US20080237990A1

US20080237990A1 - Washer toss

Info

Publication number: US20080237990A1
Application number: US11/729,378
Authority: US
Inventors: John B. Litz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-03-28
Filing date: 2007-03-28
Publication date: 2008-10-02

Abstract

A portable apparatus for playing a game. The apparatus comprises a first platform member having each of a predetermined shape, a predetermined size and formed of a predetermined material. The first platform member having at least one hole disposed therein, such first platform member is designed for providing a target area for the game. There is a second platform member which has each of a predetermined shape, a predetermined size and formed of a predetermined material and having at least one hole disposed therein. The two platform members being substantially identical. A plurality of washers having a predetermined diameter are formed of a predetermined material and are for throwing toward the hole disposed in the platform members. A means is disposed on an underside of the hole for retaining the washer when such washer is tossed into the hole. There is a securing means for enabling the platform members to be connected to each other for storing or transporting the apparatus. A storing means is disposed in at least one of the platform members for storing the washers and score keeping members.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a game, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a washer toss game in which washers are thrown at a target with holes formed therein placed on the floor with the objective of the game being to throw the washers into such holes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many games that are played by throwing an object toward a target. One of the oldest of such games is a game of washer tossing or washer pitching. This has been described as an exciting outdoor game. There are many theories about the origin of the game, but there is no certainty as to the actual origin. However, the game has been played for at least several generations.
The game was probably developed by people who had few resources that were available for recreation and so they used materials that were readily available and made a game out of them. This is probably the same way that the game of horseshoes was developed and the concepts are quite similar.
There are many developments relating to various types of toss games that operate off of a similar principle, that is throwing an object toward a goal.
Thus, it would be advantageous if there were a means available for playing a game of washer toss in which the equipment and the means for playing the game were portable and contained in an easily transported carrying case.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides a portable apparatus for playing a game. The apparatus comprises a first platform member having each of a first predetermined shape, a first predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material. The first platform member having at least one hole disposed therein, such first platform member is designed for providing a target area for the game. There is a second platform member which has each of a second predetermined shape, a second predetermined size and formed of a second predetermined material. Such second platform member having at least one hole disposed therein, such second platform member being substantially identical to the first platform member and provides a second target area for the game. A)a plurality of washers which have a predetermined diameter and are formed of a third predetermined material are for throwing toward the at least one hole disposed in the first platform member and the second platform member in playing such game. A means is disposed on an underside of the at least one hole for retaining the washer when such washer is tossed into the at least one hole. There is a securing means for enabling the first platform member to be connected to the second platform member for one of storing and for transporting the portable apparatus and a storing means that is disposed in at least one of the first platform member and the second platform member for storing the washers and other paraphernalia.
In a second aspect there is provided a game involving throwing an object at a target. The game comprises the steps of setting platforms containing holes as targets at a predetermined distance apart. Positioning the platforms with the portion with holes disposed therein on an outermost portion of the platforms. Determining whether such game is to be played by individual players or by teams. The next step involves determining which side will play first and then the step of distributing three washers to each side. There is a step of throwing all three washers by the side that plays first as determined in a previous step, followed by the step of throwing three washers by the other side that did play first and then the step of determining the points scored by each side. One point is scored by having a washer be completely across a line disposed on the platform, two points are scored by having a washer go in a first hole and three points are scored by having a washer go in a farthest hole on the platform. This is followed by the step of throwing the three washers in a second round by the side that scored last and the step of throwing three washers by the other side and again the step of tallying points scored after all six washers have been thrown by the two sides. Washers landing in a same spot cancel out the other score, that is, a three can cancel a three, a two can cancel a two but a two and a one do not cancel a three. It must be the same score. Declaring a winner by the first side that reaches a score of twenty one points exactly. Each side gets a chance at game points before a winner is declared.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention is to provide a washer toss game that is portable.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a washer toss game in which the entire game equipment is self contained.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a washer toss game which is easily set up and taken down.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a washer toss game that is inexpensive to make.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a washer toss game that includes a score keeping means that can also be used to pick up the washers.
These and various other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent after a full reading of the following detailed description, particularly, when read in conjunction with the attached drawings as described below and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the apparatus for playing a game showing one of platform members as it would be set up for playing the game.

FIG. 2 is a is a side view of the apparatus for playing the game showing both platform members completely closed for transportation or storage.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the underside of one of the platform members showing the storage of some of the equipment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of apparatus shown in FIG. 2 as it would be for transportation or for storage.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the scoring means for playing the game.

FIG. 6 is plan view of a washer according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is plan view of a washer having an exterior coating disposed thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.
In a first aspect the present invention provides a portable apparatus, generally designated 10, for playing a game. The apparatus 10 comprises a first platform member 2 having each of a first predetermined shape, a first predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material. The first platform member 2 having at least one hole 6 disposed therein, such first platform member 2 is designed for providing a target area for the game. There is a second platform member 4 which has each of a second predetermined shape, a second predetermined size and formed of a second predetermined material. Such second platform member 4 having at least one hole 6 disposed therein, such second platform member 4 being substantially identical to the first platform member 2 and provides a second target area for the game. A plurality of washers 8 which have a predetermined diameter and are formed of a third predetermined material are for throwing toward the at least one hole 6 disposed in the first platform member 2 and the second platform member 4 in playing such game. A means, generally designated 20, is disposed on an underside of the at least one hole 6 for retaining the washer 8 when such washer 8 is tossed into the at least one hole 6. Further, there is a securing means, generally designated 30, for enabling the first platform member 2 to be connected to the second platform member 4 for one of storing and for transporting the portable apparatus 10 and a storing means, generally designated 40, that is disposed in at least one of the first platform member 2 and the second platform member 4 for securing the washers 6, score keeping means 24 and other paraphernalia for storage or for transporting the game.
Thus, to play the game the two platform members 2,4 are placed a predetermined distance apart. Generally this distance is approximately 10 feet, but may be shorter or longer depending upon the age or skill of the players. The platforms are positioned so that the holes are outward. The washers 8 and the score keeping means 24 are removed from the platforms before they are set in place and the game is ready to begin. So that setting up the game only requires a few minutes. Storing the game after finishing playing also only requires a few minutes and the platforms are closed up in suitcase like fashion and is easily transported to wherever is desired.
The apparatus further includes a durable material 12 for covering the outer surface of the platform members 2,4. It is presently preferred that such durable material is carpeting and, further, that such carpeting is turf carpeting.
It is presently preferred that there are two holes 6 disposed in each platform member 2,4. The holes 6 that are disposed in each platform have a predetermined diameter. It is presently preferred that such diameter for the holes 6 is approximately 4.5 inches. Each platform member 2,4 also has a line 12 drawn across the width of the platform member 2,4. This line 12 is drawn at a midpoint in the length of the platform. Since it is presently preferred that each platform be approximately 4 feet in length such line 12 is drawn at a point that is 2 feet from either end.
In the scoring of the game a washer 6 that stays on the platform past the line 12 is scored as one point. If the washer 6 goes in the first hole 14 two points are scored while if the washer 6 goes in the farthest hole 16 three points are scored. This is shown in FIG. 1.
The securing means 30 includes hasp locks 18 that are disposed on opposite ends of the first and second platform members 2,4 for securing first platform member 2 to the second platform member 4.This is clearly seen in FIGS. 2 and 4.
The apparatus further includes a handle member 22 that is disposed on the first platform member 2 and the second platform member 4. Such handle member 22 is disposed on an outer surface thereof for transporting the apparatus 10. Such outer surface being substantially at a midpoint of a lengthwise portion of the first platform 2 and the second platform member 4. The handle member 22 is seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4.
The apparatus 10 also includes a score keeping means 24. Such score keeping means 24 includes at least one elongated cylindrical member 26 that has sequential numbers disposed on an outer surface thereof for recording scores. There is an O-ring 28 for moving on the elongated cylindrical member 26 to indicate the score. The O-ring 28 has an inner diameter that is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the elongated cylindrical member 26 so that the O-ring 28 remains in whatever position to which it is moved. Thus, the score is readily evident. It is preferred that there are at least two score keeping means 24 when two people are playing and four score keeping means 24 when two teams are playing. Each player would have a score keeping means 24 so he can tell his score readily.
As mentioned previously such first and such second platform members 2,4 are substantially identical. Further, such first platform member 2 and such second platform member 4 are substantially hollow. The hollow portion of the platform members 2,4 is used as the storage means 40. Such storage means 40 includes clamps 32 for holding the score keeping means 24 securely in place when the apparatus is closed up for storage or for transporting. There is also a compartment 34 for holding the washers 8.
The game is played with six washers 8, three washers 8 for each side. If only two players are involved then the players after tossing their three washers 8 from one platform 2 move to the other platform 4 and pick up their washers 8 and the players throw the washers 8 back to the first platform 2. This continues until the game is completed. If there are four players then the players stay at their original platform 2,4 and the washers 8 are tossed back by the other players. But the game is played the same whether there are two or four players and the scoring is the same.
It is presently preferred that the washers 8 are made of a metallic material that is magnetic such as a ferrous material. The washers 8 may have a coating on the outer surface which will have a different color so the washers 8 can be distinguished. That is one side will have washers 8 that are one color and the other side will have different colored washers 8. The washers 8 could also be distinguished by having one set with stripes while the other set of washers 8 are plain.
The elongated cylindrical member 26 further includes a magnet member 36 disposed on a bottom end thereon for removing the washer 8 from the hole 6 when the washer 8 is thrown into the hole 6.The means for retaining the washer 20 that is disposed on an underside of the hole 6 includes straps 38 disposed across a bottom of the holes 6. The straps 38 can be seen in FIGS. 1,3 and 4. The straps prevent the washers 8 from falling all the way to the bottom of the platform 2,4. Since the platform 2,4 is hollow such washer 8 may slide to a point where the platform would have to move to retrieve the washer 8. However, the straps 38 prevent this from happening and make retrieval of the washer 8 quite simple, particularly with the magnet member 36 that is disposed on the bottom of the elongated cylindrical member 26. As can be seen in the drawings such straps 38 are disposed across the bottom of the hole 6 in a cross pattern. Thus, with the use of the magnet member 36 there is no need for bending over to retrieve the washers as one only has to pick them up with the magnet 36 on the bottom of the elongated cylindrical member 26.
In a second aspect there is provided a game involving throwing an object at a target. The game comprises the steps of setting platforms 2,4 containing holes 6 as targets at a predetermined distance apart. Generally this distance is approximately 10 feet, but may be shorter or farther depending on the players.
The platforms 2,4 are positioned with the portion with holes 6 disposed therein on an outermost portion of the platforms 2,4. The next step is determining whether such game is to be played by individual players or by teams. Once that is determined then the next step determining which side will play first and then there is the step of distributing three washers 8 to each side. Three washers 8 are used for each side whether the sides involve individuals or teams.
There is a step of throwing all three washers 8 by the side that plays first as was determined in a previous step, followed by the step of throwing three washers 8 by the other side that did not play first and then the step of determining the points scored by each side. One point is scored by having a washer 8 be completely across a line 12 disposed on the platform 2,4, two points are scored by having a washer go in a first hole 14 and three points are scored by having a washer go in a farthest hole 16 on the platform 2,4.
Once the points are determined then this is followed by the step of throwing the three washers 8 in a second round by the side that scored last and the step of throwing three washers 8 by the other side and again this is followed by the step of tallying the number of points scored by each side after all six washers 8 have been thrown by the two sides. This is repeated until the game is completed.
Washers 8 thrown by different sides which land in a same spot cancel out the other score, that is, a three scored by one side can cancel a three thrown by the other side, a two can cancel a two and a one can cancel a one but a two and a one do not cancel a three. It must be the same score.
The next step is that of declaring a winner by the first side that reaches a score of twenty one points exactly. Each side gets a chance at game points before a winner is declared.
It should be noted that the rules further include a rule that states that if side A has 20 points and throws a washer which scores a three, then side A cannot throw any more washers on this turn. However, there is another rule which states that wherein if side A has 20 points and is first to throw side A may hold the other two washers 8 back in the event that side B accidentally cancels the score out. If side B cancels the score, then side A's turn continues after side B has thrown all of their washers 8 and then side A can throw their remaining two washers 8. If side B doesn't cancel the score then side A's turn is over.
While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention has been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable apparatus for playing a game, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a first platform member having each of a first predetermined shape, a first predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material, said first platform member having at least one hole disposed therein for providing a target area for said game;

(b) a second platform member having each of a second predetermined shape, a second predetermined size and formed of a second predetermined material, said second platform member having at least one hole disposed therein for providing a second target area for said game;

(c) a plurality of washers having a predetermined diameter and formed of a third predetermined material for throwing toward said at least one hole disposed in said first platform member and said second platform member in playing said game;

(d) a means disposed on an underside of said at least one hole disposed in each of said first platform member and said second platform member for retaining said washer when said washer is tossed into said at least one hole;

(e) a securing means for enabling said first platform member to be connected to said second platform member for one of storing and for transporting said portable apparatus; and

(f) a storing means disposed in at least one of said first platform member and said second platform member for storing said washers and other paraphernalia.

2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes at least one score keeping means.

3. The apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein said at least one score keeping means includes at least one elongated cylindrical member having sequential numbers disposed on an outer surface thereof for recording scores.

4. The apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein said at least one score keeping means further includes an O-ring for moving on said at least one elongated cylindrical member to indicate a score, said O-ring having an inner diameter one of equal to and slightly less than a diameter of said at least one score keeping means so said O-ring remains in a position to which it is moved.

5. The apparatus, according to claim 4, wherein said third predetermined material is metallic.

6. The apparatus, according to claim 5, wherein said at least one score keeping means further includes a magnet member disposed on a bottom end of said at least one elongated cylindrical member for removing said washer from said hole when said washer was thrown into said hole.

7. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said at least one hole has a predetermined diameter.

8. The apparatus, according to claim 7, wherein said apparatus has a plurality of holes disposed in said first platform member and said second platform member.

9. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes a durable material for covering an outer surface of said first platform member and said second platform member;

10. The apparatus, according to claim 9, wherein said durable material is carpeting.

11. The apparatus, according to claim 10, wherein said carpeting is turf carpeting.

12. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said securing means includes hasp locks disposed on opposite ends of said first and said second platform members for securing said first platform member to said second platform member.

13. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first platform member and said second platform member further includes a handle member disposed on an outer surface thereof for transporting said apparatus, said outer surface being substantially at a midpoint of a lengthwise portion of said at least one of said first and said second platform member.

14. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first platform member and said second platform member are substantially hollow.

15. The apparatus, according to claim 14, wherein said storage means is disposed in at least one of said substantially hollow first platform member and second platform member.

16. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said means disposed on an underside of said at least one hole for retaining said washer includes straps disposed across a bottom of said at least one hole.

17. The apparatus, according to claim 16, wherein said straps disposed across a bottom of said at least one hole are disposed in a cross pattern.

18. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first and said second platform members are substantially identical.

19. A game involving throwing an object at a target, said game comprising the steps of:

(a) setting platforms containing holes as targets at a predetermined distance apart;

(b) positioning sat platforms with the portion with holes disposed therein on an outermost portion of said platform;

(c) determining one of whether such game is to be played by one of individual players and teams

(d) determining which side will play first;

(e) distributing three washers to side A and side B;

(f) throwing all three washers by said side A as determined in step d;

(g) throwing all three washers by said side B that did not play;

(h) determining the points scored by each side, one point is scored by having a washer be completely across a line disposed on said platform, two points are scored by having a washer go in a first hole on said platform and three points are scored by having a washer go in a farthest hole;

(i) throwing said three washers in a second round by said side B;

(j) throwing three washers by said side A;

(k) tallying points after all three washers have been thrown by sides A and B, washers landing in a same spot by both sides cancel out, that is, a three by a side A can cancel a three thrown by a side B, similarly a two can cancel a two and a one can cancel a one but a two and a one do not cancel a three; and

(l) declaring a winner by whatever side reaches a score of twenty one points exactly, each side gets a chance at game points before a winner is declared.

20. The game, according to claim 19, wherein said rules further include a rule that if a side has 20 points and throws a washer which scores a three said side cannot throw any more washers on this turn.