CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the priority filing date of the previously filed, copending U.S. Provisional patent application entitled “INFLATABLE GAME AND METHOD” filed Oct. 13, 2017, App. No. 62/572,178, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of skill games and methods of playing them.

BACKGROUND

Games of skill bring people together and provide and enjoyable time with others Whether the game is for simple entertainment or a competitive challenge, people participate due to a near instinctual drive for fun and excitement. While some games require skill or strategy and other games require luck, the present invention is directed to a game involving all three.

Often, people get together for social and recreational purposes. Board games are typically played where a party is kept indoors. However, parties and gatherings outside require a game with a larger presence and adaptability to the environment in which it is being played. Indoor games are relegated to indoors based on their need to be sheltered from environmental factors such as wind or the requirement for a level playing surface. This presents a problem for people wanting to enjoy what is generally an indoor game while they are enjoying a day at the beach or backyard.

When the party or gathering is outside, the physical elements of the game are generally cumbersome. Currently, games such as bag-toss or cornhole require large wooden playing boards where users attempt to throw a bag through an opening in the upper playing surface.

The playing boards are heavy and require a lot of space for storage. The single opening also reduces the chances of success, which can lead to frustration and infighting amongst teammates.

Other outdoor games, such as horseshoes, require permanent installation. A playing field is established by having a post installed into the ground and a sand pit poured around the post. Wooden boards have to be constructed to form a backstop. A horseshoe is thrown at the post and the horseshoe is made of metal, which poses a danger to the players or spectators.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a need for a game to be played outdoors with an easy setup, enjoyable playing method, and adaptability to address environmental concerns. A game is needed that allows users to play anywhere, including near or in a body of water while not sacrificing the enjoyment of play.

Put simply, there is a need for an improved game which is compact for storage, easy to set up and enjoyable.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the invention, an inflatable game is provided which generally comprises one or more balls; a plurality of containers positioned in a predetermined arrangement, wherein each of the plurality of containers is configured to receive the one or more balls during gameplay; and an inflatable frame for defining the shape of the arrangement.

Generally, the inflatable frame is configured to provide a structural template for the positioning and arrangement of the containers. In certain versions, the structural template is configured to position each container in close proximity forming a triangular pattern.

In a detailed version of the application, the triangular arrangement comprises a first row containing one container, a second row containing two containers and a third row containing three containers, wherein the arrangement collectively comprising six containers.

In yet other versions, the inflatable frame comprises a body portion having a perimeter defining an arrangement shape, a plurality of integral apertures extending within the inflatable body configured to receive and seat the plurality of containers in an upright manner in the predefined arrangement while the inflatable body is inflated. In a version, the triangular arrangement comprises a first row containing one aperture, a second row containing two apertures and a third row containing three apertures, wherein the arrangement collectively comprising six apertures.

In other versions of the application, the inflatable frame further comprises one or more sides generally defining a depth of the inflatable frame, wherein the one or more side are curved outward forming an integral bumper pad surfaces. Optionally, each angle formed by adjoining one or more sides may be curved.

In a version, each aperture extending within the inflatable body comprises a perimeter defining an opening having a diameter, wherein the diameter is sized to securely envelope the mid-height diameter of the one or more containers; a depth terminating at a bottom, wherein the depth is sufficient to receive at least a portion of the height of each container in order to support each container in an upright manner; and at least a sidewall extending between the bottom and the opening perimeter, wherein while the frame is inflated the sidewall urges towards the seated container, thereby gripping the container during use by way of compression.

In other optional embodiments, the inflatable frame may further include one or more tether attachment points for anchoring the inflatable frame to the ground or the bottom of a body of water such as a pool during use. Certain versions may include one or more anchors and one or more tether lines connecting the one or more attachment points and with the one or more respective anchors.

In a version of gameplay may generally comprise the steps of: providing at least a first and second arrangement; determining a distance between the first arrangement and the second arrangement, wherein the first arrangement and the second arrangement are the same shape, and wherein the first arrangement and the second arrangement are positioned opposite from one another; and a user throwing the one or more balls towards the opposite positioned arrangement, wherein if the one or more balls enters one of the plurality of containers, a container is removed from the inflatable frame.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying figures where:

FIG. 1 is front perspective view of a version of the application;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is front perspective view of a second version of the application;

FIG. 7 is front perspective view of the version shown in FIG. 6 including a plurality of containers;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the version shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the version shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the version shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a rear elevation view of the version shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing the game container and plurality of game balls;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the version shown in FIG. 1 including a plurality of containers;

FIG. 14 is an illustrative view showing set up and positioning in accordance with a version of the application; and

FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing game play of a version of the application while in a pool; and

FIG. 16 is an illustrative view showing a version of the application as anchored to the bottom of a body of water.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred version of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, the present invention relates generally to a game which utilizes an inflatable frame for defining and seating a predetermined arrangement of a plurality of containers. The game can be played either on land or in a body of water. The game includes an inflatable frame which provides a portable, lightweight and convenient solution to prevent the necessity of having to fill each container with water, sand or some weighted object in order to provide lateral stability during game play (prevent containers from tipping over). It is extremely inconvenient to transport weighted objects everywhere the game is taken in order to properly secure the containers during play. The game including inflatable frame solves the container stability problem by being lightweight, extra portable, and convenient to take anywhere. The ability to play in a body of water is an added benefit in that the inflatable frame is naturally buoyant.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated.

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary versions of the invention. The description is not to be taken in the limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.

With reference to the figures, a description of a version of the invention will be provided. Generally, the inflatable game 10 comprises one or more balls 12, a plurality of containers 14 positioned in a predetermined arrangement, each having an opening 24, wherein each of the plurality of containers 14 is configured to receive the one or more balls 12 during gameplay, and an inflatable frame 16 for defining the shape of the arrangement.

The inflatable game 10 has at least one set of a plurality of containers 14 having openings 24 arranged in a predefined arrangement or pattern. In a version of the application and as best illustrated by FIG. 12, the container 14 comprises a base 18 and one or more sidewalls 20 extending upward therefrom terminating at an opening 24. In the illustrated version, the container 14 is in the form of a bucket. In the version, the sidewall 20 is a unitary annular wall extending upward and terminating in a generally circular opening 24 defined by a rim 26, overall forming the container 14.

In the version, the balls 12 are provided which are sized and configured to be thrown towards the one or more containers 14 having one or more openings 24, which are sized and configured to receive the balls 12 (See specifically FIG. 14 and FIG. 15) Generally, the balls 12 are spherical having a circumference smaller than the plurality of openings 24. In a version, the balls 12 may be operably inflatable or overall rigid. Moreover, the balls 12 may be constructed of a resilient material, providing for a partially elastic collision when they contact the plurality of openings 24.

In a version of the application, the inflatable frame 16 is configured to provide a structural template for the positioning and arrangement of the containers 14. The inflatable frame 16 provides lateral support and positioning of each container 14 retained therein while on either land or water. Generally, the structural template is configured to position each container 14 opening 24 in close proximity forming the predetermined arrangement or pattern. In the illustrated version as best shown in FIG. 13, the inflatable frame 16 structural template positions the container 14 openings 24 in a triangular pattern. Specifically, the triangular pattern comprises a first row having one (1) container 14, a second row having two (2) containers 14, and a third row having three (3) containers 14, wherein the arrangement collectively comprises six (6) containers 14 forming a triangular arrangement of upward facing container 14 openings 24 in close proximity for gameplay.

In detailed versions and as best illustrated by FIG. 1-FIG. 11, the inflatable frame 16 generally comprises an inflatable body portion 28 having a perimeter 30 defining the shape of the inflatable frame 16 and a plurality of integral apertures 32 extending within the body portion 28. Generally, each aperture 32 is configured to receive and seat each individual container 14 in an upright manner in the predetermined arrangement—in this example, a triangular configuration. The inflatable body portion 28 is configured to be inflated and deflated by way of the inflation valve 34 (See FIG. 9). Thus, while deflated, the inflatable frame 16 collapses and folds into a compact configuration for easy, compact storage. Conversely, the inflatable frame 16 is configured to be easily inflated by way of the common mouth inflation technique or an air compressor. Optionally, indicia or designs may be placed on the exterior surface of the body portion 28. Example indicia may include team logos, themed characters, or personalized designs among others.

In a version of the application, the body portion 28 comprises one or more sides 36 generally defining a depth of the body portion 28. The quantity of the sides depends on the shaped defined by the perimeter 30. However, in the illustrated version, the perimeter 30 defines a triangular shape naturally having three (3) sides. In the version illustrated in FIG. 6-FIG. 11, the sides 36 curve outward forming an integral bumper pad surfaces 38 for providing a cushion during gameplay, particularly with regard to gameplay while in a pool or other body of water. Moreover, the angles or corners 40 formed by adjoining sides 36 may be curved both laterally and vertically in order to provide continuity between the bumper pad surfaces 38 of each side 36—for both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

As best illustrated by FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in a version of the application, each aperture 32 of the body portion 28 of the inflatable frame 16 comprises a perimeter 42 defining an opening 44 having a diameter, wherein the diameter is sized to securely envelope the mid-height diameter of the requisite container 14. The apertures 32 further defines a depth terminating at a bottom 46, wherein the depth is sufficient to receive at least a portion of the height of each requisite container 14 in order to support each container 14 in an upright manner. Moreover, each aperture 32 further comprises a sidewall 48 which extends between the bottom 46 and the perimeter 42. Wherein while the inflatable frame 16 is inflated, the sidewall 48 tends to urge towards the requisite seated container 14, thereby gripping or squeezing the container 14 during use by way of compression created by inflation of the frame 16. Each aperture 32 formed by the bottom 46, perimeter 42, and sidewall 48 may be continuously and integrally sealed to prevent the passage of liquid or other materials through the inflatable frame 16 body portion 28.

In a version and as best illustrated by FIG. 9 and FIG. 16, the inflatable frame 16 may further comprise one or more tether attachment points 50 positioned on the bottom surface 56 for anchoring the inflatable frame 16 to a surface for stability purposes. For example, a tether 58 first end may connect at each attachment points 50 and the tether 58 second end may fixedly attach to the ground, beach, or even secure to the bottom of the pool (FIG. 16) by way of a weight 60 secured to the second end of the tether 58. This ensures that even during windy and other environmental conditions, the inflatable game 10 maintains a certain position within the gameplay. Ideally, if the arrangement is triangular, the tether attachment points 50 are positioned near the corners 40 on the bottom surface 56.

Now referring to FIG. 14-FIG. 15, in a gameplay embodiment, there are at least two arrangements formed by at least two inflatable frames 16a, 16b, each inflatable frame 16 defining the plurality of containers 14 in the predefined arrangement—a triangle in the illustrated version—providing one or more openings 24 in close proximity for receipt of the one or more balls 12. As illustrated, the pair of inflatable frames 16a, 16b defining opposing arrangements are configured such that an angle or corner 40a, 40b of the triangular pattern of each arrangement is directly across from an angle of the other triangular pattern and the base 52a, 52b of each triangle is parallel. A distance L (FIG. 14) is predetermined between the two arrangements based on specific rules and regulations, or user preference.

The general theme of the game is to eliminate all of the other team's containers 14 by successfully throwing a ball 12 in each opposing team's container 14. In use, a player predetermines a trajectory for an intended path of one of the plurality of balls 12. Based on the trajectory, the player throws the ball 12 with enough force to travel along the predetermined trajectory. If the ball 12 passes through one of the plurality of openings 24 of one of the opposing containers 14, it is a success. If the ball 12 misses or is not retained within the plurality of openings 24 in one of the opposing containers 14, it is a failure. In some versions, if a player successfully passes a ball through an opening 24, the requisite container 14 is removed from the inflatable frame 16. In yet other versions, if a player successfully passes a ball 12 through an opening 24, the requisite container 14 is placed inside (stacked inside) the opening 24 of another container 14 that is determined by user preference. In some versions, if the ball 12 goes into the opening 44 of one of the integral apertures 32, a previously removed container 14 is placed back into the integral aperture 32 opening.

Referring to FIG. 14, in a preferable version of game play, a first and second arrangement is provided, each consisting of an inflatable frame 16 having a total of six containers 14 positioned in a triangular configuration. The distance L between the first arrangement and the second arrangement is determined, wherein the first arrangement and the second arrangement are the same shape, and wherein the first arrangement and the second arrangement are positioned opposite from one another. More specifically, the distance L between the first and second arrangement or inflatable frames 16a, 16b is measured between opposing first and second foul lines 62a, 62b which are imaginary lines positioned rear of each inflatable frame 16a, 16b. Preferably, the distance L between foul lines 62a, 62b range from 15 feet to 25 feet depending on desired user skill level. In order to accommodate these ranges, regulation sized courts will require an area of 8 feet wide by 40 feet long. The minimum vertical clearance required is 12 feet high. The tossing zones 64a, 64b is the area behind each container 14 arrangement where each team can toss their game balls 12.

Teams consist of 1-2 players and play on the same side of the court. The game is started by determining initial possession or who gets to go first by a shoot-off, coin flip, or rock-paper-scissors, etc. Thereafter, each player on a team throws once, attempting to throw the ball 12 into the other team's containers 14. If a ball 12 goes into a container 14, then the container 14 is removed. In certain versions of the game, teams are aloud one re-rack per game—in order to reconfigure positioning of remaining containers 14 closer together in order to increase the odds of a successful throw.

The game ends as soon as one team eliminates all of the other team's containers 14 from the inflatable frame 16. In certain versions, the losing team may get a rebuttal as follows: one throw per player, players continue to throw until a miss. If the losing team consecutively throws a ball 12 into each remaining container 14, the game goes into overtime. If not, they lose and the game is over.

In certain versions, overtime consists of positioning (3) containers 14 per side in triangle formation and the team that is winning gets to throw first. Overtime game play is the same as normal game play and the objective is to eliminate all of the other team's containers 14.

The inflatable game 10 can be made in any manner and of any material chosen with sound engineering judgment. Preferably, materials will be strong, lightweight, long lasting, economic, ergonomic, and buoyant.

The invention does not require that all the features and advantages need to be incorporated into every version of the invention.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in considerable detail, other versions and embodiments of the invention are certainly possible. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments herein.

All features disclosed in this specification including any claims, abstract, and drawings may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose unless expressly stated otherwise.