GB2421918A - Educational darts game - Google Patents

Abstract

An educational darts game comprising a darts board (2) with a plurality of target areas (4), at which darts are thrown during play of a game to select by adhesion at least one such target area, and a bull's eye (6), the target area (4) being adaptable before play of a game to provide symbols in the target areas (4) and/or bull's eye (6) which include at the one of numbers, letters, initial blends, suffixes, words and pre-selected objective means which define an intellectual activity to be performed based on a symbol present in at least one selected target area (4). At least the bull's eye 6 may be of a white board or wipe-clean surface. The symbols are preferably removably attached to the target area 4 by magnets. Various arithmetic and literacy tasks may be performed using the board 2.

Description

1 2421918

EDUCATIONAL DARTS GAME

The present invention relates to darts games, and in particular to dart boards adapted to accelerate learning, particularly in mental arithmetic, literacy and hand-eye coordination.

Conventionally in a darts game each player throws a succession of darts at a circular darts board which is divided into equal wedge-shaped zones having respective points value of I to 20 points. A dart which embeds inside a particular wedge scores the number of points allocated to that wedge. Each wedge is further sub-divided to include two smaller divisions which enable the score for that wedge to be doubled or trebled respectively if the dart lands within such sub-division. In the centre of the board is the so-called bull's eye which is allocated 50 points and about the bull's eye is a small annular zone with a points value of 25. The game generally requires that a player scores a predetermined number of points and the skill is in 1 5 throwing a predetermined number of darts, at the board, to achieve a points score which equals that predetermined number. This requires not only a skill in throwing the darts but a good mental arithmetic ability in order to determine which zone on the board should be hit to achieve the required number of points.

It is an object of the present invention to adapt the darts board and game to enable children, especially, but not exclusively, in the age range of four to eleven to physically play the game to improve their numeracy & literacy skills at their different academic ability levels.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an educational darts game comprising a dart board having an adaptable playing surface a * * .: :. * * * * S * S S S S.. S S * * S S S : : : : * :. ** S5 * S S bearing a plurality of target areas at which darts are thrown during play of a game to select by adhesion at least one such target area, and a bull's eye, wherein the playing surface and/or bull's eye is adaptable before play of a game to provide symbols in the target areas and/or bull's eye which include at least one of numbers, letters, initial blends, suffixes, words and pre-selected objective means which defines an intellectual activity to be performed based on a symbol present in at least one selected target area.

The target areas may include at least one permanently marked symbol.

The bull's eye and/or target areas may be adaptable by providing a writable wipe-clean surface thereto.

The game may further comprise a set of symbols which have adhesion means enabling them to be attached to the playing surface. The adhesion means may be magnetic.

In one embodiment the pre-selected objective means defines an intellectual activity to be performed based on symbols selected by the throw of at least two darts.

The objective means may be the bull's eye to the darts board.

The darts game may comprise a mount upon which the dart board can be mounted. The mount may have means for recording the results of the intellectual activity performed. The objective means may be provided on or in addition on the mount. The dart board may be in the form of a pliable magnetic sheet and is mounted to the mount by magnetic attraction.

The at least one symbol is a number and the objective means is adaptable to define mental arithmetic steps to be carried out by the player based on that number.

The pre-selected mental anthmetic steps may comprise at least one of the following U.S * * *eS S.. * * * . S * * S S S 555 5 * S S : :: :. :. . operations multiply, divide, subtraction or addition. The objective means may indicate the required sum or aim of the calculation.

The at least one symbol includes at least one of a letter of the alphabet, a portion of a word, or a picture and the objective means is adapted to define a required literacy combination of the selected symbols.

The objective means may define the number of darts to be thrown by each player. The objective means may define the number of players and/or teams to participate in the game.

The target areas may he defined by a plurality of radially extending lines originality from the bull's eye. Each target area may be sub- divided into two target zones by an annular ring provided concentric to the bull's eye. The target zones in each area may be identified by the same symbol as the respective target area or may bear a unique symbol.

The target areas may comprise between 4 and 13 in number.

The advantage of this game is that children learn more effectively through first hand experience when they are having fun. Furthermore children who have good physical ability but less academic ability will be able to succeed in certain games and become motivated to improve their mathematical and/or literacy skills. The element of competition will raise children's motivation.

In a preferred embodiment a set is provided comprising a plurality of dart boards having different configuration of target areas, a plurality of darts, a universal mount upon which each board may be individually mounted and a list of instructions.

The set may further comprise a set of symbols each bearing a unique objective, letter, * * * . * S * S * S *** * S S * * * * * S S S S ** S S * S : . * number, word or word portion for game play. The set may further include a plurality of marker pens and a wiper. The set may also include an adjustable oche.

The mounting board and dart board may he formed as a unitary item and the playing surface of the dart board comprise a removable sheet on which the target areas and their symbols are marked. The set may compnse a plurality of different sheets each bearing a unique arrangement of target areas and symbols.

By way of example only, specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an adapted darts board constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a universal mount constructed in accordance with the present invention on which a darts board can be mounted; Fig. 3 is a view similar to that of Fig. 2 showing a dart board mounted to the mount; Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the mount hung on a wall for play of a game; Figs. 5 to 13 are each views similar Fig. 1 and a second to eleventh embodiments respectively of dart board.

Referring firstly to Fig. 1, a first embodiment of the present invention, which is particularly suited to the age group 4 to 5 year olds, comprises a rectangular dart board 2 of a magnetic pliable plastics material having a circular playing surface 3 printed thereon. The dart board can be rolled up for storage. The playing surface 3 is sub-divided into five wedge-shaped target areas 4 radiating out from a central circular area or bull's eye 6 to be described further hereinunder. Each target area 4 is marked L. :: :: : ::: * : : : : * *. ** *S * * I with a unique number which represents a score. In this instance the target arcas 4 arc marked with the numbers 3, 5, 4, 2 and 1 respectively. Each target area 4 is also delineated with a number of dots which are equal in number to the number marked on that area. The dots on each target area 4 are arranged in a visual way, as shown in Fig. 1, which is familiar to a child as indicating the number in question. Each respective set of dots has a unique colour and/or pattern marked thereon which further helps to differentiate and indicate each target 4. The numbers can be in the same colour and/or have the same pattern as their respective dots, or may be in a contrasting colour and/or carry a contrasting pattern.

The magnetic surface of the dart board 2 enables darts (not shown) with a magnetic tip to be adhered thereto, or the surface may simply be suitable to adhere darts with a sucker or Velcro (RTM) at their tip. Also, the plastics material used for the dart board may have a yielding surface enabling soft-tipped darts thrown thereat to be embedded. Whichever form of board is employed the bull's eye 6 is adaptable in that the bull's eye is a white board or the like which can be written on with a marker pen and wiped clean as desired, to indicate the objective of the game. The surface of the bull's eye white board is suitable for receiving a dart. The dart board is mountable to a surface, such as a wall or can be mounted in a mount to provide a blacking-plate which acts as a wall protector.

Referring now to Figs. 2 to 4, a universal mount board 8 is shown upon which the dart board 2 of Fig. 1 can he mounted. The mount 8 comprises a rectangular frame 10 with an inner rectangular frame 12 contained therein. As best illustrated in Fig. 3 the inner frame 10 forms a socket 14 with a steel sheet backing plate or base 16.

In use the bottom edge 18 of the dart board 2 is placed into contact with bottom edge * * *** **. . * * . * S * * *** * * S S * * * * . * S * ** S S S S * * S ** * S * * S of the socket and then rolled-out to fill the socket 14, the dart board 2 magnetically adhering to the mount 8 via its attraction to the steel backing plate 16. To remove the dart board the edge of the dart board is simply gripped and pulled to peel it away from the mount 8, for this purpose a tag may be provided as a hand-grip. Removal of the dart board enables a new and/or different board to be mounted.

The mount further comprises two white boards 22, 24 one at each side of its socket 16. Each white board provides a wipe-clean surface upon which two rival players, or teams can write their score or details of the progress of their game. A further white board 26 is provided across the top most portion of the mount 8 to provide a further wipe-clean surface or objective zone on which the teacher or supervisor can write details of the objective of the game. The rear of the mount is provided with suitable means to enable its mounting on a waIl 27 or the like, as illustrated in Fig. 4.

in an alternative arrangement (not illustrated) the mount could be placed on the floor, or placed on a table top such that darts, or similar projectiles could be dropped or thrown down onto the surface of the dart board. In this arrangement the outer frame 10 is provided with high walls in order to contain the darts within the mount and thereby prevent injury.

As illustrated in Fig. 4 an oche 28 is provided comprising a strip 28 which can be rolled out from beneath the foot of the dart board to provide an adjustable throwing line 30. By adjusting the length of the strip 28 the throwing line 30, at which the player stands to throw the dart at the board, can be brought nearer or placed further from the board accordingly to provide a suitable distance for the age of the player.

Thus a younger player can be positioned nearer to the board, and an older player can * *.* * * 1:. * * * S S * * S S S S.. S S S * * * * S S * S * * ** S S S S : . * * be directed by the oche to be positioned further from the board. For this purpose the oche has a slidable portion which can be used to adjust its length, and has calibration indicating appropriate lengths of strip 28 for particular ages of player. In an alternative embodiment the strip 28 is marked with a plurality of throwing-lines along its length, each with an indication to show the suitability of that throwing-line for a particular age of player.

The game is played as follows: In pairs, each player throws three darts alternatively at the darts board 2 and calls out the number hit by the dart and records it on the white board 22 or 24 as appropriate. The opponent checks. This is the most basic game which teaches the children in a fun manner to recognise the numbers by counting dots in a particular target area 4 and associating such with the graphic symbol for that number. It further develops their writing skills and social skills in interacting with each other. Whilst children opposing each other are motivated to participate throughout the game in order to check their opponents score.

These basic skills are further encouraged during play of further games on this board, some examples of which are provided hereinafter: The teacher or supervisor indicates the objective of the game to be played by adapting the bull's eye to provide details of the game. For example the number 1 5 is placed on the bull's eye 6. Then in pairs, each player throws a dart and records the score on the white board. They then throw another dart and add the score achieved to that of their previous score. This continues till a player scores a total of at least 1 5, which player is declared the winner. In an alternative game in pairs, each player throws two darts, adds their total mentally and records the total on the white board.

* . *.s 1 *. .: * S * * S * S S S * * * * S S * : : : : * *. ** 1 * * * * The opponent checks the score. This continues until one of the players achieves a total of at least 15.

In a further game the teacher places a number on the bull's eye 6, say ii or 21 and each player throws a dart and subtracts the score from the number on the bull's eye. The first team to end on exactly zero wins.

Also in another variation each player throws three darts and the first to score 9 with three darts wins. As in previous games the objective of the game is indicated by adapting the bull's eye 6.

Referring to Fig. 5, a second embodiment of dart board 2 is shown, which is particularly suited to the age group 6 to 7 years old, in this instance the darts board's playing surface is sub-divided into four wedge- shaped target areas 4 radiating out from the central circular area or bull's eye 6. Each target area is in this instance sub- divided by an annular ring 32 concentric to the bull's eye 6, to form two distinct targets, an inner target 4a and an outer target 4b, within each target area 4. Each distinct target is marked with a unique number, in this instance the outer targets 4b are marked 3, 5, 2 and 4 and the inner targets 4a are marked 8, 6, 7 and 9.

As in the previous embodiment the bull's eye 6 and/or white board's objective zone 26 is adaptable to indicate the game to be played. For example the target score could be 101 and the outer targets 4b could be indicated to achieve a score two times [double] the number marked thereon, whilst the inner targets 4a could achieve a score, for example five times the number marked thereon. The players record their scores on their white board 22 or 24. The bull's eye 6 or objective zone 26 could additionally be adapted to indicate whether consecutive scores achieved should be multiplied, subtracted or added to achieve a predetermined number indicated on the * *.* * * * * * * S * * * S *.* * * * * S * S * : :: * : adaptable bull's eye 6. With various combinations of parameters a large number of games can be played, each accelerating learning in different aspects of arithmetic.

In an adaption to this board additional magnetic numbers are provided which can be adhered to the playing surface. For example the number 1 could be placed in front of some or all of the numbers already present on the board, thereby increasing the difficulty of the games played to better adapt the board to the academic ability of an older child.

Referring to Fig. 6, a third embodiment of dart board 2 is shown, which is particularly suited to the age group 8 to 11 year olds, and comprises a circular dart board having a playing surface which is sub-divided into ten wedge-shaped target areas 4 radiating out from a central circular area or bull's eye 6, which bull's eye 6 is adaptable as previously described with respect to the embodiments of Figs. 1 and 5.

Also, as per the embodiment of Fig. 5 each target area is sub-divided by an annular ring 32, concentric to the bull's eye, into two distinct target areas to provide a ring of 1 5 inner targets 4a and a ring of outer targets 4b each outer target 4b is marked with a unique number, in this instance 5, 2, 7, 9, 8, 6, 3, 10, 4 and 1, which represents the score for not only the outer targets but also the associated inner target area 49.

The game is played as follows: The bull's eye is adapted to indicate the game to be played for example the numbers on the outer targets 4b if hit should be doubled [times two] and if you add the value of the three darts you throw, which square numbers is it possible to achieve, what combination can be hit to achieve them and which is the easiest square number to achieve? Alternatively, the outer targets 4b is times 2 [double] and the inner target is times 8 and you add the value of the three darts you throw, then which * * .s. d:. . * * S * S S *5. * - - * S I S S * * S * S S I - S * * * S combinations of inner and outer target's scores enable you to achieve odd and even numbers, a prime number and a square number? As in previous embodiments the opponent is encouraged to participate by checking the score, whilst mathematical skills are encouraged at a much higher level. It is to be understood that other multiples of the targets could be employed, as well as combinations employing division and subtraction. Furthermore the board of this embodiment could be adapted for use in the games described in the previous embodiments.

Referring to Fig. 7, a fourth embodiment of dart board is shown, which in this instance is sub-divided into thirteen wedge-shaped target areas 4 radiating out from the adaptable bull's eye 6. Unlike the previous embodiments, in this embodiment, each target area is marked with a plurality of letters two on each of the target areas.

All 26 letters of the alphabet are present and proceed in a clockwise manner around the board from a to z. The game is played as follows: A player throws one dart, and sounds out the two letters in the zone 4 that has been hit by the dart. The player then writes the letters on the board and thinks of two words that begin with each of the two letters and then writes them on the white board.

This is particular suitable for improving the visual, auditory and writing skills of the younger players.

Referring to Fig. 8, a fifth embodiment of dart board is shown which illustrates an alternative use of the dart board of the embodiment of Fig. 5, but instead of numbers each target area is marked with a plurality of letters. Each inner target 4a is marked with a respective vowel a, e, i and o, whilst the adaptable bull's eye represents or can be marked with the fifth vowel u. The remaining letters of the * I *, I; * do I * * * * II. I * I * * * .1 * * * * alphabet are marked in the outer targets 4b, six per target as shown in the figure, but with a y marked in each of the outer targets.

The game is played by throwing three darts at the dart board and using the letters from the targets hit as many times as necessary to make as many words as possible in a minute. This is repeated by each player in turn until one player reaches words. The words are recorded on the respective white board and the player quickly learns that an inner target which contains a vowel must be hit to enable a Referring to Fig. 9, a fifth embodiment of dart board is shown which illustrates an alternative use of the dart board of the embodiment of Fig. 6. In this embodiment the numbers are replaced by initial blends, one in each target zone. The game is played as follows: Three darts are thrown and the aim is to make as many words as possible in one minute using the initial blends hit. The words are wntten on the white board and each player competes in turn until a predetermined number of words is achieved. The game can be further enhanced by making a suffix in the bull's eye, for example ing' and then the players must make as many words as they can starting with the initial blend they hit and ended in the suffix.

Referring to Figs. 9 to 13, a seventh to eleventh embodiment of dart board is shown. Each of these dart boards are variants on the dart boards of Figs. 1, 5, 6 and 7 respectively, but each are modified in that no numbers or letters or annular ring 32 is provided. These boards can be adapted by the teacher or supervisor to create a game by adding numbers or letters on the dart board and optionally annular rings to sub- divide the target areas. For this purpose the playing area is provided with a writable wipe-clean surface. In an alternative arrangement a set of magnetic letters, numbers * S Sal *SS S *lS S S S S S * I a.. * a * * * * S * * * . * a a a * a a * * *. . a. a a S S S a a and rings are provided which are able to receive a dart and which can be adhered to the playing surface. It is to be understood that although adhesion sets have been described other forms of adhesion could be used.

It is to be understood that each darts board could be adapted to play any of the games described by altering the numbers and/or letters to better suit the intended age range. Also, although it has been described that each darts board can be mounted to a mount as illustrated in the embodiment of Figs. 2 to 4, other mounts could be used or the mount could be dispensed with, a separate scoring board or pad could then be provided. Also, although the dart board has been described as being placed on the mount, the dart board and mount could be a unitary item and a paper, plastics or material screen placed over at least a portion of the mount, with the markings of the required dart board marked thereon to change the playing surface configuration.

Although the dart board has been described as rectangular with a circular playing area and wedge-shaped targets, other shapes and configurations are possible.

Although the dart board has been described as being of a soft-pliable magnetic material, the board could be made of a more conventional material, such as cork or the like, which enables the use of soft tipped darts (not shown) thrown thereat to be embedded therein. In this instance the rear of the board could be provided with magnetic strips which enable it to be placed on the mount, or means such as a hook and eyelet could be used as the mounting means, or the dart board could be arranged to fit into the mount in a snap-fit or screw-fit manner.

Although the bull's eye has been described as comprising a white-board which can be written on, the bull's eye may alternatively comprise a socket which receives in a press-fit or screw-fit manner or magnetic maimer a plaque marked with the * * *** S.. * *S* * S * S * S S SSS S * S S S * S * . S * S S S S S * S S * S 55 5 5 S S

S S S S S S

objective of the game. A plurality of such plaques may be provided, each with a unique objective.

Furthermore, at least some of the number and/or letters marked on the target areas could be replaced by pictures and the game played could be to hit a picture and a word describing that picture.

* * S.. *SS S **S * S S S S * S S.. S S S * S S S * S S S S S S * * * S S * * ** S S S S S * S S S S

Claims (28)

1. An educational darts game comprising a dart board having an adaptable playing surface bearing a plurality of target areas at which darts are thrown during play of a game to select by adhesion at least one such target areas, and a bull's eye, wherein the playing surface and/or bull's eye is adaptable before play of a game to provide symbols in the target area and/or bull's eye which include at least one of numbers, letters, initial blends, suffixes, words and pre- selected objective means which defines an intellectual activity to be performed based on a symbol present in at least one selected target area.

2. An educational darts game according to Claim 1, wherein the target areas include at least one permanently marked symbol.

3. An educational darts game according to Claims 1 or 2, wherein the bull's eye and/or target areas is adaptable by providing a writable wipeclean surface thereto.

4. An educational darts game according to Claims 1, 2 or 3, comprising a set of symbols which have adhesion means enabling them to be attached to the playing surface.

5. An educational darts game according to Claim 4, wherein the adhesion means is magnetic.

6. An educational darts game according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pre-selecteci objective means defines an s6 intellectual activity to be performed based on symbols selected by the throw of at least two darts.

7. An education darts game according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the objective means is the bull's eye to the darts board.

8. An educational darts game according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a mount upon which the dart board can be mounted.

9. An educational darts game according to Claim 8, wherein the mount has means for recording the results of the intellectual activity performed.

10. An educational darts game according to Claims 8 or 9, wherein the objective means is provided on or in addition on the mount.

11. An educational darts game according to Claims 8, 9 or 10, wherein the dart board is a pliable magnetic sheet and is mounted to the mount by magnetic attraction.

12. An educational darts game according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one symbol is a number and the objective means is adaptable to define mental arithmetic steps to be carried out by the player based on that number.

13. An educational darts game according to Claim 12, wherein the preselected mental arithmetic steps comprises at least one of the following operations multiply, divide, subtraction, or addition.

14. An educational darts game according to any one of Claims 12 or 13, wherein the objective means indicates the required sum or aim of the calculation.

15. An educational darts game according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one symbol includes at least one of a letter of the alphabet, a portion of a word, or a picture and the objective means is adapted to define a required literacy combination of the selected symbols.

16. An educational darts game according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the objective means defines the number of darts to be thrown by each player.

17. An educational darts game according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the objective means defines the number of players and/or teams to participate in the game.

18. An educational darts game according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target areas are defined by a plurality of radially extending lines originating from the bull's eye.

19. An educational darts game according to Claim 18, wherein each target area is sub-divided into two target zones by an annular ring provided concentric to the bull's eye.

20. An educational darts game according to Claim 19, wherein the Ii target zones in each area is identified by the same symbol as the respective target area or may bear a unique symbol.

21. An educational darts game according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target areas comprise between 4 and 13 in number.

22. An educational darts game according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a set including a plurality of said dart boards having different configuration of target areas, a plurality of darts, a universal mount upon which each board may be individually mounted and a list of instructions.

23. An educational darts game according to Claim 22, wherein the set comprises a set of symbols each bearing a unique objective, letter, number, word or word portion for game play.

24. An educational darts game according to Claims 22 or 23, wherein the set further includes a plurality of marker pens and a wiper.

25. An educational darts game according to any one of Claims, 22, 23 or 24, wherein the set includes an adjustable oche.

26. An educational darts game according to any one of Claims 22 to 25, wherein the mounting board and dart board are formed as a unitary item and the playing surface of the dart board comprises a removable sheet on which the target areas and their symbols are marked.

27. An educational darts game according to Claim 26, wherein the set comprises a plurality of different sheets each bearing a unique arrangement of target areas and symbols.

28. An educational darts game constructed and adapted to operate substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.