US20070126183A1

US20070126183A1 - Method and apparatus for playing a projectile and board game

Info

Publication number: US20070126183A1
Application number: US11/633,316
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul Willett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-12-05
Filing date: 2006-12-04
Publication date: 2007-06-07

Abstract

A throwing pick game that includes a playing surface, at least one throwing pick and a support panel. The playing surface further includes a plurality of scoring areas having an identifying indicia disposed therein for which a player can be awarded the value of the identifying indicia when the throwing pick lands in the scoring area. The scoring areas are further defined by a border. The support panel further includes an attachment mechanism that functions to secure the throwing pick game to a suitable support structure in a generally vertical orientation.

Description

PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. 119(e) & 37 C.F.R. 1.78

This nonprovisional application claims priority based upon the following prior U.S. provisional patent application entitled: No nine, Application No. 60/742,344, filed Dec. 5, 2005, in the names of Paul J. Willett and William Campbell, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a game, more specifically a game that utilize a board and throwing picks for players to score points.

BACKGROUND

Various games employing throwing picks or darts have enjoyed considerable popularity for many years by bar patrons and other individuals as relaxing, competitive games which can be played while socializing. Recently, there has been an increase in the popularity of these styles of games for households as well. In response to this market demand, various alternative types of throwing pick and dart games with different boards and methods of play have been developed.
Accordingly, there remains a need for a method of playing darts or a game that involves throwing picks and a specialized game board to provide an alternative for individuals choosing to engage in these types of games.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a game board and a plurality of throwing picks wherein the game board has superposed thereon a plurality of landing circles such that if a pick sticks within on of the landing circles a player accumulates points.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a game board to be used with a plurality of throwing picks that has a plurality of landing circles thereon that are different sizes.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a game board for use with a plurality of throwing picks that has a plurality of landing circles thereon that have different point values for each landing circle.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a game board for use with a plurality of throwing picks with the game board configured to be mounted on a support structure that is secured to a wall in a generally vertical manner.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a game board for use with a plurality of throwing picks that is easy to use and relatively inexpensive.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawing. Attention is called to the fact that the drawing is illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawing wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates the components of a preferred embodiment of the game in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawing submitted herewith wherein the various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein like elements are identified with like reference numerals and in particular to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of a board game 10 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.
The board game 10 comprises a playing surface 100 that is configured in a substantially planar manner and is generally rectangular in shape. The playing surface 100 is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to cork. The playing surface 100 is manufactured such that it is able to receive and releasably secure at least a portion of a throwing pick 300. The playing surface 100 is manufactured to have sufficient thickness to allow the throwing pick 300 to penetrate and assist in releasably securing the throwing pick 300 to the playing surface 100. Although the playing surface 100 is shown in the drawings submitted herewith as being generally rectangular in shape, those skilled in the art will recognize that the playing surface 100 could be manufactured in numerous different shapes. The playing surface 100 is mounted on a wall or other suitable support structure that is generally vertical in orientation. Although no particular height is required, good results have been achieved by securing the playing surface 100 generally five and a half feet above the ground.
Superposed on the playing surface 100 are a plurality of landing areas 120. The landing areas 120 are generally annular in shape and have associated therewith a point value. Each landing area 120 has a different point value such as depicted by element 125. While no particular amount of landing areas 120 are necessary, good results have been achieved with a playing surface 100 that has nine landing areas 120. It is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the landing areas 120 have the numeric values of one through eight and ten associated therewith. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the landing areas 120 could have numerous different combinations of numeric values associated therewith. It should also be recognized that although the landing areas 120 are shown in the drawings submitted herewith as being generally annular in shape, the landing areas 120 could be constructed in numerous different shapes.
A support panel 200 is designed to releasably secure the playing surface 100 to a suitable support structure such as but not limited to a wall in a generally vertical orientation. The support panel 200 includes a body 210 which is generally of the same size and shape of the playing surface 10. The body 210 is manufactured of a suitable and durable material such as but not limited to cork. The body 210 is manufacture to be of sufficient thickness so as to substantially inhibit the throwing pick 300 from penetrating through to the adjacent support structure. The body 210 has secured thereon lower attachment mechanisms 220 and upper attachment mechanisms 230. The lower attachment mechanisms 220 and the upper attachment mechanisms 230 function to releasably secure the support panel 200 to a suitable support structure. The lower attachment mechanisms 220 and the upper attachment mechanisms 230 are made from suitable durable materials for releasably securing the support panel 200 to a support structure.
The back side 140 of the playing surface 100 is releasably secured to the front side 215 of the support panel 200 that will be opposite the support structure upon which the board game 10 is suspended in a generally vertical orientation. Back side 140 of the playing surface 100 is secured to front side 215 of the support panel 200 by suitable methods such as but not limited to a hook and loop fastener.
A throwing pick 300 is used by a user to project towards the suspended playing surface 100 in order to score points during the game. The throwing pick 300 consists of a base 310 that is generally elongated in shape and a tip portion 320 secured to one end of the base 310. The base 310 is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to plastic. The tip 320 is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to steel or aluminum. The tip 320 has at least a portion that is tapered to form a point at end 335 such that the end 335 can penetrate the playing surface 10 when projected thereon allowing the throwing pick to be releasably secured to the playing surface 100.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the general rules and method of playing the board game 10 are as follows. A user will secure the playing surface 100 on the support panel 200 and subsequently secure the board game 10 to a suitable vertical support structure. Following securing the board game 10, a throwing line is established approximately six to eight feet away from the playing surface 100. While no particular alignment of the throwing line is required, good results have been achieved by establishing the throwing line in general axial alignment with the playing surface 100. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the throwing line could be placed at any numerous different distances from the board game 10. Each player is then provided with at least one throwing pick 300. To determine the player that will be first in the playing rotation, each player will throw a throwing pick 300 towards the playing surface 100 and the player that successfully land the throwing pick 300 in the landing area 120 that has a point value of ten will proceed first. A successful throw of a throwing pick 300 for any throw in the process of the game or determining player rotation must include the throwing pick 300 completing a one hundred and eighty degree rotation prior to the end 335 of the tip 320 embedding into the playing surface 100. Each player will throw the throwing pick 300 one time per turn in the player rotation determined as referenced herein.
In determining player rotation, if more than one player accomplishes landing the throwing pick 300 in the landing area 120 with the numeric value of ten, the process is repeated until the first player in the playing rotation is determined. Subsequent to determining the player rotation, a player will throw the throwing pick 300 towards the playing surface 100 in an effort to land the throwing pick 300 in one of the landing areas 120. A player who has thrown a throwing pick 300 that has landed within the landing area but not on the border defining that landing area 120 will be awarded the point value assigned to that landing area 120. If a player's throwing pick 300 lands on the border 125 of the landing area 120 the player is not awarded the point value for that landing area 120.
It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that numerous methods of scoring and play could be utilized to play the board game 10. One method would involve each player receiving a predetermined number of throws that would be performed in a rotational manner. Each player takes turns throwing the throwing pick 300 in an effort to land the throwing pick in a landing area with the highest point value. The point values for each turn are cumulated and after each player has thrown the predetermined number of throws and the player with the highest total points wins.
Another method of play is contemplated to have more than one player play in a rotational manner with the objective being that the landing areas 120 must be pursued in an ascending manner. For example, if the landing areas 120 have the point values of one through eight and ten, each player must successfully land their throwing pick 300 in the landing area 120 with the point value of one before proceeding to the next ascending value. The player to land a throwing pick 300 in each landing area 120 successfully in the fewest number of throws wins.
It is further contemplated that another method of play is to have more than one player play in a rotational manner with the objective being that the landing areas 120 must be pursued in a descending manner. For example, if the landing areas 120 have the point values of one through eight and ten, each player must successfully land their throwing pick 300 in the landing area 120 with the point value of ten before proceeding to the next descending value. The player to land a throwing pick 300 in each landing area 120 successfully in the fewest number of throws wins.
Another contemplated method of play is for each player to be assigned the same numeric value at the beginning of the game. More specifically but not by way of limitation, a value of three hundred. Subsequent to selecting the player rotation as defined herein, each player would throw their throwing picks 300 towards the landing areas 120. With each successful landing, the player would have the corresponding numeric value associated with that landing area subtracted from the assigned numeric value from the start of the game. The players repeat this step until the first player that deducts all of the points from their assigned initial total wins. In order to complete this method of play and win the game, the player must land the throwing pick 300 successfully on the landing area that has the point value associated therewith that when subtracted from the players current total numeric value that it equal zero.
In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawing that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of playing a game utilizing a board and projectile, comprising:

providing at least one throwing pick to a player;

providing a playing surface, wherein said playing surface is releasably secured to a support panel, wherein said playing surface further including at least one scoring areas;

suspending said playing surface to a suitable support structure wherein said playing surface is generally in a vertical orientation;

establishing a throwing distance for the player to be at while playing the board game;

determining player rotation;

launching a throwing pick towards said playing surface;

receiving a score for successfully landing said throwing pick on said playing surface within one of said scoring areas; and

cumulating each players score subsequent to all players completing a predetermined number of turns.

2. The method of playing a board game as recited in claim 1, wherein said scoring area further includes identifying indicia disposed therein for use in cumulating each players score.

3. The method of playing a board game as recited in claim 3, wherein said scoring areas are generally annular in shape.

4. The method of playing a board game as recited in claim 3, wherein the step of launching the throwing pick includes the throwing pick rotating at least ½ rotation.

5. The method of playing a board game as recited in claim 4, wherein said playing surface further includes nine scoring areas.

6. The method of playing a board game as recited in claim 5, wherein the identifying indicia within each of said nine scoring areas includes the numeric values of one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight and ten.

7. A method of playing a projectile game comprising:

providing at least one projectile to a player;

providing a playing surface, wherein said playing surface is releasably secured to a support panel, wherein said playing surface further includes a plurality scoring areas, said scoring areas having disposed thereon an identifying indicia;

establishing a throwing line for the player to be positioned behind while playing the board game, the throwing line being in general parallel with said playing surface;

deciding player rotation by each player launching a projectile towards the playing surface and wherein the player whose projectile lands in a select of said plurality of scoring area will play first in the player rotation; and

launching the projectile towards said playing surface, wherein each player will launch one projectile in turn of the determined rotation;

receiving a score for successfully landing said projectile on said playing surface within said scoring areas; and

8. The method of playing the projectile game as recited in claim 7, wherein said scoring areas are generally annular in shape.

9. The method of playing the projectile game as recited in claim 8, wherein said playing surface includes nine scoring areas.

10. The method of playing the projectile game as recited in claim 9, wherein the identifying indicia disposed within the scoring zones are the values, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and ten.

11. The method of playing the projectile game as recited in claim 10, wherein the scoring areas further include a border, said border defining said scoring area.

12. The method of playing the projectile game as recited in claim 11, wherein upon cumulating the score for the players, any player having a projectile embedded with at least a portion touching said border of a scoring area will not receive the point value for the identifying indicia disposed within said scoring area defined by said border.

13. The method of playing the projectile game as recited in claim 12, wherein a player will be awarded the value of the identifying indicia disposed within said scoring area when the player's dart was thrown wherein the projectile completed a one hundred and eighty degree rotation prior to landing in said scoring area.

14. A method of playing a throwing pick game comprising:

providing a throwing pick;

providing a playing surface, said playing surface being generally rectangular in shape, wherein said playing surface is releasably secured to a support panel, wherein said playing surface further includes nine scoring areas, said scoring areas having disposed therein an identifying indicia;

suspending said playing surface to a suitable support structure wherein said playing surface is generally in a vertical orientation and approximately five and one half feet above the ground;

establishing a throwing line for a player to be positioned behind while playing the board game, the throwing line being in general axial alignment with said playing surface;

deciding player rotation, wherein the player rotation is determined by each player launching a throwing pick towards said playing surface and wherein the player whose throwing pick lands in said scoring area designated with the largest identifying indicia will play first in the player rotation;

launching a throwing pick towards said playing surface, wherein each player will launch one throwing pick in turn of the determined rotation;

receiving a score for successfully landing said throwing pick on said playing surface within said scoring areas; and

15. The method of playing the throwing pick game as recited in claim 14, wherein said scoring areas are generally annular in shape and further include a border circumferentially disposed thereabout.

16. The method of playing the throwing pick game as recited in claim 15, wherein the identifying indicia disposed within the nine scoring areas are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10.

17. The method of playing the throwing pick game as recited in claim 16, wherein upon cumulating the score for the players, any player having a throwing pick embedded superposed to said border of said nine scoring areas will not receive the point value for the identifying indicia disposed within said scoring area defined by said border.

18. The method of playing the throwing pick game as recited in claim 16, wherein during deciding the player rotation, each player's throwing pick must have completed a one hundred and eighty degree rotation prior to landing on said playing surface.

19. The method of playing the throwing pick game as recited in claim 17, wherein to be awarded the value of the identifying indicia disposed within said nine scoring areas, the player's throwing pick must have completed a one hundred and eighty degree rotation prior to landing on said playing surface.

20. The method of playing the throwing pick game as recited in claim 19, wherein said support panel includes a plurality of attachment mechanisms in order to releasably secure said support panel to a suitable support structure.