Paddle Ball Game Apparatus with Removable Net Assembly

Abstract

A novel game apparatus with removable net assembly allowing for a variety of game play for one or more players. The game apparatus is dual-ended, one end being a flat striking surface, the other end being cup-shaped, with the two ends joined by a graspable handle that protrudes from the center of the back of the striking surface and connects to the base of the cup. The game apparatus may have a post hole extending through the base of the cup into the handle that can hold the post of a net assembly upright. Electronic circuitry may be embedded into the game apparatus to register the number of times a ball engages with the game apparatus, and transmit that information to an application on a smart device.

Description

PRIORITY

[0001] This application is based on provisional patent application No. 63 / 491,277 filed on date Mar. 20, 2023STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A LARGE TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX ON READ-ONLY OPTICAL DISC

[0003] Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention generally relates to multiple types of paddle ball games involving skill. The present invention relates to a portable table tennis set. The present invention relates to a variety of paddle ball hand-eye coordination games. The present invention also relates to games where a ball is bounced, caught, or thrown into a cup. The present invention may also relate to paddle games equipped with electronic sensors able to register ball strikes.2. Discussion of Related Art

[0005] The traditional game of ping pong, also known as table tennis, includes a table, net, paddles and ball. These game systems are heavy, expensive, and require a lot of space to play and store. The action of swinging at a ball requires even more space. These play sets require multiple players and the types of games played are limited and confined to the table. The present invention is more affordable, requires less space, and allows for a game of ping pong to be played on any size table. The present invention is designed so that when the user grasps the game apparatus they are inclined to punch at the ball to send it across the net rather than swing at it. This punching motion allows the game to be played in a more confined space. The present invention allows for a variety of additional game options due to the novel design of the game apparatus.

[0006] A variety of patents have addressed many of the issues that come with a traditional stationary table tennis game. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,182,374 to Copeland, discloses a retractable ping-pong net and paddles. The paddles have handles that retract into the blade. The paddles and blade nest together for easy storage. This invention provides an inexpensive and portable table tennis option as the net may be set up across any table. The retractable ping-pong set is limiting in that it is designed to be played much like a traditional stationary table tennis game requiring multiple players and enough space to allow a player to strike the ball in a swinging arm manner. The retractable ping-pong net assembly disclosed can also be problematic because the retraction devices on the net and paddle may malfunction with repeated use. The game apparatus and net assembly of the present invention are sturdy and easily set up without the risk of mechanical failure. The game apparatus of the present invention allows players to utilize the game set for a variety of games other than table tennis.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,810 to Cazalet, discloses a hand-eye coordination paddle ball game with the ability to count the number of hits electronically. The ball is tethered to the paddle with an elastic string. The present invention may be manufactured to register hits electronically utilizing electronic circuitry well known in the industry. The circuitry can count hits and may transmit that information to an application on a player's iPhone or other smart device. The present invention does not tether a ball to the game apparatus with a cumbersome elastic band that can break or lose elasticity.

[0008] Many games are designed for a ball to be caught, bounced, or thrown into a receptacle. The Ball and Cup Toy, U.S. Pat. No. 3,687,453 to Fraga, is a hand-eye coordination game that challenges the user to catch a ball in a cup, the ball being tethered to the cup by a cumbersome and breakable elastic band. U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,306A to Madsen is a paddle with a cup attached to the blade on one side and is designed for bounce and catch games. U.S. Pat. No. 11,027,179B2 to Krause is a portable game for playing a drinking game that involves throwing or bouncing an object into a cup, much like Beer Pong or Quarters. The game of Kendama, U.S. Pat. No. D754,259S1 to Mcphee is a game consisting of two opposing cups secured to a post meant to catch a ball that is tethered to the game stick. The novel cup-shape feature of the game apparatus of the present invention gives players the opportunity to play similar versions of all of these games.

[0009] There exists many types of paddles, also known as rackets or bats, that are used for hand-eye coordination games. U.S. Pat. No. D350,799S to Kaity, U.S. Pat. No. 4,148,483A to Sweet, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,227,692A to Castelli all provide novel paddles for a variety of game play. These paddles can be used to repeatedly bounce a ball in mid-air, against a wall, or to another player. They may also be used to try to balance the ball on the flat blade as a player races to a finish line without dropping the ball. The novel game apparatus of the present invention allows for a greater variety of skill and hand-eye coordination play than these existing paddles currently provide.

[0010] Despite the diversity of paddle ball games, none are specifically designed to allow for a multitude of games to be played by one or more users as the present invention provides. The present invention is designed to be used by people of all ages for both entertainment and to improve hand-eye coordination and concentration skills.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a novel game apparatus with removable net assembly that allows for a variety of ball game play for single or multiple users. The novel game apparatus of the present invention is generally furnished in a game set comprising: four novel game apparatus, a net assembly comprising a net suspended between two support posts, and a game ball. The novel game apparatus is dual-ended with one end having a flat and generally circular striking surface, the other end being a cup-shape member, and the two ends being connected by a graspable handle that is centered between the back of the striking surface and base of the cup-shape member. The game apparatus may have a post hole through the center of the cup-shape base that extends into the handle. In order to set up a net across a playing surface two game apparatus are placed striking surface side down and apart from each other on the playing surface, then each game apparatus has a post with net attached inserted into the post hole thereby creating a net across a playing surface. The game apparatus may also have built-in electronic circuitry that is able to count the number of times a ball hits the game apparatus, and may transmit that data to an application on an electronic device such as an iPhone, iPad, or other smart device.

[0012] The present invention provides an economical, sturdy, and easily transportable paddle ball game set with a novel game apparatus designed to allow single or multiple users to engage in many different, but familiar, forms of game play and hand-eye coordination exercises. Two or more players can engage in the well known game of table tennis. Players can challenge one another to ball hitting contests utilizing the novel game apparatus to hit the ball into the air, against a wall, or to each other. A single user can play these ball hitting games utilizing the game apparatus for hand-eye coordination game play. A version of the game apparatus with electronic counting circuitry allows players to challenge one another from different locations by registering and sharing hit counts from their game apparatus to their smart devices. Multiple players utilizing a game apparatus can engage in a variety of games that involve bouncing or throwing a ball into a cup-shape member such as Chase and Quarters.

[0013] Further aspects and components of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the drawings and the ensuing description of preferred embodiments of the present invention. A person skilled in the art will realize that other embodiments of the invention are possible and that the details of the invention can be modified in a number of respects, all without departing from the inventive concept. Thus, the following drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the game apparatus with decorative element as being grasped by a hand member of a game player.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross section view of the game apparatus.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross section view of another embodiment of the game apparatus showing a post hole.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross section view of another embodiment of the game apparatus showing electronic circuitry.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the game apparatus showing a section of the assembled post and net with the post inserted into the game apparatus.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross section view of yet another embodiment of the game apparatus showing electronic circuitry, post hole, and removable post.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the net assembly.

[0021] FIGS. 8-13 show illustrations of a variety of games users can play utilizing the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The present invention is an economical, sturdy, and easily transportable paddle game apparatus with the option of a removable net assembly that provides active entertainment for multiple players. However, the present invention is also well suited for individuals of all ages to use for hand-eye coordination, agility, and concentration exercises. Accordingly, the present invention will now be described in detail with respect to such endeavors; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a description of the invention is meant to be exemplary only and should not be viewed as limitative on the full scope thereof.

[0023] As can be seen in FIGS. 1-6, there may be multiple variations of the game apparatus 11 providing for various types of game play. The novel game apparatus 11 would typically be presented in a game set comprising: four novel game apparatus 11, a net assembly 15 as illustrated in FIG. 7, and a ball 20. The game apparatus 11 and ball 20 may also be made available as a stand-alone game set ideal for hand-eye coordination and skill development play. The novel game apparatus 11 may be manufactured in a variety of sizes, in any material capable of being molded, cut or formed to the design, including, but not limited to, plastics, foam, wood, or metal. The net post 16 would typically be made of the same material as the game apparatus 11. The net 17 may be constructed of ribbon, netting, string, plastic or any other suitable material. The ball 20 is preferably a ping-pong ball, a rubber bouncing ball, or other bounceable ball comprised of foam, plastic or other suitable material. The size of the ball 20 relates to the interior diameter of the cup-shaped 12 end of the game apparatus 11 so that the ball 20 will fit loosely into the cup-shape 12.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the novel game apparatus 11 as held by a player 22 with striking surface 13 facing upward, a decorative element 21 is displayed on the striking surface 23. The game apparatus 11 is a single dual-ended unit comprised of three sections; a generally circular and flat striking surface 13, connected by a cylindrical handle 14 protruding from the center of the back of the striking surface 13, to the base of the cup-shape 12 member as shown in the vertical cross section in FIG. 2. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 represents the most economical version of the game apparatus 11 to produce. This embodiment allows the game apparatus 11 to be constructed out of a single material such as solid wood, or utilize an injection molding process to make the game apparatus 11 out of plastic, metal or other suitable injectable material.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross section that illustrates another embodiment of the game apparatus 11. In this embodiment the game apparatus 11 includes a post hole 18 extending through the base of the cup-shape 12 into the handle 14. The post hole 18 is sized to snuggly receive a removable net post 16. The post hole 18 feature allows a net assembly 15 to be set up across a playing surface 23 by placing two game apparatus 11 striking surface 13 side down and apart from each other on a playing surface 23 and then inserting the posts 16 into the post holes 18 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross section of another embodiment of the game apparatus 11 showing electronic circuitry 19 built into the game apparatus 11 that may register, count, and transmit the number of times a ball 20 touches the game apparatus 11. The electronic circuitry 19 may relay the data to an application on an iPhone or other smart device. Players can keep track of their hit counts or share the information with other players through their smart devices. Technology well known and readily available to the industry would be utilized for the electronic circuitry 19. This embodiment is preferable when offering the game apparatus 11 and ball 20 as a stand-alone game set for a single user.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the game apparatus 11 coupled with a section of the net apparatus 15 with post 16 inserted into a post hole 18. FIG. 6 shows a vertical cross section of yet another embodiment of the novel game apparatus 11. This embodiment includes both a post hole 18 and electronic circuitry 19. The post 16 of the net assembly 15 is shown inserted into the post hole 18 in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 represents the preferred embodiment of the game apparatus 11 to be included in a game set that comprises: four novel game apparatus 11, a net assembly 15, and a ball 20.

[0028] It should be understood that one can also vary the construction of the game apparatus 11 within the scope of the invention. The handle 14 as illustrated in FIG. 1 can vary in length or shape. The cup-shape 12 member as illustrated in FIG. 4 can vary in size to accommodate various ball 20 sizes. The striking surface 13 as illustrated in FIG. 1 can vary in shape and size. The decorative element 21 as illustrated in FIG. 1 can be removed or replaced with a different image such as a logo, symbol, character, mascot, initial, number, or other creative design. It is also understood that the game apparatus 11 can be made available in a variety of colors.

[0029] The present invention as described is extremely versatile and can be used for playing many conventional games as illustrated in FIGS. 8-13. It is understood that players 22 are not limited to the following game play as described and may utilize the game set to make up as many new games as their imaginations allow. While the games are illustrated showing one or two players 22, they can often be played by many more players 22 with the procurement of additional game apparatus 11.

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates two players 22 engaging in the well known game of table tennis by placing two novel game apparatus 11 with net assembly 15 across a playing surface 23 and utilizing two additional game apparatus 11 to hit a ball 20 back and forth over the net 17. The position of the handle 14 as it is attached on the general center of the back of the striking surface 13 compels a player 22 to punch at a ball 20 to send it over the net 17. This punching motion, rather than a full arm swinging motion as is typical with a ping pong paddle, allows the game to be played in a much smaller space than is generally needed for a game of table tennis. The entire game set is compact, durable, and easily portable allowing players 22 to play a game of table tennis on whatever playing surface 23 is available such as a dining room table or folding table. While the game is illustrated showing two players 22, it can also be played by four players in the style of doubles table tennis with the procurement of additional game apparatus 11.

[0031] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate a variety of ball games that can be played utilizing the striking surface 13 end of a novel game apparatus 11. FIG. 9 illustrates two players 22 hitting a ball 20 back and forth utilizing a game apparatus 11 held with the striking surface 13 end up. A variation of this game would be for one of the players 22 to attempt to catch an incoming ball 20 into the cup-shape 12 end by holding a game apparatus 11 with the cup-shape 12 end up. FIG. 10 illustrates a player 22 hitting a ball 20 off a wall 24. The goal of this game is to get as many consecutive hits against the wall 24 before the ball 20 falls to the floor. FIG. 11 illustrates two players 22, each with their own game apparatus 11 and ball 20, hitting their ball 20 into the air. The goal of this game is for each player 22 to continuously hit their ball 20 into the air, the player 22 to be the last to let their ball 20 drop to the ground wins. FIG. 12 illustrates multiple players 22 each holding a game apparatus 11 with the striking surface 13 end up. The players 22 balance a ball 20 on the striking surface 13 as they race to the finish line 25. The goal is to be the first player 22 to cross a finish line 25 without letting their ball 20 roll off the striking surface 13. While the games illustrated in FIGS. 9-12 show one or multiple players, each version may be played by a single or multiple players. The electronic circuitry 19 built into a game apparatus 11 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6 may allow players to challenge one another when they are at different locations. The electronic circuitry 19 registers the number times a ball 20 hits the game apparatus 11 and transmits that information to an application on a player's smart-device which may then be shared electronically with other players through their smart-devices. The games described are well suited for individuals of all ages to use in noncompetitive play for hand-eye coordination, agility, and concentration exercises.

[0032] FIG. 13 illustrates one of the many ball bouncing games that are possible to be played utilizing the cup-shape 12 end of a game apparatus 11 and a ball 20. The players 22, each with their own game apparatus 11 and ball 20, place a game apparatus 11 on a playing surface 23 cup-shape 12 end up. The players 22 then attempt to bounce a ball 20 off the playing surface 23 and into the cup-shape 12. The player 22 to bounce a ball 20 into the cup-shape 12 first wins. Alternatively, the players 22 can compete to bounce a ball 20 into the cup-shape 12 the most amount of times in a set amount of time to win. Another method of play engages at least six players in a game of Chase by utilizing two game apparatus 21 and two balls 20. The players 22 surround a playing surface 23, a game apparatus 11 is placed in front of two players 22 who are standing directly across from each other at the playing surface 23. The play begins with each of the players 22 trying to bounce a ball 20 off the playing surface 23 and into the cup-shape 2 end of the game apparatus 11 in front of them. When a player 22 lands the ball 20 into the cup-shape 12 the game apparatus 11 and ball 20 are then passed to the player 22 standing to their right who then tries to bounce the ball 20 into the cup-shaped 12 end of the game apparatus 11. This continues until one game apparatus 11 catches up to the other game apparatus 11, the player 22 to end up with two game apparatus 11 is the loser. Yet another method of play resembles the game of Quarters wherein a group of players 22 surround a playing surface 23. A single game apparatus 11 is placed cup-shape 12 end up on the playing surface 23, the first player 22 tries to bounce a ball 20 off of the playing surface 23 and into the cup-shape 12, if the player 22 succeeds then that player 22 can make any other player 22 take a drink, if the player fails to land the ball 20 into the cup-shape 12 then the game apparatus 11 moves to the next player 22 who then tries to bounce the ball 20 into the cup-shape 12 and so on.

[0033] While the present invention has now been described and exemplified with some specificity, those skilled in the art will appreciate the various modifications including variations in size, shape, materials, additions, and omissions that may be made in what has been described. Accordingly, it is intended that these modifications are also encompassed by the present invention and that the scope of the present invention be limited solely by the broadest interpretation that lawfully can be accorded the appended claims without departing from the spirit in the invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]The present invention is an economical, sturdy, and easily transportable paddle game apparatus with the option of a removable net assembly that provides active entertainment for multiple players. However, the present invention is also well suited for individuals of all ages to use for hand-eye coordination, agility, and concentration exercises. Accordingly, the present invention will now be described in detail with respect to such endeavors; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a description of the invention is meant to be exemplary only and should not be viewed as limitative on the full scope thereof.

[0023]As can be seen in FIGS. 1-6, there may be multiple variations of the game apparatus 11 providing for various types of game play. The novel game apparatus 11 would typically be presented in a game set comprising: four novel game apparatus 11, a net assembly 15 as illustrated in FIG. 7, and a ball 20. The game apparatus 11 and ball 20 may also be made a...

PRIORITY

[0001] This application is based on provisional patent application No. 63 / 491,277 filed on date Mar. 20, 2023STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A LARGE TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX ON READ-ONLY OPTICAL DISC

[0003] Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention generally relates to multiple types of paddle ball games involving skill. The present invention relates to a portable table tennis set. The present invention relates to a variety of paddle ball hand-eye coordination games. The present invention also relates to games where a ball is bounced, caught, or thrown into a cup. The present invention may also relate to paddle games equipped with electronic sensors able to register ball strikes.2. Discussion of Related Art

[0005] The traditional game of ping pong, also known as table tennis, includes a table, net, paddles and ball. These game systems are heavy, expensive, and require a lot of space to play and store. The action of swinging at a ball requires even more space. These play sets require multiple players and the types of games played are limited and confined to the table. The present invention is more affordable, requires less space, and allows for a game of ping pong to be played on any size table. The present invention is designed so that when the user grasps the game apparatus they are inclined to punch at the ball to send it across the net rather than swing at it. This punching motion allows the game to be played in a more confined space. The present invention allows for a variety of additional game options due to the novel design of the game apparatus.

[0006] A variety of patents have addressed many of the issues that come with a traditional stationary table tennis game. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,182,374 to Copeland, discloses a retractable ping-pong net and paddles. The paddles have handles that retract into the blade. The paddles and blade nest together for easy storage. This invention provides an inexpensive and portable table tennis option as the net may be set up across any table. The retractable ping-pong set is limiting in that it is designed to be played much like a traditional stationary table tennis game requiring multiple players and enough space to allow a player to strike the ball in a swinging arm manner. The retractable ping-pong net assembly disclosed can also be problematic because the retraction devices on the net and paddle may malfunction with repeated use. The game apparatus and net assembly of the present invention are sturdy and easily set up without the risk of mechanical failure. The game apparatus of the present invention allows players to utilize the game set for a variety of games other than table tennis.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,810 to Cazalet, discloses a hand-eye coordination paddle ball game with the ability to count the number of hits electronically. The ball is tethered to the paddle with an elastic string. The present invention may be manufactured to register hits electronically utilizing electronic circuitry well known in the industry. The circuitry can count hits and may transmit that information to an application on a player's iPhone or other smart device. The present invention does not tether a ball to the game apparatus with a cumbersome elastic band that can break or lose elasticity.

[0008] Many games are designed for a ball to be caught, bounced, or thrown into a receptacle. The Ball and Cup Toy, U.S. Pat. No. 3,687,453 to Fraga, is a hand-eye coordination game that challenges the user to catch a ball in a cup, the ball being tethered to the cup by a cumbersome and breakable elastic band. U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,306A to Madsen is a paddle with a cup attached to the blade on one side and is designed for bounce and catch games. U.S. Pat. No. 11,027,179B2 to Krause is a portable game for playing a drinking game that involves throwing or bouncing an object into a cup, much like Beer Pong or Quarters. The game of Kendama, U.S. Pat. No. D754,259S1 to Mcphee is a game consisting of two opposing cups secured to a post meant to catch a ball that is tethered to the game stick. The novel cup-shape feature of the game apparatus of the present invention gives players the opportunity to play similar versions of all of these games.

[0009] There exists many types of paddles, also known as rackets or bats, that are used for hand-eye coordination games. U.S. Pat. No. D350,799S to Kaity, U.S. Pat. No. 4,148,483A to Sweet, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,227,692A to Castelli all provide novel paddles for a variety of game play. These paddles can be used to repeatedly bounce a ball in mid-air, against a wall, or to another player. They may also be used to try to balance the ball on the flat blade as a player races to a finish line without dropping the ball. The novel game apparatus of the present invention allows for a greater variety of skill and hand-eye coordination play than these existing paddles currently provide.

[0010] Despite the diversity of paddle ball games, none are specifically designed to allow for a multitude of games to be played by one or more users as the present invention provides. The present invention is designed to be used by people of all ages for both entertainment and to improve hand-eye coordination and concentration skills.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a novel game apparatus with removable net assembly that allows for a variety of ball game play for single or multiple users. The novel game apparatus of the present invention is generally furnished in a game set comprising: four novel game apparatus, a net assembly comprising a net suspended between two support posts, and a game ball. The novel game apparatus is dual-ended with one end having a flat and generally circular striking surface, the other end being a cup-shape member, and the two ends being connected by a graspable handle that is centered between the back of the striking surface and base of the cup-shape member. The game apparatus may have a post hole through the center of the cup-shape base that extends into the handle. In order to set up a net across a playing surface two game apparatus are placed striking surface side down and apart from each other on the playing surface, then each game apparatus has a post with net attached inserted into the post hole thereby creating a net across a playing surface. The game apparatus may also have built-in electronic circuitry that is able to count the number of times a ball hits the game apparatus, and may transmit that data to an application on an electronic device such as an iPhone, iPad, or other smart device.

[0012] The present invention provides an economical, sturdy, and easily transportable paddle ball game set with a novel game apparatus designed to allow single or multiple users to engage in many different, but familiar, forms of game play and hand-eye coordination exercises. Two or more players can engage in the well known game of table tennis. Players can challenge one another to ball hitting contests utilizing the novel game apparatus to hit the ball into the air, against a wall, or to each other. A single user can play these ball hitting games utilizing the game apparatus for hand-eye coordination game play. A version of the game apparatus with electronic counting circuitry allows players to challenge one another from different locations by registering and sharing hit counts from their game apparatus to their smart devices. Multiple players utilizing a game apparatus can engage in a variety of games that involve bouncing or throwing a ball into a cup-shape member such as Chase and Quarters.

[0013] Further aspects and components of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the drawings and the ensuing description of preferred embodiments of the present invention. A person skilled in the art will realize that other embodiments of the invention are possible and that the details of the invention can be modified in a number of respects, all without departing from the inventive concept. Thus, the following drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the game apparatus with decorative element as being grasped by a hand member of a game player.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross section view of the game apparatus.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross section view of another embodiment of the game apparatus showing a post hole.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross section view of another embodiment of the game apparatus showing electronic circuitry.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the game apparatus showing a section of the assembled post and net with the post inserted into the game apparatus.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross section view of yet another embodiment of the game apparatus showing electronic circuitry, post hole, and removable post.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the net assembly.

[0021] FIGS. 8-13 show illustrations of a variety of games users can play utilizing the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The present invention is an economical, sturdy, and easily transportable paddle game apparatus with the option of a removable net assembly that provides active entertainment for multiple players. However, the present invention is also well suited for individuals of all ages to use for hand-eye coordination, agility, and concentration exercises. Accordingly, the present invention will now be described in detail with respect to such endeavors; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a description of the invention is meant to be exemplary only and should not be viewed as limitative on the full scope thereof.

[0023] As can be seen in FIGS. 1-6, there may be multiple variations of the game apparatus 11 providing for various types of game play. The novel game apparatus 11 would typically be presented in a game set comprising: four novel game apparatus 11, a net assembly 15 as illustrated in FIG. 7, and a ball 20. The game apparatus 11 and ball 20 may also be made available as a stand-alone game set ideal for hand-eye coordination and skill development play. The novel game apparatus 11 may be manufactured in a variety of sizes, in any material capable of being molded, cut or formed to the design, including, but not limited to, plastics, foam, wood, or metal. The net post 16 would typically be made of the same material as the game apparatus 11. The net 17 may be constructed of ribbon, netting, string, plastic or any other suitable material. The ball 20 is preferably a ping-pong ball, a rubber bouncing ball, or other bounceable ball comprised of foam, plastic or other suitable material. The size of the ball 20 relates to the interior diameter of the cup-shaped 12 end of the game apparatus 11 so that the ball 20 will fit loosely into the cup-shape 12.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the novel game apparatus 11 as held by a player 22 with striking surface 13 facing upward, a decorative element 21 is displayed on the striking surface 23. The game apparatus 11 is a single dual-ended unit comprised of three sections; a generally circular and flat striking surface 13, connected by a cylindrical handle 14 protruding from the center of the back of the striking surface 13, to the base of the cup-shape 12 member as shown in the vertical cross section in FIG. 2. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 represents the most economical version of the game apparatus 11 to produce. This embodiment allows the game apparatus 11 to be constructed out of a single material such as solid wood, or utilize an injection molding process to make the game apparatus 11 out of plastic, metal or other suitable injectable material.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross section that illustrates another embodiment of the game apparatus 11. In this embodiment the game apparatus 11 includes a post hole 18 extending through the base of the cup-shape 12 into the handle 14. The post hole 18 is sized to snuggly receive a removable net post 16. The post hole 18 feature allows a net assembly 15 to be set up across a playing surface 23 by placing two game apparatus 11 striking surface 13 side down and apart from each other on a playing surface 23 and then inserting the posts 16 into the post holes 18 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross section of another embodiment of the game apparatus 11 showing electronic circuitry 19 built into the game apparatus 11 that may register, count, and transmit the number of times a ball 20 touches the game apparatus 11. The electronic circuitry 19 may relay the data to an application on an iPhone or other smart device. Players can keep track of their hit counts or share the information with other players through their smart devices. Technology well known and readily available to the industry would be utilized for the electronic circuitry 19. This embodiment is preferable when offering the game apparatus 11 and ball 20 as a stand-alone game set for a single user.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the game apparatus 11 coupled with a section of the net apparatus 15 with post 16 inserted into a post hole 18. FIG. 6 shows a vertical cross section of yet another embodiment of the novel game apparatus 11. This embodiment includes both a post hole 18 and electronic circuitry 19. The post 16 of the net assembly 15 is shown inserted into the post hole 18 in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 represents the preferred embodiment of the game apparatus 11 to be included in a game set that comprises: four novel game apparatus 11, a net assembly 15, and a ball 20.

[0028] It should be understood that one can also vary the construction of the game apparatus 11 within the scope of the invention. The handle 14 as illustrated in FIG. 1 can vary in length or shape. The cup-shape 12 member as illustrated in FIG. 4 can vary in size to accommodate various ball 20 sizes. The striking surface 13 as illustrated in FIG. 1 can vary in shape and size. The decorative element 21 as illustrated in FIG. 1 can be removed or replaced with a different image such as a logo, symbol, character, mascot, initial, number, or other creative design. It is also understood that the game apparatus 11 can be made available in a variety of colors.

[0029] The present invention as described is extremely versatile and can be used for playing many conventional games as illustrated in FIGS. 8-13. It is understood that players 22 are not limited to the following game play as described and may utilize the game set to make up as many new games as their imaginations allow. While the games are illustrated showing one or two players 22, they can often be played by many more players 22 with the procurement of additional game apparatus 11.

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates two players 22 engaging in the well known game of table tennis by placing two novel game apparatus 11 with net assembly 15 across a playing surface 23 and utilizing two additional game apparatus 11 to hit a ball 20 back and forth over the net 17. The position of the handle 14 as it is attached on the general center of the back of the striking surface 13 compels a player 22 to punch at a ball 20 to send it over the net 17. This punching motion, rather than a full arm swinging motion as is typical with a ping pong paddle, allows the game to be played in a much smaller space than is generally needed for a game of table tennis. The entire game set is compact, durable, and easily portable allowing players 22 to play a game of table tennis on whatever playing surface 23 is available such as a dining room table or folding table. While the game is illustrated showing two players 22, it can also be played by four players in the style of doubles table tennis with the procurement of additional game apparatus 11.

[0031] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate a variety of ball games that can be played utilizing the striking surface 13 end of a novel game apparatus 11. FIG. 9 illustrates two players 22 hitting a ball 20 back and forth utilizing a game apparatus 11 held with the striking surface 13 end up. A variation of this game would be for one of the players 22 to attempt to catch an incoming ball 20 into the cup-shape 12 end by holding a game apparatus 11 with the cup-shape 12 end up. FIG. 10 illustrates a player 22 hitting a ball 20 off a wall 24. The goal of this game is to get as many consecutive hits against the wall 24 before the ball 20 falls to the floor. FIG. 11 illustrates two players 22, each with their own game apparatus 11 and ball 20, hitting their ball 20 into the air. The goal of this game is for each player 22 to continuously hit their ball 20 into the air, the player 22 to be the last to let their ball 20 drop to the ground wins. FIG. 12 illustrates multiple players 22 each holding a game apparatus 11 with the striking surface 13 end up. The players 22 balance a ball 20 on the striking surface 13 as they race to the finish line 25. The goal is to be the first player 22 to cross a finish line 25 without letting their ball 20 roll off the striking surface 13. While the games illustrated in FIGS. 9-12 show one or multiple players, each version may be played by a single or multiple players. The electronic circuitry 19 built into a game apparatus 11 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6 may allow players to challenge one another when they are at different locations. The electronic circuitry 19 registers the number times a ball 20 hits the game apparatus 11 and transmits that information to an application on a player's smart-device which may then be shared electronically with other players through their smart-devices. The games described are well suited for individuals of all ages to use in noncompetitive play for hand-eye coordination, agility, and concentration exercises.

[0032] FIG. 13 illustrates one of the many ball bouncing games that are possible to be played utilizing the cup-shape 12 end of a game apparatus 11 and a ball 20. The players 22, each with their own game apparatus 11 and ball 20, place a game apparatus 11 on a playing surface 23 cup-shape 12 end up. The players 22 then attempt to bounce a ball 20 off the playing surface 23 and into the cup-shape 12. The player 22 to bounce a ball 20 into the cup-shape 12 first wins. Alternatively, the players 22 can compete to bounce a ball 20 into the cup-shape 12 the most amount of times in a set amount of time to win. Another method of play engages at least six players in a game of Chase by utilizing two game apparatus 21 and two balls 20. The players 22 surround a playing surface 23, a game apparatus 11 is placed in front of two players 22 who are standing directly across from each other at the playing surface 23. The play begins with each of the players 22 trying to bounce a ball 20 off the playing surface 23 and into the cup-shape 2 end of the game apparatus 11 in front of them. When a player 22 lands the ball 20 into the cup-shape 12 the game apparatus 11 and ball 20 are then passed to the player 22 standing to their right who then tries to bounce the ball 20 into the cup-shaped 12 end of the game apparatus 11. This continues until one game apparatus 11 catches up to the other game apparatus 11, the player 22 to end up with two game apparatus 11 is the loser. Yet another method of play resembles the game of Quarters wherein a group of players 22 surround a playing surface 23. A single game apparatus 11 is placed cup-shape 12 end up on the playing surface 23, the first player 22 tries to bounce a ball 20 off of the playing surface 23 and into the cup-shape 12, if the player 22 succeeds then that player 22 can make any other player 22 take a drink, if the player fails to land the ball 20 into the cup-shape 12 then the game apparatus 11 moves to the next player 22 who then tries to bounce the ball 20 into the cup-shape 12 and so on.

[0033] While the present invention has now been described and exemplified with some specificity, those skilled in the art will appreciate the various modifications including variations in size, shape, materials, additions, and omissions that may be made in what has been described. Accordingly, it is intended that these modifications are also encompassed by the present invention and that the scope of the present invention be limited solely by the broadest interpretation that lawfully can be accorded the appended claims without departing from the spirit in the invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]The present invention is an economical, sturdy, and easily transportable paddle game apparatus with the option of a removable net assembly that provides active entertainment for multiple players. However, the present invention is also well suited for individuals of all ages to use for hand-eye coordination, agility, and concentration exercises. Accordingly, the present invention will now be described in detail with respect to such endeavors; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a description of the invention is meant to be exemplary only and should not be viewed as limitative on the full scope thereof.

[0023]As can be seen in FIGS. 1-6, there may be multiple variations of the game apparatus 11 providing for various types of game play. The novel game apparatus 11 would typically be presented in a game set comprising: four novel game apparatus 11, a net assembly 15 as illustrated in FIG. 7, and a ball 20. The game apparatus 11 and ball 20 may also be made a...

Claims

1. A dual-ended game apparatus comprising:a flat striking surface sufficiently rigid for repelling a ball;a cylindrical handle affixed to the approximate center of the opposing side of said striking surface, the longitudinal axis of said handle positioned perpendicular to said striking surface plane; anda cup-shaped member, the base of said cup-shaped member affixed to the end of said handle opposing said striking surface.

2. The dual-ended game apparatus in claim 1, wherein said game apparatus is further comprised of various sizes and shapes.

3. The dual-ended game apparatus in claim 1, wherein said game apparatus is comprised of wood, plastic, resin, rubber, metal, or foam.

4. The dual-ended game apparatus in claim 1, wherein the interior diameter of said cup-shape member is sized to cradle a ball.

5. The dual-ended game apparatus in claim 1, further comprising a post hole extending through the base of said cup-shape member into said handle.

6. The dual-ended game apparatus in claim 1, further comprising electronic circuitry to register the number of times a ball impacts said dual-ended game apparatus.

7. The electronic circuitry of claim 6, wherein said electronic circuitry can transmit said ball impacts to an application on a smart device.

8. The game apparatus in claim 1, wherein said striking surface further comprises a decorative element.

9. A game set comprising:at least four dual-ended game apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising;a post hole extending through the center of the base of said cup-shaped member into said handle;a net assembly comprised of a net secured between two support posts; andat least one ball.

10. The post hole in claim 9, wherein said post hole is sized to securely hold said net assembly post upright.

11. The net assembly in claim 9, wherein said net post is removable from said post hole.

12. The net assembly in claim 9, wherein said net is comprised of ribbon, plastic, mesh, or fabric.

13. The dual-ended game apparatus in claim 9, further comprising electronic circuitry to register the number of times a ball impacts said dual-ended game apparatus.

14. The electronic circuitry of claim 13, wherein said electronic circuitry can transmit said ball impacts to an application on a smart device.

15. The game apparatus in claim 9, wherein said striking surface further comprises a decorative element.

16. The ball in claim 9, wherein said ball is sized to fit loosely within the diameter of said cup-shape member.

17. The ball in claim 9, wherein said ball is comprised of rubber, foam, or plastic.

18. A dual-ended game apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising:a system of electronic circuitry that can register the number of times a ball impacts said dual-ended game apparatus.

19. The electronic circuitry of claim 18, wherein said electronic circuitry further comprises technology to transmit said ball impacts to an application on a smart device.

20. The application of claim 19, wherein said application further comprises technology to share the registered ball impacts with an application on a separate smart device.

Images