System and Method for Playing Beer Dice in an Aquatic Environment

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a system and method for playing a beer dice game in an aquatic environment. The system can comprise a floatable gaming table. The floatable gaming table can comprise a table top, a buoyant layer, and a cup holder. The table top can comprise a playing surface. The playing surface can comprise a line that divides the playing surface into a first territory and a second territory. The buoyant layer can have a density sufficiently low enough such that the playing surface can float above a surface of water when the floating gaming table is placed within the water. The cup holder can be at each corner of the tabletop.

Description

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to provisional application 63/377,383 entitled, “Dice and Board for Play in a Swimming Pool and Methods of Use,” filed on Sep. 28, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to a system and method for playing beer dice in an aquatic environment.

Games are a popular way to socialize, entertain, and bond with families and friends. In adult social settings, sometimes games can involve the consumption of alcohol as an aspect of the game, such games often referred to as “drinking games.” There are different types of drinking games, but one popular game is Beer Dice, which combines the use of a table and dice. In such a game, opponents stand on opposite ends of the table. The main objective of the game is to earn points by bouncing one or more dice off an opponent's side of the table and landing them on the ground. However, the opposing team can also earn or block points by catching a die outside the boundaries of the table before it touches the ground. Not all people play Beer Dice with exactly the same rules. Variations exist around how and how many points can be earned, and what actions or inactions may require a player to drink.

Beer Dice drinking game is indeed an enjoyable way to drink and play, but there are definite limitations to how the game is currently played. One significant limitation that is a focus of this application is that Beer Dice playing equipment is designed to be played on a stationary table on land. A traditional beer dice table can't be used in playing beer dice in a pool. Moreover, traditional dice are not well suited for bouncing off a table designed to float in water. Although many people enjoy the recreational atmosphere of the pool, lake or other aquatic scenes, no solution exists to play Beer Dice on the water. And yet, the added element of the water has the potential to make the game even more fun and challenging, as players must not only aim their throws accurately but also factor in the movement of the floating tabletop and the water. Additionally, playing beer die in a pool can help keep players cool and refreshed on hot summer days. As such it would be useful to have a system and method for playing beer dice in a pool.

SUMMARY

This disclosure relates to a system and method for playing a beer dice game in an aquatic environment. The system can comprise a floatable gaming table. The floatable gaming table can comprise a table top, a buoyant layer, and a cup holder. The table top can comprise a playing surface. The playing surface can comprise a line that divides the playing surface into a first territory and a second territory. The buoyant layer can have a density sufficiently low enough such that the playing surface can float above a surface of water when the floating gaming table is placed within the water. The cup holder can be at each corner of the tabletop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a floatable gaming table for use in an aquatic environment.

FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of a floatable gaming table along with dice.

FIG. 2B illustrates another embodiment wherein a floating gaming table can have cups affixed to a playing surface.

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of die.

FIG. 3B illustrates another embodiment of die as a regular dodecahedron.

FIG. 3C illustrates another embodiment of a die as a cube without rounded edges or rounded corners.

FIG. 4A illustrates another embodiment of a floating gaming table further comprising one or more secondary cup holders.

FIG. 4B illustrates an anchor attached to the bottom surface of a floatable gaming table by an anchor line.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a tabletop having dimples and channels.

FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of a floatable gaming table wherein buoyant layer is inflatable and a tabletop is formed by two laminar sections and a hinge.

FIG. 6B illustrates a floatable gaming table with a deflated buoyant layer.

FIG. 7A illustrates another embodiment of a floatable gaming table wherein tabletop attaches to and detaches from buoyant layer through one or more fasteners.

FIG. 7B illustrates a tabletop detached from buoyant layer.

FIG. 8A illustrates another embodiment of a floatable gaming table wherein buoyant layer can comprise of a plurality of discrete segments.

FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment of a floatable gaming table wherein tabletop is foldable.

FIG. 9A illustrates another embodiment of a floatable gaming table wherein tabletop and buoyant layer are divided into a plurality of interlocking planks.

FIG. 9B illustrates a disassembled embodiment of tabletop with stacked planks.

FIG. 10 illustrates a team of players in an aquatic environment gathered around a floatable gaming table.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is a system and method for playing beer dice in a pool. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers' specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a floatable gaming table 100 for use in an aquatic environment 101. Floatable gaming table 100 can be played above any surface of the water, which can include but is not limited to a swimming pool or a natural body of water such as a lake or river. Floatable gaming table 100 can be played using a floating tabletop wherein players can play games. As an exemplary embodiment, floatable gaming table 100 can be a beer-dice game device.

FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of floatable gaming table 100 along with dice 201. Floatable gaming table 100 includes a tabletop 202 and a buoyant layer 203. Tabletop 202 has a playing surface 204 that will be above the water when floatable gaming table 100 is floating. Playing surface 204 refers to the uppermost surface of tabletop 202 designated for gameplay. In one embodiment, playing surface 204 can be flat, as shown in FIG. 2. On playing surface 204 there can be a line marking 205 that divides playing surface 204 of tabletop 202 into two territories 206: a first territory 206a and a second territory 206b. Each team has its own territory 206.

In one embodiment, floatable gaming table 100 can have cup holders 207. In a preferred embodiment, floatable gaming table 100 has cup holder 207 at each corner of playing surface 204. In another preferred embodiment, each territory 206 has an equal number of cup holders. In one embodiment, each cup holder 207 can be formed by a void within tabletop 202. In one embodiment, such void can pass all the way through tabletop 202. In another embodiment, cup holder 207 can be affixed to playing surface 204. Cup holder 207 can be permanently affixed to playing surface 204 or can be removably affixed using fastening methods known in the art. Each cup holder 207 can support a cup 208 for use in the game.

In one embodiment, tabletop 202 can have a plurality of small drain orifices 209 passing through tabletop 202. Orifices 209 can be intermittently placed across playing surface 204 to prevent liquid from accumulating on the surface, whether it be from aquatic environment 101 or from drinks spilling on tabletop 202.

FIG. 2B illustrates another embodiment wherein floating gaming table 100 can have cups 208 affixed to playing surface 204. In such embodiment, cups 208 can be permanently affixed to playing surface 204 or removably affixed using fastening methods known in the art.

Buoyant layer 203 has a sufficiently low density such that when supporting tabletop 202, floating gaming table 100 has a density less than water and playing surface 204 floats above the surface of water within aquatic environment 101. Buoyant layer 203 can be made of buoyant materials such as foam, plastic, wood, etc. In one embodiment, buoyant layer 203 can be inflatable. Tabletop 202 can be attached to buoyant layer 203 through any fastening methods known in the art. In one embodiment, tabletop 202 buoyant layer 203 can be attached and detached from each other. In one embodiment, tabletop 202 can be unibody with a buoyant layer 203. In such embodiment, floatable gaming table could be constructed using rotational molding or injection molding techniques to form playing surface 204 with sufficient rigidity and overall buoyancy to keep playing surface 204 above the water.

Beer Dice is played by bouncing off one or more dice across a table with the aim of landing the dice in the water. The opposing team can attempt to catch a die after the die bounces off the tabletop. If they fail, the throwing team receives a point. If the catching team successfully catches a die, the opposing team does not get a point.

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of die 201. In one embodiment, each die 201 can be substantially made of compressible and buoyant materials that can include but is not limited to rubber, or polymer. Further die 201 should, in a preferred embodiment, have a density less than that of water. As such, each die 201 can be capable of bouncing off tabletop 202 and floating in water. Die 201 can be substantially in the shape of a polyhedron. Die 201 can be in various shapes that can include but are not limited to cubes, pyramids, dodecahedrons, or icosahedrons. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, die 201 is a cube having six flat faces 301, a plurality of edges 302, and a plurality of corners 303. Further, each face 301 can display a unique characteristic 304 such as a number, character, color, or shape that can be used in a game. In one embodiment, each face 301 edges 302 or corners 303 can be rounded or beveled.

FIG. 3B illustrates another embodiment of die 201 as a regular dodecahedron.

FIG. 3C illustrates another embodiment of die 201 as a cube without rounded edges 302 or rounded corners 303. Sharp edges 302 and corners 303 can increase the degree to which die 201 bounces erratically.

FIG. 4A illustrates another embodiment of floating gaming table 100 further comprising one or more secondary cup holders 401. Additional cup holders 401 can be placed around tabletop 202 away from playing surface and can be used merely for holding extra cups not a part of the game.

FIG. 4B illustrates anchor 402 attached to the bottom surface of floatable gaming table 100 by an anchor line 403. Anchor line 403 can be, but is not limited to, a strap, wire, string, or chain. In one embodiment, anchor 402 can be attached and detached from buoyant layer 203 using one or more fastening devices 404. Examples of such fastening devices 404 can include but are not limited to hooks, carabiners, or snaps. In a preferred embodiment, the length of anchors line 403 can be adjustable so that a user can make anchor line taut when anchor is resting at the bottom of aquatic environment 101 but long enough to allow playing surface 204 to float above the water.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of tabletop 202 having dimples 501 and channels 502. In one embodiment, playing surface 204 can be covered with dimples 501. Each dimple 501 can protrude inward or outward in relation to playing surface 204. For dimple 501 protruding inward, drain orifice can be positioned within such dimple 501 to prevent water from collecting within dimple 501. Dimples 501 can provide a varying topography for playing surface 204 wherein the presence of dimples 501 induces additional unexpected movements and trajectories to die 201 when tossed against playing surface 204, adding an element of surprise and difficulty to the gameplay. Dimples 501 can be uniform in size or can vary.

In another embodiment, playing surface 204 can have one or more channels 502. Similar to dimples 501, channels 502 can add irregularity and texture on playing surface 204. Additionally, channels 502 can allow water to drain from playing surface 204.

FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of floatable gaming table 100 wherein buoyant layer 203 is inflatable and tabletop 202 is formed by two laminar sections 601 and a hinge 602. In some embodiments such as this, cup holders 207 can extend into and be at least partially formed by buoyant layer 203.

FIG. 6B illustrates a floatable gaming table 100 with a deflated buoyant layer 203. Floatable gaming table 100 can be deflated. When tabletop 202 is no longer needed, the air can be released through an air valve inlet 603, causing buoyant layer 203 to collapse and tabletop 202 to become compact and flat. Tabletop 202 can fold at hinge 602 once buoyant layer 203 is deflated. In a preferred embodiment, hinge 602 is the portion of buoyant layer 203 between laminar sections 601. In such embodiment, hinge 602 is a portion of playing surface 204 and may be line marking 205 or include line marking 205.

FIG. 7A illustrates another embodiment of floatable gaming table 100 wherein tabletop 202 attaches to and detaches from buoyant layer 203 through one or more fasteners 701. Some examples of fasteners 701 include hook and loop, snaps, buttons, and/or zippers.

FIG. 7B illustrates tabletop 202 detached from buoyant layer 203. In another embodiment, tabletop 202 can be replaceable. In such embodiment, tabletop 202 can be replaced with a new tabletop 702 having different playing surface 204. As an example, tabletop 202 with a flat playing surface 204 can be replaced with new tabletop 202 playing surface 204 consisting of dimples 501 and/or channels 502. Such feature can allow players to change playing surface 204 according to different game requirements or preferred game experience. Attaching and detaching tabletop 202 can also help with storing floating gaming table 100.

FIG. 8A illustrates another embodiment of floatable gaming table wherein buoyant layer 203 can comprise of a plurality of discrete segments 801, together capable of supporting tabletop 202. Discrete segments 801 can be connected to each other permanently, attachable and detachable from each other using fastener methods as discussed in this application, or can be separated from each other while supporting tabletop 202.

FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment of floatable gaming table 100 wherein tabletop 202 is foldable. Such embodiment allows for storing floatable gaming table to take on a more compact shape for storage.

FIG. 9A illustrates another embodiment of floatable gaming table wherein tabletop 202 and buoyant layer 203 are divided into a plurality of interlocking planks 901 that when together interlocked, form floatable gaming table 100. Planks 901 can interlock, in one embodiment, using complementary geometries 902 such as with puzzle pieces in one or more planes to ensure stability and proper placement of each plank 901.

FIG. 9B illustrates a disassembled embodiment of tabletop 202 with stacked planks 901. By utilizing this interlocking mechanism, planks 901 can be easily assembled and disassembled as needed providing convenience in storage, transportation.

FIG. 10 illustrates a team of players 1001 in aquatic environment 101 gathered around floatable gaming table 100. While specific rules of the game can vary, the following is a general method of playing Beer Dice. Initially, players 1001 can be divided into two teams 1002. Each team 1002 can stand in front of one of the two territories 206. The offense 1002a, that is the throwing team, throws the die 201 above a predetermined height, after which the defense 1002b attempts to catch the die 201 after it bounces off tabletop 202 and before it hits the water. In one embodiment of the game, multiple dice 201 can be thrown. Points can be scored in a variety of ways. Examples include landing die 201 in aquatic environment 101 by offense 1002a, catching die 201 before it lands in aquatic environment 101 by defense 1002b, landing die 201 in cup 208 with territory 206 of defense 1002b, or landing die 201 in territory 206 of defense 1002b on a particular number, or sum if playing with multiple dice 201. In addition to scoring points, certain incidents, such as those described above can cause offense 1002a or defense 1002b to have to drink.

Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.”

Claims

1. A system for playing a game in an aquatic environment comprising

a floatable gaming table comprising a tabletop comprising a playing surface, said playing surface comprising a line that divides said playing surface into a first territory and a second territory a buoyant layer that supports said tabletop, said buoyant layer having a density sufficiently low enough such that said playing surface can float above a surface of water when said floating gaming table is placed within aquatic environment; and a cup holder or a cup at each corner of said tabletop.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said floatable gaming table divides into a plurality of interlocking planks, such that when said planks are interconnected, said planks form said floatable gaming table.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said top playing surface of said tabletop is substantially flat.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said tabletop further comprises a plurality of small drain orifices intermittently placed across said playing surface, each said drain orifice passing through said tabletop.

5. The system of claim 5, wherein said tabletop further comprises a plurality of dimples that protrude inward or outward in relation to said playing surface

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said playing surface further comprises a plurality of channels, said channels allow water to drain from said playing surface.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said tabletop attaches and detaches from said buoyant layer by fasteners.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein said buoyant layer is inflatable and deflatable.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein said buoyant layer comprises a plurality of discrete segments, said discrete segment together capable of supporting said table top.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein said tabletop further comprises one or more secondary cup holders, said one or more secondary cup holders away from said playing surface.

11. The system of claim 1 further comprising an anchor and an anchor line, wherein said floatable gaming table attaches to said anchor line, said anchor line also attaching to said anchor.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein a length of said anchor line is adjustable.

13. The system of claim 1 further comprising one or more dice, each of said dice comprising a plurality of flat faces, a plurality of edges, and a plurality of corners.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said plurality of edges, said plurality of corners of said die are beveled.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein said plurality of edges and said plurality of corners are rounded.

16. The system of claim 13 wherein said one or more dice each have a density less than the density of water.

17. A method for playing beer dice in an aquatic environment comprising

placing a floatable gaming table in an aquatic environment, wherein said floatable gaming table comprises

a tabletop comprising a playing surface, said playing surface comprising a line that divides said playing surface into a first playing area and a second playing area a buoyant layer having a density sufficiently low enough such that said playing surface can float above a surface of water when said floating gaming table is placed within the water; and a cup holder or cup at each corner of said tabletop. and

playing a game using said floatable gaming table, said game comprising bouncing one or more dice off said playing surface of said floatable gaming table, said one or more dice each having a density less than the density of water.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of detaching said tabletop from said buoyancy layer after said game.

19. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of folding said tabletop at a hinge of said floatable gaming table.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of inflating said buoyancy layer prior to playing said game.