US20180078837A1

US20180078837A1 - Disc Tossing Table Game

Info

Publication number: US20180078837A1
Application number: US15/713,325
Authority: US
Inventors: Adam Tripp; Matthew Ryan Glackin; Raymond Oliver Carr, III; Nathan Ray Clift
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-09-22
Filing date: 2017-09-22
Publication date: 2018-03-22

Abstract

A disc tossing table game is provided. The table game includes baskets configured to receive a projectile, a tiered basket stand configured to receive the baskets thereon, and a disc configured to be thrown at the baskets. The baskets include an upright support pole disposed in a catch member, a top member for suspending deflecting tethers thereon, and a support member for stabilizing the support pole in the catch member. The support pole includes a first end affixed to the top member and a second end affixed to a base of the catch member. The tethers include a first end affixed to the top member and a second end affixed to a ring member suspended around the support pole. The support member engages a wall of the catch member via a friction fit. The catch member includes an interior volume configured to receive the projectile.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/398,122 filed on Sep. 22, 2016. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to table top games. More specifically, the present invention relates to a disc tossing table game including a plurality of baskets configured to receive a projectile and a platform for elevating the baskets with respect to one another in order to form a tiered arrangement for playing the disc tossing table game.
Disc golf is a widely enjoyed outdoor sports activity that has strong support at both the recreational and professional levels. While disc golf has been a popular game for both novices and professionals, the popularity of the game has exploded in recent years. Record numbers are flocking to courses to try their hand at the seemingly arduous task of throwing a small disc in a basket located hundreds of yards away in as few shots as possible. The popularity of disc golf has inspired many simulated golf games, such as computer video games and other disc golf-related games.
Many people patronize restaurants, bars, clubs, and other establishments where bottled beverages are served and consumed. In such establishments, friends often congregate and participate in games. Such games include tabletop games provided by the establishment for use by patrons, such as pool, table tennis, and foosball, as well as coin-operated games such as pinball machines or electronic video games. Beverage serving establishments usually attempt to obtain a competitive edge by obtaining better games for the entertainment of their patrons.
Therefore, there is a need for a table top game simulating disc golf that includes baskets positioned on opposing sides of a table wherein opponents compete against one another by successfully throwing a disc in an opponent's basket.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of table top games now present in the prior art, the present invention provides disc tossing table game wherein the same can be utilized for playing a competitive game for entertainment purposes.
The present system comprises disc tossing table game comprising a plurality of baskets defining a goal configured to receive a thrown projectile therein, a tiered basket stand configured to receive the plurality of baskets thereon, and a circular disc configured to be thrown at the plurality of baskets. The plurality of baskets include an elongated support pole, a circular top member, a plurality of tethers, a circular support member, and a catch member. The elongated support pole includes a first end affixed to the circular top member and a second end affixed to a base of the catch member. The elongated support pole is positioned at a center of the base and extends vertically upwardly from the base in an upright fashion. The circular top member extends annularly around the first end of the elongated support pole. Each tether of the plurality of tethers includes a first end affixed to a perimeter edge of the circular top member and a second end affixed to a ring member disposed annularly about a center of the elongated support pole. The plurality of tethers are positioned annularly around the circular support member and positioned at fixed intervals therearound relative to each other. Each tether of the plurality of tethers extends from the perimeter edge inwardly at an angle towards the elongated support pole. The circular support member extends annularly around the elongated support pole and is positioned between the center of the elongated support pole and the second end of the elongated support pole. The catch member includes a wall extending upwardly from a perimeter edge of the base of the catch member, an interior volume configured to receive a projectile therein, and an opening providing access to the interior volume. The basket stand includes a first planar platform and a second planar platform that are tiered with respect to one another, such that the first planar platform defines a first row and the second planar platform defines a second row disposed at a height greater than a height of the first row.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the disc tossing table game.

FIG. 2 shows a partial phantom view of the disc tossing table game.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the baskets of disc tossing table game positioned on the basket stand of the disc tossing table game.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of disc tossing table game in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the disc tossing table game. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a perspective view of the disc tossing table game and a partial phantom view of a basket of the disc tossing table game, respectively. The present invention provides a disc tossing table game 10 including a plurality of baskets 15 defining a goal, or assembly, configured to receive a thrown projectile therein, a tiered basket stand 20 configured to receive the plurality of baskets 15 thereon, so as to align the plurality of baskets 15 on a table in a tiered arrangement, and a projectile comprising a disc 25 configured to be thrown at and received by the plurality of baskets 15.
Each of the plurality of baskets 15 comprises an elongated support pole 30, a circular top member 35, a plurality of tethers 40, a circular support member 45, and a circular catch member 50. The elongated support pole 30 includes a first end 55 affixed to the circular top member 35 and a second end 60 affixed to a base 65 of the catch member 50. In the depicted embodiment, the elongated support pole 30 comprises a metal rod including a uniform shape and size throughout. The elongated support pole 30 is disposed centrally on the base 65, or at a center of the base 65, and extends vertically upwardly from the base 65, such that the elongated support pole 30 is upright and perpendicular relative to the base 65 of the catch member 50. The elongated support pole 30 includes a height larger than a height of the catch member 50, such that the elongated support pole 30 suspends the circular top member 35 above the catch member 50.
The circular top member 35 extends annularly around the first end 55 of the elongated support pole 30 and includes a diameter larger than a diameter of the elongated support pole 30. In the depicted embodiment, the circular top member 35 comprises a planar plate including a continuous and uniform surface. The circular top member 35 suspends the plurality of tethers 40 around the elongated support pole 30 and immediately above the catch member 50. The plurality of tethers 40 act as a projectile stopper, or deflector, configured to deflect a thrown projectile, such as the disc 25, downwardly into the catch member 50. The circular top member 35 is concentrically aligned with the catch member 50, such that the circular top member 35 centers the plurality of tethers 40 relative to the catch member 50, in order to create a uniform area allowing a thrown projectile to ingress into the catch member 50 after the thrown projectile is deflected by the plurality of tethers 40.
The plurality of tethers 40 include a first end 70 affixed to a perimeter edge 75 of the circular top member 35 and a second end 80 disposed adjacent to a center 32 of the elongated support pole 30. The plurality of tethers 40 are disposed annularly around the circular support member 35 and are positioned at fixed intervals relative to each other around the circular support member 35, such that they are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the elongated support pole 30. In the depicted embodiment, each of the second ends 80 of the plurality of tethers 40 are affixed to a ring member 85 that is disposed annularly about the elongated support pole 30. The ring member 85 includes a diameter less than a diameter of the circular support member 35, such that the plurality of tethers 40 extend downwardly at an angle from the perimeter edge 75 of the circular support member 35 to the ring member 85.
Each tether of the plurality of tethers 40 includes a length less than or equal to one-half of a length of the elongated support pole 30, such that each tether of the plurality of tethers 40 extends approximately to the center 32 of the elongated support pole 30 and does not extend too far into the catch member 50, thereby obstructing entrance of a projectile into the catch member 50. In the depicted embodiment, each tether of the plurality of tethers 40 comprises a chain for providing better projectile deflection. The plurality of tethers 40 extend inwardly from the perimeter edge 75 of the circular top member 35 towards the elongated support pole 30, such that they further facilitate the deflection of a thrown projectile into the catch member 50.
The circular support member 45 extends annularly around the elongated support pole 30. The circular support member 45 is affixed to the elongated support pole 30 between the center 32 of the elongated support pole 30 and the second end 60 of the elongated support pole 30. In one embodiment, the circular support member 45 includes a diameter equal to a diameter of the catch member 50, such that the circular support member 45 engages the interior surface of the walls of the catch member 50 via friction fit, serving as a lateral support structure for the elongated support pole 30 and preventing the elongated support pole 30 from tipping over when positioned in the catch member 50. In the depicted embodiment, the circular support member 45 comprises a flexible planar member composed of a tacky grip-like material, such as rubber or foam, configured to facilitate frictional engagement between the circular support member 45 and the walls of the catch member 50.
The catch member 50 includes a wall 90, an interior volume 95 configured to receive a projectile, such as the disc 25 therein, an upper end 100 including an opening 105, and a lower end 110 including the base 65. The wall 90 extends annularly around a perimeter edge of the base 65 and extends upwardly from the base 65, thereby defining the interior volume 95. The opening 105 provides access to the interior volume 95 and is positioned beneath the plurality of tethers 40 so as to enable a projectile deflected by the plurality of tethers 40 to enter the interior volume 95. In one embodiment, the opening 105 includes a diameter at least twice the size of the disc 25, thereby enabling the disc 25 to enter the interior volume 95 without obstruction from the elongated support pole 30. In another embodiment, the catch member 50 includes a height greater than a height at which the center 32 of the elongated support pole 30 is disposed, such that the catch member 50 is positioned above the second ends 80 of the plurality of tethers 40. In this way, the catch member 50 is in a better position to receive a projectile deflected by the plurality of tethers 40. The disc 25 includes a diameter less than a diameter of catch member 50, such that the disc can fit inside the interior volume 95 of the catch member 50.
The base 65 includes a receptacle 115 disposed on a center thereof that is configured to removably receive the second end 60 of the elongated support pole 30. In the depicted embodiment, the receptacle 115 protrudes upwardly from the base 65 and is configured to removably receive the second end 60 via a friction fit. In this way, the receptacle 115 supports the elongated support pole 30 in an upright position within the catch member 50, while allowing the elongated support pole 30 to be removed from the base 65 for dissembling the plurality of baskets 15 for storage.
The basket stand 25 includes a first planar platform 120 and a second planar platform 125 that are tiered with respect to one another, such that the first planar platform 120 forms a first row 130 and the second planar platform forms a second row 135 that includes a height greater than a height of the first row 130. The first and second planar platform 120, 125 each include the same length and size and extend horizontally parallel relative to each other, such that the first and second rows 130, 135 are aligned. The first and second planar platforms 120, 125 are each configured to receive at least one basket of the plurality of baskets 15 thereon. In one embodiment, the first and second planar platforms 120, 125 are sized so as to receive at least one and at most three baskets of the plurality of baskets 15 thereon.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown a perspective view of the baskets of the disc tossing table game positioned on the basket stand of the disc tossing game and a perspective view of disc tossing table game being played, respectively. In one method of play, users position a basket stand 20 on opposing sides of a table top 140 and position one basket 15A on the table top 140, a pair of baskets 15B on the first row 130 of the basket stand 20, and three baskets 15C on the second row 135 of the basket stand 20, positioning the baskets 15A, 15B, 15C, such that they form a triangular arrangement on the basket stand 20 and table top 140. Once the baskets 15A, 15B, 15C are positioned, users take turns throwing the disc 25 across the table top 140 at an opposing player's baskets 15A, 15B, 15C. The object is for one player to successfully throw the disc 25 in all of an opponent player's baskets first. The first player to throw a disc 25 in all of the opponent player's baskets wins the disc tossing table game 10.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1) A table game, comprising:

a plurality of baskets configured to receive a projectile therein, each of the plurality of baskets including an elongated support pole, a circular top member, a plurality of tethers, a circular support member, and a catch member;

the elongated support pole including a first end affixed to the circular top member and a second end affixed to a base of the catch member;

wherein the elongated support pole is positioned on a center of the base of the catch member and extends vertically upwardly from the base;

wherein the elongated support pole includes a height larger than a height of the catch member;

the circular top member extending annularly around the first end of the elongated support pole;

wherein the circular top member includes a diameter greater than a diameter of the elongated support pole;

each of the plurality of tethers including a first end affixed to a perimeter edge of the circular top member and a second end disposed adjacent a center of the elongated support pole;

wherein the plurality of tethers are positioned annularly around the circular support member, each of the plurality of tethers positioned at fixed intervals relative to each other;

wherein the each of the plurality of tethers extends from the perimeter edge of the circular support member inwardly towards the center of the elongated support pole at an angle;

the circular support member extending annularly around the elongated support pole, the circular support member positioned between the center of the elongated support pole and the second end of the elongated support pole;

the catch member including a wall extending upwardly from a perimeter edge of the base of the catch member, an interior volume configured to receive a projectile therein, and an opening providing access to the interior volume.

2) The table game of claim 1, further comprising a circular disc including a diameter less than a diameter of catch member.

3) The table game of claim 2, further comprising a basket stand including a first planar platform and a second planar platform that are tiered with respect to one another, such that the first planar platform defines a first row and the second planar platform defines a second row, wherein the second row includes a height greater than a height of the first row.

4) The table game of claim 3, wherein each of the first and second planar platforms include the same length and extend horizontally parallel relative to each other, such that the first row and second row are aligned.

5) The table game of claim 4, wherein the first planar platform and the second planar platform are each configured to receive at least one basket of the plurality of baskets thereon.

6) The table game of claim 5, wherein the first planar platform and the second planar platform are each sized to receive three baskets of the plurality of baskets thereon.

7) The table game of claim 1, wherein the circular top member is concentrically aligned with the catch member.

8) The table game of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tethers include a first end affixed to the perimeter edge of the circular top member and a second end affixed to a ring member disposed annularly around the elongated support pole, the ring member including a diameter less than a diameter of the circular top member.

9) The table game of claim 8, wherein the plurality of tethers include a length less than one-half a length of the elongated support pole.

10) The table game of claim 1, wherein the circular support member includes a diameter equal to a diameter of the catch member.

11) The table game of claim 10, wherein the circular support member comprises a flexible planar member composed of a tacky grip-like material.

12) The table game of claim 10, wherein the circular support member is configured to engage the wall of the catch member via a friction fit.

13) The table game of claim 1, wherein the catch member includes a height greater than a height at which the center of the elongated support pole is disposed.

14) The table game of claim 1, wherein the base of the catch member includes a receptacle projecting upwardly from a center of the base, the receptacle configured to removably receive the second end of the elongated support pole via a friction fit.