming bean bag with at least a portion of the crosshairs disposed above and at a fixed distance from the region of the gaming surface, wherein the at least the portion of the region of the gaming surface and the at least the portion of the crosshairs are both visible from a top of the gaming bean bag.

17. The gaming bean bag according to claim 16, wherein the main-central-hole houses a crosshairs-member, wherein the gaming bean bag comprises the crosshairs-member, wherein the crosshairs-member comprises the crosshairs.

18. The gaming bean bag according to claim 16, wherein the crosshairs-member, other than the crosshairs, is substantially optically transparent.

19. The gaming bean bag according to claim 16, wherein the crosshairs are comprised of at least a pair of lines that intersect each other at least once.

20. The gaming bean bag according to claim 16, wherein the gaming bean bag has a top flat surface and a bottom flat surface, wherein the top fat surface is disposed away from bottom flat surface.