US20200001155A1

US20200001155A1 - Ball game and board set

Info

Publication number: US20200001155A1
Application number: US16/020,782
Authority: US
Inventors: Saul Jimenez Lopez
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-06-27
Filing date: 2018-06-27
Publication date: 2020-01-02

Abstract

A ball and game board set includes a pair of identically shaped and sized game boards each comprising a frame member that supports a front playing surface and a bottom playing surface having a plurality of specifically shaped and sized apertures. Each of the game boards include a leg assembly that transitions between a closed orientation and an open orientation. The game set also includes a plurality of game balls, a pair of flat rings and an instruction set.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to games of skill, and more particularly to a kicking game with a set of spaced apart scoring boxes.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
Physical games remain popular due to their active nature and relatively low cost when compared to other forms of entertainment such as electronic games, for example. Among the many appealing aspects of these games is the combination of elements such as luck, skill, and/or strategy, for example, thereby providing a source of interest and excitement. Physical games also tend to promote social interaction, particularly amongst family members, which is desirable especially given the busy lifestyle that most people lead and the need to find ways to spend quality family time together.
Although there are a large number of known games involving scoring zones and balls, the present invention differs from such games in a number of aspects. The manner by which will become more apparent in the description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a ball and game board set. One embodiment of the present invention can include a pair of identically shaped and sized game boards which are designed to be placed a set distance apart. Each of the game boards can include a frame member for supporting a front playing surface and a bottom playing surface having a plurality of specifically shaped and sized apertures. Each of the game boards can include a leg assembly that can transition between a closed orientation for storage and an open orientation for game play.
In one embodiment, the set can also include a plurality of game balls, each having a shape and size that are suitable for passing through the apertures, a pair of flat rings that are configured to be positioned a discrete distance from each of the pair of game boards and to receive one of the plurality of game balls, and an instruction set bearing directions for playing a game.
In one embodiment, the plurality of apertures include five apertures that are each assigned a scoring value. A net can be disposed along the back side of the game boards, and connection hardware align and store the game boards together forming a cavity for receiving and storing the plurality of balls and rings when not in use.
This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of one of the game boards of the ball game and board set, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of one of the game boards of the ball game and board set, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the game boards of the ball game and board set, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the rear sides of the pair of game boards of the ball game and board set, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the pair of game boards in a joined position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.
As described herein, the term “pivotally connected” shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more identified objects are joined together in a manner that allows one or both of the objects to pivot, and/or rotate about or in relation to the other object in either a horizontal or vertical manner. Several nonlimiting examples of connectors for pivotally connecting objects together include traditional single hinge mechanisms, ball joint couplers, and/or swivel flanges, for example.
As described herein, the term “removably secured” and derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and separated. This can be accomplished through the use of any number of commercially available connectors such as various bar latches, elbow latches, cabinet door latches, opposing strips of hook and loop material (i.e. Velcro®), magnets, and/or compression fittings such as locking pins, clamps, or snaps, for example.
FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of a ball game and board set that are useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In each of the drawings, identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the set can include a pair of substantially identical game boards 10 and 20, each having a rigid frame member 11 for supporting an upper playing surface 12, and a bottom playing surface 13. The frame members can include carrying handles 14 and optional drink holders 17. The playing surface can include a plurality of apertures of various shapes and sizes for use during game play. As will be described below, each of the apertures can correspond to particular scoring zones when playing the game.
In the preferred embodiment, the playing surface can include a first aperture 15 a located in the upper left corner of the playing surface, a second aperture 15 b located in the upper right corner of the playing surface, a third aperture 15 c located in the lower left corner of the playing surface, a fourth aperture 15 d located in the lower right corner of the playing surface, and a fifth aperture 15 e located in the lower center of the playing surface.
In this regard, apertures 15 a-15 d can each comprise a generally pie shaped wedge and/or circular sector shape, with apertures 15 b and 15 d having a mirror image orientation to apertures 15 a and 15 c, respectively. Additionally, aperture 15 e can include a generally horseshoe shape.
As shown best in FIG. 2, each of the game boards can include a leg assembly comprising a pair of legs 21 having an upper support brace 22 and a lower support brace 23 extending therebetween. Each of the legs 21 can be pivotally connected 24 to the inside portion of the frame 11 via a dowel and groove arrangement, for example, so as to allow the leg assembly to transition between an open orientation and a closed orientation.
In the closed orientation, the leg assembly can be positioned against the bottom playing surface, so as to rest within the void beside the frame. Conversely, in the open orientation the legs can extend outward from the playing surface so as to orient the playing surface at an approximate 80 degree angle to the ground. Of course, the leg segments can also position the playing surface at any number of other angles.
As shown in FIG. 3, one or more nets 31 can be secured between the top of the frame 11 and the upper support brace 22. During game play, the nets can function to ensure any balls passing through scoring zones 15 a and 15 b are captured and dropped to the ground for reuse. Likewise, the shape and size of the lower support member 21 is designed to perform the same function for balls passing through scoring zones 15 c-15 e; however, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the one or more nets extend downward to also engage the lower support member.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the game boards 10 and 20 can include a plurality of connectors 41 along the sides of the frame 11, so as to allow the boards to be removably secured together. When so positioned, the additional game components e.g., balls 5 and placement dots 6 can be secured within the connected boards for transport and storage.
In the preferred embodiment, the set can include four small soccer-style balls 5 and a pair of flat rings 6 which function as ball placement dots. The set can also include written instructions for playing a game called “foot goal,” described below.
A method for playing foot goal utilizing the above described set components can include the steps of extending the legs and positioning the boards 10 and 20 approximately 16 feet apart with the front surfaces 12 facing each other. When so positioned, the flat placement dots 6 can be placed two feet in front of each goal, and teams can alternate kicking the balls 5 from the placement dots toward the opposing teams board.
Each team can include 2-8 players who take turns kicking the balls 5 into the score zones 15 a-15 e. Score zone 15 e can be worth 1 point because it is the easiest target to score. Score zones 15 c and 15 d can be worth 2 points because it is harder to score compared to the center zone, and score zones 15 a and 15 b can be worth 3 points because these are the most difficult zone to hit.
To start the game, one team will kick first and the other team will defend. Once the decision is made, each team must assign the order which each player will kick. The first player to kick must score in one of the five score zones. The player can choose to score in any of the 5 score zones. Once the player shoots, it will be the next teams turn and so on. Scores from the first half will be added with the scores from the second half. If there is a tie, each player will take turns shooting into the 1 point scoring zone. The first player to miss loses.
Owing to the above noted rules, dimensions of the game boards are critical. In the preferred embodiment, the frame 11 of each game board can include a height of 2 feet and a width of 3 feet. Scoring zones 15 a-15 d can each include dimensions of 9″×9″ and scoring zone 15 e can include an opening having a radius of approximately 10 inches (e.g., the semi-circular shape has an opening spanning 4.5). Likewise, each of the game balls 5 will preferably comprise 5-6″ diameter soccer-style balls.
In the preferred embodiment, the lower support brace can include a height/width of 10 inches. By providing a height that is at least as tall as the height of the tallest bottom aperture(s) of the game board, e.g., 15 e, the support structure of the leg assembly serves the dual purpose of supporting the folding legs as described above and acting to stop any balls passing through the lower apertures from escaping, thereby slowing game play.
Moreover, because the game board is oriented 80 degrees relative to the ground during play, any balls that pass through the upper apertures and are engaged by the net will fall downward to rest between the bottom playing surface 13 and the lower support member 23, thereby ensuring players do not have to chase balls that are scored in any of the apertures 15 a-15 e.
As described herein, one or more elements of the set comprising the game boards can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individually identified elements may be formed together as one or more continuous elements, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof.
Although described above as including specifically sized balls for use with the game boards, this is but one preferred embodiment. To this end, other embodiments are contemplated wherein any number of different shaped balls or objects can be utilized with the game boards. Several nonlimiting examples include baseballs, footballs, hockey pucks and/or golf balls, for example.
As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Likewise, the term “consisting” shall be used to describe only those components identified. In each instance where a device comprises certain elements, it will inherently consist of each of those identified elements as well.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A ball and game board set, comprising:

a pair of game boards, each having a frame member for positioning on a ground, a front playing surface, a bottom playing surface, a leg assembly, and a plurality of apertures that extend through the front playing surface and the bottom playing surface, wherein a first aperture in the plurality of apertures is located in an upper left corner of the front playing surface, wherein a second aperture in the plurality of apertures is located in an upper right corner of the front playing surface, wherein a third aperture in the plurality of apertures is located in a lower left corner of the front playing surface and is open to the ground, wherein a fourth aperture in the plurality of apertures is located in a lower right corner of the front playing surface and is open to the ground, wherein a fifth aperture in the plurality of apertures is located between the third aperture and the fourth aperture and is open to the ground;

a plurality of game balls, each of the game balls having a shape and size that are suitable for passing through each of the plurality of apertures;

a pair of flat rings that are configured to be positioned a discrete distance from each of the pair of game boards and to receive one of the plurality of game balls; and

an instruction set bearing directions for playing a game utilizing the pair of game boards, the plurality of balls and pair of flat rings.

2. The set of claim 1, further comprising at least one net that is disposed along the bottom playing surface and is positioned to cover one of the plurality of apertures.

3. The set of claim 1, wherein the leg assembly includes a pair of folding legs that are configured to transition between a closed orientation wherein a major axis of the legs are in contact with the bottom playing surface, and an open orientation wherein the major axis of the pair of legs extend outward and position the front playing surface of the game board to which they are attached at an 80 degree angle to the ground.

4. The set of claim 3, wherein the leg assembly further includes an upper support brace and a lower support brace that are positioned between the pair of folding legs.

5. The set of claim 4, further comprising:

a net that is connected between a top surface of the frame and the upper support brace, said net being configured to cover at least one of the plurality of apertures.

6. The set of claim 4, further comprising:

a pair of nets that are connected between a top surface of the frame and the upper support brace, said nets each being configured to cover one of the plurality of apertures.

7. The set of claim 1, further comprising:

a pair of beverage holders in the form of two cylindrical indentations that are positioned on a top surface of the frame.

8. The set of claim 1, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth apertures of the plurality of apertures are generally pie shaped wedge.

9. The set of claim 1, wherein the first aperture has a mirror image orientation to the second aperture.

10. The set of claim 1, wherein the third aperture has a mirror image orientation to the fourth aperture.

11. The set of claim 1, wherein the fifth aperture is generally horseshoe shaped.

12. The set of claim 1, wherein each of the game boards comprises a height of 2 feet and a width of 3 feet.

13. The set of claim 12, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth apertures of the plurality of apertures comprise a dimension of 9 inches by 9 inches.

14. The set of claim 13, wherein the fifth aperture of the plurality of apertures comprises a dimension of approximately 10 inches.

15. The set of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of game balls 5 comprise a diameter of between 5 and 6 inches.

16. A ball and game board set, consisting of: