GAME BOARD AND METHOD OF USING

Abstract

A game board including a top panel and a plank and a game that comprises one or more of the game boards. A plank extends from the back end of the game board. The top surface of the game board is flat and includes a surrounding area and one or more target areas. A projectile comprising a weighted ball is thrown by players onto the top panel or plank surface. A method for playing the game involves two to four players who will throw or roll the balls to land on the desired location of the top panel or plank area to score points toward winning the game. The game includes multiple rounds.

Description

BACKGROUND

Currently available yard games use a board and bags tossed from a distance to score points by passing the bag through a hole. These games are generally played with 4 players, with 2 players on each team, having a varying distance between two boards to adjust the difficulty depending on the skills of the players.

SUMMARY

In general terms, this disclosure is directed to a game board and a method of using the game board.

In some examples, the game board does not have a hole on the board, but instead has a fixed or retractable board or plank on one end. In some examples, the game board is used to play a game in which players try to land a projectile onto the fixed or retractable board or plank to score points. In addition, in some examples, the top panel of the game board includes different colors to identify lower and higher points that players may earn when landing the projectile on that position of the game board. The game can be played indoors or outdoors or when floating on the water.

In some embodiments, and by non-limiting example, the game board includes a top panel comprised of a square platform with a frame. In some examples, the frame is tapered or angled to make it easier for the projectile to stay on the top panel from longer distances. A plank extends out from the back panel of the board which, in some examples, is the intended landing target for players to receive the most points. The back panel in this embodiment would have a slot which would allow the plank to be extended out from the back of the top panel for playing the game or retracted to minimize storage space when not in use.

In some embodiments, the top panel is not angled, but instead is oriented such that it is parallel with a support surface upon which the game board is placed. In such examples, the game board includes side panels that are of equal height to provide stability for the top panel.

In some embodiments, the top panel will have no side panels with the plank fixed in the extended position while laying flat on the ground indoors or outdoors.

In some embodiments, the plank board will extend or slide from the back panel via hardware, such as cabinet slides, hinges, or a slit under the top platform.

In some embodiments, the shape of the top platform may be rectangular, square, circular, triangular or any other shape. In addition, the shape of the plank may be rectangular, square, circular, triangular, or any other shape.

In some embodiments, the material selection will be wood, plastic, metal, or any combination of materials to allow use indoors and outdoors.

In some embodiments, the base of the game board will include an inflatable pad or tube which will allow use of the game in the water.

In some embodiments, the features on the top surface may have various configurations to change the points scored by landing the projectile on different positions.

In some embodiments, a method for playing the game will involve four players using two game boards with one player from each team standing in a specific position to maintain a fixed distance from the other board for each player. Landing a projectile on the plank may score five points, landing the projectile on a color coded circle in the center of the board may score three points, and landing on any other position of the board may score one point. In other examples, different numbers of points are scored for landing the projectile on different portions of the game board. In some examples, one player from each team will throw three projectiles and the player with the most points in the color coded circle will subtract the total points from the other team and add this amount to their team score. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, a method for playing the game will involve two players using one or two game boards using the same point system.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, a method for increasing the difficulty of the game will include adjusting the length of the legs to adjust the angle of the top panel. In some example, adjusting the length of the legs includes replacing the legs with longer legs. In other examples, the legs need not be replaced to adjust the length of the legs. For example, telescopic legs may be used. In addition, the distance that the plank extends out from the back of the top panel can be increased or decreased to vary the difficulty in scoring the maximum points.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example game board and example projectiles arranged thereon.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the game board of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top-rear perspective view of the game board of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the game board of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is another top front perspective view of the game board of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is another top rear perspective view of the game board of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the example game board of FIG. 1 with the plank in the extended position.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the example game board of FIG. 1 with the plank in the retracted position.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of an engagement feature securing the plank in the extended position.

FIG. 10 is a top front perspective view of the example game board of FIG. 1 with the top panel and plank removed.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the example game board of FIG. 1 with the top panel removed.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the plank in the extended position.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of another embodiment of an example game board 200 with a plank 206 in a retracted position.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the example game board 200 of FIG. 13 with the plank 206 in an extended position.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the example game board 200 of FIG. 13 with the plank 206 in the extended position and a top panel 202 removed.

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the example game board 200 of FIG. 13 with the top panel 202 removed.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the projectiles that may be used with the game board of FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a plurality of the game boards of FIG. 1 arranged for playing an example game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Game Board and Projectiles

FIG. 1 depicts an example game comprising an example game board 100 and one or more projectiles 112. In some examples, the game comprises multiple projectiles of different colors, such as, for example, multiple red projectiles 112r and multiple blue projectiles 112b.

FIGS. 2-6 depict an example of the game board 100 of FIG. 1. In some examples, the game board 100 includes a top panel 102, a frame 109, and a plank 106. In some examples, the game board 100 includes a front side 101 and a rear side 103 (labeled in FIG. 3). As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the top panel 102 is arranged above the frame 109. In some examples, the frame 109 comprises one or more side panels 104, and a rear panel 105. In some examples, the one or more side panels 104 are arranged such that a side panel 104 extends beneath the top panel 102 along each of a left side and a right side of the top panel 102. In some examples, the rear panels 105 is arranged such that the rear panel 105 extends beneath the top panel 102 along the rear side 103 of the top panel 102. In some examples, the plank 106 extends from a rear side 103 of the game board 100. In some examples, the plank 106 is arranged approximately parallel with the top panel 102, such as, for example, parallel with the top panel 102. In other examples, the plank 106 is arranged coplanar with the top panel 102. In some examples, as depicted in FIGS. 3-4, the plank 106 is arranged in a plane that is lower than that of the top panel 102. In the examples of FIGS. 3-4, the plank 106 is arranged such that a portion of the plank 106 is arranged beneath the top panel 102. In some examples, the game board 100 comprises one or more buoyant elements that enable the game board 100 to float on water.

In some examples, the top panel 102 is a planar surface. In some examples, the top panel 102 is a rectangular surface. In some examples, the top panel 102 is a square surface. In some examples, the top panel is sized approximately 2 feet by 2 feet, such as, for example, two feet by two feet or twenty three and three quarter inches by twenty three and three quarter inches. In other examples, the top panel is sized approximately sixteen inches by sixteen inches such as, for example, sixteen inches by sixteen inches. In some examples the top panel 102 includes a target area 108 and a surrounding area 110. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 2, the top panel 102 includes a single target area 108 in the form of a circle arranged approximately in the middle of the top panel 102. In other examples, the top panel 102 may include additional target areas 108 arranged in different locations on the top panel 102. In some examples, the target area 108 and the surrounding area 110 are different colors as to distinguish between the target area 108 and the surrounding area 110. In some examples, the target area 108 is colored red.

In some examples, the surrounding area is divided into multiple surrounding areas 111, 113. In some examples, the multiple surrounding areas 111, 113 include a first surrounding area 111 and a second surrounding area 113. In some examples, both of the first surrounding area 111 and the second surrounding area 113 are blue colored. In some examples, the first surrounding area 111 is a lighter blue color than the second surrounding area 113.

In some examples, the first surrounding area 111 is formed in a generally triangular shape. In some examples the first surrounding area 111 extends along the top panel 102 from the front side 101 of the game board 100 to the target area 108. In some examples, the target area 108 extends over a rear vertex of the first surrounding area 111. In some examples, the first surrounding area 111 includes two front vertices that are arranged near corners of the top panel 102 at the front side 101 of the game board 100.

In some examples, the second surrounding area 113 extends along a top surface of the top panel 102 and covers the remainder of the top surface of the top panel 102 outside of the target area 108 and the first surrounding area 111.

In some examples, the top panel 102 comprises one or more indicia elements 115 arranged thereon. In some examples, the one or more indicia elements 115 comprise a logo, a QR code, or a website address. In some examples, the one or more indicia elements 115 direct a player of the game board 100 to a website with rules for the game or a storefront to purchase additional pieces for the game.

In some examples, the top panel 102 comprises a glossy finish on the top surface. In other examples, the top panel 102 comprises a matt finish on the top surface. In other examples, the top panel 102 comprises a semi-gloss finish on the top surface, such as, for example, an approximately 70% gloss and 30% matt finish. In some examples, the semi-gloss finish on the top surface reduces scuff marks on the top panel 102 while simultaneously reducing glare from light on the top panel 102.

In some examples, the top panel 102 comprises a wood material. In some examples, the top panel 102 comprises an aluminum composite material. In some examples, the aluminum composite material comprises a composite inner layer with an aluminum sheet upper layer and an aluminum sheet lower layer. In some examples, the top panel 102 is magnetic such that projectiles including magnetic material are magnetically attracted to the top panel 102.

In some examples, the top panel 102 includes laser etched surface, etched by, for example, a carbon dioxide laser. In some examples, the top panel 102 includes a screen printed surface. In some examples, the top panel 102 includes a digitally printed surface.

The side panels 104 and the rear panel 105 form a frame for supporting the top panel 102. In some examples, the side panels 104 include a left panel, and a right panel. In some examples, the rear panel 105 includes a slit therein for receiving the plank 106. In some examples, the plank 106 may be slid a variable distance out from the slit in the back panel.

FIGS. 7-8 are bottom views of the game board 100. As shown in FIGS. 7-8, the plank 106 may be slid between an extended position (FIG. 7) and a retracted position (FIG. 8). In some examples, the plank 106 remains arranged below the top panel 102 in both the extended position and the retracted position. In some examples, the plank 106 is arranged on top of the frame 109 in both the extended position and the retracted position. In some examples, the plank 106 is held in the extended position by one or more engagement features, described with reference to FIG. 9.

In some examples, the plank 106 comprises a wood material. In some examples, the plank 106 comprises an aluminum composite material such as the aluminum composite material described with respect to the top panel 102 above. In other examples, the plank 106 comprises a plastic material.

In some examples, as shown in the example of FIGS. 7 and 8 the game board 100 includes one or more feet 116. In some examples one foot 116 is located at each of the corners of the game board 100. In some examples, the feet 116 prevent portions of the frame 109 or the top panel 102 of the game board 100 from directly contacting a surface upon which the game board 100 is placed. In some examples, the feet 116 comprise rubber disks that are approximately one quarter of an inch thick, such as, for example, one inch thick.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the plank arranged within the slit of the rear panel 105 of the frame 109. In the example of FIG. 9, the plank 106 is shown in the extended position with engagement features 120 holding the plank 106 in the extended position.

In some examples, the engagement feature 120 comprises a knob 122 and a gate 124. In some examples, the knob 122 is arranged on a bottom side of the plank 106 and the gate is arranged on a front face the rear panel 105. In some examples, the knob 122 comprises a flexible rubber knob. In some examples, the knob 122 comprises a hole extending therethrough through which a fastener is extended to attach the knob 122 to the bottom side of the plank 106. In some examples, the gate 124 comprises an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic material. In some examples, the gate 124 is formed through 3D printing. The gate 124 comprises two extending arms 126 and a back wall 128. In some examples, the extending arms 126 extend from the front face of the rear panel 105 towards the front side 101 of the game board 100. In some examples, the back wall 128 is attached to and rests against the front face of the rear panel 105. In some examples, the back wall 128 comprises a hole therethrough through which a fastener is extended to attach the gate 124 to the rear panel 105.

In some examples, when the plank 106 is slid into the extended position, the knob 122 moves with the plank 106 and is directed into a space between the two extending arms 126. In some examples, the width of the space between the extending arms 126 is smaller than the width of the knob 122 such that as the knob 122 is moved into the space between the extending arms 126, the knob 122 is deformed. In some examples, the deformed knob 122 is held within the space between the extending arms 126 to secure the plank 106 in the extended position.

In other examples, rather than including the knob 122 and the gate 124, the engagement feature 120 comprises a screw or a locking nut that is mounted on the frame. In some examples, the screw or locking nut is turned to press against the bottom side of the plank 106 and secure the plank 106 in an extended position. In some examples, the screw or locking nut is received within a hole in a bottom side of the plank 106.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the frame 109 of the game board 100. As previously noted, in some examples, the frame 109 comprises a rear panel 105 and side panels 104. In some examples one side panel 104 is arranged on each of the left side and the right side of the frame 109. In some examples, the frame 109 further comprises the gate 124, one or more intermediate panels 130, a middle panel 132, and one or more front panels 134. In some examples, the panels of the frame 109 comprise a grid for supporting the top panel 102 of the game board 100.

In some examples, the side panels 104 comprise a left side panel 1041 and a right side panel 104r. In some examples, the side panels 104 are triangularly shaped with the short side of the triangle arranged adjacent to the front surface of the rear panel 105. In some examples, the apex of the triangle is arranged toward the front side 101 of the game board 100. In some examples, one of the long sides of the side panels 104 is configured to be arranged adjacent to a support surface of the game board 100 while the other long side of the side panels 104 is arranged to be adjacent to a bottom side of the top panel 102. In some examples, each of the side panels 104 are designed substantially similarly to each other and are arranged on the game board 100 substantially parallel to each other.

In some examples, the intermediate panels 130 comprise a left intermediate panel 1301 and a right intermediate panel 130r. In some examples, the intermediate panels 130 are designed substantially similar to the side panels and are arranged substantially similarly on the game board 100 as the side panels 104. In some examples, the intermediate panels 130 are arranged within the space of the frame 109 between the side panels 104. In some examples, the frame 109 comprises a space between the intermediate panels 130. In some examples, the space between the intermediate panels is slightly larger than the width of the plank 106, such as, for example, approximately eight inches.

In some examples, the rear panel 105 extends along substantially the entire width of the game board 100. In some examples, the rear panel 105 comprises a notch 136 in the middle of the top side of the rear panel 105, between a left and a right end thereof. In some examples, the notch 136 is approximately eight inches long and extends down from a top side of the rear panel by approximately three quarter inches.

In some examples, the rear panel 105 further comprises a felt strip 138 arranged on a top side of the notch 136. In some examples, the felt strip 138 extends substantially along the entire length of the notch 136. In some examples, the felt strip 138 is adhesively attached to the top side of the notch 136.

In some examples, the middle panel 132 extends from the left side panel 1041 to the right side panel 104r in approximately the middle of the game board 100 between the front side 101 and the rear side 103. In some examples, the middle panel 132 extends between notches formed in the intermediate panels 130. In some examples, the middle panel 132 comprises a notch 140 arranged in the middle of the top side of the middle panel 132, between a left and a right end thereof. In some examples, the notch 140 is approximately eight inches long and extends down from a top side of the middle panel 132 by approximately three quarter inches.

In some examples, the middle panel 132 further comprises a felt strip 138 arranged on a top side of the notch 140. In some examples, the felt strip 138 extends substantially along the entire length of the notch 140. In some examples, the felt strip 138 is adhesively attached to the top side of the notch 140.

In some examples, the front panels 134 comprise a left front panel 1341 and a right front panel 134r. In some examples, the front panels 134 are arranged at the front side 101 of the game board 100. In some examples, the left front panel 1341 extends from the left side panel 1041 to the left intermediate panel 1301. In some examples, the right front panel 134r extends from the right side panel 104r to the right intermediate panel 130r.

In some examples, the frame 109 is made from any one or more of plastic, wood, metal, or aluminum composite materials. In some examples, the frame 109 is manufactured by vacuum forming or rotational molding.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the frame 109 with the plank 106 arranged thereon. In some examples, the plank 106 is arranged on the frame 109 in the space between the left intermediate panel 1301 and the right intermediate panel 130r. In some examples, the plank 106 rests on the felt strips 138 arranged on the top surfaces of the notches 136, 140 formed on the rear panel 105 and the middle panel 132.

In some examples, as shown in FIG. 11, the plank 106 further comprises felt patches 142 arranged thereon. In some examples, the felt patches 142 are adhesively attached to a top side of the plank 106. In other examples, the felt patches 142 are adhesively affixed to the bottom side of the top panel 102.

In some examples, the top panel 102 is arranged over the plank 106 and the frame 109 shown in FIG. 11. In some examples, each of the top sides of the rear panel 105, the side panels 104, the intermediate panels 130, and the front panels 134 are attached to the bottom side of the top panel 102. In some examples, each of the top sides of the rear panel 105, the side panels 104, the intermediate panels 130, and the front panels 134 are adhesively attached to the bottom side of the top panel 102. In some examples, the top sides of the rear panel 105, the side panels 104, the intermediate panels 130, and the front panels 134 each comprise a piece of adhesive tape, such as, for example, 3M VHB tape, which forms a seal against the bottom side of the top panel 102 when it is arranged over the frame 109. In other examples, the top sides of the rear panel 105, the side panels 104, the intermediate panels 130, and the front panels 134 each are attached to the bottom side of the top panel 102 using glue or epoxy. In other examples, the top sides of the rear panel 105, the side panels 104, the intermediate panels 130, and the front panels 134 each are attached to the top panel 102 using fasteners.

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the plank 106 arranged between the frame 109 and the top panel 102. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 12, the plank 106 is arranged within a slit 144 formed within the game board 100. In some examples, the slit 144 comprises a space between the top panel 102 and the notch 136 formed in the rear panel 105. In other examples, a second slit comprises a space between the top panel 102 and the notch 140 formed in the middle panel 132 (see FIG. 10).

In some examples, as shown in FIG. 12, when the top panel 102 is arranged over the plank 106 and the frame 109, the felt strips 138 are arranged between the plank 106 and the frame 109. Likewise, the felt patches 142 are arranged between the plank 106 and the top panel 102. In some examples, the arrangement of the felt strips 138 and the felt patches 142 between the plank 106 and the frame 109 and the top panel 102 dampens the noise when a projectile 112 contacts the plank 106. Likewise, the arrangement of the felt strips 138 and the felt patches 142 also serves to protect the plank 106 from scuffs and scratches as it is slid between the extended and retracted positions.

In some examples, the game comprises of two game boards 100 that are placed at a distance of twenty feet apart. In other examples, the distance may vary based on chosen difficulty level. In some examples, the plank 106 extends approximately eight inches out from the rear side 103 of the game board 100, such as, for example, eight inches. In other examples, the plank 106 extends approximately ten and a half inches out from the rear side 103 of the game board 100, such as, for example, ten and a half inches. In some examples, the plank 106 is approximately seven and three quarter inches wide, such as, for example, seven and three quarter inches wide. In some examples, the plank 106 is approximately twenty four inches long, such as, for example, twenty four inches long. In some examples, the plank 106 is approximately one half inches thick, such as, for example, one half inches thick. The game board 100 is typically constructed such that the top panel 102 and plank 106 are tilted with a frame to make it easier to see the playing surface when facing the front side 101 of the game board 100, but may also be flat in an alternate embodiment. The front edge of the top panel 102 on the front side 101 of the game board 100 may rest directly on the ground to allow the projectile to roll or bounce onto the top surface of the top panel 102 of the game board 100.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of another embodiment of an example game board 200 with a plank 206 in a retracted position. FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the example game board 200 of FIG. 13 with the plank 206 in an extended position. FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the example game board 200 of FIG. 13 with the plank 206 in the extended position and a top panel 202 removed. FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the example game board 200 of FIG. 13 with the top panel 202 removed.

In some examples, the game board 200 includes a top panel 202, a plank 206, and a frame 209. In some examples, the frame 209 further comprises a rear panel 205 and side panels 204. In some examples, the top panel 202, plank 206, rear panel 205 and side panels 204 are formed substantially similar to the top panel 102, plank 106, rear panel 105 and the side panels 104 described with reference to the game board 100 of FIGS. 1-12.

In some examples, the game board 200 further includes a right brace 252r and a left brace 2521. In some examples, the right brace 252r and the left brace 2521 are formed as elbow shaped panels. In some examples, a portion of the right brace 252r is connected to the right side panel 204r and a portion of the right brace 252r is connected to the rear panel 205. In some examples, a portion of the left brace 2521 is connected to the left side panel 2041 and a portion of the left brace 2521 is connected to the rear panel 205.

In some examples, the game board 200 further includes a slide panel 254. In some examples, a top side of the slide panel 254 is connected to the bottom side of the right brace 252r and the bottom side of the left brace 2521. In some examples, the slide panel 254 is also connected to the rear panel 205. In some examples, the slide panel 254 includes a groove 256 with a sliding portion 258, an extended locking portion 260, and a retracted locking portion 262.

In some examples, when assembled, the plank 206 rests on top of the slide panel 254 such that the knob 222 extends into the groove 256 of the slide panel 254. In some examples, the plank 206 can be moved between an extended position and a retracted position while the knob 222 slides within the groove 256. In some examples, as the plank 206 is moved into the extended position, the knob 222 locks into place within the extended locking portion 260. Likewise, in some examples, as the plank 206 is moved into the retracted position, the knob 222 locks into place within the retracted locking portion 262. In some examples, each of the extended locking portion 260 and the retracted locking portion 262 are formed as constrictions in the groove 256.

In some examples, the left brace 2521, the right brace 252r, and the slide panel 254 and the top panel 202 define a channel within which the plank 206 can be slid.

The dimensions of the components recited herein may be scaled up or down as desired for different embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a front view of example projectiles 112 that may be used with the game board 100. As shown in FIG. 17, in some examples, the projectiles 112 are a 4-inch diameter inflated balls. In some examples, the projectiles 112 are weighted, which allows the projectiles to roll less than a typical ball and land on the top panel 102 or plank 106. In addition, in the embodiment where the front edge of the top panel 102 rests on the ground (with no front panel lifting it up), the projectile 112 can be rolled onto the top panel 102 or plank 106 if desired to knock an opponent's projectile 112 off the game board 100 or specific point position or for improved accuracy. Players may throw a projectile 112 at an opponent's projectile 112 already on the top panel 102 or plank 106 to remove the opponent's projectile from the playing surface. In some examples, the projectiles 112 are at least partially filled with sand. In some examples, the projectiles 112 are at least partially filled with a magnetic material. In some examples, the projectiles 112 are at least partially filled with air. In some examples, the projectiles 112 comprise a plurality of projectiles of different colors, such as, for example, a plurality of red projectiles 112r and a plurality of blue projectiles 112b. In some examples, the projectiles 112 are configured to float.

Method of Playing

FIG. 18 shows an example game setup using the game board 100 and projectiles 112. While the example game is described herein with reference to the game board 100 of FIGS. 1-12, in some examples, the example game is played using the example game board 200 in a substantially similar manner. In some examples, the game comprises throwing one or more projectiles 112 and landing one or more of the projectiles 112 onto the game board 100. In some examples, the front edges of the game boards 100 are arranged a distance D apart from each other, as shown in FIG. 18. In some examples, the distance D is 20 feet. In other examples, the distance D is varied to vary the difficulty of the game.

In some examples, the object of the game is to score the most points. In other examples, the object of the game is to score a certain number of points without exceeding an upper limit of points. In some examples, the winning team must land at least one projectile on the plank 106 over the course of the game. The game may be played with two players (one player per team) or four players (two players per team). In some examples, the game comprises multiple rounds, with each team receiving three projectiles for each round of the game.

In some examples, points are earned by landing the projectile on different portions of the game board 100. In some examples, landing the projectile 112 on the plank 106 is with the most number of points, landing the projectile on the target area 108 is worth the next most points, and landing the projectile on the surrounding area 110 is worth the least number of points. In some examples, landing the projectile 112 on the second surrounding area 113 is worth more points than landing the projectile 112 on the first surrounding area 111.

In some examples, landing the projectile 112 on the surrounding area 110 on the top panel 102 is worth one point. In some examples, landing the projectile on the first surrounding area 111 is worth one point, while landing the projectile on the second surrounding area 113 is worth two points. In some examples, landing the projectile on the target area 108 on the top panel 102 is worth two points. In other examples, landing the projectile on the target area 108 is worth three points. In some examples, landing the projectile on the plank 106 is worth five points.

In some examples, each team throws three projectiles per round. Scoring each round comprises subtracting the score of the team with the lower score for that round from the score of the team with the higher score for that round. The difference in the scores for that round is then recorded as the score for the higher scoring team for the round. In some examples, the team with the higher score throws first the next round. In some examples, if the teams each earn the same score for a given round, the team that earned the higher score in the previous round will throw first for later rounds until the team that earned the lower score in the previous round earns a higher score than the team that earned the higher score in the previous round.

In some examples, the first team to reach a winning score wins. In some examples, the winning score is 15 points. In other examples, the winning score is 21 points. In some examples, a team must have landed at least one projectile on the plank 106 to win the game. In other embodiments, a team does not need to land on the plank 106 to win the game. In some examples, when one team reaches the winning score and has landed at least one projectile 112 on the plank 106, the other team is allowed one additional round to tie the score (but also must have landed at least one projectile 112 on the plank 106 in any round to tie). If a team reaches the winning score but has not yet landed a projectile on the plank 106, that team must continue to play the game until the team lands a projectile 112 on the plank 106. In some examples, the scoring stops at the winning score unless the game goes into extra rounds, such as, for example, if the teams tie at the winning score. In some examples, if the game results in a tie score, extra rounds are played until one team scores more points than the other team on a given round. In some examples, the team that scores the most points during the extra rounds wins the game.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the game boards 100 arranged for playing the game. As shown in FIG. 18, in some examples, the game boards 100 are placed on a relatively flat surface on the ground. In some examples, the game boards 100 are placed on any other surface that can support the game board 100 indoors or outdoors or in some embodiments on a floating surface on the water. In some examples, each team is given three projectiles 112 to throw during each round. In some examples, the projectiles 112 assigned to each team are all the same color. In some examples, the projectiles assigned to the different teams are differently colored. For example, a first team is assigned red projectiles 112r while a second team is assigned blue projectiles 112b.

In some examples, while playing the game, one player from each team stands behind the front edge of a first game board 100 while throwing at a second game board 100 opposite the first game board.

In some examples, players decide which team will throw their first projectile 112 in the first round. After a first player from a first team (standing behind the front edge of a first game board 100) throws their first projectile 112 in the first round onto a second game board 100 opposite the first game board 100, a first player from a second team (also standing behind the front edge of the first game board 100) throws their first projectile 112 in the first round onto the second game board 100. The first players of the first and second teams then alternate turns throwing projectiles until all three of the projectiles 112 are thrown for each team onto the second game board 100. After the first round, the team with the highest score in the preceding round goes first for the subsequent round. In some examples, where each team consists of only a single player, the players will move behind the front edge of the second game board 100 and throw the projectiles 112 onto the first game board 100 during the next round. In other examples, where each team comprises where each team consists of more than one player, the second player of each of the first team and the second team stand behind the front edge of the second game board 100 and throw projectiles 112 onto the first game board during the next round. In some examples, the teams continue to take turns alternating which game board 100 to throw the projectiles 112 onto during subsequent rounds.

In some examples, the game is played using a single game board 100. In such examples, the game board 100 is set up a distance D from a throwing location. Rather than throwing from behind the front edge of another game board 100, the players take turns throwing projectiles 112 at the single game board 100 from behind the throwing location. In such examples, all of the players from each team throw the projectiles 112 at the same game board 100 from behind the throwing location.

In some examples, players may throw the projectile 112 to aim for the surrounding area 110 (including the first surrounding area 111 or the second surrounding area, as shown in FIG. 2), the target area 108 (as shown in FIG. 2), or onto the plank 106 (as shown on FIG. 2) for 5 points. If a player crosses over the front edge of the game board 100 when throwing a projectile 112, that projectile 112 is removed from the top panel 102 or plank 106 and worth no points for the round. A player may also throw a projectile 112 aimed for the opposing team's projectile 112 to remove the opposing team's projectile from the game board 100. After all six projectiles 112 have been thrown, the score for each team is calculated and the lower score is subtracted from the higher score and team with the higher score adds this net score for the round to their total score after the round.

In some examples, when a team lands a projectile 112 on the plank 106 during any round, that team is eligible to win the game after scoring a winning number of points. In other examples, a team need not land a projectile 112 on the plank 106 to win the game. In some examples, after a first team scores a winning number of points, the second team gets one additional round to obtain the winning number of points and tie the score. In some examples, when the score is tied, the game will go into extra rounds and the team that won the last round will go first in the next round. In some examples, if the game remains tied, the team that throws first will alternate for each future round. In some examples, if one team lands on the plank 106 during an extra round and the other team does not, the team that landed on the plank 106 will win the game. For example, if one team lands one projectile 112 on the plank 106 during an extra round and the other team lands all three projectile 112 on the target area 108, the team that landed a projectile 112 on the plank 106 may still win the game even though that team may have scored less total points during that extra round.

In some examples, if a team exceeds the winning number of points, that team's score resets to an intermediate number of points. In some examples, the intermediate number of points is fifteen points. In other examples, the intermediate number of points is ten points. In some examples, if a team exceeds the intermediate number of points by landing a projectile 112 on the plank 106, then the team's score does not reset to the intermediate number of points. In other words, a team can win the game by exceeding the winning number of points by landing a projectile on the plank 106.

In some examples, if a team lands a projectile 112 on the plank 106 during the first or second throw of a round to cause the team's score to exceed the winning number of points, then the team may continue to add points to their score by landing additional projectiles 112 on the game board 100 without causing its score to reset to the intermediate number of points. In doing so, the team is able to position itself so as to prevent the opposing team from earning points and potentially tying the game at the winning number of points.

In some examples, a team may land a projectile 112 on the game board 100 on a line between a target area 108 and the surrounding area 110, or a line between the first surrounding area 111 and the second surrounding area 113. In some examples, if the projectile lands on one such line, and more than half of the projectile 112 is in a given region of the game board 100, then the throwing team receives the number of points attributable to the region that more than half of the projectile 112 landed on.

In some examples, if the projectile 112 lands on one such line and is evenly split between two adjacent regions on the game board 100, the team receives the greater number of points attributable to either one of the regions of the game board 100 along which the projectile is split. For example, if the projectile 112 lands on a line and is evenly split between the target area 108 and the first surrounding area 111, then the team that threw the projectile receives the number of points attributable to the target area 108.

Claims

1. A game board comprising:

a top panel with a target area and a surrounding area; and

a plank that extends out from a back side of the game board.

2. The game board of claim 1, wherein the plank is arranged within a slit in the game board under the top panel of the game board, and wherein the plank may be extended or retracted within the slit.

3. The game board of claim 1, wherein the plank is extended or retracted using a hinge system.

4. The game board of claim 1, wherein the plank is extended or retracted using cabinet drawer slides.

5. The game board of claim 1, wherein the plank is fixed to the top panel.

6. The game board of claim 1, wherein the surrounding area comprises a first surrounding area and a second surrounding area.

7. The game board of claim 1, further comprising a tapered frame that supports the top panel such that the top panel is oriented at an angle with respect to a support surface when the game board is placed onto the support surface.

8. The game board of claim 1, wherein the top panel is oriented parallel with respect to the plank.

9. The game board of claim 1, wherein the top panel comprises an aluminum composite material.

10. A game comprising:

the game board of claim 1; and

a projectile.

11. The game of claim 10, wherein the projectile is an inflated projectile with filler material arranged therein.

12. A method of playing the game of claim 10, the method comprising;

arranging a first game board a distance away from a throwing location; and

playing a round of the game, the round comprising: selecting a player from a first team to throw a first projectile from a first set of projectiles onto the first game board while standing behind the throwing location.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the round further comprises:

attributing a first number of points to the first team if the first projectile from the first set of projectiles lands on the target area;

attributing a second number of points to the first team if the first projectile from the first set of projectiles lands on the surrounding area; and

attributing a third number of points to the first team if the first projectile from the first set of projectiles on the plank.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the round further comprises:

selecting a player from a second team to throw a first projectile from a second set of projectiles onto the first game board while standing behind the throwing location.

15. The method of claim 14, the method further comprising:

attributing the first number of points to the second team if the first projectile from the second set of projectiles lands on the target area;

attributing the second number of points to the second team if the first projectile from the second set of projectiles lands on the surrounding area; and

attributing the third number of points to the second team if the first projectile from the second set of projectiles on the plank.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the round further comprises:

attributing a round score to whichever one of the first and the second team is attributed a greater number of points, the round score comprising the difference between a total number of points attributed to whichever one of the first and the second team is attributed the greater number of points and a total number of points attributed to whichever one of the first and the second team is attributed a lesser number of points.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises:

playing a second round.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the method further comprises:

determining a cumulative score, wherein the cumulative score is determined by adding the round score earned by the one of the first team and the second team during the second round to the round score earned by the one of the first team and the second team during the first round.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises:

determining a winning team, wherein the winning team is determined to be the team with a cumulative score that is equal to a winning number of points.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the method further comprises reducing the cumulative score of one of the first and the second team if the cumulative score of one of the first team and the second team exceeds the winning number of points.