GAME APPARATUS

Abstract

A game apparatus includes a pair of ramps, each ramp having a first surface for rolling a game ball and a second surface including at least one target for receiving a game ball. The ramps can be positioned such that a player can roll a game ball on the first surface of one ramp with the goal of hitting a target on the second surface of another ramp.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/222,711, filed Jul. 16, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for playing recreational games and the related method of game playing.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Recreational games employing balls are universal. One group of such games involves rolling a ball towards a target. The target can be an object which is to be struck by the rolling ball, e.g., bowling. Conversely, the target can be a receptacle for the ball being played, such as a golf ball being putted.

Many arcade games employ a similar principle. In pinball, skill is required to adjust the force imparted upon the ball such that it is directed to a high value target. Another popular arcade game, Skee-Ball, employs rolling a ball up a ramp with a calibrated amount of force, such that the ball drops in a high value target hole.

Outdoor recreational activities are consistent with a healthy lifestyle, hence there is continuing need for outdoor recreational games, and in particular for portable game apparatus that is easy to set up outdoors and enjoyable to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a game apparatus comprising at least one game ball and a pair of ramps. Each ramp has a first surface for rolling the game ball, and the first surface has a near end and a far end. The far end of the first surface has a straight edge. Each ramp also has a second surface including at least one target for receiving the game ball. The first surface and the second surface are preferably joined along a straight edge and form an angle from about 90 degrees to about 110 degrees. The second surface extends downwardly from the first surface. The first surface is preferably canted upward from the near end to the far end, such that the first surface forms a ramp, such that a played ball must be rolled against gravity up the ramp.

To play the game, the pair of ramps are positioned on a common axis, such that the second surfaces are facing each other with the ramps being separated by a predetermined distance. A repetition of play consists of a player rolling a game ball up one of the pair of ramps with enough force such that the ball leaves the far end of the first surface with enough momentum such that the ball travels in a trajectory resulting in impact on a target on the second surface of the other ramp. Preferably, several targets are supplied to provide varying levels of difficulty.

Preferably, the at least one target portion comprises an aperture formed in the second surface, the aperture having a diameter greater than the diameter of the at least one game ball. Preferably, the at least one target comprises a plurality of circular apertures formed in the second surface with each circular aperture having a different diameter. Preferably, the second surface has a generally vertical centerline, and the plurality of circular apertures is centered on the centerline.

Preferably, the first surface slopes upward from the near end to the far end. Preferably, the first surface slopes upward at an angle of from about 5 degrees to 20 degrees from the horizontal. Preferably, the angle formed by the first and second planar surfaces is adjustable. Preferably, the first surface is generally planar. Preferably, the height of the near end of the first surface is from about 12 to 30 inches.

In one presently preferred embodiment, the first surface is generally planar. In another presently preferred embodiment, the first surface comprises a near section and a far section. Preferably, the near section and the far section are each generally planar, and the far section extends upwardly from the near section, preferably at a fixed angle, such as about 27 to 35 degrees.

Preferably, the apparatus is formed from weather-resistant materials.

The present invention also provides a method of using a game apparatus by at least one game player. This method includes providing a pair of ramps, each ramp having a first surface for rolling a game ball, the first surface having a near end and a far end, the far end having a straight edge, and a second surface including at least one target for receiving a game ball, the first surface and the second surface being joined along a straight edge and forming an angle from about 90 degrees to about 110 degrees.

The method further includes positioning the at least two ramps such that the at least two ramps are aligned along a common axis, and separated by a gap, the far ends of each ramp being positioned proximate one another. The method further includes providing at least one game ball. The method further includes the at least one player rolling the at least one game ball up a first ramp such that the ball traverses the gap between the two ramps and lands upon the second ramp. The method preferably includes noting the point scored each time the at least one game ball falls through the at least one aperture and calculating a cumulative point score for the at least one player.

Preferably, the at least two players take turns rolling the at least one game ball, each turn comprising at least one roll. Preferably, the at least two players roll from opposite ends of the game apparatus. Preferably, two teams of at least two players each take turns rolling the at least one game ball. Preferably, at least one ball distinguishable as being associated with each team is provided. Preferably, three balls are provided for each team.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one of a pair of ramps of a first embodiment of the game apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the game apparatus of the present invention showing a pair of ramps positioned for game play.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of the game apparatus of the present invention showing a pair of ramps positioned for game play.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of an “I”-shaped surface of one of the ramps depicted in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the ramp of Fig.4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The principal objective of the game of the present invention is to roll a game ball up the inclined portion of a first ramp structure with enough force to launch the game ball across a distance, and land in the scoring portion of an opposing second ramp structure.

A first and second embodiment of a game apparatus according to the present invention are shown in the Figures, in which like elements are designated by like reference numerals.

FIG. 1 provides a side perspective view of a first ramp 20 of a first embodiment 10 of the present invention. The ramp 20 includes a first surface 30 having a near end 32 and a far end 34. The first surface 30 is preferably generally planar, although a contoured surface could be substituted to change the level of skill required to play the game. The far end 34 of first surface 30 is elevated with respect to the near end 32, such that a player must roll a game ball 12 (FIG. 2) up the ramp 20 against the force of gravity.

Preferably, the near end 32 is positioned such that the game ball 12 can be comfortably released at the end of an underhanded toss. At the far end 34 of the first surface 30 a second surface 40 extends generally downward. Preferably, the first surface 30 and the second surface 40 are joined along a straight edge. The second surface 40 preferably extends downwardly at an angle 48 from the vertical. The second surface 40 includes at least one target 60. Preferably, the at least one target 60 comprises an aperture 62 for receiving a tossed game ball 12.

Preferably, the second surface 40 includes a plurality of apertures 62, such as a first aperture 64, a second aperture 66 and a third aperture 68. Each aperture 62 is circular and has a different diameter, each larger than the diameter of the game ball 12.

Preferably, indicia 72 are provided proximate each aperture 62 to indicate a point value associated with the aperture for each successful game toss.

The first surface 30 and the second surface 40 are supported by a frame 50. Preferably, the first surface 30 and the second surface 40 are locked in place when the ramp 20 is assembled, such as by providing an extended latch, such as on one or both sides of the ramp 20, and securing the extended latch such that the first surface 30 and the second surface 40 are rigidly connected together.

A representative example of use of the game apparatus 10 is shown in the side perspective view of FIG. 2. A pair of ramps 20, 80 are positioned such that the far ends of the first surfaces face one another, separated by a predetermined distance. A player tosses a game ball 12 on the first surface 30 of the first ramp 20 such that the ball 12 travels in a trajectory 90 leaving the far end 34 of the first surface 30 of the first ramp 20 and impinges on the second surface of the second ramp 80. If the game ball 12 travels through one of the target apertures of the second ramp 80, the player is accorded the corresponding point value. For example, an aperture having an eight-inch diameter could have a point value of one, while an aperture having a diameter of six inches could have a point value of two, and an aperture having a diameter of four inches could have a point value of five.

A second embodiment 110 of the game apparatus of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. A first ramp 120 and a second ramp 180 are provided and shown positioned for play as depicted in FIG. 2 in the case of the first embodiment 10. The first and second ramps 120 and 180 are preferably identical. Each ramp 120, 180 includes a first surface 130 having a near end 132 and a far end 134. The first surface 130 comprises a first generally planar near section 133 and a second generally planar far section 135, with the far section 135 extending upward from near section 133 at an angle, such as at about 149 degrees, to provide a lift to a game ball being rolled down the ramp. Preferably, the angle is fixed, although provision can be made to adjust the angle to suit the preference of the players. In any event, the far end 134 of first surface 130 is elevated with respect to the near end 132, such that a player must roll a game ball up the ramp against the force of gravity.

At the far end 134 of the first surface 130 a generally “I”-shaped second surface 140 extends generally downward. Preferably, the first surface 130 and the second surface 140 are joined along a straight edge 146. The second surface 140 preferably extends downwardly at an angle from the vertical, as in the case of the first embodiment 10. The second surface 140 includes at least one target 160. Preferably, the at least one target portion 160 comprises an aperture 162 for receiving a tossed game ball. The first surface 130 and the second surface 140 are supported by a frame 150. Preferably, the first surface 130 and the second surface 140 are locked in place when the ramp 120 is assembled.

Preferably, as best seen in the front elevational view of FIG. 4, the target portion 160 of the second surface 140 includes a plurality of apertures 162, such as a first aperture 164, a second aperture 166 and a third aperture 168. Each aperture 162 is circular and has a different diameter, each larger than the diameter of the game ball. On either side of the central target portion 160 a cutout 145 is provided. Extending in back of the second surface 140 netting 170 is preferably provided to catch balls passing through any of the apertures 162 or either cutout 145. Preferably, the netting 170 extends downward from the underside of the ramp immediately in back of the second section to the ground, as well as on either side of the second surface 140.

Preferably, indicia (not shown) are provided proximate each aperture 162 to indicate a point value associated with the aperture. Decorative indicia 172 are also preferably provided, which may also provide a visual guide to game players as to aiming a ball toss. Multimember teams can be formed, and team members can take turns competing against other teams.

FIG. 5 depicts a side elevational view of one of the ramps 120 of the second embodiment 110. The frame 150 includes a pair of near legs 152 and a pair of far legs 156 connected by support members 154 upon which the near section 133 and far section 135 of the first surface 130 are secured. The near legs 152 are preferably generally parallel to the far legs 156, and each form an angle A of from about 93 to 100 degrees, preferably 97 degrees, with respect to the horizontal, such that the bottom portions of the near legs 152 are canted slightly inward under the first surface 130. The near section 133 forms an angle B of about 90 degrees with respect to the near legs 152, such that a tossed game ball travels slightly up the first ramp 120 on the first surface 130. The far section 135 of the first surface 130 forms an angle C of from about 145 to 153 degrees, preferably 149 degrees, with respect to the near section 133 of the first surface 130, such that a tossed game ball is directed upward as it leaves the first ramp 120, at an angle of about 27 to 35 degrees, preferably 31 degrees, relative to the near section 133 The second surface 140 forms an angle D of from about 16 to 26 degrees, preferably 21 degrees, with respect to the far legs 156 The ratio of the length of the near section 133 to the far section 135 of the first surface 130 is preferably about 6.5 to 1.

The overall length of the ramps is preferably about five and one-half feet. Preferably, the game apparatus is formed from components made from lightweight materials, preferably water-resistant or waterproof materials, such as polyvinyl chloride and high-density polyethylene. Preferably, the components can be easily assembled into each of the ramps, and easily disassembled for transportation or storage. In another embodiment, each of the first and second surfaces is a detachable sheet that can be rolled up or folded when the ramp is disassembled.

In one presently preferred embodiment, the first and second surfaces are rigid boards easily secured to a frame, which itself is composed of a plurality of parts, such as PVC tubes and tube joiners, such as elbows, T-connectors, and 3-way connectors. In another aspect of the present invention, one or more nets are provided behind the second surface to catch or deflect game balls passing through the apertures.

Various modifications can be made in the details of the various embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, all within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A game apparatus comprising:

at least one game ball;

a pair of ramps, each ramp having a first surface for rolling a game ball, the first surface having a near end and a far end, the far end having a straight edge, and a second surface including at least one target for receiving a game ball, the first surface and the second surface being joined along a straight edge and forming an angle from about 90 degrees to about 110 degrees.

2. The game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one target portion comprises an aperture formed in the second surface, the aperture having a diameter greater than the diameter of the at least one game ball.

3. The game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the at least one target portion comprises a plurality of circular apertures formed in the second surface, each circular aperture having a different diameter.

4. The game apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the second surface has a generally vertical centerline, and the plurality of circular apertures is centered on the centerline.

5. The game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first surface slopes upward from the near end to the far end.

6. The game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first surface slopes upward at an angle of from about 5 degrees to 20 degrees from the horizontal.

7. The game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the angle formed by the first and second planar surfaces is adjustable.

8. The game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first surface is generally planar.

9. The game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the height of the near end of the first surface is from about 12 to 30 inches.

10. The game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is formed from weather-resistant materials.

11. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first surface comprises a near section and a far section, the far section extending generally upward from the near section,

12. The game apparatus of claim 11 wherein the near section and the far section are generally planar.

13. The game apparatus of claim 12 wherein the far section extends from the near section at an angle of about 27 to 35 degrees.

14. A method of using a game apparatus by at least one game player, the method comprising:

providing a pair of ramps, each ramp having a first surface for rolling a game ball, the first surface having a near end and a far end, the far end having a straight edge, and a second surface including at least one target for receiving a game ball, the first surface and the second surface being joined along a straight edge and forming an angle from about 90 degrees to about 110 degrees;

positioning the at least two ramps such that the at least two ramps are aligned along a common axis, and separated by a gap, the far ends of each ramp being positioned proximate one another;

providing at least one game ball;

the at least one player rolling the at least one game ball up a first ramp such that the ball traverses the gap between two ramps and lands upon the second ramp;

noting the point score each time the at least one game ball falls through the at least one aperture;

calculating a cumulative point score for the at least one player.

15. A method according to claim 14 wherein at least two players take turns rolling the at least one game ball, each turn comprising at least one roll.

16. A method according to claim 14 wherein the at least two players roll from opposite ends of the game apparatus.

17. A method according to claim 14 wherein two teams of at least two players each take turns rolling the at least one game ball.

18. A method according to claim 17 further comprising providing at least one ball distinguishable as being associated with each team.

19. A method according to claim 18 further comprising providing three balls for each team.