GB2563288A

GB2563288A - Spongeball target game

Info

Publication number: GB2563288A
Application number: GB1709262.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Scarborough Robert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-06-10
Filing date: 2017-06-10
Publication date: 2018-12-12
Also published as: GB201709262D0

Abstract

A target game for one or more players comprising a sponge ball 7, a propulsion tool, and a target 1. The sponge ball may be spherical or a puck. The target may be an open ended crown shape, where the target may be formed of a strip of material whose ends fasten together. The target may have a fixed diameter, or the target may have an adjustable diameter via adjusting the fasteners. The target can be positioned on top of the ground 16, buried partially in the ground, or positioned above ground level on a stand. The gaps are large enough for the ball to pass through. The propulsion tool may comprise an elongate handle, with a striking plate which may be curved and tapers to a point at the centre of its lower edge. The striking plate may be flat. The propulsion tool can also be used as a spade. In the game the sponge ball is wetted with liquid at the start of a round, where the game is in the style of golf and the ball is re-wetted with liquid at any point during the game. The game may be played on a lawn or a beach.

Description

ooi Sponge ball target game 002 Description 003 Prior art 004 In the prior art, sponge balls are used in some games. Sponge footballs and tennis balls are the most obvious, but they are designed to be used indoors or, where it is dry. Cloth covered, wetted sponge balls are used for throwing and splash fun in swimming pools and wetted sponges for throwing on fairground type attractions. However, the use of wetted sponge balls for competitive, golf type, target games in which a player propels a wetted ball repeatedly to reach a target, by moving it with a hand held bat or club are rare. Add the consideration that by conserving the water level in the ball a player may gain an advantage in a game and examples are difficult to find at all. A solid rubber, leather covered, hollow plastic, tennis or golf type ball is generally preferred for prior art games of this type. A problem with lengthy, golf type games is that the ball needs to be dense,and heavy to carry long distances, and as a result, a guarded playing area is mostly required to prevent passers by being injured. If a light, dry sponge or hollow plastic ball were used for this type of game (for safety reasons), then, ball range would be limited and control difficult in windy conditions or on sloping ground (such as a foreshore/beach). Thus, very few medium range golf game sets have been developed for casual use. Additionally, golf holes generally require a large number of excavations and as a result, prior art portable sets generally include a moulded, above ground, ramped hole, suitable only for putting practice. 005 Statement of invention. A target game for at least one player, comprising at least one sponge ball, propulsion tool and target, whereby the ball is wetted with liquid at the start of a round and loses the liquid in a manner proportionate to the forces acting on the ball during play, which begins with the ball at rest in any position around the target wherein, the at least one player takes a shot by using the propulsion tool to propel the ball, with the aim of reaching the target in the least number of shots and, where a plurality of players are competing in the same round of a game it is ensured that the starting position and initial condition of each player's ball are the same. 006 In the present invention, a round, polyurethane or cellulose fibre, sponge ball of 40-500101 diameter (golf ball size), is proposed for use in a golf/ pitch and putt type of game. The ball is very light for carriage and safe to use (from the perspective of personal impact risk). The sponge ball is purposely saturated before each round of the game, or intermittently during a game, to give extra weight, but being porous, the ball will lose weight during the game under the action of forces. In one example, the ball may be *jr slightly irregular in shape (see fig 5), having a plurality of fiat spots, created by simple cutting across opposite faces of the sponge ball. The fiat spots may, for example, create four fiat faces, each measuring approximately 15-30mm across, on a 40-500101 diameter sponge ball). In another example, a totally different shaped object for propulsion may be manufactured (such as wheel shaped), in which case it may be called a puck. The shape rendering it less likely to roll during the game, even when the game is played on a sloping beach of firm sand. 007 The wetted sponge ball or puck of each player, is used in each round of the ball game of the present invention. It is first placed on the ground, or on, or within, an obstacle, so that it is at rest in a starting position chosen by a player. This position may be any distance from the target in any direction and may for example be upwind, down slope, perched on top of a rocky outcrop, in a shallow water pool, on a grass tuft, or on fiat sand (on a beach). Next, using a specially shaped propulsion tool (provided for the game), a player may choose to flick or scoop the ball into the air (fig. 5) from a sideways stance or, while standing astride the ball in a stance similar to that of a croquet game (and using a croquet style swing). The player may, alternatively take a shot by putting or tapping the ball towards the hole, causing it to roll along the ground (fig.7). The Player's intention is to propel the ball so that it reaches the target in the minimum number of shot attempts (striking, flicking, scooping or putting the ball). With each new round of the game, the player's ball or the balls of multiple, competing players are re-wetted and re-positioned by the winner of the last hole (or winner of a coin spin etc.), so each round begins at any new position around the hole. The types of allowable shot may in one example, be decided by players of the game and may vary from the types of shot described herein (above). The frequency and extent of the re-wetting of a ball allowable, may also be decided by players in one example of the game, perhaps, each player could have a container of water to use for the purpose of ball wetting, or on a beach, may use existing water pools. However, the default (preferred) rule of the game is that a player's ball may only be wetted or saturated, once per round, this being before starting each new round of the game. Thus, control of the amount of liquid retained within the ball during a round by careful propulsion choice and technique with each shot, may be beneficial to a player. A light ball under certain circumstances, may for example, be blown along by the wind, a heavy one may be better against the wind etc. 008 A round of the game occurs when a player takes their ball to any position around the hole and, from a resting position, tries to reach the internal area of the target in the fewest number of shots with their ball. The starting position for a plurality of players must be the same in each round, but in a new round, any new start position may be chosen for all players. JL a 009 The ball size and shape provided in examples of the game may be different to that substantially described herein(golfball sized), chosen to suit the conditions in which the game is to be played. The size and shape of propulsion tool provided may also vary, to suit different age groups/size of player. A ball may under different circumstances measure anywhere between 40-80 mm across at the widest point and may be either an irregular shape, a generally spherical shaped ball, or a wheel shaped puck. 010 Water retention in the ball 011 The sponge ball is wetted or saturated by squeezing and releasing under water (or just place in water and wait). Water is drawn into and retained inside the sponge by forces such as capillary action, cohesion, adhesion and matric force (the force of attraction of the water to the fibres of the sponge ). These forces keep a certain amount of water in the ball despite the sponge being porous. However, whenever these forces are overcome by gravity or external forces such as those involved in striking the ball, some water will be lost from the ball, or will move around within the ball. These changes will affect the ball's absolute weight and weight distribution, thus potentially affecting any future flight or movement of the ball. For example, if the ball is struck hard and fast, more water will be lost, thus when the ball is struck again during the next shot, it will now being much lighter it will travel less far, especially when struck against the wind. Also, a lighter ball might be blown along the ground by the wind force ( either towards or away from the target). Therefore, judgement is needed by a player as to how hard to hit the ball, based on the distance and direction of the target, the ground relief between the ball and target and any forces in play. In another example, taking a shot by carefully flicking or scooping, causes a more gradual acceleration of the ball which will lead to more water retention within the ball than a hard, fast strike and this might be beneficial to a future, follow on shot. The affect of gravity on the water retention of a ball falling from height is another example of the importance of shot selection by players. 012 The above examples of ball propulsion techniques show how skill and judgement in propelling a wet sponge ball towards a target will create a totally different game to one played with any prior art type of ball and propulsion tool. Importantly, even the heaviest wet, sponge ball remains soft in terms of risk of injury or damage when impacting a person or thing. 013 The size of holes permeating the sponge ball also matter and in the present invention it is proposed that the ball will have small, tightly packed holes in the sponge, measuring a fraction of a millimetre (for example, 0.5-1 mm diameter air-holes when the ball is dry). This will increase the ability of surface tension, matric force and other internal, ball forces mentioned above to retain the water against external forces such as striking the ball,

JL · *S (which cause rapid acceleration or compression of the ball). When the ball is hit into the air and lands on a hard surface, the force of gravity will not drive out water too easily (due to retention forces of the fine sponge). Commonly available 40mm diameter sponge balls used by magicians for slight of hand tricks, are of a suitable density for the game of the present invention, and in this example, when fully saturated will weigh around 45 grams. After being dropped from a height of approximately 6 metres onto a firm surface, the same ball will weigh 35 grams. The same ball (35 grams), then struck with a hard propulsion tool (metal golf club), Using medium force lost a further 10 grams of water. These figures illustrate two ways that a ball may quickly lose weight and thereafter have less forward momentum in a follow up shot. 014 The specially shaped propulsion tool (of the present invention), offers the potential for maximum surface contact with the ball, which, when combined with the gradual acceleration of the tool and ball according to player skill, can minimise water loss in the ball, especially when ball elevation is also kept to a minimum (gravity savings). For comparison purposes, a further experiment with a 40mm diameter sponge ball and the propulsion tool of the present invention (with concave strike plate), was conducted. A dry ball, scooped into the air with the tool, travelled 4-6 metres . The same ball, saturated with water (weighing 45 grams) travelled 16-24 metres when a similar strike force was applied. Further, consecutive shots with the initially saturated ball, travelled gradually less distance. 015 The target with reference to figs. 1-4 016 In one embodiment of the present invention, the target is made from a fiat sheet of i-2mm thickness, high density polyethylene, measuring approximately 1 metre long x 18cm wide. The two ends include means for connection together to form a circle, thereby forming an internal target area of 250 mm diameter (figs. 2 andy), which may be varied by adjustment of the fastenings which are of the type described in GB2471206 (tab and slot). The adjustment in diameter of the fastened crown target may also lead to an adjustment of the number of gaps between partial fence sections and also may also alter the number of partial fence sections around the target. For example, extended to its largest size, the target may form a 28cm diameter circle with four gaps between four partial fence sections(fig. 2). When adjusted to a smaller size, the dimensions could be 20cm diameter, with three gaps and three partial fence sections around the perimeter of the targefffig. 7). (Two of the partial fence sections on the fiat sheet are now positioned one directly behind the other in the formed circle target). JL 'L-'' 017 The sheet from which the target is constructed, in one example, (particularly suited to a beach sand version of the game), is cut to form undulations, each of which reduce the lower sheet width to approximately 70mm below the bottom of each (U-shaped) undulation. The bottom of each undulation will continue for a distance which measures more than the widest dimension of the ball or puck used for the game. There may be one, or more, undulations cut from the sheet, forming gaps through which a ball may travel into the internal area of the target, when arranged in a circle. 018 The two ends of the sheet are fastened, forming the circular target, resembling an open Kings crown. The area of sheet between each U shaped undulation is called the fence, so that when placed on the floor (fence uppermost, see fig 2), the cut out undulations form gaps between the full height sections of the sheet (which form a partial fence). The portion of the sheet below the bottom of any U shaped cut outs, runs the full length around the sheet and measures a minimum of 70mm in height. This portion is called the lower strip (fig.i, 2,7). 019 To set up the target on the beach, push the lower strip of the circular crown down into the sand until the bottom of the U shaped cut outs is level with the sand surface. Then, scoop out sand from within the crown to create an internal target-hole below the level of the U shaped cut outs. A ball rolling along the sand outside the target and reaching a U shaped cut out will drop into the hole. Alternatively, a ball rolling along the surface of the sand and reaching a fenced section will not drop into the hole (stopped by the fence). A ball that is lobbed, flicked or scooped upwards from anywhere around the hole will be able drop over the fence into the target hole, (or pass over a gap before dropping into the hole (fig. 2). A sandy beach location is ideal for the game in this example, making it quick and easy to move the target hole around the beach to vary the game. 020 The circular target described herein, may also be set up on a lawn in the same way as the beach sand example, but would be semi-permanent compared to in sand, because of the difficulty that moving the target presents (Digging up turf). 021 In another example, the crown shaped target may be arranged more simply for a lawn game or, on another hard surface. Instead of burying the lower strip, the crown mould is turned upside down so that the tops of the partial fence will rest on the ground. The crown mould now forms a bridged target (fig.7). The ball may pass under a bridge (through the gaps) into the internal target area, or the ball can be lobbed, flicked, scooped up over the top-ring, (formed by the lower strip, which is now uppermost), to reach the internal area of the target.

JL 021 The propulsion tool 022 Unlike a metal golf club, which would drive out water from the ball when swung hard, the propulsion tool of the present invention, in one example, has a curved or concave striking plate constructed from a plastics material, which comes to a point at the centre of its lower tip, so as not to foul the sand or ground when preparing for a shot (figs 5 and 6). The recommended technique for a long distance shot is to move the tool close behind the ball with the tip at ground level and then flick or scoop the ball forward with any chosen elevation (fig. 5). For a final shot into the internal area of the target, when passing over a section of the fence, the trajectory of the ball must be considered by the player to avoid an overshoot (a steep up and down is required). However, to putt the ball into the target by rolling it through a gap in the fence, a gentle flick or tap is recommended, either from a croquet stance or from a golf putting stance, using a single, or two handed grip. 023 The length of propulsion tool for an adult to use when playing the game, in one example is 750mm. The striking plate is 60mm wide x 150mm long and 3mm thick (with reinforced ridges if necessary) and is made using an injection moulded construction methodfig. 5). The striking plate may be fastened to the wooden shaft or moulded as an extended part of the shaft. The top end of the propulsion tool includes a spade type (triangular) shaped handle end, fastened to, or moulded asport of the upper end of the shaft of the tool. Additionally, this example of design means that the described propulsion tool may double (in use), as aplastic spade (fig.6). 024 In the spade propulsion tool example, the striking plate will be constructed with a wider dimension than is necessary merely to take a successful shot, i.e. the striking plate will be increased to around 150mm width. The tool may now be used as a spade to dig out a sand hole when positioning the target on a sandy beach and thereafter, still used as a propulsion tool. 025 Other examples of propulsion tool design may be considered, the important common aspect being the inclusion of the curved or concave, pointed striking plate, which is at least as high and wide as the ball's diameter. This will maximise the contact area with the ball and thus help retain the liquid within the ball during a shot. 026 Description of illustrations

Fig 1. A fiat sheet, ready for forming a target of the present invention. Shown laid fiat and before being assembled into a circular, partially fenced *jr f *s enclosure, with an internal target area. Also showing the fastening method and means of adjustment of the target's diameter and number of gaps and partial fence sections

Fig 2. Perspective view from the front and above of an assembled target, looking like an open topped crown. Shown before being partially buried in sand as described in one example of the game. The target is adjusted to offer four, U shaped cut outs and four partial fence sections. The sponge ball is shown in the winning/finishing position, within the internal target area.

Fig 3. View from directly in front of a target after it is set in the sand or other substrate. Showing sections of partial fence above ground level. The bottom of two U-shaped cut-outs (undulations), are visible and are level with the substrate in front of the target. A ball may be rolled through either cut out to drop into the target's internal area.

Fig 4. Cross sectional view of the target, partially embedded in substrate so that the lower strip is below original ground level. Also showing that the internal target area with substrate removed creates a hole into which a rolling ball will drop.

Fig 5. Side view of a propulsion tool showing it positioned in front of a ball on the ground, prior to flicking, scooping or hitting the ball towards the target. The ball in this example is a slightly irregular ball shape with, four fiat spots, evenly placed around the ball.

Fig 6. Front view of a propulsion tool of extended width, so that it may fulfil the dual purposes of taking a shot with the ball and of being used as a spade to dig out a position for the target, particularly suitable for a game played on a sandy beach.

Fig 7. Perspective view from the front and above of the target, positioned on a surface such as grass or concrete, wherein the target is turned upside down so that the partial fence sections rest upon the ground creating bridged entrances to the internal target area. Alternatively, the ball may be lobbed over the lower strip, which now forms an upper ring due to the target being inverted. This example also shows the target adjusted to offer three bridged entrances and three partial fences instead of four. 027 List of the parts shown in the diagrams. 1. A partial fence section of the target 2. A gap between two partial fence sections

JL 3. The bottom of a U shaped undulation (gap) 4. The lower strip of the target 5. A tab fastener 6. A slot fastener 7. A round sponge ball 8. The internal area of the target 9. Normal ground level 10. Substrate, below ground level 11. The shaft of a propulsion tool 12. The body of the striking plate, part of the propulsion tool 13. The concave shaped, ball contact area of the striking plate 14. The tip of a striking plate 15. Handle of a spade that doubles as shaft of propulsion tool 16. Grass surface 17. An irregular sponge ball with a plurality of flat spots around the ball

Claims

Claims 1) A target game for at least one player, comprising at least one sponge ball, propulsion tool and target, whereby the ball is wetted with liquid at the start of a round and loses the liquid in a manner proportionate to the forces acting on the ball during play, which begins with the ball at rest in any position around the target wherein, the at least one player takes a shot by using the propulsion tool to propel the ball, with the aim of reaching the target in the least number of shots and, where a plurality of players are competing in the same round of a game it is ensured that the starting position and initial condition of each player's ball are the same.
2) The game of claim one, wherein the ball is spherical in shape.
3) The game of claim one, wherein the ball is not spherical and may be termed a puck.
4) The game of claim one, wherein the target takes the form of an open topped, crown shaped mould, comprising partial fence sections with gaps between above a continuous lower strip.
5) The game of claim one, wherein the propulsion tool is hand held, comprising an elongate handle with a curved lower end section which includes a pointed tip at the centre of its lower edge.
6) The game of claim one, wherein a plurality of targets are provided and each is positioned differently in the game area before the game starts so that players aim for a first target in round one and another target in subsequent rounds.
7) The game of claim one, wherein the striking plate of the propulsion tool is not curved.
8) The game of claim one, wherein the sponge ball or puck is re-wetted with liquid at any point during the game.
9) The game of any of claims 1-8, wherein the target is partially buried such that the lower strip of the crown shaped target is below ground and after burial, the inside of the lower strip area is excavated, thereby creating an internal target area hole which is below the target's external ground level. Sections of the partial fence are above external ground level and these are separated by gaps through which a ball may be rolled into the hole. Alternatively, the ball must pass over the fence and drop down into the hole. io) The game of any of claims 1-8, wherein the target has no gaps between partial fence sections. Instead, the ball must pass over the fence to reach the internal area of the target. n) The game of any of claims 1-10, wherein the entire target is positioned on top of the playing surface. 12) The game described in any of claims 1-8 and 11, wherein the crown shaped target is positioned upside down when compared to the orientation of the target in claim 9 and, is constructed with dimensions that allow a game ball to pass freely through the bridge formed by any gap in the fence. 13) The game described in any previous claim, wherein the target is of a fixed size and shape. 14) The game described in any claim 1-12 wherein the target area formed is circular in shape and the target is adjustable in diameter. 15) The game described in any previous claim wherein the target provided is positioned above ground level, arranged on a stand. 16) The sponge ball game substantially described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.