Aquatic Ball Toss Apparatus and Game

Abstract

An aquatic ball-toss game that includes a target to be positioned poolside, facing the water, along with 2 sets of four each, cloth-covered sponge balls. The game is intended to be played while inside of a swimming pool, from any predetermined distance. The target board shall have 5 apertures on the face of the target board. Three apertures shall be positioned on the center line, decreasing in diameter as they ascend vertically. There shall be the two smallest apertures positioned near the top, on either side of the center line. The apparatus shall be positioned so that a portion will hang over the pool edge, so that any balls hitting the target may fall back into the pool through an open section in the base.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTIONField of Invention

[0001] This invention pertains to the apparatus for playing ball toss games using a target, and more particularly, to games played within the confines of a swimming pool.Description of Related Art

[0002] Aquatic recreational games involving a projectile tossed towards a target are universal. Many aquatic games are inflatable and designed for floatation inside of the pool. A drawback of games employing a floating target is the instability due to waves, which invariably turns such games into games of chance, and the skill of hitting a target is largely negated.

[0003] Other poolside ball toss games largely incorporate athletic contests such as basketball and volleyball. More closely related is the popular land based game of Cornhole, which has also been modified into a floatation apparatus for swimming pools. This game invention employs a variable combination between Cornhole and Skee-Ball, in that opponents must toss a projectile into a hole. Yet as opposed to Cornhole and akin to Skee-ball, there are multiple holes of different sizes, in that the smaller holes earn a greater point value when a ball is tossed into it.

[0004] Many swimming pool recreational games today are focused on competition without the added physical exertion. And nearly all ball toss / ring toss games include an inflatable floatation apparatus that is both unstable and subject to puncture. This invention provides such relaxed competition, allowing ease of portability, durability, and requires the skill level of eye-hand coordination in contrast of many aquatic pool games today.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a game with a land based target that can played while in a swimming pool, whereas fabric covered sponge balls will be tossed into the target by opposing players / teams.

[0006] It is also an object of the invention to provide a water sport game played by opposing players that is similar to horseshoes, cornhole and Skee-Ball.

[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a game that is comprised of a target board angled upright in a fixed position. The game apparatus shall be set on the edge of the pool facing towards the players (preferably between 60 and 70 degrees) who will toss sponge-balls from inside the pool. The target board shall have 5 circular apertures of varying sizes.

[0008] These and other objects of the invention are met by the aquatic swimming pool game disclosed herein that includes a target board apparatus to be placed at the edge of a swimming pool. The game shall also preferably include two sets of four (4) sponge-balls covered by fabric that shall be tossed at the target board by opposing players or team members from a predetermined distance inside the pool. Each set of sponge-balls shall be a different color so as to differentiate between teams.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment, the game is played by placing the target game apparatus on the swimming pool edge with approximately 6 inches of the apparatus base overhanging the edge of the pool. The base shall include a 4 inch by 14 inch opening which overhangs the edge of the pool so that balls made in the target holes may fall back into the pool. Sponge balls shall be approximately three inches in diameter. The 3 vertical apertures in the board on the center line shall have diameters of 6 inches, 5 inches and 4 inches respectively, and shall decrease in size as they ascend up the board. The remaining 2 apertures shall be 3½ inches in diameter and each be positioned equidistant from the center line and the target board edge, and laterally between the 4 and 5 inch apertures. The game shall contain a breathable mesh storage bag for sponge balls to allow for drying.

[0010] The apparatus shall be comprised of 3 pieces connected by hinges: the target board, the base, the support piece. It shall preferably be constructed out of PVC or plastic in order to be weather proof and durable. The two hinges shall also be made of plastic, and will be either a fixed piano hinge, or a snap-on hinge. The rear half of the base shall be hollow with a removable plug on the top side, allowing it to be filled with water and have counterbalance as it sits poolside. The apparatus shall fold and collapse on itself for ease of transport and storage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the game apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, as it is set for play on the edge of the swimming pool.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top side of the target board.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the target board.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a top plain view of the target board.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a bottom plain view of the target board.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus base.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a top plain view of the apparatus base.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective transparent view of the apparatus base, revealing the water containment cavity.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the game apparatus.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a top plain view of the apparatus support piece in the preferred embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the support piece.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the game apparatus.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a plain side view of the game apparatus illustrating the method of collapsing the game for storage.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a plain side view of the game apparatus illustrating its position as it is nearly collapsed for storage.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the apparatus as it is completely collapsed for storage.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0026] The principal objective of the game of the present invention is to toss a fabric covered sponge ball through circular apertures in the target board which reward different point values based on degrees of difficulty.

[0027] The preferred embodiment of the game apparatus of the present invention is shown in the Figures, in which all elements are designated by like reference numerals.

[0028] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention as it sets assembled, in position for play poolside.

[0029] FIG. 2 of the game apparatus illustrates a front perspective view of the target board 101, which has five target apertures: one 6″ aperture 126, one 5″ aperture 125, one 4″ aperture 124, and two 3½″ apertures 123.

[0030] FIG. 3 provides a rear perspective view of the target board 101 in which all five target apertures 126, 125, 124, 123 are visible. Included in the rear of the target board 101 in FIG. 3 are a rear top hinge 131 and bottom hinge 132.

[0031] The target apertures 123-125 provide different scoring opportunities based on difficulty. The 6″ aperture 126 is the largest aperture, yielding a score of 1 point if a player tosses a ball in that particular opening. The 5″ aperture 125 shall be worth 2 points, the 4″ aperture 124 shall be worth 3 points, and each 3½″ aperture 123 shall be worth 5 points.

[0032] FIG. 4 provides a top view of the target board 101.

[0033] FIG. 5 provides a bottom view of the target board 101, which reveals the location of the rear top hinge 131 and bottom hinge 132. In both FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 the target aperture 123-126 positions on the target board 101 can be more easily scen.

[0034] FIG. 6 of the preferred embodiment provides a perspective view of the game apparatus base 201. On the top side of the base 201 nearest to one edge is a water valve with a recessed water plug 205, and that edge shall be referred to as the rear edge of the base 201. On the top side of the base 201, opposite the edge of the afore mentioned water plug 205 location, rests the bottom hinge attachment 132, and that edge shall be referred to as the front edge. Approximately 6″ from the rear edge of the base 201 in FIG. 6 is a recessed groove 206 that shall preferably be approximately 14½″ in length and parallel to the rear edge. Set approximately 1½″ from front edge is a 4″×14″ rectangular opening 207 that shall rest over the edge of a swimming pool in the preferred embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 7 provides a top side view of the apparatus base 201, identifying the same features 132, 201. 205-207 as indicated in FIG. 6.

[0036] FIG. 8 provides a transparent perspective view of the apparatus base 201, revealing a hollow water storage compartment210. The water storage compartment 210 shall extend approximately 13″ from the rear edge of the base 201, and shall be filled by way of the recessed water plug 205.

[0037] FIG. 9 provides a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the assembled game apparatus. The target board 101 is connected to the base 201 with the bottom hinge 132. The top hinge 131 connects the target board 101 to the support piece 301 which is preferably held in place by snapping into the recessed groove 206 in the base 201. This allows the target board 101 to set in place at an angle of about 65 degrees. FIG. 9 also reveals that the length of the target board 101 is approximately 4″ greater than that of the base 201, and the width of the target board 101 is approximately ½″ greater than that of the base 201. The difference in length and width allows the target board 101 to collapse over the basc 201, making storage and packaging casy. To keep the folded game apparatus in place, an elastic rubber tab 103 shall connect the target board 101 to the base 201 once it is folded for storage, which can be scen in FIG. 15.

[0038] FIG. 10 provides a top view of the support piece 301, which connects to the target board 101 with the top hinge 131.

[0039] FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of the support piece 301.

[0040] FIG. 12 provides a side perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the assembled game apparatus. As players toss sponge balls at the target board 101 from a distance as predetermined by opposing players, balls that hit the target board 101 without fully penetrating any of the target apertures 123-126 will fall into the pool. Should a player toss a sponge ball and score, fully entering through any one of the target apertures 123-126, sponge balls may come to rest atop the base 201 or bound through the base opening 207, back into the pool. Having sponge balls re-enter the pool or rest on the top side of the base 201 after players take their turns provides a level of convenience for players as they shall not have reason to leave the pool.

[0041] FIG. 13 provides a side view of the game apparatus as it illustrates the first step in collapsing the game for storage. The folding direction of the target board 101 is indicated by an arrow which ares downward. The folding direction of the support piece 301 is indicated by an arrow which arcs towards the target board 101 and shall rest flat against the inner section of the target board 101. Once the support piece 301 is folded flush against the inside of the target board 101, the target board 101 will then fold down over the apparatus base 201.

[0042] FIG. 14 provides a side view of the game apparatus as it nears its collapse for storage. The support piece 301 is indicated by a dotted line as it is folded at the upper hinge piece 131 fully flush against the inside of the target board 101. The direction of the target board 101 fold is indicated by an arrow which arcs down towards the apparatus base 201.

[0043] FIG. 15 provides a bottom side perspective of the preferred embodiment of the game apparatus. It can be seen in the illustration that the apparatus base 201 is fully folded into the target board 101 recess. The support piece 301 can be seen through the base opening 207 beneath. The folded game apparatus shall be secured closed by using the elastic rubber tab 103 to stretch and attach it to the bottom of the apparatus base 201 by way of a groove or looping the rubber tab 103 around a protrusion on the base 201.

[0044] Game pieces are comprised of the game apparatus and 8 sponge balls, 2 sets of 4, cach set of a different color. To play the game in the preferred embodiment, the game apparatus shall be positioned at the edge of a swimming pool with approximately 6 inches of the game apparatus resting over the edge of the pool as illustrated in FIG. 1. The game is intended for 2 individuals or 2 teams, and each shall have 4 tosses at the target board 101, alternating their shots. Opponents will agree on a predetermined distance from which to toss the sponge balls at the target board 101. In the preferred embodiment, target aperture points shall be worth 1 point, 2 points, 3 points and 5 points, in that the largest target hole is worth 1 point and the smallest target hole is worth 5 points. Preferably, players or teams shall toss sponge balls at the target board 101 until said player / team reaches exactly 21 points without exceeding 21 points. Should a player / team toss a ball in a target that exceeds the necessary number of points to reach exactly 21, the player / team shall have their score reset backwards to 15 points, and play shall continue until a player / team scores exactly 21 points. It is acceptable that both players / teams agree to a lesser amount of points to be scored in determining a winner, so as to speed up the game.

[0045] The afore invention has been herein described in more or less specific language in regards to structural aspects. However, it must be acknowledged that this invention is not limited to specific features illustrated, and that such embodiments have been shown and described for the purpose of illustrating the operative and structural principles of the present invention. The present invention is not to be considered limited to illustrated forms, and is therefore claimed in any of its embodiments or alterations within the permissible scope of the amended claims.

Claims

1. An aquatic ball toss game apparatus, comprising:eight game sponge balls, a free standing poolside ball target consisting of 3 sections: a target surface, a support, and a base.

2. The game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the target portion contains a plurality of circular apertures, each aperture having a different diameter.

3. The game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus base has a removable plug on its top side and is capable of being filled with water for purposes of counterbalance weight.

4. The game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the target surface is attached to both the support and the base by way of 2 hinges on the rear of the target surface.

5. The game apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the game apparatus may be collapsed for storage in that the support can be folded up under the target surface, and the target surface can be folded down over the base, resulting in said collapsed game apparatus that can easily be stored.

6. The game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the base has an opening which, when positioned over the edge of the swimming pool, will allow sponge balls accurately thrown through any of the apertures on the target surface to fall back into the pool.

7. A method of using the game apparatus by at least 2 players, the method comprising:providing a target surface for tossing a sponge ball into an aperture in the target surface, the target surface having 5 apertures of different diameters;a target surface positioned at an angle of approximately 65 degrees facing the swimming pool:providing 4 sponge balls to each of 2 players or teams.

8. A method according to claim 7 wherein each player or team takes turns tossing a sponge ball towards the target surface, scoring points each time a ball penetrates an aperture.

9. A method according to claim 7 wherein opposing players or teams shall predetermine a distance from which sponge balls will be tossed towards the target surface.

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