US20140183822A1

US20140183822A1 - Bag Wheel Game

Info

Publication number: US20140183822A1
Application number: US13/934,259
Authority: US
Inventors: Craig Etheridge
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-12-28
Filing date: 2013-07-03
Publication date: 2014-07-03

Abstract

A bag tossing game comprised of a selectively rotatable wheel target suspended on a frame and controllable by an adjustable brake. As the game is played, players take turns tossing projectiles at the wheel target. As the projectiles contact the wheel, kinetic energy from the tossed projectile is imparted onto the wheel based on the speed and trajectory of the projectile which may, in turn, cause the wheel to rotate. Further, a projectile that lands on the wheel may also alter the weight distribution of previously tossed projectiles still on the wheel, which may be located in various bins formed along the wheel's circumference, thereby causing the wheel to rotate in either direction. Depending on the wheel's direction of rotation, previously tossed projectiles may slide off of the wheel, or conversely, keep other projectiles ‘in-play’, where they will be scored accordingly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/746,763 filed on Dec. 28, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a target device for use in a tossing game. More particularly, the invention relates to tossing game whereby projectiles are tossed at a target that is similar in construction to that of a water wheel such that projectiles hitting the wheel can cause it to rotate during play of the game.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to portable games wherein one or more players take turns tossing projectiles, preferably bean bags, at a target. More particularly, this invention relates to a tossing game that utilizes a movable target, preferably configured as a ‘water-wheel’ structure, which may rotate as a result of said projectiles imparting motion onto the wheel. The water wheel target, being selectively-rotatable via an adjustable brake member, provides a unique game experience for players of all ages.
Prior art tossing games include a variety of different projectiles for tossing at stationary targets of different shapes and sizes. Typical prior art projectiles include darts, balls, horseshoes, and bean bags. Prior art projectiles, like bean bags, are typically made of a cloth-like material, having an overall size of about 4 to 6 inches square, and are filled with a loose material such as corn, beans, plastic pellets, and the like. Prior art games include those having targets that typically include an inclined planar surface, having an orifice therein. Prior art tossing game targets typically are made from common materials such as wood, plastic, and metal.
Prior art tossing games include a variety of different rules for play, but generally focus on points being awarded to a player based on location of the player's tossed projectiles relative to the game target. For instance, one such game commonly called ‘corn hole,’ uses bean bag projectiles (filled with corn or similar materials) for tossing at a stationary, target (previously described herein). In ‘corn hole’ a player receives points for landing their bean bag on the inclined, rectangular surface of the target, or achieves additional points for landing the bean bag through the orifice (hole) in the inclined, rectangular surface. During play, a player's bean bag may contact and dislodge one or more previously thrown bean bags. Players take turns tossing one of their bean bags at the target until they have consumed all of their bean bags. At this point, the round is over and points are totaled for each player. Bean bags are returned to the player for the next round of play. The game continues until a player reaches the point goal, which is commonly set at twenty-one (21).

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tossing game that includes a novel target design, specially configured as a ‘water-wheel’ structure. Prior art ‘water-wheel’ designs have been used throughout history, generally using a source of flowing water to create rotational motion of a wheel.
The present invention creates a unique gaming experience due to the improved target design whereby projectiles contacting the target can change the location and point-value of previously tossed projectiles due to the movability of the target. Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tossing game in which the target is a rotatable wheel. Further, the target of the present invention shall include bins, like the prior art ‘water-wheel,’ for receiving a tossed projectile. When a tossed projectile, such as a ‘bean bag’ contacts the wheel, it may impart rotational motion into the wheel. Further, projectiles that land on the wheel may alter the current weight distribution of previously tossed projectiles on the wheel, which are located in various bins. In doing so, the rotation of the wheel may dislodge previously tossed projectiles, thus allowing them to fall to the ground, and eliminated from point consideration. Conversely, landing a projectile in a bin located on the side of the wheel facing away from the player may cause the wheel to rotate in an opposite direction, thus making it more likely to keep other projectiles ‘in-play’ and remain on the wheel instead of falling-off. Hence, the rotatable wheel target of the present invention shall create a unique gaming experience for players of all ages.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tossing game that has the ability to change the level of difficulty, based on the ease in which the wheel is allowed to rotate during the play of the game. The rotation of the wheel can be selectively controlled by the game players by an adjustable brake that applies frictional resistance to the wheel's rotation. Therefore, setting the adjustable brake so that the frictional resistance is high, may be easier for beginner players since the adjustable brake will strongly resist the motion of the wheel when projectiles contact the wheel. Further, setting the adjustable brake so that there is little or no frictional resistance may increase the difficulty of the game, thus making the game more challenging for advanced players.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a tossing game that is sturdy, but portable. Further, the novel frame construction and wheel design can be easily assembled and disassembled, thereby making transportation and storage highly desirable. Additionally, a second embodiment of the present invention uses a smaller and even more compact frame, allowing the game to be stored and set-up in a confined area. This embodiment has an additional feature in that it may include a location for advertisements and the like.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description herein, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention tossing game including the rotatable wheel target. The wheel structure includes a plurality of bins for holding one or more projectiles that may be tossed during the game. The projectiles, depicted as bean bags in the figure, are shown in a variety of landing locations. Typical player locations and additional supply of projectiles are also shown in the figure. FIG. 1 further illustrates a tubular frame for supporting the rotatable wheel.

FIG. 2 is a perspective close-up view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention that is shown in FIG. 1. This figure shows an adjustable brake and spacer affixed to the wheel, which is rotatably mounted on the frame's pivot support member. The wheel rotation may be restricted by turning one or more thumb screws on the adjustable brake, which in turn, varies the contact pressure between the brake and the pivot support member.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention showing a preferable mode of preassembly of certain frame members thereby facilitating easy assembly and disassembly of the wheel from the frame.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail view of FIG. 3. This figure shows a spacer for insertion into the hub of the wheel, and one paddle ready for insertion into the slots on the wheel side members of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the adjustable brake of the present invention. The figure shows one or more thumb screws that, when turned, will cause flexing of a tab portion of the adjustable brake to vary the contact pressure and the resulting frictional force onto the pivot support (not shown). The tab portion increases the brake contact location thereby reducing the likelihood of causing wear on the pivot support (not shown), while giving a wider range of resistance control.

FIG. 6 is sectional view of the adjustable brake described in FIG. 5. The figure shows a thumb screw threaded into the housing member of the adjustable brake. Further, the tip of the thumb screw presses onto a tab that is created in the sleeve member due to the plurality of slits. The adjustable brake rotates along with the wheel, and is in sliding contact with the exterior surface of the non-rotating pivot support member (not shown).

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the present invention showing the bag wheel tossing game in a pre-assembled configuration. The complete game, including the frame, rotatable wheel, adjustable brake, spacer, instructions, and projectiles can be tightly packaged to maximize transportation and storage goals. The lightweight tubular design of the frame and the slotted sides of the wheel can easily be assembled and disassembled, or can be joined together for permanent assembly.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention showing the rotatable wheel and an alternative embodiment for a frame. The pivot support member of the frame can be taken apart so that the wheel can be easily assembled and disassembled from the frame. The embodiment of the frame shown in this figure may include a location for an advertisement or other text to be affixed thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With initial reference directed to the figures of the appended drawings, a portion of the present invention tossing game constructed generally in accordance with the best mode of the invention has been generally designated by the reference numeral 100. In a preferred mode of play, one (1) water wheel target shall be used by all players. See the Rules of Play section herein for more details on the preferred method of playing the tossing game, using the improved water wheel target.
Briefly stated, bag wheel tossing game 100 is initially assembled by first assembling wheel 200 and frame 300 over any suitable flat surface or ground 800 as shown in FIG. 1. Projectiles 600 are then tossed by the player or players of the game from either player location (900 or 910). Projectiles 600 that remain on the wheel 200 throughout the round will be considered in point calculation at the end of the round. The round of play will be determined by the number of projectiles 600 used and the number of players of the game. The preferred projectiles may be prior art bean bags, having different colors of fabric 610 to designate different players or teams. Also, one or more uniquely-colored projectiles 600 can be designated for specific point calculations as determined by the Rules of Play (see “strategic bag” or “SB” below).
The preferable bag wheel tossing game 100 may include a wheel 200 and either a frame 300 (as depicted in FIGS. 1-3) or an alternative frame 1300 (as depicted in FIG. 8.) Additionally, tossing game 100 may include a spacer 500 and adjustable brake 400. For ease of storage and transportation, wheel 200 can be separated from frame 300 by detaching pivot support member 350 from (one or both) elbow connector 340 (also see FIGS. 2-3). Initially, frame 300 and wheel 200 may be preferably packaged such that box 700 can be optimally sized to fit the entire tossing game 100 as depicted in FIG. 7.
FIG. 2 is a perspective close-up view of the fully-assembled water wheel target of the present invention that preferably includes wheel 200, frame 300, adjustable brake 400, and spacer 500. Wheel 200 is preferably made from wood and/or plastic, however, other materials such as metal may be used. Frame 300 is preferably made from PVC plastic plumbing pipe, elbow connectors, and tee connectors; however, other materials for the frame may also include other types of plastic, wood or metal. Optionally, various components could be formed as one part using molded plastic.
Adjustable brake 400 is preferably made from PVC plastic. However, other materials such as metal or wood may also be used. The thumb screws 480 used for adjusting the brake are preferably made from metal, but could also be made from other materials. Spacer 500 is also preferably made from PVC plastic, but could be made from other materials as well. A portion of adjustable brake 400 and spacer 500 are each inserted into opening 212 of the hub 210, which is affixed to the center of each side member 220 of the wheel 200 (also see FIGS. 3 and 4). Interior surface 508 of spacer 500 and interior surface 478 of adjustable brake 400 are both sized to slide over pivot support member 350, which is indicated by hidden lines in FIG. 2 due to spacer 500. The smooth interior surfaces each mate with a correspondingly smooth surface on the pivot support member 350.
After wheel 200 and frame 300 have been separately assembled, adjustable brake 400 can be attached to the wheel 200 using similar means of joining by inserting first end 472 of the adjustable brake 400 into the opening 212 in hub 210 on outboard side 226 of wheel 200. In the preferred embodiment, one adjustable brake 400 is attached to the hub 210 (also see FIG. 3) with spacer 500 being attached to a corresponding location on the opposite side of the wheel hub 210 (see FIG. 1). However, it is also conceivable that two adjustable brakes 400 or two spacers 500 could also be used. Further, it is conceivable that adjustable brake 400 and/or spacer 500 could be made integral with each hub 210, thus eliminating the need for separate components.
The wheel 200 is generally assembled by sliding paddles 230 into slots 222 formed in the wheel side members 220, which are preferably about 21 inches in diameter (also see FIGS. 3 and 4). A bin 240 (see dashed line area on FIG. 2) is formed within the wheel 200 by the two inboard sides 224, preferably spaced about 10 inches apart (side-to-side), and a first surface 238 and a second surface 239 of two adjacent paddles 230. The opening in each bin 240 is oriented in an outwardly radial direction, emanating from the center of the side members 220. A plurality of bins 240 are formed in wheel 200, however, specifically as depicted in the figures herein, the preferred embodiment is constructed using eight (8) paddles 230. It is conceivable that any number of equally spaced paddles 230 would be acceptable as well.
The frame 300 is generally constructed from lightweight, cost-effective materials such as plastic, wood, or metal. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, frame 300 is preferably constructed using PVC plastic pipe for the tubular members 315 and 335, and pivot support member 350, which are commonly used in plumbing applications having a nominal diameter of about 1.3 inches. Further, the tubular members 315 and 335 may be joined together using PVC plastic elbow connectors 320 and 340, and PVC plastic tee connectors 345 that are also commonly used in plumbing applications. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, frame 300 is constructed as having a rectangular base approximately 24 by 44 inches. The length of tubular member 335 is selected such that wheel 200 can be pivotally supported by pivot support member 330, having approximately 9 to 15 inches of clearance between the bottom edge of wheel 200 and the ground 800. It is conceivable that other frame designs can be used while still providing a means to pivotally support the wheel 200. An alternative frame 1300 is shown in FIG. 8 (see further description below). During assembly of the tossing game 100, it is conceivable that the frame 300 and wheel 200 could be assembled using frictional-fit (i.e., interference or press-fit), adhesive, fasteners, or other mechanical means of joining the various components together.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention showing a preferable mode of preassembly of certain frame members thereby facilitating easy assembly and disassembly of the wheel from the frame. Specifically, three (3) tubular members 315 (each approximately 20.5 inches long) and two (2) elbow connectors 320 may be preassembled to form a generally C-shaped support base 310. The tubular members 315 and elbow connectors 320 may be assembled using frictional-fit or any of the other mechanical means previously described. Further, support base 310 could also be formed (or molded) as a one-piece, preferably plastic component. The generally C-shaped construction of support base 310 may make it easier to assemble frame 300, while still fitting into the generally square-shaped box 700. Additionally, pivot support leg 330 could also be preassembled in a similar manner by joining tubular member 335 (approximately 17 inches long) with elbow connector 340 and tee connector 345. This preassembly technique may ease the assembly process by having fewer components that need to be assembled prior to playing the bag wheel tossing game 100.
FIG. 3 shows adjustable brake 400 and spacer 500 prior to insertion into wheel hub 210. After the wheel 200 and frame 300 are separately assembled, adjustable brake 400 and spacer 500 are then attached to hub 210 on opposite sides of wheel 200. At this point, wheel 200 along with adjustable brake 400 and spacer 500 can now slide over pivot support member 350. Pivot support member 350 is then attached to elbow connector 340 at first end 352 and, similarly, attached to second elbow connector 340 at second end 354. First and second ends (352 and 354) are inserted into opening 342 formed in each elbow connector 340, and are preferably held together by frictional-fit (press-fit). Frictional-fit for first and second ends (352 and 354) of pivot support member 350 will allow future disassembly of wheel 200 from frame 300. Further, support bases 310 may optionally be frictional-fit (without adhesive) into tee connector 345 of the pivot support legs 330 to allow future disassembly of frame 300.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail view of FIG. 3, and has generally been discussed by way of discussion of the previous figures. The enlarged detail of the wheel hub 210 and spacer 500 will now be briefly discussed. First end 502 of spacer 500 is inserted into opening 212 in hub 210. Frictional-fit between exterior surface 506 of spacer 500 and opening 212 is generally sufficient. However, adhesive or other mechanical fastening means could be used as well. Interior surface 508 of spacer 500 is preferably smooth to allow effortless rotation of the wheel 200. The overall length of spacer 500 (preferably about 4 inches) is selected so that second end 504 and elbow connector 340, when the wheel is installed on frame 300, will have a slight clearance between the two members.
A paddle 230 is shown prior to insertion into the wheel side members 220. In the preferred embodiment shown, eight (8) paddles 230 are inserted into slots 222 formed in each wheel side member 220. The slots are equally spaced around the side member 220. Paddle 230 is preferably constructed by joining a rail 234 to the side edges of blade 237 using adhesive, nails, staples, or by other mechanical means of joining. Each rail 234 has a pair of grooves 236 sized to allow the rail 234 to be inserted into slot 222 of each side member 220. Rails 234 and blade 237 are preferably made from wood, but other materials, such as plastic or metal, could also be used. Additionally, paddle 230 could be made as a one-piece construction.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the adjustable brake of the present invention. First end 472 of sleeve member 470 is appropriately sized to fit tightly into the opening 212 in hub 210. Frictional-fit between exterior surface 476 of sleeve member 470 and hub opening 212 is generally sufficient. However, adhesive or other mechanical fastening means could be used as well. Interior surface 478 (see FIG. 6) of sleeve member 470 is preferably smooth to allow effortless rotation of wheel 200, and is sized appropriately to slide over exterior surface 356 of pivot support member 350 as depicted in FIG. 3 (alternatively, exterior surface 1356 as depicted in FIG. 8). The overall length of sleeve 470 (preferably about 4 inches) is selected so that second end 473 of sleeve member 470 and elbow connector 340 (when tossing game 100 is fully assembled) will have a slight clearance between the two members. A plurality of slits 479 are made in the second end 473 of sleeve member 470 to provide added flexibility of the component in this location. A plurality of tabs 474 are created by the radially spaced slits 479 in sleeve member 470.
Housing member 460 is appropriately sized to fit tightly over sleeve member 470. Frictional-fit between exterior surface 476 of sleeve member 470 and interior surface 468 (see FIG. 6) of housing member 460 is generally sufficient. However, adhesive or other mechanical fastening means could be used as well, preferably limited to a portion of the housing member 460 that is adjacent to first end 462. Further, housing member 460 and sleeve member 470 could be made a one-piece, molded plastic member as well. Sleeve member 470 and housing member 460 are preferably fixed to prevent relative rotation, but still allow tab 474 to be flexible and free to deflect. In particular, tab 474 may be deflected in a radially direction towards the center when one or more thumb screws 480 are turned. In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, second end 463 of housing member 460 and second end 473 of sleeve member 470 are in alignment with each other. However, slight offset from one second end to the other second end would be permissible as well.
FIG. 6 is sectional view of adjustable brake 400 that has been described in the description of FIG. 5. Additional details of how the adjustable brake 400 functions will now be discussed using FIG. 6. Turning the handle portion 482 of one or more thumb screws 480 (which extend radially from exterior surface 469 of housing member 460) can vary the amount of contact pressure applied to tab 474. Thumb screw 480 has threads 484 that mate with threaded-hole 464 in housing member 460 of the adjustable brake 400. When thumb screw 480 is tightened, screw tip 481 presses against a tab 474 of sleeve member 470 causing it to flex. This, in turn, presses against the exterior surface 356 of the non-rotating pivot support member 350, thus increasing contact pressure, and resulting friction between the two surfaces. Loosening the thumb screw 480 reduces the contact pressure, and resulting frictional forces, in a similar manner.
The preferred embodiment described herein creates contact pressure between screw tip 481 and pivot support member 350 through an increased brake contact location at tab 474 instead of having direct contact between the screw tip 481 and pivot support member 350. The increased brake contact location at tab 474 provides an added advantage since it reduces the likelihood of causing wear on the pivot support member 350, while giving a wider range of resistance control. It is conceivable that other brake devices could be used to resist the motion of the wheel 200 other than what has been disclosed in the preferred embodiment without departing from the other goals and objectives of the game.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the present invention showing the bag wheel tossing game 100 in a pre-assembled configuration packaged in box 700. The complete game, including the frame (either 300 or 1300), wheel 200, adjustable brake 400, spacer 500, instructions, and projectiles (600) can be tightly packaged to maximize transportation and storage goals. The figure shows a typical packaging arrangement for tossing game 100, whereby certain components are visible from the topside opening 710 of box 700. Such components visible in the packaging arrangement shown in the figure include: side member 220, paddle 230, elbow connector 340 (or elbow connector 1380), adjustable brake 400, and spacer 500. The lightweight tubular design of the frame 300 (or 1300) and the slotted side members 220 of wheel 200 can easily be assembled and disassembled, or can be joined together for permanent assembly.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention showing the rotatable wheel and an alternative embodiment for a frame. Wheel 200, adjustable brake 400, and spacer 500 are constructed and assembled as previously described earlier in reference to FIGS. 2-4. The pivot support member 1350 of alternative frame 1300 can be taken apart so that wheel 200 can be easily assembled and disassembled from frame 1300. The discussion below will now be directed to the alternative frame 1300, and will allow bag wheel tossing game 100 to function and operate in a similar manner as what has already been described herein for frame 300.
Pivot support member 1350 attaches to elbow connector 1380 at first end 1352 and, similarly, attached to second elbow connector 1380 at second end 1354. First and second ends (1352 and 1354) are inserted into opening 1382 formed in each elbow connector 1380, and are preferably held together by frictional-fit, but may optionally be permanently joined together, using adhesive, or other fastening means. Frictional-fit for first and second ends (1352 and 1354) of pivot support member 1350 will allow future disassembly of wheel 200 from frame 1300, if it is desired to be made to be disassembled. Further, elbow connector 1380 may optionally be frictional-fit (or optionally, permanently joined) to tubular member 1360, which when assembled, make side support 1320.
The frame 1300 is generally constructed from lightweight, cost-effective materials such as plastic, wood, or metal. Side support 1320 is preferably constructed using PVC plastic pipe for the tubular member 1360 and pivot support member 1350, which are commonly used in plumbing applications having a nominal diameter of about 1.3 inches. Further, the tubular member 1360 may be joined together using PVC plastic elbow connector 1380, and PVC plastic cap 1390 that are also commonly used in plumbing applications. Elbow connector 1380 may be assembled to first end 1370 of tubular member 1360 using any of the previously described means of joining, or could be formed as part of tubular member 1360. Additionally, cap 1390 may attached to second end 1372 of tubular member 1360 using any of the previously described means of joining, or could be formed as part of tubular member 1360. Alternatively, side support 1320 could be constructed without using cap 1390.
Tubular member 1360 is constructed as having a generally triangular shape, having leg portion 1365 for support on ground 800 (not shown). Tubular member 1360 is shown as a formed, one-piece construction having an overall width of approximately 24 inches. Overall height of the side member is approximately 18 inches such that wheel 200 can be pivotally supported and have approximately 9 to 15 inches of clearance between the bottom edge of wheel 200 and the ground 800. It is conceivable that other frame designs can be used while still providing a means to pivotally support the wheel 200.
Frame 1300 shown in this figure may include sign 1400 affixed to side support 1320 using fastener 1450 or other means such as adhesive, ties, or the like. A message 1410 on sign 1400 could be an advertisement, logo, or other text used to promote the tossing game 100, sport teams, company names, or the like.
During the play of the game, players will take turns tossing a projectile 600 at the wheel 200. Since the wheel 200 is free to rotate, kinetic energy from the tossed projectile 600 can be imparted into the wheel 200 based on the speed and trajectory of the projectile 600. Further, a projectile 600 that lands on the wheel 200 may alter the current weight distribution of previously tossed projectiles 600 on the wheel 200, which are located in various bins 240. Therefore, tossed projectiles 600 have the ability to cause the wheel 200 to rotate in either direction about its hub 210. Depending on the wheel's direction of rotation, previously tossed projectiles 600 may slide off of the wheel 200, or conversely, keep other projectiles 600 ‘in-play.’ The amount of rotation can be further controlled by the specific setting of the adjustable brake 400.

Rules of Play

The section below describes a typical method of playing the tossing game of the present invention. While this method of play is preferable, it is included herein to demonstrate what is to be considered the best mode of play by the inventor. It is conceivable that other variations to the present invention bag wheel tossing game 100 may include other types of projectiles, as well as, other ways to play the game, thus taking advantage of the water wheel target 200. Further, it is conceivable that the fabric 610 of projectile 600 could include numbers, letters, or other symbols, in addition to differing colors. Therefore, by example only, the Rules of Play for the present invention tossing game may be summarized as the following:
Set Up:

- 1. The tossing game wheel 200 is positioned so the opening of bins 240 are generally facing the player locations 900 and 910.
- 2. Players are positioned side-by-side twenty (20) feet from the pivot support legs 340.
- 3. Each player selects four (4) “bags” (or projectiles 600) of one color and one bag of another color (“strategic bag” or “SB”). The SB cannot be the same color as any of the opponent's bags.
- 4. The wheel 200 can be set to zero rotation (i.e, fixed or no rotation), free rotation (i.e., no frictional resistance from the brake), or any option in between. This is accomplished by tightening or loosening the thumb screws 480 on the adjustable brake 400.

Play:

- 1. Player with the red bags 600 starts the game.
- 2. Players alternate turns tossing a bag 600 using an underhand motion.
- 3. The high scorer from a round starts the next round. If it is a tie the first toss “carries over” to the person who tossed first the previous round. There is an advantage to tossing last so that benefit is provided to the person that scored lower.
- 4. All bags 600 in a bin 240 at the end of the round, except the “SB”, have a value of one (1). The “SB” has no count value associated with it.
- 5. The “SB” can be played at any time. It doubles the value of that player's bag count in the bin 240 it is in at the end of the round. It also eliminates the opponent's score in that bin 240.
- 6. At the end of the round, if both players have an “SB” in the same bin 240 all non-“SB” bags 600 carry their normal one (1) point count.
- 7. All bags 600 in bins 240 count towards a score. There is no “netting out” (offsetting score).
- 8. The game continues until a player reaches twenty-one (21) points or higher. All bags 600 must be played out before a winner can be declared. If both players reach twenty-one (21) points or higher on the same round the person closest to twenty-one (21) wins the game. If there is a tie there will be a sudden death playoff. Each player tosses five (5) bags 600 just as in normal play. The highest score at the end of the five (5) bag toss wins. This continues until a winner is declared.
- 9. The winner of a game starts the next game (see rule 3 above).

Notes:

- A bag 600 resting on any portion of the wheel 200 is worth one point.
- A bag 600 draped over a paddle 230 is worth one point but it is considered to be resting in both bins 240 for sake of scoring with a “SB”. In other words if a “SB” is in either of the affected bins 240 the bag 600 can be doubled (your “SB”) or zeroed out (opponent's “SB”).
- Any bag 600 residing on any portion of the frame 300 has no count value.

Doubles Play:

- The rules for doubles (team play) is identical as above with the following additional rules:
- 1. Additional team players are twenty (20) feet on the opposite side of the pivot support legs 340 (at player location A 900 and player location B 910) resulting in partners being forty (40) feet apart, facing one another with the tossing game wheel 200 in the middle.
- 2. Either player can start tossing for their team. The opposing team member at the same player location tosses next, followed by the players on the player location.

What has been described herein includes examples of the disclosed architecture. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components and/or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible. For instance, the preferable embodiment described herein includes commonly available plumbing components made from PVC plastic. However, it is conceivable that many, it not all, could be made from other types of plastic, metal, wood, or other suitable materials. Further, rather than having separate components, one-piece assemblies using injection molded plastic, could also be considered. Accordingly, the novel architecture is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A target for a projectile tossing game wherein the target comprises:

a rotatable wheel;

a frame for supporting said rotatable wheel; and

an adjustable brake.

2. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 1 wherein said projectile tossing game further comprises a plurality of projectiles for tossing at said rotatable wheel.

3. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 1 wherein said target further comprises a spacer.

4. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 2 wherein said rotatable wheel further comprises a plurality of bins for receipt of one or more of said plurality of projectiles.

5. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 4 wherein said plurality of bins are formed by a pair of spaced apart side members and a plurality of paddles.

6. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 1 wherein said frame further comprises a pivot support member.

7. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 6 wherein said rotatable wheel is capable of rotating about said pivot support member.

8. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 7 wherein the rotation of said rotatable wheel about said pivot support member may be controlled by the adjustable brake.

9. A target for a projectile tossing game wherein the target comprises:

a wheel comprised of a plurality of bins, wherein each of said plurality of bins is formed by a pair of spaced apart sidewalls and a plurality of paddles; and

a frame comprised of a pivot support member for supporting said wheel in an elevated position above a ground surface thereby enabling said wheel to rotate about said pivot support member without contacting the ground surface.

10. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 9 wherein said projectile tossing game further comprises a plurality of projectiles for tossing at said plurality of bins.

11. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 9 wherein said target further comprises an adjustable brake for selectively controlling the rotation of said wheel about said pivot support member.

12. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 9 wherein each of said plurality of said bins further comprises an opening orientated in an outwardly radial direction that emanates from a center portion of each of said plurality of spaced apart sidewalls.

13. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 11 wherein said adjustable brake is positioned along said pivot support member, and further comprises an adjustable sleeve member and at least one fastener.

14. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 13 wherein said at least one fastener may be used to create a desired amount of contact pressure between said adjustable sleeve member and the pivot support member thereby enabling a user to control the rotation of the wheel about said pivot support member.

15. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 9 wherein said wheel is capable of rotating about said pivot support member in both a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction when struck with one of said plurality of projectiles.

16. A target for a projectile tossing game wherein the target comprises:

a wheel comprised of a plurality of bins located along a circumference of said wheel, wherein each of said plurality of bins is formed by a pair of spaced part sidewalls and a plurality of paddles;

a frame comprised of a pivot support member for supporting said wheel in an elevated position above a ground surface thereby enabling said wheel to rotate about said pivot support member without contacting the ground surface;

a spacer positioned along said pivot support member; and

an adjustable brake for selectively controlling the rotation of said wheel about said pivot support member.

17. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 16 wherein said projectile tossing game further comprises a plurality of projectiles for tossing at said plurality of bins.

18. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 16 wherein each of said plurality of bins further comprises an opening orientated in an outwardly radial direction that emanates from a center portion of each of said pair of spaced apart sidewalls.

19. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 16 wherein said adjustable brake is positioned along said pivot support member, and further comprises a housing member, an adjustable sleeve member and at least one fastener.

20. The target for a projectile tossing game of claim 19 wherein said at least one fastener is a screw that may be used to create a desired amount of contact pressure between the adjustable sleeve member and the pivot support member thereby enabling a user to control the rotation of the wheel about said pivot support member.