Amusement devices: games – Physical skill or ability
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-26
2001-01-16
Graham, Mark S. (Department: 3711)
Amusement devices: games
Physical skill or ability
C273S400000, C273S350000, C473S466000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173957
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention is related to a game and a method for playing a game whereby a projectile is tossed at a target and points are scored depending on the accuracy of the toss.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A number of tossing games have been described:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,168,066 to Sole et al., granted Sep. 18, 1979, describes a game wherein gliding discs are tossed through target rings for varying point totals depending upon which ring the disc is tossed through.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,204,682 to Brown, granted May 27, 1980, discloses a recessed horizontal target, much like an enlarged version of cups used as targets in golf courses, toward which a “marker” is tossed. Points are scored for tossing the “marker” in varying proximity to the target. U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,256 to Falloon granted Oct. 31, 1989 teaches a tossing game comprising a plurality of cups into which a projectile is tossed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,310 to Nicholas, Sr. et al., granted May 31, 1994, discloses a textured mat with target markers upon which a disc is tossed for varying numbers of points depending on where the disc is tossed in relationship to the mat.
The prior art discloses games wherein a projectile is tossed at a target and points are scored for accuracy. The prior art, however, does not disclose a game whereby a projectile is tossed into a tube, wherein the tube is oriented in a substantially horizontal position.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a tossing game having certain advantages over prior art tossing games. Use of a substantially toroidal tube or similar shapes as a target has certain substantial advantages over the prior art providing for three- or four-tier scoring derived from the unique shape of the target, depending on where the projectile lands in relation to the target. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a target that is easily moveable, where there are no holes to dig and where the target may be used in water. It is a further object of the present invention to provide projectiles and targets which may be large or small, depending upon whether adults or children play, where the game is to be played and the skill level of the players. Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide targets and projectiles that are safe for users of all ages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a tossing game including a moveable target having an upward-facing opening and a projectile, the projectile being tossed for accuracy into the opening. Points are variably scored for accuracy in tossing the projectile towards the opening. Use of a tube or similar shapes as a target provides three- or four-tier scoring derived from the unique shape of the target, depending on where the projectile lands in relation to the target. The projectiles and targets may be large or small depending on whether adults or children play, where the game is to be played and the skill level of the players. The game can be played by setting the targets afloat in water.
Construction of the targets and projectiles can be of a variety of materials. The tubes and projectiles can be of a soft foam for indoor use and safety purposes. The targets can be inflatable, for portability. The targets can have a softer outer wall for safety reasons. The targets, having a large surface area, can have indicia imprinted upon or attached to an outward facing surface, allowing for display of advertisements, playing instructions, warnings and the like. The targets can have hooks for anchoring the targets against unintended movement.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 349930 (1994-08-01), Killion
patent: 3350097 (1967-10-01), Chevrette et al.
patent: 3403907 (1968-10-01), Keller
patent: 3469844 (1969-09-01), Sindelar
patent: 3652090 (1972-03-01), Semmens
patent: 3895801 (1975-07-01), Baird
patent: 3942798 (1976-03-01), Koski
patent: 4168066 (1979-09-01), Sole et al.
patent: 4204682 (1980-05-01), Brown
patent: 4392653 (1983-07-01), Blume, Sr.
patent: 4877256 (1989-10-01), Falloon
patent: 5316310 (1994-05-01), Nicholas, Sr. et al.
patent: 5318307 (1994-06-01), Bouchard et al.
patent: 5632490 (1997-05-01), Brown
Graham Mark S.
Webb Ziesenheim & Logsdon Orkin & Hanson, P.C.
LandOfFree
Tossing game does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Tossing game, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Tossing game will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2508781