SCORING DEVICES
Scoring devices for games.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/036,285, filed Jun. 8, 2020, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure generally relates to scoring devices, and more particularly to scoring devices for outdoor/backyard games. Even more particularly, the scoring devices may be for cornhole, horseshoes, bocce ball, etc.
BACKGROUNDOutdoor or backyard games, such as cornhole, horseshoes, etc., require the players to keep score during the game. In several of these games, the players stand a fair distance apart or move from station to station. Thus, it would be advantageous for the players to utilize a scoring device where the score is readily visually apparent and employs a marking system that is easy to operate.
Thus, there remains a need for improved scoring devices.
SUMMARYThere are several aspects of the present subject matter which may be embodied separately or together in the devices and systems described and claimed below. These aspects may be employed alone or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter described herein, and the description of these aspects together is not intended to preclude the use of these aspects separately or the claiming of such aspects separately or in different combinations as set forth in the claims appended hereto.
In one aspect, a scoring device includes a first panel having a front face, wherein the front face comprises a first color. The device has a second panel superimposed over the front face of the first panel. The second panel has a second color and a plurality of spaced apart transparent scoring characters. The device further includes at least one score marker positioned between the first panel and a second panel, wherein the score marker comprises a third color that is different from the first and second colors. The at least one score marker being moveable between the first and second panels so as to be selectively positioned behind a transparent scoring character, resulting in a visual contrast between the scoring character and other scoring characters to indicate a score.
The embodiments disclosed herein are for the purpose of providing a description of the present subject matter, and it is understood that the subject matter may be embodied in various other forms and combinations not shown in detail. Therefore, specific embodiments and features disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting the subject matter as defined in the accompanying claims.
The present application is directed to a scoring device that may be used for keeping score of a game. The scoring device may be particularly useful for keeping score of outdoor/backyard games or indoor games. The scoring device may be used for example to keep score for cornhole, horseshoes, bocce ball, washers, and the like. Although the illustrated scoring device may be particularly suited for a game such as cornhole, the device may be used for other games as well. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the transparent scoring characters are numbers 0-21, which is typically used to score cornhole. For other games, the range of numbers may be more or less than 0-21. Furthermore, the scoring characters may be tailored to any scoring system, such as tennis, and the scoring characters could include any characters, such as letters, symbols, numbers, etc., depending on the game.
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The first panel 16 may be a wooden, metal or plastic board. Referring to
As mentioned above, the transparent characters may be any variety of characters, depending on the type of game for which score is being kept. Furthermore, the transparent characters may be any variety of orientations or configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of transparent characters includes two side-by-side sets of numbers ranging from 0-21, wherein each set represents a competitor, respectively. This configuration may be particularly suited for games that are played to a score of 21, such as cornhole. In other embodiments, the transparent characters may be arranged horizontally. For example, two sets of numbers, wherein one set is on top of the other. In another alternative, the transparent characters may be in a circular arrangement.
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The marker 24, 24a is moveable within the space between the panels 16, 18 to change the score. Furthermore, the marker 24, 24a may be releasably attachable and/or slidably attached one or both of the first and second panels 16, 18. For example, the marker 24 may have a clip configuration as shown in
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It will be understood that the scoring device and scoreboard may be used with any suitable stand or support, which may be permanent, temporary, or portable. In one alternative, the scoreboard may be mounted on a fence or wall. Alternatively, the scoreboard may be used without a stand.
It will be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the present subject matter. Numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter, including those combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein. For these reasons, the scope hereof is not limited to the above description but is as set forth in the following claims, and it is understood that claims may be directed to the features hereof, including as combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein.
Claims
1. A scoring device, comprising:
- a first panel having a front face, wherein the front face comprises a first color;
- a second panel superimposed over the front face of the first panel, the second panel comprising a second color and a plurality of spaced apart transparent scoring characters;
- at least one score marker positioned between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the score marker comprises a third color that is different from the first and second colors; and
- wherein the at least one score marker is moveable between the first and second panels so as to be selectively positioned behind a transparent scoring character, resulting in a visual contrast between the scoring character and other scoring characters to indicate a score.
2. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the first and second colors are the same or similar colors.
3. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one score marker comprises a strip inserted between the first and second panels.
4. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one score marker is releasably attached to one of the first and second panels.
5. The scoring device of claim 4, wherein the score marker comprises one of a clip and a magnet.
6. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one score marker is slidably attached to the first and/or second panel and slides therealong.
7. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one score marker comprises two or more score markers.
8. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one score marker is fluorescent, black light activated or glows.
9. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spaced apart transparent characters comprises a first set of characters representing a first competitor and a second set representing a second competitor.
10. The scoring device of claim 9, wherein the first and second set of characters are side-by-side vertically aligned on the second panel.
11. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the first and second panel are releasably attached to one another.
12. The scoring device of claim 1, further including a scoreboard and a stand, wherein the first panel and second panel define the scoreboard.
13. The scoring device of claim 12, wherein the scoreboard and stand are releasably attachable to each other.
14. The scoring device of claim 12, wherein the stand includes an upper support and a lower support, and wherein the upper and lower support are telescopic.
15. The scoring device of claim 14, further including feet associated with the lower support.
16. The scoring device of claim 12, wherein the stand further includes a light source.
17. The scoring device of claim 12, further including a shelf.
18. The scoring device of claim 1, further including a third panel superimposed over the back face of the first panel, wherein the third panel has a second plurality of transparent scoring characters.
19. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the second panel comprises clear plastic and the transparent scoring characters are negative printed on the panel.
20. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the second panel comprises a panel wherein the transparent scoring characters are cut or punched out of the panel.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 8, 2021
Publication Date: Dec 9, 2021
Inventor: Matthew J. Merkel (Chicago, IL)
Application Number: 17/342,194