GB2620658A - Dartboard mount - Google Patents

Abstract

A dartboard mount 100 comprises a frame 104 configured to surround a dartboard 102. A first elongate flexible member (such as a first cable 112) extends across the frame in a first direction and a second elongate flexible member (such as a second cable 114) extends across the frame 104 in a second direction. The first direction may be different to the second direction, and the first elongate flexible member 112 may cross the second elongate flexible member 114 within the frame 104. The first elongate flexible member 112 and second elongate flexible member 114 may be mounted to the frame 104 under tension and configured to support a plurality of mounting points (such as mounting brackets 106) extending from the rear of the dartboard 102. The dartboard mount 100 suspends a dartboard 102 within the frame 104 and may reduce noise transmission from darts impacting the dartboard 102.

Description

Dartboard Mount

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a dartboard mount. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a dartboard mount for supporting a dartboard.

The invention also concerns a method of suspending a dartboard via a dartboard mount.

Background of the Invention

Darts is a popular sport in which arrows, also known as darts, are thrown at a dartboard. The dartboard is usually made of sisal fibres, and those fibres part to allow entry of the dart into the dartboard, and then hold the dart in position until a player removes the dart at the end of their turn. Alternative arrangements include "soft-tip" darts and dartboards, where plastic tipped darts are thrown at a dartboard made of plastic and including many holes into which the plastic tipped darts may enter and be secured. Common to both arrangements is that the impact of the dart on the dartboard creates noise. When a dartboard is mounted to a wall, as is commonly the case, that noise may be transmitted through the wall into other rooms near to the dartboard.

This noise may disturb people in those rooms, for example neighbours in an apartment building, or waking a small child in a bedroom adjacent the room where darts is being played. Typically the mounting of the dartboard to the wall is via a simple slotted bracket fixed to the wall. In the centre of the rear side of the dartboard, a screw is used to hang the dartboard in the slotted bracket. The rear side of the dartboard may also comprise a number of adjustable spacers which protrude from the rear side and make contact with the wall to provide additional stability to the dartboard. All of these contact points with the wall may increase the sound transmission to adjacent rooms.

The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems.

Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved dartboard mount and/or dartboard mounting system.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a dartboard mount comprising: a frame configured to surround a dartboard; a first elongate flexible member extending across the frame in a first direction; a second elongate flexible member extending across the frame in a second direction; the first direction being different to the second direction, such that the first elongate flexible member crosses the second elongate flexible member within the frame, wherein the first elongate flexible member and second elongate flexible member are mounted to the frame under tension and configured to support a plurality of mounting points extending from the rear of a dartboard.

In use, the dartboard mount will be secured to a wall, and then a dartboard mounted to the dartboard mount via a plurality of mounting points extending from the rear of the dartboard. Advantageously, the dartboard mount enables a dartboard to be mounted within the frame via the elongate flexible members. The dartboard is essentially suspended away from the wall via the elongate flexible members, and impacts on the dartboard, for example due to the dartboard receiving darts, will be at least partially absorbed by the elongate flexible members. Therefore, whilst some of the impact on a dartboard may be transmitted to a wall, the size of the impact is reduced. Additionally, the elongate flexible members may absorb the impact in such a way that little or no sound is produced. In this advantageous arrangement, the noise produced by a dart impacting the dartboard is reduced, thereby providing an improved dartboard mount and dartboard mounting system.

The elongate flexible members may comprise one or more of a wire, cable, rope, or cord, or any other elongate flexible member which may be suitably tensioned within the frame. The elongate flexible members may be substantially inelastic, such that the elongate flexible members may be tensioned without significantly stretching.

The elongate flexible members may comprise one or more of a metal wire, a synthetic cord, or a rope or cord made of a natural material. The elongate flexible members may be woven, spun, twisted, or extruded. The elongate flexible members may comprise a central core, for example a wire or cable, surrounded by a sheath or coating, for example a rubber coating. In such an arrangement, the central core may provide the strength required, with the sheath or coating providing a dampening effect to impacts and/or increasing friction with a dartboard mounted to the dartboard mount further increasing the stability of the dartboard.

The first elongate flexible member and/or second elongate flexible member may be mounted to the frame by an adjustable tensioner. The adjustable tensioner may allow the tension of the associated elongate flexible member to be adjusted. For example, when setting up the dartboard mount, it may be necessary to increase or decrease the tension of an elongate flexible member to ensure the correct location of a dartboard relative to the dartboard mount. It may also be necessary to adjust the tension of an elongate flexible member due to expansion or contraction due to temperature changes, and/or because of expansion over time. The adjustable tensioner may comprise a threaded tensioner. Various other adjustable tensioners may be used, as will be appreciated by the skilled person The first elongate flexible member and/or second elongate flexible member may comprise a connector or attachment point for attaching the elongate flexible member to the frame. The connector or attachment point may comprise one or more of a clip, loop, attachment head, or any other suitable connector or attachment point as would be well understood by the skilled person.

The frame may comprise one or more attachment points for attaching the first elongate member and second elongate member to the frame. The attachment points may be apertures, slots, clips, loops, eyelets, or any other suitable attachment point as would be well understood by the skilled person. The first elongate flexible member and/or second elongate flexible member may extend directly and in a straight line between the respective attachment points on the frame.

The frame may comprise one or more mounting brackets, the mounting brackets arranged to fix the dartboard mount to a wall. The mounting brackets may fix the dartboard mount to a wall such that the frame is held away from contacting the wall. The mounting brackets may comprise a dampener, for example a foam, rubber, or plastic foot, which directly contacts the wall. The dampener may further absorb impacts on the dartboard, and may additionally reduce the noise of such impacts. -4 -

The mounting brackets may be configured to provide additional stiffness and/or strength to the frame. The elongate flexible members may be mounted to the frame at or near the mounting brackets. Such an arrangement may utilise the additional stiffness or strength provided to the frame by the mounting brackets to allow the elongate flexible members to be tensioned to a sufficiently high level without the need to add significant additional reinforcement to the frame. The mounting bracket or brackets may comprise one or more apertures through which fasteners can pass in order to allow the dartboard mount to be mounted to a wall, or other suitable support.

The frame may be circular or square, or any other suitable shape. The frame may comprise a band of material, for example metal, bent and secured in a desired orientation, for example circular.

The frame may be configured to surround a dartboard with a sufficient gap between the outer circumference of the dartboard and the inner perimeter of the frame that an impact absorbing insert ring may be positioned in the gap. For example, the impact absorbing insert may be a foam material, which may receive a dart which misses the board. This may prevent damage to the area surrounding the dartboard from errant darts. The impact absorbing insert may further dampen any noise created from darts impacting a dartboard mounted to the dartboard mount.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a dartboard with a front scoring surface and a rear mounting surface, wherein a plurality of mounting points extend from the rear mounting surface, each of the mounting points configured to abut an elongate flexible member and to correctly orient the scoring surface of the dartboard.

Advantageously, the dartboard may be mounted to a dartboard mount according to the first aspect of the invention. Each of the mounting points may be configured to abut one of the elongate flexible members of the dartboard mount according to the first aspect of the invention. Each mounting point may comprise a clip, hook, or mushroom-headed protrusion, extending away from the rear mounting surface of the dartboard. The dartboard may comprise four mounting points extending from the rear mounting surface, each mounting point located an equal distance from the centre of the rear mounting surface and spaced in 90 degree segments from one another. Providing the mounting points in a symmetric -5 -arrangement like this allows the dartboard to be rotated and mounted to the dartboard mount in at least four different orientations. As dartboards become worn in certain areas, for example around the 20 segment, an outer scoring ring identifying the number values of the dartboard may be rotated such that another segment becomes the 20 segment. Therefore, it is advantageous to provide mounting points which allow for easy reorientation of the dartboard once the outer scoring number ring has been moved.

The plurality of mounting points may be removably located within a plurality of corresponding apertures in the rear mounting surface. The rear mounting surface may comprise additional sets of apertures, into which the plurality of mounting points may be removably located. Such an arrangement may provide additional mounting orientations, thereby allowing the outer scoring ring to be adjusted as previously described, without being limited to 180 degree rotations of the outer scoring ring.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a mounting surface for a dartboard, the mounting surface configured for attachment to the rear of the dartboard, the mounting surface further comprising a plurality of mounting points extending from the mounting surface, each of the mounting points configured to abut an elongate flexible member. The mounting points may be positioned relative to the front scoring surface of the dartboard such that the dartboard is correctly oriented when mounted.

The mounting surface may be configured for attachment to the rear of the dartboard via mechanical fasteners such as clips, screws, nails, or tacks. Alternatively or additionally the mounting surface may be configured for attachment to the rear of the dartboard via adhesive.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a dartboard mounting system comprising a dartboard mount according to the first aspect of the invention and a dartboard according to the second aspect of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a dartboard mount kit, the dartboard mount kit comprising a frame, a first elongate flexible member, and a second elongate flexible member, wherein the first elongate flexible member is configured for attachment to the frame under tension, and the second elongate flexible member is configured for attachment to the frame under tension, -6 -such that the first elongate flexible member and second elongate flexible member extend across the frame in different directions.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of mounting a dartboard to a dartboard mount according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: aligning a plurality of mounting points extending from the rear of the dartboard with the elongate flexible members of the dartboard mount, and allowing the mounting points to be supported by the elongate flexible members.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, there may be provided a dartboard mount comprising a frame, and a plurality of elongate flexible members connected at one end to the frame, and a tensioner located in the approximate centre of the frame, from which the plurality of elongate flexible members extend, each of the elongate flexible members configured to support a mounting point extending from the rear of a dartboard. For example, four wires may extend from an X-shaped central tensioner, spaced approximately 90 degrees from one another, and the central tensioner may be adjusted to ensure each wire is sufficiently tensioned to support a dartboard.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention there is provided a dartboard mount comprising: a frame configured to surround a dartboard; a first elongate flexible member extending across the frame; a second elongate flexible member extending across the frame; wherein the first elongate flexible member and second elongate flexible member are mounted to the frame and configured to support mounting points extending from the rear of a dartboard.

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention and vice versa. 3 0

Description of the Drawings -7 -

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which: Figure 1 shows a rear view of a dartboard mount and dartboard according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the arrangement of figure 1; Figure 3 shows a front view of a dartboard mount according to theinvention; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the arrangement of figure 3; Figure 5 shows an alternative dartboard mount and dartboard; and Figures 6 to 10 show various view of a dartboard mount according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Figures 1 and 2 show a rear and rear perspective view of a dartboard mount to which a dartboard 102 has been mounted. The dartboard mount 100 comprises a frame 104, which is a metal band bent into a circular shape and welded together. Four mounting brackets 106 extend from the frame 104, and include a mounting face 108 with two apertures 110. To attach the dartboard mount 100 to a wall, the mounting faces 108 are placed in contact with the wall and fasteners such as screws are inserted through the apertures 110. Elongate flexible members in the form of a first cable 112 and a second cable 114 extend across the frame 104, and attach to opposite mounting brackets 106, thereby creating an X-shape. The first cable 112 and second cable 114 are each attached to respective mounting brackets 106 at a first fixed end, and a second adjustable end via a tension adjuster 116 and 118 respectively. The first fixed end simply loops around an attachment point on the respective mounting bracket 106. The tension adjusters 116 and 118 are threaded tension adjusters, and may be used to tighten or loosen the first cable 112 and second cable 114 by rotation of the tension adjusters. This allows a user to adjust the tension of the first cable 112 and second cable 114 to correctly locate the dartboard 102. In this embodiment, the tension adjusters comprise a threaded female portion with an end flange, the female portion being inserted through an aperture in a mounting bracket to a position where the end flange abuts the aperture and prevents the female portion from passing -8 -through the aperture. A correspondingly threaded male portion is attached to the end of the associated cable, and is inserted into the female portion and rotated to engage the corresponding threads, thereby fixing the associated cable to the mounting bracket and allowing the cable to be suitably tensioned.

The dartboard 102 comprises a front scoring surface and a rear mounting surface 121. The rear mounting surface 121 includes four locating pins 120 which extend away from the rear mounting surface 121. The rear mounting surface 121 may be retrofitted to the rear of a conventional dartboard, or may form an integral part of the dartboard. The locating pins 120 may be aligned with the dartboard mount 100 and positioned such that each mushroom pin 120 rests against either the first cable 112 or the second cable 114. The X-shape created by the first cable 112 and the second cable 114, and the four locating pins 120, result in the dartboard 102 being suspended by the first cable 112 and second cable 114, such that the dartboard 102 cannot rotate relative to the dartboard mount 100, and the front scoring surface is correctly oriented. When the dartboard mount 100 is affixed to a wall as described above, there is no direct contact between the wall and the dartboard 102.

Additionally, the first cable 112 and second cable 114 are in tension, and will at least partially absorb impacts to the dartboard 102.

Typically, the dartboard mount 100 will be affixed to a wall in the orientation shown in figure 1. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the dartboard 102 may be mounted to the dartboard mount 100 in four different orientations, each orientation rotated 90 degrees relative to the previous orientation. However, in order that the dartboard is correctly oriented with a dark scoring segment at the top and the bottom of the dartboard, in reality only two of the orientations would be used. This allows a scoring ring on the scoring front side of the dartboard 102 to be rotated to compensate for wear of the dartboard 102 during use. In an alternative or additional embodiment, the rear mounting surface 121 may comprise a plurality of apertures into which the locating pins 120 may be removably fixed to allow for rotation of the dartboard. Those apertures may be located to allow for additional rotations of the dartboard 102, for example providing five possible orientations rather than just the orientations as shown in figures 1 and 2. This may be advantageous over the four orientations, as typically a dartboard comprises 20 main segments, alternating from black to white in colour. It is usual to orient the black segments at the top (20) and -9 -bottom (3) scoring positions, which allows rotation of the board 180 degrees without problem. However, if the board is rotated 90 degrees from a position where the black segments are at the top and the bottom, the top and the bottom segments will be white segments. This may be acceptable to some players, but is unconventional and may not be accepted by others.

Figures 3 and 4 show the front view of the dartboard mount 100, without the dartboard 102 suspended from the first cable 112 and second cable 114.

Figure 5 shows an alternative possible arrangement. A dartboard mount 500 comprises a square frame and a first cable 512 and a second cable 514, with associated first tensioner 516 and second tensioner 518. The first cable 512 extends from one bottom corner of the frame to the other bottom corner of the frame. The second cable 514 extends from one top corner of the frame to the other top corner of the frame. The second cable 514 extends underneath and supports two locating pins 120 situated in the top half of the dartboard 102. The first cable 514 extends over two locating pins 120 situated in the bottom half of the dartboard 102. By adjusting the tensioners 516 and 518, the dartboard 102 can be supported in the dartboard mount 500 away from a wall, and securely held in position for use during play.

Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a dartboard support, the support comprising a frame, including one or more securing elements, to which a rope or the like is anchored, at least two ropes, each formed in a loop the ends of a rope being connected by a tensioner; each rope engaging securing means on the reverse side of a dartboard arranged to hold a dartboard at a spaced distance from the frame. The rope arrangement holds the dartboard away from a surface such as a wall so that transmission of noise generated, through a wall, during use of the dartboard is reduced. Moreover, without being bound to theory it is believed that the ropes absorb and attenuate vibrational energy generated by the impact of a dart on the dartboard, again reducing sound transmission. Preferably, the support comprises two ropes, a first and second rope, separately supporting a dartboard. Preferably, each rope engages different securing means to allow a rope to be adjusted more easily, reducing -10 -the risk of tangling with another rope. At least one of the securing means is a hook, minimising the risk of the rope losing contact with the securing means. Preferably, each rope passes through ring hooks secured to the frame to disperse forces in the rope and to hold a rope in correct alignment. Said securing means are optionally mounted on a comer strut. Preferably the support comprises four securing elements, two securing elements being secured above a dartboard and two below a dartboard in use. Optionally a surround is housed between the edge of a dartboard and the frame, said surround being further optionally formed of a sound absorbing material such as a foam. .Preferably, a backboard spans across the in-use rear surface of the frame.

Figures 5 to 9 show by way of example only, one embodiment of a support for a dartboard. In the drawings: Figure 5 is a first view of the support showing a board support; Figure 6 is a second view of the support showing a tensioning system; Figures 7 illustrate fitments utilised in conjunction with the support; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a support frame; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of a frame stmt.

The invention as disclosed herein comprises a system utilising an arrangement of ropes, cords or the like, in which the ropes are held under tension and act to hold the dartboard at a spaced distance from a surround. The spaced arrangement reduces any vibrations caused by a dart's impact in the board being transmitted to a wall or other support. The arrangement proposed also enables a dartboard to be readily brought into a different rotational orientation, allowing a different sector to become the '20' sector, which is most frequently impacted by a dart and so which becomes more quickly worn. Referring initially primarily to Figure 5, this illustrates the primary supporting means for a dartboard. The support comprises a support frame 10 which surrounds the dartboard 11 and extends beyond the circumference of the dartboard 11. Extending across the support frame is a backboard 12, secured to the support frame 10 by means of angled brackets 12a. The support frame 10 is here illustrated as a square frame, but the frame can have other shapes as desired. In each inner corner of the support frame 10 is a corner strut 13, which in the illustrated form shown in Figure 9 is in the shape of a trapezoidal prism. The corner strut 13 provides support for the support frame 10 against forces in line with the side of the support frame 10 which would act to distort the shape of the support frame 10. The surface 14 of the corner strut 13 faces, in-use, towards the internal area of the support frame 10, allowing a ring hook 15a -d to be fixed thereto. In other embodiments, not illustrated, other securing means than a bracket 12a are used to secure the backboard 12 to the support frame 10. To provide support to the dartboardll, a rope 20 passes through both of the ring hooks15a, 15b. The free ends of the rope 20 are secured to either end of a turnbuckle tensioner 21. The turnbuckle tensioner 21 allows the distance between the free ends of the rope 20 to be varied incrementally. As can be seen from Figure 7, the turnbuckle tensioner 21 comprises a body 22. At each end 23a, 23b of the body 22 is a threaded aperture, each of which apertures allow sa fitment element 24a, 24b to be threadably secured therein. The first fitment element 24a has a ring 25 at its free end through which the rope 20 can be passed and secured. The second fitment element 24b is in hook form 26 at its free end. Similarly to the ring 25, the 30 hook form 26 allows the rope 20 to be secured thereto, but the rope 20 can be more easily slid off the end of the hook form 26 if required. The rope 20 also passes around a hook 27 threadably secured to the dartboard 11. Again, other means known in the art of securing the rope to the dartboard 11 can be selected, although the hook 27 enables easier removal of the rope 20. It can be seen therefore, that the rope 20, along with the turnbuckle tensioner 21 forms a loop which allows the dartboard 11 to be suspended from the ring hooks 15a, 15b. In the event that the tension in the rope 20 needs to be altered, for example to change the height of the dartboard 11, or to reduce movement of the dartboard 11, then the tension can be altered by tightening or loosening the threaded fitment of one or both fitment elements 24a, 24b.

In order to stabilise the dartboard 11 against movement (lateral, out of plane, rotational) during use, a further rope 30 is utilised in a stabilising arrangement (see Figure 6). As with the rope 20, the free ends of the rope 30 are secured to a second turnbuckle tensioner 31. In the exemplified embodiment the turnbuckle tensioners 21, 31 are of the same construction and the turnbuckle tensioner 31 will not be further described. From a first end 32a of the turnbuckle tensioner 31, the rope 30 passes through the ring hook 15c. The rope 30 then passes about one, 33c, of four retaining screws 33a -33d secured to the dartboard 11. Other means of retaining the rope 30 known in the art, such as hooks, eyes etc. can also be used. From the retaining screws 33c, the rope 30 passes around a further screw 33b and thence to the ring hook 15b. It is advantageous that the two ropes 20, 30 engage separate elements on the back of the -12 -dartboard to minimise the risk of entanglement or frictional engagement which can make adjustment of a rope more difficult. From the ring hook 15b, the rope 30 passes across to the ring hook 15a, to a screw 33a, then to a further screw 33d, before passing through the ring hook 15d and to the second end 32b of the turnbuckle tensioner 31.

The turnbuckle tensioner 31 can be utilised to apply tension to the rope 30. Applying the tension causes the dartboard 11 to be held firmly, away from the backboard 12, still also supported by the rope 20. In the event that the dartboard I I moves out of position or the noise being generated becomes too loud one or both of the tension bucklers 21, 31 can be adjusted to change the tension in one or both of the ropes 20, 30 In a further embodiment, not illustrated, the support comprises more than two ropes to increase the stability of the dartboard. In order to minimise sound transmission further a foam material can be placed around the dartboard 11, between the dartboard 11 and the support frame 10. The foam material can also shield the ropes and other support means from impact from a stray dart. In use therefore, a conventional dartboard can be secured to a supporting means as described above as follows. Screws 33 are secured at the required locations in the rear of the dartboard 11. Additionally a hook 27 is also secured to the rear of the dartboard 11. The free ends of a rope 20 are passed through the ring hooks 15a, 15, one end through each, and then secured to opposite ends of a turnbuckle tensioner 21. The required tension is then applied to put an initial tension into the rope 20 so that the rope is partially taut. A second rope 30 is secured to a first end, for example, of the turnbuckle tensioner 31 and passed through the ring hook 15 15c, about the screws 33c, 33b, through the ring hooks 15b, 15a, about the screws 33a, 33d and the ring hook 15d before being secured to the second end of the turnbuckle tensioner 31. An initial tension can then be applied if required. The dartboard 11 is then positioned such that the hook 27 is supported by the rope 20. Tension is applied to the turnbuckle tensioners 21, 31 to bring the dartboard into the correct position. It will be recognised that 20 the order of the above actions can be varied to suit the user, for example securing the rope 30 to the dartboard 11 first, before the rope 20 is put into position.

In the event the dartboard 11 needs to be rotated to allow a different sector to be placed into the '20' position, then the dartboard is simply removed from the support. The screws 33a -25 d are removed along with the hook 27. New holes are drilled in -13 -the back of the dartboard 11 and the screws 33a -d and hook 27 secured in the new holes The dartboard is then hung back in position having in effect been rotated. Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims (13)

1. -14 -Claims 1. A dartboard mount comprising: a frame configured to surround a dartboard; a first elongate flexible member extending across the frame in a first direction; a second elongate flexible member extending across the frame in a second direction; the first direction being different to the second direction, such that the first elongate flexible member crosses the second elongate flexible member within the 10 frame, wherein the first elongate flexible member and second elongate flexible member are mounted to the frame under tension and configured to support a plurality of mounting points extending from the rear of a dartboard.
2. 2. A dartboard mount as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongate flexible members comprise one or more of a wire, cable, rope, or cord.
3. 3. A dartboard mount as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first elongate flexible member and/or second elongate flexible member is mounted to the frame by an adjustable tensioner.
4. 4. A dartboard mount as claimed in claim 3, wherein the adjustable tensioner comprises a threaded tensioner.
5. 5 A dartboard mount as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises one or more mounting brackets, the mounting brackets arranged to fix the dartboard mount to a wall.
6. 6. A dartboard mount as claimed in claim 5, wherein the elongate flexible members are mounted to the frame at or near the mounting brackets.
7. 7 A dartboard with a front scoring surface and a rear mounting surface, wherein a plurality of mounting points extend from the rear mounting surface, each of the mounting points configured to abut an elongate flexible member.
8. 8. A dartboard as claimed in claim 7, wherein each mounting point comprises a clip, hook, or mushroom-headed protnision, extending away from the rear mounting surface of the dartboard.
9. 9. A mounting surface for a dartboard, the mounting surface configured for attachment to the rear of the dartboard, the mounting surface further comprising a plurality of mounting points extending from the mounting surface, each of the mounting points configured to abut an elongate flexible member and to correctly orient the scoring surface of the dartboard..
10. 10. A dartboard mounting system comprising a dartboard mount according claim 1, and a dartboard according to claim 7
11. 11. A dartboard mount kit, the dartboard mount kit comprising a frame, a first elongate flexible member, and a second elongate flexible member, wherein the first elongate flexible member is configured for attachment to the frame under tension, and the second elongate flexible member is configured for attachment to the frame under tension, such that the first elongate flexible member and second elongate flexible member extend across the frame in different directions.
12. 12. A method of mounting a dartboard according to claim 7 to a dartboard mount according claim 1, the method comprising the steps of aligning a plurality of mounting points extending from the rear of the dartboard with the elongate flexible members of the dartboard mount, and allowing the mounting points to be supported by the elongate flexible members.
13. 13. A dartboard mount comprising: a frame configured to surround a dartboard; a first elongate flexible member extending across the frame; -16 -a second elongate flexible member extending across the frame; wherein the first elongate flexible member and second elongate flexible member are mounted to the frame and configured to support mounting points extending from the rear of a dartboard.