US3823942A

US3823942A - Interconnected hoops and targets

Info

Publication number: US3823942A
Application number: US00311510A
Authority: US
Inventors: A Duncan
Original assignee: Duncanlite Laboratory Inc
Current assignee: Duncanlite Laboratory Inc
Priority date: 1972-12-04
Filing date: 1972-12-04
Publication date: 1974-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 1991-07-16
Also published as: CA999322A

Abstract

Hoop games utilizing hoop assemblies intended to be pitched or thrown through the air toward a target where points are scored depending upon the engagement between the hoop assembly and the target. The hoop assembly may take the form of a plurality of hoops secured together in rigidly connected form or chain form and wherein the hoops may be of different colors. The hoops are molded of plastic. In one embodiment, sticks are provided for propelling the hoop assembly through the air, and in other embodiments, the hoop assembly is propelled through the air by being pitched or thrown by a player. The target may be in the form of sticks held by a player or in the form of stakes mounted on a ground or floor supported base.

Description

United States Patent 1 91' Duncan 1111 3,823,942 July 16, 1974 INTERCONNECTED'HOOPS AND TARGETS [75] Inventor: Aldred D. Duncan, Elmhurst, I11.

[73] Assignee: Duncanlite Laboratory, Inc., Villa 'Park, Ill.

22 Filed: 06641972 [21] Appl. No.: 311,510

52 us. (:1 273/100, 273/104, 273/106 B, a 273/96 B [51] 1111.01 A63b 71/02 [58] Field 61 Search 273/95 R, 96 B, 100, 104, 273/106 R, 106 B [56] References Cited UNITED STATES, PATENTS 6/1899 Kroscher 273/100 1,230,503 6/1917 Miller 273/100 1,926,612 9/1933 -Day 273/106 R 3,014,723 12/1961 Butler 273/102 R FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS- 21,382 10/1908 "0166181116111 273/109 646,971 8/1962 Canada 273/109 3/1942 Germany 273/106 B 112,416 10/1925 Switzerland 273/100 103,755 2/1917 Great Britain 273/96 B Primary Examiner-Richard C. Pinkham Assistant Examiner-Marvin Siskind Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Lockwood, Dewey, Zickert & Alex 5 7] ABSTRACT Hoop games utilizing hoop assemblies intended to be pitched or, thrown through the air toward a target where points are scored depending upon the engagement between the hoop assembly and the target. The

hoop assembly may take the form of a plurality of hoops secured together-in rigidly connected form or chain form and wherein the hoops may be of different colors. The hoops are molded of plastic. In one embodiment, sticks are provided for propelling the hoop assembly through the air, and in other embodiments, the hoop'assembly is propelled through the air by being pitched or thrown by a player. The target may be in the form of sticks held by a player or in the form of stakes mounted on a ground or floor supportedv base.

9 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUHBIW I 3.823842 SHEET 1 OF 3 FIG! PATENTED JUL 1 61974 SHEET 2 0F 3 INTERCONNECTED HOOPS AND TARGETS This invention relates in general to games of skill playable indoors or outdoors with hoop assemblies and targets and more particularly to'hoop assemblies having a plurality of hoops connected together of different colors to provide a different point count depending upon the engagement of a hoop or hoops with a target.

The hoop assembly of the invention may be in' the form of a plurality of hoops rigidly connected to each other or connected to each other in chain form. The hoops are molded preferably of high, mediumor low density polyethylene. Where the hoop assembly includes a plurality of hoops rigidly connected together, a center hoop is provided with outer hoops connected thereto at circumferentially spaced points to define symmetrical assembly. Each hoop may be of a different color so that a different point count can be applied to each hoop. When the hoop assembly is in chain form, a center hoopvis provided of one color and two outer hoops connected to the center hoop of different colors.

The target may be in different forms. In one form a pair of sticks is supplied to each player and manipulated first to propel the rigid hoop assembly through the air and then to be caught on a stick of the other player. Another form of target for the rigid hoop assembly is a base having a number of stakes equal in number to that of the hoops of the hoop assembly extending upwardly and also of various colors and of the same colors as the hoops in the hoop assembly. When the chain hoop assembly is employed, the target may be in the form of a base having three upstanding stakes of different colors and of the same colors as the hoops in the chain hoop assembly. Where the ground supported targets are provided, the hoop assemblies will be propelled through the air by pitching them with the arm of a player. Y

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a variety of games utilizing hoop assemblies and targets where the game pieces are molded of a suitable plastic and where the hoop assemblies and the targets have different colors to facilitate point count situations where playing the games.

A further object of the invention is in the provision of a hoop assembly that may be easily and economically made and assembled for use in a hoop game.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a target assembly for a hoop game that may be easily and economically manufactured of molded plastics.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two players engaged in the playing of one of the hoop games of the invention wherein each player is provided with a pair of sticks for propelling and catching the hoop assembly;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the hoop assembly employed in the game illustrated as being played in FIG. 1 and with one of the hoops broken away and exploded to illustrate the construction;

FIG. 3 is a greatly enlarged detail sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of the sticks employed in the hoop game illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of-a player engaged in the playing of another of the hoop games according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a target assembly for the game illustrated in FIG. 6, with some parts omitted and some parts in exploded view;

FIG. 8 isan enlarged sectional view taken through the target assembly of FIG. 7 and illustrating the manner in which the assembly may be anchored to the ground during play;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a player engaged in the play'of another of the hoop games according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the hoop assembly used in the hoop game illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. '11 is a greatly enlarged detail sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is an enlarged detail exploded view of the coupling shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 1 illustrates the hoop game according to the invention that may be termed Flying Hoops, wherein a player 15 holds a pair of sticks 16, one in each hand, in engagement with a hoop assembly 17 to propel same through the air toward the second player 18, who also holds a pair of sticks 16 for catching the hoop assembly 17 by aligning the end of one stick with a hoop of the hoop assembly being propelled to engage and catch the hoop assembly. A hoop'assembly 17a is shown in dotted lines in the air about to be caught by the player l8. The sticks 16 held by the receiving player therefore constitute a target assembly toward which the player 18 directs the hoop assembly 17 when it is propelled by him through the air.

The sticks 16, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, include a hoop engaging portion 20 extending nearly the entire length thereof and a handle portion 21 to be engaged by the hand of the player. While the cross-section of the hoop engaging portion 20 is shown in FIG. 5 to be in the form of a cross, it can be appreciated that it can take other cross-sectional configurations. The sticks 16 may be made of any suitable plastic, such as highimpact polystyrene.

The hoop assembly 17 includes a center loop 24 and

outer hoops

25, 26, 27 and 28. Each of the hoops is preferably injection molded of a suitable plastic such as a high, medium or low density polyethylene. Further, each hoop is of a different color. For example, the hoop 24 may be white; the hoop 25 yellow; the hoop 26 green; and so on. Preferably, the outer hoops are only of two colors wherein the hoop 27 would also be yellow and the hoop 28 green. The center hoop 24 is provided with four sets of pins 30 having enlarged heads. The cross-section of each hoop is channel shaped, and the pins extend from the closed side of the channel, as seen in FIG. 2. Each of the outer hoops is provided with sockets 31 in the form of holes adapted to allow the outer hoops to be snapped onto the pins 30 in the fashion shown in FIG. 3 and thereby locked in place rigidly to form the rigid hoop assembly. Thereafter, if desired, the heads of the pins 30 may be subjected to a heated tool for initially softening and thenspreading the plasan assembly.

It can now be appreciated that a complete set of equipment for the game Flying Hoops would include one hoop assembly 17 and two pairs of sticks 16. The game would be played by having one player-take the hoop assembly and insert the pair of sticks through the center hoop 24 and then crossing the sticks as shown in FIG. 1 by the player 15. Gently forcing the sticks 16 apart will then cause the hoop assembly to be thrown into the air toward the other player. The second player 18 would then spear or catch a hoop of the hoop assembly if it is coming down with one of his sticks. Depending uponwhich' hoop is speared, a point count will be awarded to the receiving player. For example, the yellow hoops may be worth one point, thegreen hoops two points, and the white hoops three points. A game total of 21 points exactly may be the desired final result for a winner. Quite obviously, in the event that the hoop assembly is not caught on a stick of a player, no

' points would be awarded. The gamemay be played so that if a player goes over 21 points he would lose. Further, the game may be played between two or more players, indoors or outdoors, as shown in FIG. 1, or overa net if so desired. Y

Another hoop game according to .the invention is being illustrated by a player in FIG. 6 wherein a hoop assembly 17B, identical to the hoop assembly17-in.

FIG. 2, is employed as part of the gameequipment, together with a target assembly 35. Details of the target assembly are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 wherein it includes generally a base 36 and a plurality of stakes or pins37, 38, 39, 40'and 41. The player 42 in FIG. 6 is shown in position at the completion of a throw of a hoop assembly 1713 toward the target assembly 35. Complete game'equipment may include a pair of target assemblies 35 and a single hoop assembly or a plurality of hoop assemblies where two or more players can be throwing the hoop assemblies back and forth.

The game played with the game equipment shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, which would include one or more of the hoop assemblies and one or more of the target assemblies, may be called Hoop-a -Loop. In this respect, each of the stakes may be referred to as candles. Each stake is of a different color and thereby provided with a different point value. For example, the candle stake 37 may be white with a point value of five points, while the other stakes, respectively, of different colors and different point values, such as stake 38 being blue and worth four points, stake 39 being yellow and worth one point, stake 40 being red and worth three points, and stake 41'being'green and worth two points. Similarly, the hoops of the hoop assembly 178 would be of different color wherein thehoop 24 may be white, the hoop 25 may be blue, the hoop 26 may be yellow, the hoop 27 may be red and the hoop 28 may be green. The object of the game would be to throw the hoop assembly so that as many of the hoops as possible fall over as or more of the stakes of different colors, only the regu- The base 36 includes a hub 47 having a stake socket 48 and a plurality of

arms

49, 50, 51 and 52 extending radially from the hub and in circumferentially equally v spaced relation relative thereto. Each of the arms includes, respectively,

stake sockets

53, 54, 55 and 56 which are adapted to respectively receive the

stakes

38, 39, 40 and 41. The center stake 37 is received by the stake socket 48 in the hub '47-. As seen in FIG. 8 and illustrated by the stake 37, each stake is hollow, cylindrical in shape, closed at the top end and open at the bottom end. As also illustrated by the stake 37 in FIG. 8,

each stake is provided at its lower end with a radial flange 57 mating with an annular shoulder 58 so that when the stake is in position within the socket 48, it presents a flush surface with the underside of the base 36. The flange 57 further provides a stop to prevent movement of the stake upwardly through the socket of the base. Inasmuch as throwing of the hoop assembly at the target assembly would normally exert a force on the target assembly such that it would be moved along the ground, a ground stake or anchor pin 59 is first set into the ground and then one of the hollow stakes is telescopically positioned over the anchor pin such as illustrated in FIG. 8 where the center stake 37 engages the ground pin 59. Accordingly, movement of the target assembly when subjected to a force by the hoop assembly is prevented.

lar point count willbe given. In the event that one or more of the hoops engage one or more of the stakes of the same colors, double the point value of the stakes will be given. Should a player align the hoop assembly so that each of the hoops engages'a stake of the same color, the player would'automatically win the game. Otherwise, a game point total of 50 may be used as an objective for a winner. I

Preferably, the base and the stakes are molded of polyethylene of a suitable density and which is precolored in order to obtain the desired colors. The anchor pin 59 may be of any suitable material. Further, the sockets for the stakes are formed to prevent bending of the stakes relative to the base when they are subjected to the force of the hoop assembly.

Another game according to the invention utilizing hoops is illustrated in FIG. 9 wherein a player 63 I throws a hoop assembly 64 toward a target assembly ing therewith where the headsof the pins are larger 65. The target assembly 65 is substantially identical to the target assembly 35 of the previous game with the exception that only three stakes are utilized inasmuch as the hoop assembly 64 includes only three hoops. Accordingly, the game equipment here would include one or more hoop assemblies 64 and one or more target assemblies 65.

The hoop assembly 64 includes a center hoop 68 and

outer hoops

69 and 70. The center hoop 68 is split and provided with a coupling 71 in order to secure together the ends, while the outer hoops 69 and are continuous. Again, the hoops here and the target assembly will be injection molded of a suitable plastic. As seen particularly in FIG. 12, at the .split of the center hoop 68 holes orsockets ,72 and 73 are provided to coact with I the coupling 71 for securing the ends of the hoop together. Quite obviously, the center hoop 68 is split to facilitate assembly of the center hoop with the outer hoops. The coupling 71 includes an upper member 74 and a lower. member 75. The upper member 74 is dethan the openings and lock the lower member 75 in place as shown in FIG. 11. Additionally, the heads of the pin 77 may be heat-sealed to further lock them in place.

The target assembly 65 includes a base 80 identical to the base 36 of the target assembly 35 and

stakes

81, 82 and 83 which are identical to the stakes used in the target assembly 35. Only three stakes are needed here inasmuch as the hoop assembly includes only three hoops. The game equipment, including the hoop and target assemblies, may be used to play a game called Ring-a-Chain. The stakes on the target assembly may be of different colors and also equal to different point values such as stake 81 being red and worth one point, stake 82 being white and worth three points, and stake 83 being blue and worth two points. Similarly, the hoops of the hoop assembly would be of different colors wherein the center hoop may be white, while the outer hoop 69 is blue and the outer hoop 70 is red. Awarding of points may be done in a similar fashion to the game candle hoop wherein the ring of a hoop of one color on a candle or stake of another color would result in the awarding of the point value of that stake. Double the point value would be awarded when the color of the hoop is matched with that of the stake. Again, in the event the player would ring all three hoops on the stakes of matching colors, the player would automatically win the game. Otherwise, a winner may be declared if he reaches a predetermined point total, such as 25 points.

All of the equipment used for the games playable, with the exception of the sticks used in the Flying Hoops game, will float'on water. Therefore, the games can be played in a swimming pool. This adds to the flexibility of usage and to the enjoyment of the players.

It will be understood that modifications and variations may be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the present invention, but it is understood that this application is to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. A game comprising a hoop assembly and a target assembly wherein a player propels the hoop assembly toward the target assembly, said hoop assembly including a plurality of plastic molded hoops of different colors rigidly interconnected together to maintain constant the relative location of each, said hoop assembly including a center hoop and a plurality of outer hoops and means for tangentially securing the outer hoops to the center hoop in substantially coplanar relation therewith, and said target assembly including a-base having a plurality of spaced upstanding stakes sized so that each and every stake is capable of being freely encircled by one of the hoops when perfectly thrown.

2. The combination as defined in claim 1 wherein the base includes a hub and a plurality of arms extending therefrom, and a stake supported at the hub and at the free end of each arm.

3. A game comprising a hoop assembly and a target assembly wherein a player propels the hoop assembly toward the target assembly, said hoop assembly including a plurality of plastic molded hoops of different colors rigidly interconnected together to maintain constant the relative location of each, said hoop assembly being loosely connected together in chain form and including a center hoop and a pair of outer hoops, said outer hoops being in the form of solid rings, and said heads, said split ends having openings through which the pins may extend, wherein the plate engages one side of the hoop and the washer engages the opposite side.

4. A game comprising a hoop assembly and a pair of throwing sticks to be played by at least two players where one player using said pair of sticks engages the hoop assembly and throws same toward the other player for catching same on a stick, said hoop assembly comprising a center hoop and a plurality of outer hoops equally circumferentially spaced apart and attached to the center hoop, the outer hoops being generally tangentially arranged relative the center hoop, coupling means for attaching said outer hoops to said center hoop including male members on the center hoop and female members on said outer hoops, and said outer hoops being of different colors and of different color than said center hoop so different point values may be applied to the hoops.

5. A game comprising a hoop assembly and a target assembly wherein a player would throw the hoop assembly toward the target assembly, said hoop assembly including a plurality of hoops rigidly connected together in substantially coplanar relation with each other with one center hoop and a plurality of outer hoops tangentially connected to the center. hoop, thehoops being of different colors to allow different point values applicable to each, said target assembly including a base and a plurality of stakes on the base extending upwardly in a general vertical direction, the-stakes being of different colors and of the same number as the hoops of the hoop assembly and sized so that each and every stake is capable of being freely encircled by one of the hoops when perfectly thrown.

6. The combination as defined in claim 5, wherein the base of the target assembly includes a hub and a plurality of arms extending radially outward therefrom, a stake socket in the hub and at the end of each arm, said stakes being received and supported in the stake sockets.

7. A game comprising a hoop assembly and a target assembly wherein a player would throw the hoop assembly toward the target assembly, said hoop assembly including a plurality of hoops connected together in chain form with a center hoop and a pair of outer hoops, the hoops being of different colors to allow different point values applicable to each, said target assembly including a base and a plurality of stakes on the base extending upwardly in a general vertical direction, the stakes being of different colors and of the same number as the hoops of the hoop assembly and sized so that each and every stake is capable of being freely .encircled by one of the hoops when perfectly thrown.

8. The combination as defined in claim 7, wherein the base of the target assembly includes a hub and a plurality of arms extending radially outward therefrom, a stake socket in the hub and at the end of each arm, said stakes being received and supported in the stake sockets.

9. A game comprising a hoop assembly and a target assembly wherein a player propels the hoop assembly toward the target assembly, said hoop assembly includ- 7 ing a plurality of plastic molded hoops of different colors rigidly interconnected together to maintain constant the relative location of each, said hoop assembly including a center hoop and a plurality of outer hoops and means for tangentially securing the outer hoops to bly including at least one stick-like member.

Claims

1. A game comprising a hoop assembly and a target assembly wherein a player propels the hoop assembly toward the target assembly, said hoop assembly including a plurality of plastic molded hoops of different colors rigidly interconnected together to maintain constant the relative location of each, said hoop assembly including a center hoop and a plurality of outer hoops and means for tangentially securing the outer hoops to the center hoop in substantially coplanar relation therewith, and said target assembly including a base having a plurality of spaced upstanding stakes sized so that each and every stake is capable of being freely encircled by one of the hoops when perfectly thrown.

3. A game comprising a hoop assembly and a target assembly wherein a player propels the hoop assembly toward the target assembly, said hoop assembly including a plurality of plastic molded hoops of different colors rigidly interconnected together to maintain constant the relative location of each, said hoop assembly being loosely connected together in chain form and including a center hoop and a pair of outer hoops, said outer hoops being in the form of solid rings, and said inner hoop being in the form of a split ring and having coupling means at the split ends, said coupling means including a plate having a pair of pins with enlarged heads extending therefrom and a washer with openings to align with the pins being of smaller size than the heads, said split ends having openings through which the pins may extend, wherein the plate engages one side of the hoop and the washer engages the opposite side.

5. A game comprising a hoop assembly and a target assembly wherein a player would throw the hoop assembly toward the target assembly, said hoop assembly including a plurality of hoops rigidly connected together in substantially coplanar relation with each other with one center hoop and a plurality of outer hoops tangentially connected to the center hoop, the hoops being of different colors to allow different point values applicable to each, said target assembly including a base and a plurality of stakes on the base extending upwardly in a general vertical direction, the stakes being of different colors and of the same number as the hoops of the hoop assembly and sized so that each and every stake is capable of being freely encircled by one of the hoops when perfectly thrown.

7. A game comprising a hoop assembly and a target assembly wherein a player would throw the hoop assembly toward the target assembly, said hoop assembly including a plurality of hoops connected together in chain form with a center hoop and a pair of outer hoops, the hoops being of different colors to allow different point values applicable to each, said target assembly including a base and a plurality of stakes on the base extending upwardly in a general vertical direction, the stakes being of different colors and of the same number as the hoops of the hoop assembly and sized so that each and every stake is capable of being freely encircled by one of the hoops when perfectly thrown.

9. A game comprising a hoop assembly and a target assembly wherein a player propels the hoop assembly toward the target assembly, said hoop assembly including a plurality of plastic molded hoops of different colors rigidly interconnected together to maintain constant the relative location of each, said hoop assembly including a center hoop and a plurality of outer hoops and means for tangentially securing the outer hoops to the center hoop in substantially coplanar relation therewith, said securing means including coacting pins with enlarged heads and sockets, and said target assembly including at least one stick-like member.