BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Problem Solved
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The problem is that existing popular lawn games (Cornhole, Ladder toss, horseshoes, etc.) do not encompass all permutations, practical aspects of hand-eye coordinated movement gaming activities which would be pleasing to engage in.
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The other aforementioned lawn game examples are based on the object of getting a thrown object into, to or close to a designated target. Nothing materially changes on the game when this is achieved. The “breaking” of bridges in Crashing Bridges offers a satisfying result to hitting a target that is not achieved with other lawn games.
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Crashing Bridges improves on the objective of other lawn games by making the rules of the game simpler to grasp and with no point totals to keep track of.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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As stated above, the problem is that existing popular lawn games (Cornhole, Ladder toss, horseshoes, etc.) do not encompass all permutations, practical aspects of hand-eye coordinated movement activities which would be pleasing to engage in. The invention claimed here solves this problem.
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Crashing Bridges Lawn game differs from other popular lawn games because the object of the game is qualitatively different. The object is not to throw a bag into a hole as in Cornhole or entangle a thrown rope as in Ladder toss, but to break the bond between two objects. This novel objective in the game offers a new thrill in playing it and different inherent challenges in playing it skillfully.
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The claimed invention differs from what currently exists. The Crashing Bridges Lawn game potentially offers a more complex and challenging task in hand eye coordinated activities than other lawn games (e.g. Cornhole, Laddertoss, and Horseshoes).
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The rules of the aforementioned lawn games are based on a point system, which requires a level of cognitive attention and short-term memory that may detract from the escapism and leisurely nature of the activity. Crashing Bridges does not require a point system as its sole object is simpler (break all the connected objects on the opponents Crashing Bridges game structure with tossed bags). The simplicity of the games rules also makes it more easily accessible to any playing the game for the first time as there is a near absent learning curve in grasping the rules of the game. This simplicity also makes the game more easily accessible to play for young children.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE COLOR PHOTOS
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For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the photos which are presently displayed; it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
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FIG. 1 is a front view of the two Crashing Bridges bag toss game structures of the present invention.
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FIG. 2 is a close-up view of the magnet bonded aluminum pieces which form the “bridges” in the Crashing Bridges game.
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FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the taped end of the aluminum pieces connected to the frame with glue and staples.
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FIG. 4 is a close-up view of the small magnets glued to one of the inside facing sides of an aluminum piece, bent roughly at a 90 degree angle.
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FIG. 5 is a view of what it looks like from above when the magnetic bond between the aligned aluminum pieces are broken by impact from a tossed bag.
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FIG. 6 is an underside view of the magnetically connected aluminum pieces in the Crashing Bridges game.
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FIG. 7 is a side view of the Crashing Bridges game structure, showing the placement of the supporting wooden pieces.
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FIG. 8 is a top view of the Crashing Bridges game structure, with three rice filled balloons used as bags to toss in the game.
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FIG. 9 is a top view of the Crashing Bridges game structure, with a mock display of what it looks like when a tossed bag breaks the magnetic bond between aligned magnetic pieces or “bridges.”
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
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The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. The description is not intended in a limiting sense, and is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying color pictures.
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Crashing Bridges is designed as a game which consists of breaking magnet bonded objects (see FIG. 2) with tossed bags (see FIG. 8). Paired objects (e.g. 9 pairs) are aligned directly across from one another inside of and are attached to the rectangular open frame (see FIG. 3). Each paired object is tenuously connected in the middle of the frame by magnets attached to each corresponding object (see FIGS. 2, 4 & 6). There are two Crashing Bridges game structures constructed in this fashion that are necessary to play the game (see FIG. 1).
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Crashing Bridges improves on the objective of other lawn games by making the rules of the game simpler to grasp and with no point totals to keep track of. The game is played by each player starting at an agreed upon distance apart (e.g. 10 feet) facing each other with a Crashing Bridges board by their side. Each player takes turns throwing corn or rice filled bags with the intent to break the “bridges” of the opponents Crashing Bridges game structure, breaking the bond of the paired magnets and dropping each “bridge” formed by the magnet bonded objects (see FIG. 9). The player who knocks down all of the “bridges” first on the opposing players Crashing Bridges game structure wins.
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The specific dynamics of playing the game are as follows: Each player has six rice filled bags to throw per round at the opponents Crashing Bridges game structure. Players take turns throwing their rice filled bags until each player has thrown all six bags or breaks all the opponent's bridges in the round. If both players still have remaining bridges on their respective game structures after the round, each player collects the bags thrown by the opposing player in and around the game structure thrown by the opposing player in the preceding round to begin a new round. If the player who goes first breaks all of the opponent's bridges with a throw, the second player has a chance to “tie” by breaking all of the remaining bridges as well with a single follow up throw. If the second player breaks all of their remaining bridges with this last throw, the game is designated a tie and a tie breaker round is set up. The middle “bridge” of each game structure is magnetically reconnected. Each player then takes turns throwing bags until a player breaks this tie breaker bridge. The first player to break the tie breaker bridge, without the second player breaking the bridge in the following throw, wins. If the player who throws second also breaks the tie breaker bridge in his or her next throw, the tie breaker round is repeated until a winner prevails.
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How To Make The Invention
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The Prototype Created Version of the Invention Depicted in the Color Photographs and Discussed Here Includes the Following Materials:
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- 1. Flat pieces of aluminum metal material measuring: One inch wide, 2 millimeters thick, cut to four-inch lengths.
- 2. 1.5×1.5 inch lumber. Four lengths of 2 feet, 8 inch length. Four lengths of 10.5 inches.
- 3. Six pieces of wooden platform stand, measuring 4.5 inches.
- 4. 36 small magnets (e.g. circular or square magnets measuring ½ inches in length).
- 5. 2-inch screws and an electric screwdriver
- 6. A hand saw
- 7. Plyers
- 8. Heavy Duty Scotch Duct Tape
- 9. Super glue
- 10. Staple gun and staples
- 11. 8 Velcro strips measuring 4 inches. 4 hook and 4 loop strips
- 12. Balloons or small cloth bags filled with rice
- 13. A pencil or pen
- 14. Measuring tape
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The above specified lumber dimensions should be cut to the lengths detailed by a saw. The 10.5-inch pieces should be screwed (with an electric screwdriver) on the ends of two equidistant and parallel 2 feet 8 inch pieces of lumber with 2 inch screws. This will construct the two rectangular frames for the two game structures. An inch of one end of each four-inch aluminum sheet piece needs to be bent at roughly a degree angle by plyers. On the other, still flat, 180-degree angle of each aluminum piece, Scotch Duct tape should be wrapped around and pressed together on the metal pieces with 1-2 inches of overhanging tape. On the 90-degree angle of each aluminum piece, the small magnets should be glued with super glue. On top of each long side of the rectangular frame, measure one-inch segments on the structure, beginning a half inch from the 10.5 lumber piece. These one-inch marked segments (with a pencil or pen) should be 2.5 inches apart. Measuring and marking in this fashion will give you nine marked, one inch segments where the taped end of aluminum pieces will be applied. Since each long side of the frame is marked in this fashion, each paired taped pieces can be placed and aligned across one another on the structure. Magnetically connect all 36 pairs of the aluminum pieces.
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One by one, follow this procedure: Align and place each of the magnetically connected pieces on the inside of the frame, with the bent angle facing down in the middle and each overhanging taped end resting on the frame. Each taped segment should be aligned in the one-inch marked places directly across from each other on each rectangular frame. The tape will overlap on the frame by approximately an inch. Superglue should be applied to the bottom of the taped end, pressed down in the inch-wide marked area and stapled to the frame on both ends. The two taped ends of the pieces will then be secured to the frame and tenuously connected by magnets in the middle. Repeat this procedure for each of the 9 pairs in each frame. Next, the three 4.5-inch wooden stand pieces will be aligned and glued to the bottom of each rectangular frame to elevate the structure. Align and glue two 4.5-inch wood pieces on the back corners of one end of the frame. On the other underside end of the structure, align and glue a 4.5 inch wood piece in the middle of the 10.5 inch piece. This will create a stable and elevated support for the game structure.
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How The Invention Works:
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The paired aluminum metal strips (e.g. 9) aligned across from each other, are designed to dangle from the pliable tape which is applied to the frame. When the other end of the metal strips of each of the paired pieces are brought close together, the small magnets on the ends facing the interior, connect, forming a tenuous horizontal “bridge” or plane across the rectangular frame. The rice filled bags or balloons are thrown by players with the intent to break the magnetic connection between each of the aligned, paired pieces. As a result of a successful throw, the “bridge” is broken between the two pieces and the aligned pieces dangle on either side of the rectangular frame.
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How To Use The Invention:
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A person would play the game as intended to get the novel thrill of achieving the games objectives (break all of the opponent's “bridges” first). As the mechanics of the game are different than other popular lawn games (Cornhole, Laddertoss, Horseshoes), the enjoyment of playing the game is distinct from them. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being illustrative and not restrictive, with the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing detailed description, as indicating the scope of the invention as well as all modifications which may fall within a range of equivalency which are also intended to be embraced therein.
