Cornhole game board and method of manufacture

Abstract

This invention provides a comhole game board made from a pre-scored plastic sheet that can be stored flat but that easily converts into a triangular prism. The back face features a strip of LED lights, controlled by a microcontroller. The lighting and other features may be controlled by a mobile application. A game board assembly is described, comprising i) a rectangular main board; ii) a back panel extending downwardly from a rear edge of said main board; iii) first and second side panels extending downwardly from opposing side edges of said main board; iv) a wire member having a rectangular configuration, wherein said back panel and said first and second side panels include engagement means for connecting with said wire member to provide structural reinforcement to a base portion of said game board assembly.

Description

Title of Invention: Comhole Game Board and Method of ManufactureApplicant: Eric Nathaniel Melenbrink Inventors: Eric Nathaniel Melenbrink, Robert Joseph St. Thomas

[0001] Field of Invention: The present invention relates to the field of recreational game equipment, generally for use outdoors, specifically to an improved cornhole game board formed by folding a pre-cut flat plastic sheet and reinforcing it with a wire. The game board optionally features integrated illumination and electronic interactivity features. A method of manufacture is provided for assembling or manufacturing the boards from the flat sheet.

[0002] Background of the Invention: Cornhole is a popular outdoor lawn game in which players take turns throwing bean bags, namely fabric bags filled with particles like com kernels or beans at an inclined game board with a hole in it. The goal of the game is to score points by either landing a bag on the board (one point) or putting a bag through the hole (three points).

[0003] As per the American Cornhole Organization Rules, each board is 2 by 4 feet (0.61 by 1.22 m), with a 6-inch-diameter (15 cm) hole. The hole's center is positioned 9 inches (230 mm) down from the center of the top edge of the board. Each board is angled with the top edge of the playing surface 12 inches (300 mm) above the ground, and the bottom edge 3-4 inches (76-102 mm) above the ground.

[0004] A standard court places the two boards 33 feet (10 m) or 27 feet (8.2 m) apart, measuring from the bottom edge of the boards. Different (usually shorter) distances may be used if space is limited or if younger players are participating.

[0005] Traditional comhole game boards are bulky, difficult to transport, and lack visibility in low-light conditions. The vast majority of traditional comhole game boards are composed of a plywood surface (approximately 24 by 48 inches), sometimes reinforced with lumber framing, and pitched at a ~20 degree angle with folding legs also made of lumber. This wooden construction is very heavy, and will display signs of weathering and aging by warping and delaminating, even when made with weather-treated lumber. Accordingly, there is a need for a portable and durable game board.

[0006] Comhole is also a social event which accompanies time together and perhaps the consumption of food and alcohol, which often takes place at nighttime. In order to see the board and be able to play effectively, flood lights which are disruptive to the peaceful atmosphere and to neighbors may be required. To avoid the need for floodlights an illuminated corn hole board would be an improvement and would enable players to play at night, even without external lighting. Moreover, with battery power, illuminated cornhole boards could be set up practically anywhere, enabling use of the cornhole boards in remote camping sites, for example.

[0007] Expired US Patent US8127689 shows a standard comhole board with foldable legs / struts to support it. The assemblies are capable of being separated and inclined at a 45° angle to be used to play the popular multiplayer game, beanbag toss. Additionally, the underside ofeach assembly is equipped with collapsible legs, which allow each assembly to become an independent freestanding table. There are considerable design patents for comhole boards. For instance USD966415 shows a design for a relatively standard board with linked legs. Another design from much earlier USD706354, shows a board with a plurality of holes with a standard leg support system.

[0008] In terms of Utility patents, US10401020 shows an illuminated board using a battery, wherein the illumination occurs mainly around the hole, illuminated by an inner illuminating string and an outer illuminating string, one abutting the hole portion and the other wrapped around the outer perimeter for the cornhole platform. US 10286276 provides distributed lighting for nighttime play; a translucent finish is obtained on the playing surface by sanding the underside layer of the acrylic sheet, where the diffused finish is used to trap light provided by light sources that are arranged along the perimeter of a frame that holds the one or more acrylic sheets. The sanded finish acts to diffuse light from the light source to more evenly fill the playing surface with light. As a result, the “spotlight effect” common to conventional illuminated gameboards is precluded thereby making play under low ambient light conditions of twilight or outdoor darkness possible without creating night vision impairment associated with looking into a comparatively bright light relative to the ambient lighting. Another Patent, US11648453, describes a lighting and scorekeeping system particularly applicable to leisure games is disclosed herein. The system is further applicable to games played to a score of twenty-one. Additionally, the system can be operated and customized locally or remotely with a wireless ad hoc network. Light arrays are programmable and / or addressable and uniquely laid out. One or more epoxy inlays are included for ambiance and partial light transmission.

[0009] The traditional cornhole game board assembly consists of an inclined playing surface with specific design elements for gameplay and portability. It is often made entirely of wood, or with a plastic sheet supported by a metal frame. The primary structure features a flat, rectangular board with a circular hole positioned near the far end of the playing surface. The board is typically elevated and set at an angle, creating an inclined plane for gameplay purposes. The board assembly often incorporates folding mechanisms that allow the structure to collapse into a more compact form, making it easier to transport, for instance the legs are on swivel hinges and can fold into the body of the board during transport. The design typically includes an internal storage area in the body of the board that can accommodate the game's bean bags when not in use. The playing surface is traditionally constructed using composite corn boards, providing durability and consistent gameplay characteristics.

[0010] The regulation design requires an elevated platform, an angled playing surface, a circular target hole and a supporting framework for stability. The playing surface must be constructed of hardwood plywood with the following measurements:• Length: 47.5 to 48 inches• Width: 23.5 to 24 inches• Minimum thickness: 1 / 2 inch with cross-section backing, or 3 / 4 inch without cross-section backingThe board must be elevated at a specific angle, with the front height 3 to 4 inches from ground to playing surface and the back height 12 inches from ground to playing surface, and the playing surface must be finished and sanded to a smooth texture and free of blemishes that could disrupt or distort play.

[0011] There is a need for a comhole game board that is portable, durable, easy to set up, and suitable for night-time play with an independent power source. There is also a need for a method of assembling or manufacturing a cornhole board that is efficient and effective and results in a usable and durable playing board.

[0012] Summary of the InventionThis invention provides a foldable cornhole game board made from a pre-scored plastic sheet that can be stored flat but that easily converts into a triangular prism for game play. The back face features a strip of LED lights, controlled by a microcontroller and powered by a battery, illuminating the game board from the inside. The lighting and other features may be controlled by a mobile application, allowing users to change LED colors and patterns, keep score, and access other game-play functions. A microphone may help to determine if the board has been hit and points scored, which may also trigger other actions from the microcontroller like illumination changes and communication with the app for further actions based on the hit.

[0013] A game board assembly is described, comprising i) a rectangular main board having a front surface and a back surface; ii) a back panel extending downwardly from a rear edge of said main board; iii) first and second side panels extending downwardly from opposing side edges of said main board; iv) a wire member having a rectangular configuration, wherein said back paneland said first and second side panels include engagement means for connecting with said wire member to provide structural reinforcement to a base portion of said game board assembly.

[0014] The engagement means may comprise flanges along bottom edges of said back panel and said first and second side panels. The flanges along the back panel may be adapted to retain the wire by folding to and engaging with said back panel, and the flanges along the side panel are adapted to retain the wire by folding to and engaging with the side panel. In an embodiment, the flanges folded back and ultrasocially welded to the panels to retain the wire. In alternative embodiments the engagement means may comprise a plurality of hooks formed along bottom edges of said back panel and said first and second side panels, and in an embodiment, the hooks are integrally formed with said back panel and said first and second side panels. In a further embodiment, hook and loop fasteners are used to releasably fasten the flanges to the panels to retain the wire.

[0015] The wire member may comprise a continuous wire bent to form said rectangular configuration. The back panel and said first and second side panels may be hingedly connected to said main board. The hinged connections comprise living hinges integrally formed between said main board and said panels.

[0016] The wire member may have a diameter selected to provide predetermined rigidity to said base portion. There may be alignment features on said panels for ensuring proper positioning of said wire member during assembly. The back panel and said first and second side panels are configured to fold flat against said back surface of said main board for storage. In anembodiment, the wire member is coated with a protective material to prevent corrosion and enhance durability.

[0017] A method of assembling a cornhole game board is described, comprising i) providing a flat panel comprising a rigid weatherproof material and having a top surface, underside, and peripheral edges; ii) positioning a reinforcement wire having a generally trapezoidal shape adjacent to said bottom surface; iii) orienting an end panel extending from one of said peripheral edges such that said end panel extends substantially perpendicular to said flat panel; iv) securing said end panel to said reinforcement wire via a first attachment means; v) orienting two side panels extending from opposing peripheral edges such that said side panels extend substantially perpendicular to said flat panel; and vi) securing said side panels to said reinforcement wire via second attachment means.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first attachment means and said second attachment means comprise flanges extending from said end panel and said side panels respectively, said flanges being folded back upon themselves to encapsulate portions of said reinforcement wire. The folded flanges may be ultrasonically welded to create permanent attachment points securing said reinforcement wire. Alternatively, the first attachment means and said second attachment means may comprise hook elements integrally formed with said end panel and said side panels, said hook elements being configured to snap-fit around said reinforcement wire. In an embodiment, the first attachment means and said second attachment means comprise hook and loop fastener strips affixed to said end panel and said side panels, said hook and loop fastener strips being wrapped around said reinforcement wire and secured back upon themselves.

[0019] Description of the Drawings:Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the folded or assembled board, according to one embodiment of the present invention;Fig. 2 shows the flat unassembled 2D pattern in two versions, Fig. 2A with side flanges and Fig. 2B without side flanges;Fig. 3 shows lower perspective views of the 2D pattern without illumination and electronics, and with illumination and electronics;Fig. 4 shows the attachment of side panel and flanges to back panel;Fig. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the game board’s underside showing the illumination and electronics;Fig. 6A - D depicts variations of the cornhole gameboard for assembly.Fig. 6A shows all panels separate and attached by flexible means;Fig . 6B shows the flat 2D pattern;Fig. 6C shows the side flanges that engage with the rear panel;Fig. 6D shows the attachment points for the side flanges;Fig. 7A - F shows the steps of assembly of the board.In Fig. 7A the 2D Pattern and wire are ascertained;In Fig. 7B the 2D Pattern is positioned over the wire;In Fig. 7C the rear panel is lowered to the wire;In Fig. 7D the rear panel is attached to the wire by means of the flange;In Fig 7E the side panels are lowered and attached to the wire;In Fig 7F the side panel side flanges are attached to the rear panel;Fig. 8 shows a method of assembly of the comhole board;Fig. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the cornhole board 2D Pattern that has a front flap to provide front elevation;Fig. 10 shows a bottom perspective view displaying the illumination and electronic components; andFig. 11 shows a flowchart for using the app to control features of the board.

[0020] Detailed Description

[0021] In terms of construction materials, the comhole game board is preferably made from corrugated plastic that is reinforced by a steel wire. Corrugated plastic is a durable, weather-resistant sheet material that is pre-scored or creased (compressions where the corrugations are crushed) to facilitate easy folding into the triangular prism shape. The corrugated sheet material could be, but is not limited to, polypropylene, polyethylene, HDPE, or any other plastic produced in sheet form. Commercially the materials may be known under the trade names of Correx™, Biplex™, Cartonpl ast™, Polyflute™, Coroplast™, FlutePlast™, IntePro™, Proplex™, Twinplast™, Corriflute™ and Corflute™ - refers to a wide range of extruded twin-wall plastic-sheet products produced from high-impact polypropylene resin with a similar make-up to corrugated fiberboard. It is a light-weight tough material which can easily be cut with a utility knife.

[0022] A corrugated polypropylene sheet is inert, with a neutral pH factor. The material is quite durable; most oils, solvents and water have no effect, allowing it to perform under adverse weather conditions such as prolonged outdoor exposure. The material is also recyclable and isoften made with some recycled content. Because polypropylene is a thermoplastic it can be welded using heat, ultrasonic, or pressure, or some combination thereof.

[0023] Alternatively, the material could be sheet metal or composite such as carbon fiber.In order to prepare the corrugated sheets for assembly, the edges where folds are made are pre-scored or pre-bent. The pre-scored or crushed lines allow the sheet to be folded without the need for tools, creating a sturdy triangular prism structure that supports the gameplay.

[0024] LED Illumination: The interior back face of the triangular prism is equipped with a strip of LED lights that illuminate the board from within.• Electronic Components: A microcontroller is used to control the LED lights, offering various illumination modes (steady, pulsing, color-changing, etc.). The system is powered by a rechargeable battery, ensuring hours of uninterrupted play. The microcontroller includes Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity for app communication.• Mobile Application: The app allows users to alter LED colors and patterns according to their preferences. It features a scoring system and may include other functionalities like game rule variations, and social media integration for example. The app can interface with the hit microphone to know when a hit has occurred and take standardized actions including updating a score, providing online play by play reports, incorporating Artificial Intelligence to analyze or predict game play events, updating social media and changing the colors of the board.• Assembly and Disassembly: The board can be easily assembled by simply folding the flat sheet to connect its sides to its back and using the sleeve to trap the wire, closing the sleeve with velcro or with welds, such as ultrasonic welds. The connections force thesheet material to hold its triangular prism shape. For disassembly, the sleeves are opened and the wire released the product can return to its flat state.

[0025] Fig. 1 depicts the cornhole game board in its folded state. All visible surfaces are made from the same contiguous piece of sheet material, which could be plastic or metal. If made of plastic, the plastic could either be cast or extruded plastic, including corrugated or fluted plastics. The top panel 1 is assumed to be of regulation dimensions 24” by 48” with a 6” aperture, but the scope of this invention is not limited by this disclosure. A trapezoidal back panel 3 folds along a pre-scored or perforated line shared with the top panel. Similarly, two triangular side panels 2 fold along a pre-scored or perforated line shared with the top panel. Each side panel 2 features a flange 4 that folds along a pre-scored or perforated line shared with the side panel. The flange 4 is used to attach the side panel 2 to the back panel 3. In other embodiments, the top, side, and back panels are not made by scoring lines on a contiguous sheet, but rather are made of discreet plastic panels (as seen in Fig. 6A). In such an embodiment, the discrete pieces are attached to each other using sturdy tape or another type of adhesive fabric to form a hinge.

[0026] Fig. 2 depicts 2D patterns that will fold to create the triangular prism shape. Two patterns are shown, describing two different methods of attaching side panels 2 to the back panel 3, thereby forming the triangular prism shape. For the first method (left) each side panel 2 features a flange 4 that folds along a pre-scored or perforated line shared with the side panel. This flange 4 features bolt holes 5 that can be made to align with bolt holes in the back panel 3. An alternative pattern (right) excludes such flanges, and instead places bolt holes 5 directly on the side panel 2. In this embodiment, bolts could be inserted axially into the back panel 3, thereby attaching it to the side panels 2. The bolts may be made of metal or plastic.

[0027] Fig. 3 depicts the attachment of the back plate 7 to the unfolded product. In some embodiments, for example if the plastic is thick enough to not require structural reinforcement, the back plate 7 can be omitted and the electronics components (LEDs, microcontroller, and battery pack) can be affixed directly to the back panel 3. If a back plate 7 is required, it is mechanically attached to the back panel 3 using screws or bolts. Fig. 3 depicts the back plate 7 as being trapezoidal and taking up nearly the entire area on the back panel 3, but the back plate 7 may be any other shape so long as it provides structural stability, a means of connecting the side panels 2 to the back panel 3, and a place to attach electronics. The electronic components are attached to the back plate 7 (or, if the back plate is omitted, to the back panel 3) using adhesive tape, bolts, or other means, and consist of a microcontroller 9, a battery pack 10, and a strip of individually addressable LED lights 8. All elements are independently weatherproofed. The LED lights 8 are housed in a weatherproof sheathing and are connected to the microcontroller 9, which is shown housed in a weatherproof plastic box. The microcontroller 9 features an accelerometer that is configured to detect a bag bumping the game board, as well as an array of photodetectors configured to detect a bag passing through the 6” hole. The battery pack 10 can be any conventional 5V power bank module that features USB connectors. The battery packs (i.e., power banks) can be recharged using USB power. If the use of a battery is not desired, the microcontroller and LEDs can be powered directly by USB power, via a wall adapter that plugs into a USB connector on the microcontroller.

[0028] In some embodiments, the back plate 7 is omitted, and the triangular prism shape is formed when bolt holes 6 in the back panel 3 align with bolt holes 5 on the flange 4 of the side panels 2. In other embodiments, these bolt holes are drilled axially into the back plate 7. In such an embodiment, the side panels 2 feature bolt holes 5, as shown on the right side of Fig. 2.

[0029] Fig. 4 depicts a method of attaching the side panel to the back panel. In the pictured embodiment, a flange 4 on the side panel 2 features bolt holes 5 that align with the bolt holes 6 on the back panel 3. Alternative embodiments do not have flanges and instead feature bolt holes 5 on the side panels 2, which align with axially oriented bolt holes 6 on the back plate 7. Note that bolts are only one means of attaching the side panels 2 to the back panel 3, thereby forming the triangular prism shape; other attachment methods include screws, nails, Velcro, adhesive tape, thermoforming, spot- welding, RF -welding, or any other temporary or permanent method of attaching two pieces of sheet material.

[0030] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the game board’s underside.

[0313] Fig. 6 depicts the steps needed to assemble the cornhole gameboard according to the alternative embodiment described in claim 2. Panel A shows 6 discreet pieces that compose the game board, including the top panel 1, the side panels 2, the back panel 3, and the side flanges 4. Panel B shows how, after being cut from sheet material, the pieces can be reassembled with hinges made from tape 11 or any adhesive-backed fabric material on the bottom side of the game board. Panel C depicts one possibility of where adhesive Velcro (or other hook-and-loop fastener) 12 could be attached to the bottom side of the game board (adhering on top of the tape hinge 11 if necessary). (Note that other embodiments may use bolts, screws, or other methods of attaching panels to form a triangular prism shape). Furthermore, LED lights 8 and a microcontroller 9 are contained inside a weatherproof silicone sleeve and adhered to the back panel 3 with tape, glue, or mechanical fasteners. In this embodiment, the LED lights 8 and the microcontroller 9 are fabricated on the same printed circuit board, as specified in claim 5. Panel D depicts the game board flipped right-side-up, in order to be outfitted with pieces of adhesiveVelcro 13 (either the hooks or the loops, whichever is opposite of 12), such that the Velcro components 12 and 13 align when folded to hold the game board’s triangular prism shape.Preferred Embodiment

[0032] Figs. 7A - 7F shows the sequence of steps needed to produce a preferred embodiment of the cornhole board. In Fig. 7A two components are shown - a board 16 out of corrugated or fluted plastic, cut out flat, and a wire 14 with a trapezoidal or rectangular shape. The wire 14 is closed, meaning the ends are fused together in a way known in the art to create a loop. The board 16 has a rectangular center section 1 representing the cornhole playing surface of approximately 48” long by 24” wide with a hole 17 cut out of 6 inches, positioned 9 inches from the top of the center section, an end panel 3 extending from the top of the center section, and two side panels 2 extending from the side of the center section, each panel terminated at the lower end with an extended flange 4. The front of the center section has no panel, but also extends with a flange 4. As described later, the flanges 4 fold around the panels 2, 3, and are attached to the panels 2, 3 by attachments 15, the attachments 15 being temporary (in an embodiment, a series of hook and loop fasteners) or permanent means (in an embodiment, ultrasonic welds for example) to create a sleeve 18 to retain the wire 14.

[0033] Other ways in which the flat sheet material could be attached to the wire include adhering with a tape or adhesive fabric, using threaded fasteners such as nuts and bolts to form a sleeve to contain the wire, screwing through the sheet material directly into the wire, adhering magnets to the sheet material to magnetically attach to the steel wire, installing hooks or clamps on the sheet material to loop around the wire, using Velcro or similar hook-and-loop fasteners on the sheet material, or gluing the sheet material directly to the wire.

[0034] Tn an embodiment the bends 19 between the center section 1 and the panels 2, 3, and between the panels 2, 3 and flanges 4, are made to facilitate bending by a means known in the art such as scoring, creasing, or pre-folding.

[0035] Fig. 7B shows the pre-assembly position of the wire 14 below the board 16. Fig. 7C shows the end panel 3 bent downwards, approximately 90 degrees with the center section 1, to engage with the wire 14. In Fig 7D, the flange 4 is folded around the wire 14 and temporarily or permanently attached to the inside of the end panel 3 to contain the wire 14. The side panels 2 are similarly bent down (approximately at right angles to the plane of the center section 1.) In Fig. 7E the side panels 2 descend and the flanges 4 are bent back 180 degrees to attach on the inside of the side panel 2, to contain the wire 14. The side panels 2 also have flanges 4 extending from the ends that fold over the end panel 3 and are temporarily or permanently attached to the end panel 3 in Fig. 7F.

[0036] The flanges are described as attaching to the inside of the panel which is preferable for a clean look but would be similarly functional for the flange to be attached to the outside of the panel so that the flange is visible to the user. The flanges 4 extending from the ends of the side panels could be replaced by flanges extending from the sides of the end panel, such that they overlap the ends of the side panels to create a join with a temporary or permanent attachment, as described above. The wire is for reinforcement of the constructions and is optional but preferred. The wire is semi-rigid and could be replaced by a flexible tensioner like string or cable which holds the parts together.

[0037] With reference to Fig. 9 an embodiment of the board is shown to meet the requirements of the Cornhole Association rules (requiring a raised front) with a front panel 20 that folds downto provide the front height 3 to 4 inches from ground to playing surface. The front panel 20 has a flange to engage with the wire 14.

[0038] With reference to Fig. 10, which shows a perspective from below, indicating how the flanges 4 fold in to form sleeves 18 that contain the wire 14, which is visible only in the comers where in one embodiment the sleeve 18 does not continue. Optionally, the board has illumination provided by an LED strip 8, a microcontroller 9 (with battery pack 10) for controlling the LED strip and light output, In some embodiments, the board has a microphone 21 (connected to the microcontroller 9) which receives information about the “hits” by the tossed bags. When the microphone signals a hit the colors of the board can change to show that. These electronics components 8, 9, 10, 21, may be installed independently as shown or alternatively combined into one or two sensor assemblies as is common in electronics.

[0039] In an embodiment, the end panel 3 is trapezoidal, and two side panels 2 are triangular in shape, but they may vary from these shapes in order to provide the function of supporting the board. In an embodiment, there is provision for ballast of a dense material like sand or water to weigh the board down during gameplay. The ballast may be held in pouches or pockets that are removably mounted along the base near the wire retention means.

[0040] The angle between the center section 1 and panels 2, 3 is approximately 70 - 90 degrees in one embodiment but may be less so. The end result is that the panels are angled outwards from the center section as they descend from the center section to provide a wider base and more stability.Method of Manufacture

[0041] With reference to Figs. 7A - 7F, a method of manufacture of the cornhole board is disclosed. The panel is bent, either by the manufacturer or the user, into the shape of a cornhole board, attached by means of attachment such as welding (permanent) or velcro (temporary) and reinforced with the wire. In some embodiments the attachment is temporary and the board may be disassembled for transport, and reassembled later at another location.

[0042] In step 10, a flat panel cutout of corrugated plastic or other similarly rigid weatherproof material is provided with a generally trapezoidal reinforcement wire generally shown in Fig 7A. The flat panel generally has a center section with a top, bottom and sides, with a trapezoidal panel extending from the top, two generally triangular panels extending from the side of the center section, and flanges extending around the outside of the flat panel, namely from the bottom edge, the edge of the side panels, the edge of the top panel. The panels are separated from the center section by folds or scores to facilitate bending and visually indicate the bend locations to a user, and the flanges are likewise separated by scores.

[0043] In step 20 , shown in Fig 7B, the flat panel is oriented over the wire so that the user may see how the general orientation of the panel is reflected in the base shape shown by the wire. In step 30, shown in Fig 7C, the end panel is bent to engage with or descend to the wire, and thereby forming an angle with the center section. The end panel lowers to extend past the wire, so that the flange may be folded back on and affixed to the end panel and retain the wire therein.

[0044] In step 40, the flange at the bottom of the end panel is folded around the wire to form a sleeve that retains the wire, wherein the folded flange is attached by permanent means like ultrasonic welding, for example, to the end panel. The flange at the bottom of the center panel optionally engages with the wire to fold back on the center panel in order to retain the wiretherein. With the bottom of the center panel and end panel engaged with the wire, the basic shape of the board is formed and the board may stand up.

[0045] In step 50 the side panels are folded down to engage with the wire, the side panel lower flanges extending from the bottom of each side panel, and wrapping around the wire to be folded back on the panel and affixed thereto, to retain the wire within a sleeve formed by the folding of the flanges to the lower side panels. Said sleeves formed thereby enable the wire to move back and forth and have some play up and down, to deal with torsion of the board when it is moved or played on. In step 60, the flanges extending from the ends of the side panels are folded over the end panel and affixed thereto to provide stability between the panels. They may be affixed temporarily by hook and look or other temporary fasteners, or permanently by ultrasonic welding or by glue. In Step 70 the side panel side flanges are attached around the back panel and affixed there, or in an embodiment, the back panel side flanges are affixed to the side panels. In an embodiment, steps 30-40 can precede steps 50-60, and to benefit from the invention the steps can be taken out of order.Illumination System

[0046] A system for wireless control of illuminated playing boards comprises multiple independently addressable lighting zones integrated within gaming surfaces. The system utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networking technology to enable individual control of each board's lighting characteristics through a centralized control interface. Each playing board incorporates addressable RGB LED strips arranged in a linear or matrix configuration beneath a translucent playing surface, with dedicated microcontroller units managing local light control functions.

[0047] The system implements a wireless communication architecture wherein a master control unit broadcasts commands to individual board controllers using unique device identifiers. Each board controller contains firmware capable of interpreting incoming color values, brightness levels, and animation sequences while maintaining synchronized timing across the network. The controllers utilize pulse-width modulation to drive RGB LED arrays, enabling precise color mixing and intensity control with up to 16 million distinct colors.

[0048] The invention further comprises a mobile application interface that enables users to connect with the microcontroller and assign specific colors to individual boards, create preset lighting configurations, and trigger synchronized lighting effects across multiple boards simultaneously. The system incorporates power management features to optimize LED performance while maintaining low power consumption through Bluetooth Low Energy protocols. Security features prevent unauthorized access while allowing multiple authorized devices to control board lighting parameters within a defined operational range.

[0049] A method is provided for an app to interact with the electronics of the board. In Step 110, the game board is powered on and the app is opened on a mobile device or other computing device. In Step 120 the app checks for the boards in range and connects. In an embodiment a number of boards can be controlled by a single app, which takes over as the master controller. In step 130 the user selects a board from a list of connected boards, and in other embodiments the step is optional as there is only a single board that connects to the app. In step 140 the user assigns characteristics such as one or more of color, pattern, effect and brightness level to board lighting. In step 150 the user assigns actions that take place in case of a “hit” recorded by the microphone, such as change of color, pattern, effect and brightness. In step 160 other actions like updating a score in the app and updating social media with the score and a play by play may takeplace through the app. The microphone may also identify near hits or slides on the playing board, in which case this can be updated to the score and to the play-by-play. Finally, in step 170 the board is shut down and / or the app is disconnected.

[0050] App features include the use of the on-board microphone to detect when bags have hit the gameboard, which would in turn trigger further app functionality. In an embodiment this includes scorekeeping or a change in lighting effects to indicate a score. The app could also be programmed to make the lights respond to ambient noise or music. The app could feature a leaderboard to identify high scorers in a given local region. Further networking features can allow users to integrate social media channels for sharing scores or other social interactions. Additional embodiments may incorporate Artificial Intelligence trained on prior game play to enhance product features over time, such as more accurately classifying scoring or hit location / quality based on sounds.

Claims

Claims:

1. A game board assembly comprising: a rectangular main board having a front surface and a back surface; a back panel extending downwardly from a rear edge of said main board; first and second side panels extending downwardly from opposing side edges of said main board; wherein said back panel is retainably attached to first and second side panels to form a base for the game board.

2. The game board assembly of claim 1 further comprising a wire member having a rectangular configuration, wherein said back panel and said first and second side panels include engagement means for connecting with said wire member to provide structural reinforcement to a base portion of said game board assembly.

3. The game board assembly of claim 2, wherein said engagement means comprises flanges along bottom edges of said back panel and said first and second side panels.

4. The game board assembly of claim 3, wherein the flanges along the back panel are adapted to retain the wire by folding to and engaging with said back panel, and the flanges along the side panel are adapted to retain the wire by folding to and engaging with the side panel.

5. The game board assembly of claim 2, wherein said engagement means comprises a plurality of hooks formed along bottom edges of said back panel and said first and second side panels.

6. The game board assembly of claim 5, wherein said hooks are integrally formed with said back panel and said first and second side panels.

7. The game board assembly of claim 2, wherein said wire member comprises a continuous wire bent to form said rectangular configuration.

8. The game board assembly of claim 7, wherein said back panel and said first and second side panels are hingedly connected to said main board.

9. The game board assembly of claim 8, wherein said hinged connections comprise living hinges integrally formed between said main board and said panels.

10. The game board assembly of claim 2, wherein said wire member has a diameter selected to provide predetermined rigidity to said base portion while maintaining flexibility for assembly.

11. The game board assembly of claim 2, further comprising alignment features on said panels for ensuring proper positioning of said wire member during assembly.

12. The game board assembly of claim 1, wherein said back panel and said first and second side panels are configured to fold flat against said back surface of said main board for storage.

13. The game board assembly of claim 2, wherein said wire member is coated with a protective material to prevent corrosion and enhance durability.

14. A method of assembling a comhole game board, comprising: providing a flat panel comprising a rigid weatherproof material and having a top surface, bottom surface, and peripheral edges; positioning a reinforcement wire having a generally trapezoidal shape adjacent to said bottom surface; orienting an end panel extending from one of said peripheral edges such that said end panel extends substantially perpendicular to said flat panel; securing said end panel to said reinforcement wire via a first attachment means; orienting two side panels extending from opposing peripheral edges such that said side panels extend substantially perpendicular to said flat panel; and securing said side panels to said reinforcement wire via second attachment means.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein said first attachment means and said second attachment means comprise flanges extending from said end panel and said side panels respectively, said flanges being folded back upon themselves to encapsulate portions of said reinforcement wire.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein said folded flanges are ultrasonically welded to create permanent attachment points securing said reinforcement wire.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein said first attachment means and said second attachment means comprise hook elements integrally formed with said end panel and said side panels, said hook elements being configured to snap-fit around said reinforcement wire.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein said first attachment means and said second attachment means comprise hook and loop fastener strips affixed to said end panel and said side panels, said hook and loop fastener strips being wrapped around said reinforcement wire and secured back upon themselves.

Images