System and method for playing a game
The game system with a swinging string and hooks offers a versatile and engaging game experience adaptable to various environments, addressing the need for new competitive games that can be played both outdoors and indoors.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- US · United States
- Patent Type
- Applications(United States)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SABERHAGEN BRET
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-07
AI Technical Summary
There is a need for new and exciting competitive games that can be played in various environments, both outdoor and indoor, and that are adaptable to different locations.
A game system comprising a game stand, game board, and a swinging string with a ring that engages hooks, allowing players to swing the string to catch the hooks, with variations including a shelf for holding shot glasses or other containers, and the ability to attach to vehicles or ceilings.
Provides a versatile and engaging game experience that can be played in diverse settings, with options for drinking or non-drinking games, and adaptable to different environments.
Smart Images

Figure US20260124525A1-D00000_ABST
Abstract
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for playing a game.BACKGROUND
[0002] Competitive games of countless types can be found at tailgating parties, barbeques and other outdoor events. Games such as washers, cornhole, horseshoes and the like are very common. Nonetheless, the need and desire for new and exciting competitive games remains.
[0003] It would be advantageous to develop a new competitive game playable in various environments. It would be particularly advantageous if the new competitive game was adaptable for play at a variety of outdoor or indoor locations.SUMMARY
[0004] One embodiment of the present invention broadly comprises a game stand, game board and game string. One end of the game string is attached to the stand permitting the string to swing freely above the ground. A second end of the string retains a ring configured to engage one or more hooks extending from said game board. In practice, players attempt to swing the string causing the ring to engage one of the hooks. In one embodiment, each hook includes a corresponding article (e.g., shot glass) to facilitate play of a particular type of game (e.g., drinking game).
[0005] In one embodiment, the game board comprises four horizontally-spaced hooks and four corresponding shot glasses resting in openings in a shelf adjacent to said hooks. During play, when a player causes the ring to engage one of the hooks, an opposing player must drink a shot out of the corresponding shot glass. Such a game may be played until all shot glasses are empty.
[0006] In one embodiment, the stand is configured to rest on the ground. Alternatively, a stand is configured to attach to the tow hitch receiver of a vehicle. In another embodiment, the string may be attached directly to a ceiling eliminating the need for a separate game stand altogether.
[0007] Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention comprising a game board, hooks, shot glasses, string and ring without a game stand;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective front view of an exemplary game board according to the embodiments of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary disassembled game board according to the embodiments of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary game stand according to the embodiments of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary game stand with an exemplary game board attached according to the embodiments of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary game board attached to a post of a game stand according to the embodiments of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a game being played according to the embodiments of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 8A illustrates a front view of an alternative game stand according to the embodiments of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of the alternative game stand of FIG. 8A according to the embodiments of the present invention; and
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a game stand attached to a tow hitch receiver of a vehicle according to the embodiments of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed.
[0019] The embodiments of the present invention, as described below in more detail, involve an system broadly comprising a game stand, game board and a string with a ring. As described below, the system facilitates play of a drinking game of the type suitable for a backyard barbeque or tailgating at a sporting event. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the game need not involve drinking. Regardless of the embodiment, the objective of the game facilitated by the system is to push or otherwise force the ring attached to the string to swing in a parabolic or arcuate path to catch or otherwise engage one of the hooks on the game board.
[0020] The game stand and game board detailed herein may be made using any suitable materials including woods, plastics, metals, alloys, composites and combinations thereof. The game stand and game board may also be made using any fabricating techniques including machining, injection molding, 3D printing, lathing and combinations thereof.
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a most basic version of the system of the embodiments of the present invention. As shown, a game board 100 is hung on a wall and a string 105, with a ring 110 attached to one end, is attached to a fastener 115 in a ceiling nearby said game board 100. In this manner, the ring 110 hangs freely with the string 105 so that a player may attempt to catch or otherwise engage one of the hooks on the game board 100 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). While a string 105 is shown, it is apparent that another article, such as a chain, rope or cord, may be used in lieu of the string 105.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a game board 100 comprising a backdrop 120, shelf 125 and hooks 130-1 through 130-4. The shelf 125 includes a series of openings 135-1 through 135-4 (best seen in FIG. 3) each configured to hold a shot glass 140-1 through 140-4. While openings 135-1 through 135-4 are shown, the shelf 125 may incorporate a series of shallow cavities configured to receive and retain the shot glasses 140-1 through 140-4. FIG. 3 shows a dissembled version of the game board 100 with a top down view of the shelf 125 and a front view of the backdrop 120. The shelf 125 includes four openings 135-1 through 135-4 corresponding to the number of hooks 130-1 through 130-4. Those skilled in the art will recognize that more or less than four openings 135-1 through 135-4 and hooks 130-1 through 130-4 may be used. Three openings 145-1 through 145-3 permit screws or other fasteners inserted through the rear of the backdrop 120 to attach the shelf 125 to the front surface of the backdrop 120. Alternatively, the shelf 125 may be attached to the backdrop 120 using adhesives, magnets, slots, pins or other means. Alternatively, the backdrop 120 and shelf 125 may be a single integral unit (e.g., a piece of injected molded plastic).
[0023] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary game stand 150 comprising a base 155, vertical member 160 and horizontal member 165. The base 155, as shown in this embodiment, comprises four legs 156-1 through 156-3 (only three visible in FIG. 4). As shown, the vertical member 160 and horizontal member 165 are each adjustable in length. The vertical member 160 comprises an outer tube 161 and inner tube 162 which has a diameter slightly less than the outer tube 161 allowing the inner tube 162 to slide within the outer tube 161. In one embodiment, the inner tube 162 includes a pair of 180 degree spaced spring-biased pins 163 which are configured to extend into openings 164 in the outer tube 161 thereby locking the inner tube 162 at a desired position within the outer tube 161. In this manner, the height of the vertical member 160 may be adjusted. Similarly, the horizontal member 165 comprises an outer tube 166 and inner tube 167 which has a diameter slightly less than the outer tube 166 allowing the inner tube 167 to slide within the outer tube 166. In one embodiment, the inner tube 167 includes a pair of 180 degree spaced spring-biased pins 168 which are configured to extend into openings 169 in the outer tube 166 thereby locking the inner tube 167 at a desired position within the outer tube 166. In this manner, the length of the vertical member 165 may be adjusted. A fastener 170 at the end of the inner tube 167 is used to secure one end of the string and ring (not shown) for game play.
[0024] FIG. 5 shows another exemplary game stand 200 comprising a base 205, vertical member 210 and horizontal member 215. In this instance, the vertical member 210 and horizontal member 215 are not adjustable in height and length, respectively. As shown, the base 205 comprises a plastic housing that may be filled with water or sand to stabilize the game stand. A pair of support rods 220-1, 220-2 connect the vertical member 210 to the base 205 for added stability. A game board 225 attaches to the vertical member 210 in a position suitable to play the game based on the length of string 230.
[0025] FIG. 6 shows the game board 225 attached to vertical member 210 as shown in FIG. 5. The game board 225 includes hooks 240-1 through 240-4 and shot glasses 245-1 through 245-4 supported by shelf 250. FIG. 6 shows ring 235 engaging hook 240-4. In one embodiment, an opponent of the player causing such ring 235 and hook 240-4 engagement is required to drink the contents of shot glass 245-4 corresponding to hook 240-4.
[0026] FIG. 7 shows a game system for use within a home or other indoor area. In this embodiment, game board 300 is attached to a wall 305 and string 310 is attached to a ceiling 315. As shown, the game board 300 is attached to the wall 305 using screws 306 or nails. Alternatively, the game board 300 may be attached to the wall 305 using hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, etc. Like the embodiments detailed above, game play remains the same with players attempting to cause ring 320 to engage one of the hooks 325 such that an opposing player must drink the contents of a corresponding shot glass 330. In an alternative embodiment, the shelf 335 and hooks 325 may be attached directly to the wall 305 without the need for the game board 300.
[0027] FIGS. 8A and 8B show an alternative game stand 400 with a base 405, vertical member 410, shelf 415 and hook support 420. As shown, the shelf accommodates four shot glasses 425-1 through 425-4 and the hook support 420 accommodates four corresponding hooks 430-1 through 430-4. As configured, game stand 400 can be positioned to play a game where a string and ring are attached to an independent structure (e.g., ceiling). Alternatively, the game stand 400 may incorporate a horizontal member to which the string and ring are attached.
[0028] FIG. 9 shows an alternative game stand 500 compatible with a tow hitch receiver 505 of a vehicle 506. In this embodiment, the game stand 500 includes an upper horizontal member 510, vertical member 515 and lower horizontal member 520. The lower horizontal member 520 is configured to insert into, and be retained by, the tow hitch 505 (shown as a cross-sectional view). A pin 507, clip, lock or other means may be used to ensure the lower horizontal member 520 remains retained within the tow hitch receiver 505. In such an embodiment, for maximum versatility, the vertical member 515 is adaptable to use with a game base and the tow hitch receiver.
[0029] While the detailed descriptions above focus on the shelf being configured to hold shot glasses, it is understood that the shelf may be configured to hold other container style articles such as beer glasses, tumblers, plastic cups, tubes, etc. Also, while the detailed descriptions above focus on a drinking game, the embodiments of the present invention may also facilitate non-drinking games. For example, each shot glass or other type of container held by the shelf may contain one or more items of value (e.g., cash) which is awarded to the player causing the ring to engage a hook corresponding to the subject container. Also, while the hooks are shown in a horizontal configuration it is understood that the hooks may be positioned in any manner conceivable as long as the ring is able to engage each hook. In that same vein, the hooks need not be the same size nor extend from the game board or hook support a uniform distance. Thus, certain hooks may be positioned and dimensioned to require more or less skill to engage with the ring creating opportunities for varying the amounts of alcohol in a shot glass or cash in a container or other game action associated with engaging certain hooks with the ring.
[0030] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined herein.
Examples
Embodiment Construction
[0018]For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed.
[0019]The embodiments of the present invention, as described below in more detail, involve an system broadly comprising a game stand, game board and a string with a ring. As described below, the system facilitates play of a drinking game of the type suitable for a backyard barbeque or...
Claims
1. A game system comprising:a shelf configured to receive and retain one or more game articles;one or more hooks, each one of said one or more hooks corresponding to one of said one or more game articles;a string fixedly attachable at one end to a rigid structure, a second end of said string attached to a ring, said ring configured to engage said one or more hooks; andwherein during game play said game system permits one or more players to swing the string and ring in an arcuate path in an attempt to engage one of said one or more hooks with said ring to trigger an action relative to a corresponding one or said one or more game articles.
2. The game system of claim 1 further comprising a game board to which said shelf and said one or more hooks are attached.
3. The game system of claim 1 further comprising four game articles and four hooks.
4. The game system of claim 1 wherein said one or more game articles comprise one or more shot glasses.
5. The game system of claim 4 wherein said shelf includes one or more openings or cavities to retain said one or more shot glasses.
6. The game system of claim 4 wherein said action relative to a corresponding one or said one or more game articles is to drink contents of one of said one or more shot glasses.
7. A game system comprising:a base;a vertical member;a horizontal member extending from near a top of said vertical member;a game board including a shelf configured to receive and retain one or more game articles and one or more hooks, each one of said one or more hooks corresponding to one of said one or more game articles;a string fixedly attached at one end to said horizontal member, a second end of said string attached to a ring, said ring configured to engage said one or more hooks; andwherein during game play said game system permits one or more players to swing the string and ring in an arcuate path in an attempt to engage one of said one or more hooks with said ring to trigger an action relative to a corresponding one or said one or more game articles.
8. The game system of claim 7 further comprising four game articles and four hooks.
9. The game system of claim 7 wherein said one or more game articles comprise one or more shot glasses.
10. The game system of claim 9 wherein said shelf includes one or more openings or cavities to retain said one or more shot glasses.
11. The game system of claim 9 wherein said action relative to a corresponding one or said one or more game articles is drinking contents of one of said one or more shot glasses.
12. The game system of claim 9 further comprising a second horizontal member extending from near a bottom of said vertical member and configured to insert into a tow hitch receiver of a vehicle.
13. The game system of claim 7 wherein said vertical member and horizontal member are adjustable to change a height and length thereof, respectively.
14. A game system comprising:a base;a vertical member;a shelf attached to said vertical member and configured to receive and retain one or more game articles;one or more hooks, each one of said one or more hooks corresponding to one of said one or more game articles and attached to said vertical member via a hook support member;a string fixedly attachable at one end to a rigid structure, a second end of said string attached to a ring, said ring configured to engage said one or more hooks; andwherein during game play said game system permits one or more players to swing the string and ring in an arcuate path in an attempt to engage one of said one or more hooks with said ring to trigger an action relative to a corresponding one or said one or more game articles.
15. The game system of claim 14 further comprising a game board to which said shelf and said one or more hooks are attached, said game board attachable to said vertical member.
16. The game system of claim 14 further comprising a horizontal member extending from near a top of said vertical member.
17. The game system of claim 14 further comprising four game articles and four hooks.
18. The game system of claim 15 wherein said one or more game articles comprise one or more shot glasses.
19. The game system of claim 18 wherein said shelf includes one or more openings or cavities to retain said one or more shot glasses.
20. The game system of claim 18 wherein said action relative to a corresponding one or said one or more game articles is drinking contents of one of said one or more shot glasses.
21. The game system of claim 14 further comprising a second horizontal member extending from near a bottom of said vertical member and configured to insert into a tow hitch receiver of a vehicle.
22. The game system of claim 14 wherein said vertical member and horizontal member are adjustable to change a height and length thereof, respectively.
Citation Information
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