GB2605376A

GB2605376A - Target and projectile game apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2605376A
Application number: GB2104437.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Marks Henry
Original assignee: Dino Junkie Ltd
Current assignee: Dino Junkie Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-29
Filing date: 2021-03-29
Publication date: 2022-10-05
Anticipated expiration: 2041-03-29
Also published as: GB2605376B; GB202104437D0

Abstract

An apparatus for a target and projectile game comprises a first base 1, a first pole 6, and a first target support component 5, which can be assembled in either a deployed configuration or a stowed configuration, wherein: in the deployed configuration, the first base is connected to a proximal end of the first pole and the first target support component is connected to a distal end of the first pole; and in the stowed configuration, the first target support component is connected to the first base (see figure 4). A second base, pole and target support component may be provided. A projectile may be provided such as a flying disc (7, figure 4). The target support components may be stowed in cavities (10a and 11b) within the base. When two bases are provided the flying disc and target support components may be housed between two connected based (1a and 1b) in the stowed configuration (see figure 4).

Description

Target and projectile game apparatus Field of the invention [1] The invention relates to an apparatus for a target and projectile game. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus for a target and projectile game comprising at least one stand for supporting a target object. More particularly, the invention relates to at least one stand for supporting a target object, wherein the stand is configured to be stowed in a compact and convenient manner.

Background of the invention

[2] The health benefits of outdoor sports are so well established that we could 10 not hope to add usefully to what has already been written about them.

[3] Accessories for outdoor sports are very nearly as ancient, and one common characteristic of all such accessories, from javelins and pigs' bladders to croquet mallets and laser sights, is the need to stow them away when they are not in use.

[4] Many accessories disassemble to be stowed more compacdy, but problems 15 can arise if small pieces go missing and render the whole accessory useless.

[5] US 8287406 discloses a pair of stands for a flying disc game apparatus, each stand used during a game to support a target at which the players aim the flying disc. Each of the stands comprises pole which is fixed, in use, in an upright position, either by being partially pushed into the ground, or by being supported by a base. Atop each stand is a target supporting component. The stands come apart, when not in use, so as to be stowed more compactly. I ach part of the disassembled stand, however, is stored independently of all of the others, making it likely that at least one part will go missing, making the rest of the equipment unusable.

[006] It would be beneficial to have a stand for a target for a target and projectile game that can be disassembled and stowed in such a way as to reduce the likelihood of a part going missing. The present invention seeks to provide such a benefit, among others.

Summary of the invention

[7] The invention relates to a stand for a target of a target and projectile game 5 which can be disassembled into parts. The target stand has a target support component and a base, and when stowed, the target support component slots together with the base so as to reduce the number of loose components.

[8] This may be achieved, for example, by providing a cavity within the structure of the base, shaped to receive the target support component in a snug fit.

The target support component may be held in place, preferably by frictional means or magnetic means or other means not too difficult for a user to overcome when it is time to assemble the stand again.

[9] Preferably, the invention provides two such stands, each having a respective base and target support component. In this case, the bases and target support 15 components are configured so as to slot together, so that four components are stowed as a single component.

[10] This may be achieved, for example, by configuring the bases to fit together in such a way as to define between them a cavity shaped to receive both target support components. The bases may be held together when stowed so as to keep all four components together. This may be achieved by at least one clip or clasp, or by a touch fastener or by the use of magnets, for example, or any means that is not too difficult for a user to overcome when it is time to assemble the stand again.

[11] Also preferably, the apparatus of the invention includes a projectile, which is preferably a flying disc, configured so as to slot together when not in use, with the 25 one or more target support components and the one or more bases. Other suitable projectiles may include bean bags, sponges, or balls, for example.

[12] In embodiments where the projectile is a king disc, this may be achieved, for example, by providing a slot or hole through the flying disc, shaped to receive part of the one or more target support components through it, and furthermore configuring the one or more bases to receive the flying disc around the target support component.

[13] In order to provide as much versatility to the apparatus as possible, it is also preferable for the at least one target support components to be configured to support a plurality of different targets.

[14] This may be achieved, for example, by configuring a target supporting face 10 of each target support component with concentric support surfaces of decreasing diameter and increasing depth.

[15] In accordance with the invention, therefore, an apparatus for a flying disc came is provided as defined in claim 1.

Brief description of drawings

[016] The invention will be described, by way of example only, using a series of preferred embodiments, with reference to the following drawings: [011 Figure 1 depicts a stand of the invention in an assembled config,uration.

[18] Figure 2 depicts the stand of Figure 1 in an exploded view.

[19] Figure 3 depicts a pair of bases of the invention in a stowed configuration.

[020] Figure 4 depicts a pair of bases, a pair of target support components, and a flying disc of the invention in an exploded view of their stowed configuration.

[021] Figure 5 depicts a cross section through the bases of Figure 3, showing a pair of target support components and a flying disc stowed in a shaped cavity formed by the bases.

[022] Figure 6 depicts a cross section through the pair of bases, a pair of target support components, and a flying disk of the invention in an exploded view of their stowed configuration.

Detailed description

[023] Figures 1 and 2 show a stand for supporting a target for use in a flying disc game. The stand comprises a base 1, a pole 2, and a target support component 3.

[24] The base 1 extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the pole 2, all around the pole 2, when assembled, in order to support the pole 2 in an upright position. The lower end of the pole 2 is inserted into a hole or a cavity 4 through 10 the centre of the upper surface of the base 1.

[25] The target supporting component 3 has a target supporting face 5 which is directed substantially upwards in use, and which has a larger diameter than the pole 2. The upper end of the pole 2 is inserted in use into a cavity defined by the lower part of the target supporting component 3.

[026] The pole 2 comprises a plurality of sections 6 which slot together. A conventional spring clip system is depicted to hold the sections 6 together, and to hold the pole 2 and target support component 3 together, but any conventional system can be used.

[27] A typical flying disc game of this kind might require two stands for supporting two targets, for example, one stand and target for each player or team. Figures 3 to 6 depict a pair of bases la and lb of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which are placed together when stowed, and which hold between them a flying disc 7 and two target support components 3a and 3b.

[28] The bases la, lb may be held together by any suitable means, but this is not 25 essential. In the depicted embodiment, there is no mechanism for holding the bases la, lb together. The cavities, as will be described below, receive their respective components in a snug fit, which provides a certain degree of frictional engagement, but the stowed apparatus of the depicted embodiment would typically be held together by the walls of a bag or box in which it is stored.

[029] Holes 8a-8c may optionally be provided around the rims of the bases la, lb. These can be used to fix the bases to the ground when deployed and in use, for 5 example using tent pegs or other fixing means.

io301 The inner faces of the bases la, lb -that is, the lower faces when the stands are deployed -define respective outer cavities 9a, 9b and respective first inner cavities 10a, 10b, and respective second inner cavities Ha, 11b. The outer cavities 9a, 9b are configured to receive and enclose the flying disc 7 when it is held between the bases la, lb in the stowed configuration. The first inner cavities 10a, lob are shaped to receive and enclose the first target support component 3a when it is held between the bases la, lb in the stowed configuration. The second inner cavities Ha, llb are shaped to receive and enclose the second target support component 3b when it is held between the bases la, lb in the stowed configuration.

[31] A slot or hole 12 is defined through the flying disc 7 so that it fits around the two target support components 3a 3b when all of the components are in the stowed configuration.

[32] As is most clearly shown in Figure 6, the inner cavities 10a-1 lb are spaced 20 apart to leave room through the body of each base la, lb for the hole or cavity 4a, 4b which receives the lower end of the pole 2 when the stands are assembled.

[33] As is most clearly shown in Figures 5 and 6, the target supporting faces 5a, 5b of the target support components 3a, 3h are configured to support a plurality of different targets. This is achieved by providing two concentric supporting surfaces 13a-14b on each target supporting face 5a, 5b. For example, if cans or bottles are used as targets, as is typically the case, the target supporting faces 5a, 5b will securely support cans or bottles of at least two base diameters. These diameters can be selected to correspond to the widest range of common base diameters on the market. Tt will be dear to the skilled reader that more than two concentric target supporting surfaces can be provided on each target supporting face.

[034] The apparatus of the invention will typically be made of plastics, preferably moulded plastics. Some or all of the components may alternatively be made from metals, most particularly the poles, and preferably not the flying disc. It may be advantageous for the bases to be made of metals in order to provide additional weight to improve the support provided to the poles.

10351 If the bases are formed of moulded plastics, it is advantageous to provide recesses in the inner faces, around the cavities. This provides a more even 10 thickness to the material and helps prevent warping and/or shrinking during manufacture.

10361 Although the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. The invention is limited only by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An apparatus for a target and projectile game comprising a first base, a first pole, and a first target support component, which can be assembled in either a deployed configuration or a stowed configuration, wherein: in the deployed configuration, the first base is connected to a proximal end of the first pole and the first target support component is connected to a distal end of the first pole; and in the stowed configuration, the first target support component is coupled to the first base.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a projectile, wherein in the stowed configuration, the projectile is connected to the first base.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second base, a second pole and a second target support component, which can be assembled in a deployed configuration or a stowed configuration, wherein: in the deployed configuration, the second base is connected to a proximal end of the second pole and the second target support component is connected to a distal end of the second pole; and in the stowed configuration, both the first target support component and the second target support component are connected to the first and second bases.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein in the stowed configuration, the 20 first and second bases are connected together in such a way as to form a cavity between them, and the first and second target support components are enclosed within the cavity.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein in the stowed configuration the cavity comprises a first compartment which encloses the first target support 25 component, and a second compartment which encloses the second target support component.
6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising a projectile, wherein in the stowed configuration, the projectile is connected to the first and second bases.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 4 or claim 5, wherein in the stowed configuration, the cavity encloses the projectile.
8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 6 or 7, wherein the projectile is a flying disc.
9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the flying disc has a slot or hole through it.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9, when dependent on claim 8, when dependent on claim 7, wherein in the stowed configuration, the first and second target support components extend through the hole or slot through the flying disc.
11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein all poles are modular and can be disassembled.
12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein all target support components comprise respective target support faces.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein all target support faces comprise at least two concentric target support surfaces, each support surface having a different outer diameter.