Entrance Opening Is Formed In Laterally Extending Surface Patents (Class 273/401)
  • Patent number: 5324042
    Abstract: A lawn game apparatus including a bag-like throwing member used to be thrown at a target member defining a plurality of target zones therein. The bag-like throwing member includes an internal chamber with loose pelletized filler material to provide weight to facilitate throwing of the bag-like member. The bag-like member includes a hook and loop interconnecting securement means on one end thereof adapted to engage other hook and loop securement sections within the specific target zones to facilitate securement thereto and for scoring of the game. The bag-like throwing member includes two sides both of flexible material with only one side coated with the hook and loop interengagement means to facilitate formation of game strategies and enhance game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: Christopher Demas
  • Patent number: 5286034
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for playing a game in which players throw discs made of a rubber composite material to oppositely placed boards with goal cups in the center. The goal cups are large enough to allow the entrance of the discs. At the bottom and center of each goal cup, a round protrusion allows the disc, once situated inside the goal cup, to be pressed at it's outer parameter, permitting the disc to be flipped up to facilitate grasping and removing. The game can be played by individuals or teams competing against each other in accordance with the rules of the game. The game is portable and safe, and can be played inside or outside without assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventors: Richard L. Haverkate, Diane L. Haverkate
  • Patent number: 5217230
    Abstract: A multi-sports net includes an elongated main meshwork and a target assembly attached thereto. The main meshwork has an opening defined at a generally central location. The target assembly includes a substantially rigid annular support member attached to the main meshwork of the net so as to surround the central opening therein. The target assembly also includes an auxiliary meshwork in the form of a pouch having an open end. The auxiliary meshwork is attached to the annular support member with the open end of the pouch formed by the auxiliary meshwork in communication with the opening through the main meshwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Grant L. Judd
  • Patent number: 5058898
    Abstract: A ball game device comprising:(A) a ball storing portion which is hollow, which has at least one opening so that a ball can enter the portion, and which has at least a wall which is normally closed and can be opened so that a ball in the portion can exit;(B) a ball receiving portion which is hollow, which has at least one opening so that a ball can enter the receiving portion, and which has at least a wall which is normally closed and can be opened so that a ball in the receiving portion can exit; and(C) a fastening portion for removably attaching the ball storing portion and the ball receving portion to a player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: Pan B. S. Chen
  • Patent number: 5000461
    Abstract: Apparatus including a rectangular forward framework with a triangular framework mounted rearwardly and orthogonally to each end of the rectangular framework with a net structure overlying the triangular framework rearwardly of the forward framework. The forward framework includes a horizontally repositionable forward net wherein the forward net includes a target cup of relatively rigid construction relative to the forward net and repositionable therewith to provide a rear end target position. The forward net may be removed with a flexible web overlying the forward framework mounting a series of diametrically aligned openings of increasing diameters to provide varying targets in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventor: Abdul H. Borazjani
  • Patent number: 4984809
    Abstract: A ball game device includes a vertical panel having a through-hole; a guide member extending rearward from the periphery of the vertical panel; a basket having a net and a mounting looped frame attached to the vertical panel below the through-hole. The device further includes a guiding member for guiding the advancing ball to fall smoothly into the basket and avoiding from jumping out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Inventor: Hsi-Shih Chiang
  • Patent number: 4974858
    Abstract: A tossing game which may be utilized indoors or outdoors and which is similar to horseshoes includes the use of two boards which are positionable in spaced apart vertical alignment. Players stand behind a particular board and throw washers into holes located in the opposed board. In the preferred embodiment, three holes are positioned in each board and are given different score ratings. The two identical wood boards may be covered with a soft material, such as carpeting, to prevent the washers from bouncing when thrown. In a second embodiment, grooves are provided between the holes. The grooves permit washers to be tossed and rolled on their edges into a particular aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Knowlton
  • Patent number: 4968041
    Abstract: A game apparatus comprising a game board adapted for horizontal disposition and having an upstanding backboard and a pair of sideboards extending upwardly from the game board. The backboard, and sideboards and the playing board all defining playing surfaces at which a plurality of quoits are physically thrown by a player from a remote position in attempt to land the quoit, by direct hit or by rebound, into a target cup recessed in and below the playing surface. The sideboards are each characterized by a sloped upper wall each sideboard define a frontal approach by the player to the playing board so as to encourage tossing of the quoits from the front or from the side, either by tossing the quoit, rebounding it or rolling it into the scoring cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Inventor: R. David Calvo
  • Patent number: 4938485
    Abstract: A bean bag toss game is set forth wherein a chamber is provided with an overlying opening for acceptance of a bean bag tossed therethrough in a conventional manner with an access door positioned rearwardly of the container for retrieval of bean bags accumulated therewithin. Inserts are provided for positioning within the opening and are formed with hook and loop fasteners associatable with hook and loop fasteners formed about a periphery of the opening to vary the configuration and area of opening to accordingly vary the degree of difficulty in positioning bean bags within the container. A further insert is provided with an inflatable diaphragm positioned interiorly of the insert opening to selectively vary the diametrical opening dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventors: Mark R. Hockridge, Gary D. Buck
  • Patent number: 4921257
    Abstract: A soccer training device for training soccer players to direct their shots on goal to selected target areas within the goal opening. The device is adapted for use in connection with a conventional soccer goal having first and second vertical uprights and a horizontal cross member connecting the uprights for cooperating with a base surface beneath the goal to define a substantially rectangular goal opening. The device includes a flexible frame member for being attached to the first and second uprights and the cross member to circumscribe the perimeter of the goal opening and a relatively flat member coupled to the frame member. The flat member has a central portion extending along a minor axis of the goal opening from the base surface to the cross member and first and second wing portions extending outwardly along a major axis of the goal opening from the central portion to the respective first and second uprights when the device is attached to the soccer goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Stephen J. Heller
  • Patent number: 4905996
    Abstract: A ball and target net game apparatus is set forth wherein a target net includes a perimeter framework securing a generally planar net wherein the frame work includes a plurality of forwardly extending horizontal legs and associated bracing to maintain the netting in a secure arrangement in use. The framework and the legs of the apparatus are telescoping to effect a compact structure easily stored when not in use. An inner net is selectively securable to spaced elongate straps longitudinally secured relative to the main net portion of the apparatus to provide a target in variable orientation relative to the main net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Inventors: David P. Tallent, Christopher D. Tallent
  • Patent number: 4900035
    Abstract: The play and entertainment value of a card toss game is substantially enhanced by combining the tossing of a plurality of cards, each having an erratic flight behavior or path, with a game board having a plurality of pockets defined therein for receiving the cards if successfully tossed and a counter built into the game board for accumulating scores attributed to the tossed cards and adding additional scoring values. The plurality of pockets of the game board are distinguished one from each other in that at least one of the pockets has a shape and size which allows cards to be more easily tossed therein than the others. Additional ones of the pockets are further uniquely associated with selected ones or suits of the cards so that scores within these pockets are counted depending upon the type of cards successfully tossed into each pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Inventor: Robert A. Carmo
  • Patent number: 4863166
    Abstract: A throwing target for arresting the flight of ball has a frame for defining a substantially vertical plane with a top rail spaced-apart from a bottom rail, first and second linkages coupled between the top rail and the bottom rail and traversely adjustable relative to each other and to the frame. A deformable band is releasably coupled to the first and second linkages at a plurality of positions for expanding and contracting to form a plurality of substantially rectangular target regions having a variety of selectable cross-sectional areas and positions relative to the frame depending in part upon the relative position of the first and second linkages and in part upon the location along the first and second linkages at which the deformable band is releasably coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventors: San J. Becera, Vernon L. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 4828270
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ball shooting game device for children which comprises a vertical panel having a through-hole, a guide member extending rearward from the periphery of the vertical panel, and a basket having a net and a mounting looped frame attached to the vertical panel below the through-hole at the rear side. The device further has a hanging cord used for hanging the device on a wall so that children can play with the device indoors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: Hsi-Shih Chiang
  • Patent number: 4796886
    Abstract: A tennis practice apparatus (10) has a supporting surface net (12). The net (12) is divided into a lower portion (18) corresponding in height to a regulation tennis net and two court portions (20, 22) above the tennis net portion (18). Elastics (14) position the net (12) in a substantially vertical position. Target pockets (26, 28, 30, 34, 36, 38) are positioned in the court portions (20, 22) of the net (12). The target pockets (26, 28, 30, 34, 36, 38) each have an opening at the net (12). The target pockets (26, 28, 30, 34, 36, 38) are dimensioned and configured to receive a tennis ball directed at one of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Inventor: George A. Loh
  • Patent number: 4717156
    Abstract: A tossing game including first and second base members for placement on a substantially horizontal support surface spaced apart from one another, each of the base members having a cavity with an upwardly opened mouth and being in the shape of a truncated cone. First and second target members are fitted substantially submerged into the cavities of the first and second base members respectively. Each of the target members has a cavity with an upwardly opened, flared outwardly mouth. A plurality of cylindrical projectile components are provided for being tossed at the opened mouth of the first or second target means. Each projectile component has a first end and a second end with the first end heavier than the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Inventor: John C. Wright
  • Patent number: 4591163
    Abstract: A method of playing a game with a set of marbles and a pitching cup with a hemispherical receptacle for receiving tossed marbles. The game is played by distributing the marbles evenly among the players. A first player collects an equal number of marbles from each player as a tossing set and makes an odd or even toss prediction. The first player then tosses the marbles at the pitching cup. The number of marbles which remain in the cup after the toss is compared to the prediction. If correct in his odd or even prediction, the first player is given the tossing set and his turn continues with collecting a new tossing set, making a prediction, etc. An incorrect prediction results in the tossing set being given to an opponent who now becomes the tossing player. Play continues in this manner until one player wins all the marbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Inventor: Tony Reyes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4569515
    Abstract: A structure for use as an exercise compartment and a method for playing a ball game therein is disclosed. The structure has a horizontal rebound surface which is supported above the ground and has means for enclosing the air space above said surface to form a cell, said cell being of a size suitable for enclosing at least one human using said surface as a springboard for exercise or for playing the ball game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Inventor: Donald W. Gordon
  • Patent number: 4565375
    Abstract: A unique game apparatus which can be used indoors or outdoors as a means for recreation and skill. The game apparatus includes one or more receiving or target means and one or more objects which can be thrown or projected towards the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Inventor: Donald W. Dresel
  • Patent number: 4529390
    Abstract: An inflatable game device comprising an inflatable body including a ballast to maintain the inflatable body in a normal attitude, and including a pocket adapted to receive an object. The pocket is integrally formed with the body and includes a constricted portion to facilitate retention of the object in the pocket once received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Inventors: Richard C. Levy, Sheryl Levy, Gary Piaget
  • Patent number: 4497485
    Abstract: A baseball pitching target comprising a rectangular peripheral tubular frame supported by support members staked to the ground and having a mesh backstop itself having an insert that represents such target indicia as the catcher's chest protector, shoulder pads and knee protector pads and mitt. Pitched balls are collected in a compartmentalized ball receiving bag except for those pitched balls that miss the strike zone. Those missing the strike zone will be projected back toward the pitcher by the action of the spring-mesh structure of the backstop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Inventor: Robert L. Macosko
  • Patent number: 4433838
    Abstract: A structure for use as an exercise compartment and a method for playing a ball game therein is disclosed. The structure has a horizontal rebound surface which is supported above the ground and has means for enclosing the air space above said surface to form a cell, said cell being of a size suitable for enclosing at least one human using said surface as a springboard for exercise or for playing the ball game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Inventor: Donald W. Gordon
  • Patent number: 4373734
    Abstract: A game which involves two opposing teams attempting to score points by, in general, throwing a flying disk or the like into one or more goals. The goals are positioned adjacent a playing field. The playing field is divided into various areas by appropriate markings. The members of the two opposing teams are allowed to perform specific activities such as running with the disk, throwing the disk at the goals, or the like in each area of the playing field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Inventor: Charles E. Frank
  • Patent number: 4373724
    Abstract: A game which may be sold as a packaged unit and is provided with means for projecting a ball by ejection in a direction and with a velocity controlled by the player and wherein the ball is directed at a given target representing a baseball field. The target toward which the ball is ejected by the player is mounted on one flap of a carton and has a number of ball receiving openings toward which the ball is aimed, wherein each opening is a scoring unit and between the front of the opening and the rear wall are spaces to retain the balls for tabulating at the end of the half inning. In the event the ball doesn't enter an opening it will drop to the bottom of the game into one of severally marked troughs and register another chance score. A prop is used to hold the target in an upright position facing the open carton. For storage the prop is removed and the carton flaps are held in an overlapping closed position by clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Inventor: Harry Shoglow
  • Patent number: 4319755
    Abstract: A target for tossed game pieces each of pyramid shape and equally sized has a corresponding number of pyramid pockets whose lower points are in a common plane and serve to support the target on a level surface. The target has a flat upper surface flush with the tops of game pieces successfully tossed by players into the pockets. Any apex of a pyramid game piece may enter a pocket downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1982
    Inventor: Garry D. Orser, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4316613
    Abstract: A skill marble game wherein a plurality of marbles are dropped into apertures provided in a container. The container has a curved top wall with a convex upwardly facing surface with a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. The apertures are circular in configuration although some appear elliptical when viewed from a location above the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1982
    Inventor: Virgil W. Harris
  • Patent number: 4254952
    Abstract: A pitching practice device consisting of a sheet of canvas or the like supported in a vertical plane, and having an aperture formed therein defining a strike zone, at which a baseball pitcher may pitch baseballs to develop his accuracy and control. For still greater accuracy of control, and to "catch" the balls, a canvas chute is attached to the rearward surface of the sheet, and divided into a plurality of sections each opening through the sheet aperture, for receiving and trapping any ball entering its opening. The sheet aperture is thus divided into zones for indicating, and recording, whether a pitched ball is "high", "low", "inside", "outside", or "down the middle". The sheet is resiliently supported to prevent damage either to the device or to the ball. The device may also be adapted for use, with a set of playing rules, as a competitive game, particularly for children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Inventor: George H. Playter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4204682
    Abstract: A method of playing a game has a plurality of groups of distinguishably identified markers which are tossed from behind a throwing line at a receptacle in an attempt to put the marker in the receptacle. The receptacle is recessed into the ground or other playing surface and is approximately thirty feet to fifty feet away from the throwing line, which may be another receptacle. A protective cover may be provided to enclose the receptacle when not in use to avoid any accidents or the accumulation of contamination therein. The marker may be shaped as a disc or washer and may be sufficiently heavy to be substantially unaffected by all but the strongest wind during play.The game is played by the method of choosing teams, distributing the markers amongst each team, and then alternately tossing the markers from behind the throwing line at the receptacle until all of the markers have been thrown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1980
    Inventor: Floyd E. Brown