GAME SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

Abstract

A tossing game gameboard and game that can be enjoyed by two or more people. The tossing game gameboard may include a deck formed of a first material covering a second material, wherein the deck includes an opening that allows an object to pass entirely therethrough. In examples, an elastic modulus of the first material is different than the elastic modulus of the second material. In some examples, the elastic modulus of the first material is greater than the elastic modulus of the second material. In some examples, a thickness of the first material is less than a thickness of the second material. In some examples, a washer may be tossed toward the game gameboard such that the washer passes through the opening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/287,230, filed Dec. 8, 2021, and titled “Game System and Method of Using the Same” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Some tossing games test a player's skill in guiding a projectile such that its trajectory passes through an opening in a surface placed at some distance from the player. The relative size of the opening and the projectile and the distance between the player and the opening are all factors in the difficulty of the game. Other parameters can also be adjusted to increase the challenge and entertainment value to participants. For example, several tossing games involving projectiles thrown at inclined targets include target structures with inclined surfaces towards which projectiles, including bean bags, may be thrown. The size and shape of the bean bag, the distance from the target structure, and/or the diameter of the hole may be adjusted to change the difficulty of the game. In some examples, when projectiles other than bean bags are tossed toward a target structure, they may bounce off of the target structure, making the game too challenging and not very enjoyable.

It is with respect to these and other general considerations that examples have been described. Although relatively specific problems have been discussed, it should be understood that the examples described herein should not be limited to solving the particular problems identified in the background above.

SUMMARY

In view of the preceding background, it is, therefore, an object of the present disclosure to provide a gameboard for a toss game to provide amusing recreational activity. These and other objects, features, and advantages are provided by a gameboard that includes a deck formed of a first material covering a second material. The deck further includes an opening that allows an object to pass entirely therethrough. In examples, the elastic modulus of the first material is different than the elastic modulus of the second material. Accordingly, the bounce of tossing object off of the gameboard may be reduced or increased depending on a skill of a player.

In accordance with examples of the present disclosure, an object toss game gameboard is described. The gameboard may include a deck formed of a first material covering a second material, wherein the deck includes an opening that allows an object to pass entirely therethrough and a frame attached to the deck. In examples, an elastic modulus of the first material is different than the elastic modulus of the second material.

In accordance with examples of the present disclosure, a tossing game for use by one or more players is described. The tossing game may comprise a plurality of tossing objects, and a gameboard including a deck formed of a first material covering a second material, wherein the deck includes an opening that allows at least one object of the plurality of objects to pass entirely therethrough, and wherein an elastic modulus of the first material is different than the elastic modulus of the second material.

In accordance with examples of the present disclosure, a method for playing an object toss game is described. The method may include providing a gameboard and tossing objects, the gameboard including a deck formed of a first material covering a second material, wherein the deck includes an opening that allows an object to pass entirely therethrough, and wherein an elastic modulus of the first material is different than the elastic modulus of the second material; a first player tossing a first tossing object at the gameboard from a distance from the gameboard; a second player tossing a second tossing object at the gameboard from substantially the same distance as the first player from the gameboard; awarding zero or more points to a player whose toss landed on the gameboard and stayed on the gameboard but did not go through the opening; awarding one or more points to a player whose toss went through the opening; and declaring a winner of a round to be the player who scored the most points in the round.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following Figures.

FIG. 1 depicts a recreational game in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2D depict additional details of the construction or composition of at least a portion the gameboard depicted in FIG. 1 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts additional details of a gameboard in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict additional examples of gameboards in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart describing an example method for playing a game using the gameboard of FIG. 1 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and which are shown by way of an illustration of specific examples. These aspects may be combined, other aspects may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the present disclosure. Examples may be practiced as methods, systems, and/or game structures. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

In accordance with examples of the present disclosure, a recreational game for providing joy and entertainment to many is described. FIGS. 1-4 describe non-limiting examples of a game structure and pieces that together comprise a game system; FIG. 5 describes a non-limiting example directed to how a representative game may be played. While specific game structures and parts are shown for the game system, it is foreseeable that functionally equivalent structures could be used to play the game, such as game boards and pieces having different sizes, shapes, marks, and materials.

FIG. 1 is directed to a recreational game 104 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The recreational game 104 may include a gameboard 108, which may be an object toss game gameboard, that includes an aperture or opening 112 through a deck 124 of the gameboard 108. Although FIG. 1 depicts a single hole or opening 112 that is provided through a top surface of the deck 124 of the gameboard 108, the top surface of the deck 124 of the gameboard 108 may include multiple holes or openings 112. In examples, the hole or opening 112 may be an indentation in the top surface of the deck 124 of the gameboard 108, may pass completely through that top surface of the deck 124 of the gameboard 108, and/or may pass completely through the top surface of the deck 124 and the gameboard 108. Accordingly, a player 116 may toss an object 120 including but not limited to a washer, toward the top surface of the deck 124 of the gameboard 108. The goal of the recreational game may be to track acquired points based on one or more tossed objects passing into or through the hole or opening 112 and/or having one or more tossed objects land on the top surface of the deck 124 closest to the hole or opening 112. One or more points may be awarded to the player that tossed the object based on whether the tossed object passes into or through the hole or opening 112 or a distance from where the tossed object landed and/or rests on the top surface of the deck 124 of the gameboard 108. As an example, none or more points may be awarded to a player that tossed the objects 128A and/or 128B, where objects 128A and/or 128B landed and/or are rest on the top surface of the deck 124 of the gameboard 108. After one or more turns, the player that has accumulated the most awarded points may win the game or match.

Alternatively, the top surface of the deck 124 of the gameboard 108 may include no hole or opening 112 but may include one or more markings indicating a target location 114. The target location 114 may refer to a designated area or marking on the top surface of the deck 124 of the gameboard 108. Accordingly, a player 116 may toss an object 120, including but not limited to a washer, toward the top surface of the deck 124 of the gameboard 108. The goal of the recreational game may be to track acquired points based on one or more tossed objects landing or coming to rest within a designated area or marking on the top surface of the deck 124 as indicated by the target location 114. One or more points may be awarded to the player that tossed the object based on whether the tossed object lands or comes to rest within the designated area or marking on the top surface of the deck 124 as indicated by the target location 114 or a distance from the designated area or marking on the top surface of the deck 124 as indicated by the target location 114. As an example, none or more points may be awarded to a player that tossed the objects 128A and/or 128B, where objects 128A and/or 128B landed and/or are rest on the top surface of the deck 124 of the gameboard 108 and are at a certain distance from the target location 114. After one or more turns, the player that has accumulated the most awarded points may win the game or match.

The top surface of the deck 124 of the gameboard 108 may be substantially planar. In examples, the deck 124 may be formed of one of a combination of materials 132, such as but not limited to natural wood, synthetic, plastic wood, or rubber. Of course, other materials are contemplated herein. Alternatively, or in addition, the material 132 may include a first material covering that covers or otherwise is disposed on a second material. For example, the first material may have a greater elastic modulus than the second material.

The gameboard 108 may include a frame 136 that supports the deck 124. Similar to the material of the deck 124, the frame 136 may be formed of one of a combination of materials, such as but not limited to natural wood, synthetic, or plastic wood. Of course, other materials are contemplated herein.

The frame 136 may be supported by one or more structures 140A/140B. In examples, the one or more structures 140 may refer to a first leg 140A and a second leg 140B. Of course, various other supporting structures may be used. In examples, the gameboard 108, or more specifically the top surface of the deck 124 of the gameboard, may be slanted or tilted with respect to a surface on which the one or more structures 140 are positioned on. For example, the structures 140 may reside on the ground or a floor surface; in examples, the top surface of the deck 124 of the gameboard 108 may be slanted or tilted in one or more dimensions with respect to the floor surface.

The objects 120 may be circular, donut shaped, blanks, or of any other size and weight as desired by a player but should be sized to pass through the hole or opening 112.

FIGS. 2A-2D depict additional details of the construction or composition of at least a portion the gameboard depicted in FIG. 1 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 2A depicts a top view of a gameboard 200 that is the same as or similar to the gameboard 108 (FIG. 1) in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. That is, the deck 202 of the gameboard 200 may be the same as or similar to the deck 124 (FIG. 1) previously described. As will be described, the deck 202 may be formed of a plurality of different materials and/or a plurality of different layers. For example, the deck 202 may include a first material 216A and a second material 216B, where the first material 216A may cover or otherwise be disposed on the second material 216B. The first material 216A may have a greater elastic modulus than the second material, 216B.

In examples, the placement of and the characteristics of the hole or opening 208 in the top surface of the deck 202 may be specific to the first material 216A and/or the second material 216B. For example, a hole or opening 204 of a first diameter and depth may be in the first material 216A while a hole or opening 208 having a second diameter and depth may be in the second material 216B, where the diameter of the hole or opening 204 is different than the diameter of the hole opening 208. As another example, a hole or opening 204 of a first diameter and depth may be in the second material 216B while a hole or opening 212 having a second diameter and depth may be in the first material 216B, where the diameter of the hole or opening 204 is different than the diameter of the hole opening 212. As another example, a hole or opening 204 of a first diameter and depth may be in the second material 216B while a hole or opening 208 having a second diameter and depth may be in the first material 216A, where the diameter of the hole or opening 204 is different than the diameter of the hole opening 208. In some examples, a single hole or opening 204 may be in the first material 216A. Alternatively, or in addition, a single hole or opening 204 may be in the first material 216A and the second material 216B.

The size, shape, and location of the hole or opening 204, 208, 212 in the deck 202 should be such to allow an object 120 (FIG. 1), such as a washer used during gameplay, to pass entirely therethrough. In an example, a single hole or opening 208 is centered on the longitudinal axis of the deck 202.

FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of the gameboard 200 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. As previously described, the gameboard 200 may include a frame 220 that supports the deck 202; the frame 220 may contact the first material 216A and/or the second material 216B of the deck 202. For example, where the deck 202 of the gameboard 200 is of a single material construction, a bottom surface 216 of the deck 202 may contact the frame 220, where the bottom surface 216 may refer to the first material 216A. Alternatively, where the deck 202 of the gameboard 200 is of multiple material construction, a bottom surface 216 of the deck 202 may contact the frame 220, where the bottom surface 216 may refer to the second material 216B. The frame 220 may be formed of multiple pieces (e.g., 220A-220C as illustrated in FIGS. 2B-2D) or may be of unitary construction (e.g., 220). In addition, the frame 220 together with the deck 202, may form a cavity area as depicted in FIG. 2B-2D.

FIG. 2C illustrates a front view of the gameboard 200 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. As previously discussed, the deck 202 may be formed of a plurality of different materials and/or a plurality of different layers. For example, the deck 202 may include a first material 216A and a second material 216B, where the first material 216A may cover or otherwise be disposed on the second material 216B. The first material 216A may have a greater elastic modulus than the second material, 216B. That is, the first material 216A may exhibit one or more characteristics consistent with a material that can absorb more energy and/or is more elastic than the second material, 216B. For example, the first material 216A may be of a rubber composition or otherwise include rubber in the composition, while the second material 216B may comprise plywood, MDF, plastic, metal, or other material. In some examples, the first material 216A and/or the second material 216B may be magnetic or otherwise include magnetic materials. In examples, the deck 202 is substantially rigid; however, at least a portion of the deck 202 may flex when an object 120 (FIG. 1) lands on or otherwise impacts the top surface of the deck 202 of the gameboard 200 during game play. For example, where the object 120 (FIG. 1) is a washer, the first material 216A may deflect or deform in accordance with a force (e.g., force associated with the object 120 impacting the first material 216A) exerted onto the first material 216A by the object 120 (FIG. 1). Stated another way, based on the elastic modulus of the first material 216A the first material 216A may temporarily deform in accordance with the impact of the object 120 (FIG. 1).

Similarly, as the first material 216A covers or is otherwise disposed on the second material 216B, the second material 216B may flex when an object 120 (FIG. 1) lands on or otherwise impacts the top surface of the deck 202 of the gameboard 200 during gameplay. For example, where the object 120 (FIG. 1) is a washer, the second material 216B may deflect or deform in accordance with a force exerted onto the first material 216A by the object 120 (FIG. 1) and/or the force transferred from the first material 216A to the second material 216B as a result of the object 120 (FIG. 1) impacting the first material 216A. Stated another way, based on the elastic modulus of the first material 216A and the elastic modulus of the second material 216B, the second material 216B may temporarily deform in accordance with the impact of the object 120 (FIG. 1) when the object 120 (FIG. 1) impacts the top surface of the deck 202.

In examples, the second material 216B is more rigid than the first material 216A. As previously mentioned, the top surface of the deck 202 of the gameboard 108 (FIG. 1) is preferably planar; however, the top surface of the deck 202 may be crowned in the center to improve rigidity and/or alter gameplay. In some examples, the top surface of the deck 202 may be sufficiently smooth such that the object 120 (FIG. 1) can slide thereon, but not so smooth that the object 120 (FIG. 1) cannot come to rest on the deck 202. In other examples, different gameboards 200 may include a different first material 216A to alter or otherwise change a frictional coefficient between the object 120 (FIG. 1) and the first material 216A. For example, a friction coefficient between the object 120 (FIG. 1) and a first material 216A may be different than a friction coefficient between the object 120 (FIG. 1) and a second first material 216A. Alternatively, or in addition, different objects 120 (FIG. 1) may be used such that the frictional coefficient between a first object 120 (FIG. 1) and the first material 216A is different than a frictional coefficient between a second object 120 (FIG. 1) and the first material 216A. As another example, a frictional coefficient between a first side of the object 120 (FIG. 1) and the first material 216A may be different than a frictional coefficient between a second side of the object 120 (FIG. 1) and the first material 216A. The friction coefficient, or frictional coefficient, may refer to a static frictional coefficient or a kinetic frictional coefficient.

FIG. 2D illustrates a side view of the gameboard 200 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. As depicted in FIG. 2D, where the frame 220 is comprised of multiple different pieces of portions, a piece 220C may be secured to another piece (e.g., 220A or 220B) using one or more fastening means 224. The fastening means may include, but is not limited to, screws, nails, glue, etc.

FIG. 3 depicts additional details of a gameboard 300 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The gameboard 300 may be the same as or similar to the gameboard 108 and/or the gameboard 200 as previously described. The gameboard 300 may include a deck 302, which may be the same as or similar to the deck 124 and/or 202 previously described. As previously described, the deck 302 may be supported by a frame 306, which may be the same as or similar to the frame 220. Additional details of the deck 302 are provided in the enlarged detail area 308.

As depicted in the enlarged detail area 308, a first material 312A may reside on or otherwise be disposed on the second material 312B, where the first material 312A includes a top surface 304. The first material 312A may be the same as or similar to the first material 216A (FIG. 2), and the second material 312B may be the same as or similar to the first material 216B (FIG. 2). The thickness 316 of the first material 312A may be greater than or equal to the thickness 318 of the second material 312B. Alternatively, or in addition, the thickness 316 of the first material 312A may be less than the thickness 318 of the second material 312B. As an example, the first material 312A may have a thickness 316 of about 0.125 inches; the second material 312B may have a thickness 318 of about 0.375 inches. In one example, the first material 312A may have a thickness 316 that is between 0 inches and 1 inch; more specifically, the thickness 316 of the first material 312A may be between 0 and 0.1 inches; 0.1 inches and 0.2 inches; 0.2 inches and 0.3 inches; 0.3 inches and 0.4 inches; 0.4 inches and 0.5 inches; 0.5 inches and 0.6 inches; 0.6 inches and 0.7 inches; 0.7 inches and 0.8 inches; 0.8 inches and 0.9 inches; 0.9 inches and 1 inch. In one example, the second material 312B may have a thickness 318 that is between 0 inches and 1 inch; more specifically, the thickness 318 of the second material 312B may be between 0 and 0.1 inches; 0.1 inches and 0.2 inches; 0.2 inches and 0.3 inches; 0.3 inches and 0.4 inches; 0.4 inches and 0.5 inches; 0.5 inches and 0.6 inches; 0.6 inches and 0.7 inches; 0.7 inches and 0.8 inches; 0.8 inches and 0.9 inches; 0.9 inches and 1 inch.

The first material 312A may be attached, adhered, or otherwise fastened to the second material 312B. For example, the first material 312A may be glued to the second material 312B. As another example, the second material 312B may be glued to the first material 312A.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict additional examples of gameboards 400A and 400B in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The gameboard 400A as depicted in FIG. 4A may be the same as or similar to the gameboard 300 (FIG. 3). The gameboard 400A, may include a deck 404A that includes a plurality of different materials forming a top surface 408A. For example, a first material 412A and a second material 412B may form a portion of the top surface 408. The first material 412A and the second material 412B may be disposed on a third material 412C such that the top surface of the first material 412A and the second material 412B are substantially coplanar. As indicated in the section detail 410, the second material 412B may be disposed between first and second portions of the first material 412A. The first material 412A may be the same as or similar to the first material 312A (FIG. 3). The second material 412B may be the same as or similar to the second material 312B (FIG. 3) having a thickness substantially similar to or the same as the first material 412A. The third material 412C may be the same as or similar to the second material 312B (FIG. 3). In some examples, the second material 412B may be the same as or similar to the first material 312A (FIG. 3) and the first material 412A may be the same as or similar to the second material 312B (FIG. 3) having a thickness substantially similar to or the same as the second material 412B. Of course, different shapes, patterns, and numbers of materials may be used to achieve different playing gameboards 400A. In examples, different gameboards may be created for players of different abilities.

The gameboard 400B as depicted in FIG. 4B may be the same as or similar to the gameboard 300 (FIG. 3). The gameboard 400B, may include a deck 404B that includes a plurality of different materials forming a top surface 408B. In examples, the top surface 408B may include the plurality of different materials formed as different shapes. For example, a first material 416 of a first shape may be the same as second material 418 formed as a second shape. Alternatively, or in addition, the first material 420A of a third shape may be the same as or different than a second material 420B formed as the same third shape. In examples, the first material 416, second material 418, and third material 420 are the same as or similar to the first material 412A. In other examples, the first material 416, second material 418, and third material 420A/420B are the same as or similar to the second material 412B. Of course, different shapes, patterns, and numbers of materials may be used to achieve different playing gameboards 400B. In examples, different gameboards may be created for players of different abilities.

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart describing an example method 500 for playing a game using the gameboard of FIG. 1 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. In examples, a gameboard and washers, such as the gameboard 104 and objects 120 are provided. The game may start at 502 where a gameboard and washers, such as the gameboard 104 and objects 120 are provided. Play may then move to 504 where a first player may toss one of the objects, such as a washer, toward the gameboard. In examples, play may then move to 506 where a second player may toss one of the objects, such as a different washer, toward the gameboard. At 508, a score for each player may be calculated based on the position of the object (e.g., washer) on the surface of gameboard and/or whether the object (e.g., washer) passed through the hole or opening of the gameboard. Steps 504, 506, and 508 may repeat until a player achieves a target score (e.g., such as 21 points). Accordingly, the game may then terminate or end at 510.

The description and illustration of one or more aspects provided in this application are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the disclosure as claimed in any way. The aspects, examples, and details provided in this application are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable others to make and use the best mode of claimed disclosure. The claimed disclosure should not be construed as being limited to any aspect, example, or detail provided in this application. Regardless of whether shown and described in combination or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an example with a particular set of features. Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present application, one skilled in the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate aspects falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept embodied in this application that do not depart from the broader scope of the claimed disclosure.

Claims

1. An object toss game gameboard comprising:

a deck formed of a first material covering a second material, wherein the deck includes an opening that allows an object to pass entirely therethrough; and

a frame attached to the deck,

wherein an elastic modulus of the first material is different than the elastic modulus of the second material.

2. The object toss game gameboard of claim 1, wherein the elastic modulus of the first material is greater than the elastic modulus of the second material.

3. The object toss game gameboard of claim 2, wherein a thickness of the first material is less than a thickness of the second material.

4. The object toss game gameboard of claim 3, wherein the object is a washer.

5. The object toss game gameboard of claim 1, wherein the first material includes rubber, and the second material is a metal.

6. The object toss game gameboard of claim 1, further comprising:

a third material disposed between portions of the first material, wherein the third material covers a portion of the second material.

7. The object toss game gameboard of claim 6, wherein the first material and second material form a repeating pattern.

8. The object toss game gameboard of claim 6, wherein the first material forms a shape within the second material.

9. The object toss game gameboard of claim 6, wherein an upper surface of the first material and the second material are substantially coplanar.

10. The object toss game gameboard of claim 9, wherein a frictional coefficient between the object and first material is different than a frictional coefficient between the object and the second material.

11. The object toss game gameboard of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the first material is less than a thickness of the second material.

12. The object toss game gameboard of claim 1, wherein the opening includes a first opening of a first diameter formed in the first material.

13. The object toss game gameboard of claim 12, wherein the opening includes a second opening of a second diameter formed in the second material, the second diameter being different than the first diameter.

14. The object toss game gameboard of claim 1, further comprising one or more support structures configured to support the deck and frame.

15. A tossing game for use by one or more players, said game comprising:

a plurality of tossing objects; and

a gameboard including a deck formed of a first material covering a second material, wherein the deck includes an opening that allows at least one object of the plurality of objects to pass entirely therethrough, and wherein an elastic modulus of the first material is different than the elastic modulus of the second material.

16. The tossing game of claim 15, wherein:

the plurality of tossing objects include a plurality of washers, and

a thickness of the first material is different from a thickness of the second material.

17. The tossing game of claim 16, wherein the first material includes rubber and the second material is a metal.

18. The tossing game of claim 16, further comprising a third material disposed between portions of the first material, wherein:

the third material covers a portion of the second material,

the first material and second material form a repeating pattern,

the first material forms a shape within the second material,

an upper surface of the first material and the second material are substantially coplanar, and

a frictional coefficient between the object and first material is different than a frictional coefficient between the object and the second material.

19. A method for playing an object toss game comprising:

providing a gameboard and tossing objects, the gameboard including a deck formed of a first material covering a second material, wherein the deck includes an opening that allows an object to pass entirely therethrough, and wherein an elastic modulus of the first material is different than the elastic modulus of the second material;

a first player tossing a first tossing object at the gameboard from a distance from the gameboard;

a second player tossing a second tossing object at the gameboard from substantially the same distance as the first player from the gameboard;

awarding zero or more points to a player whose toss landed on the gameboard and stayed on the gameboard but did not go through the opening;

awarding one or more points to a player whose toss went through the opening; and

declaring a winner of a round to be the player who scored the most points in the round.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the elastic modulus of the first material is greater than the elastic modulus of the second material.