US20210379468A1

US20210379468A1 - Scoring devices

Info

Publication number: US20210379468A1
Application number: US17/342,194
Authority: US
Inventors: Matthew J. Merkel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-06-08
Filing date: 2021-06-08
Publication date: 2021-12-09

Abstract

Scoring devices for games.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/036,285, filed Jun. 8, 2020, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to scoring devices, and more particularly to scoring devices for outdoor/backyard games. Even more particularly, the scoring devices may be for cornhole, horseshoes, bocce ball, etc.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor or backyard games, such as cornhole, horseshoes, etc., require the players to keep score during the game. In several of these games, the players stand a fair distance apart or move from station to station. Thus, it would be advantageous for the players to utilize a scoring device where the score is readily visually apparent and employs a marking system that is easy to operate.
Thus, there remains a need for improved scoring devices.

SUMMARY

There are several aspects of the present subject matter which may be embodied separately or together in the devices and systems described and claimed below. These aspects may be employed alone or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter described herein, and the description of these aspects together is not intended to preclude the use of these aspects separately or the claiming of such aspects separately or in different combinations as set forth in the claims appended hereto.
In one aspect, a scoring device includes a first panel having a front face, wherein the front face comprises a first color. The device has a second panel superimposed over the front face of the first panel. The second panel has a second color and a plurality of spaced apart transparent scoring characters. The device further includes at least one score marker positioned between the first panel and a second panel, wherein the score marker comprises a third color that is different from the first and second colors. The at least one score marker being moveable between the first and second panels so as to be selectively positioned behind a transparent scoring character, resulting in a visual contrast between the scoring character and other scoring characters to indicate a score.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a scoring device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the scoreboard of the scoring device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the first panel and second panel of the scoreboard of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a score marker of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a close-up perspective view of another embodiment of a score marker inserted between the first panel and the second panel.

FIG. 5 is a close-up perspective view of that score marker inserted between the first panel and the second panel;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a scoreboard having a third panel, shown in a mirror;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the stand of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the stand and scoreboard of FIG. 1, shown with a light source;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a lower portion of the stand; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments disclosed herein are for the purpose of providing a description of the present subject matter, and it is understood that the subject matter may be embodied in various other forms and combinations not shown in detail. Therefore, specific embodiments and features disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting the subject matter as defined in the accompanying claims.
The present application is directed to a scoring device that may be used for keeping score of a game. The scoring device may be particularly useful for keeping score of outdoor/backyard games or indoor games. The scoring device may be used for example to keep score for cornhole, horseshoes, bocce ball, washers, and the like. Although the illustrated scoring device may be particularly suited for a game such as cornhole, the device may be used for other games as well. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the transparent scoring characters are numbers 0-21, which is typically used to score cornhole. For other games, the range of numbers may be more or less than 0-21. Furthermore, the scoring characters may be tailored to any scoring system, such as tennis, and the scoring characters could include any characters, such as letters, symbols, numbers, etc., depending on the game.
Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown one embodiment of a scoring device 10. The scoring device 10 incudes a scoreboard 12, and optionally, a stand 14. The scoring device 10 also includes at least one score marker 24, which is placed behind a number on the scoreboard 12 to visually indicate the score. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the scoreboard 12 includes a first panel 16 and a second panel 18. The second panel 18 is superimposed over and attached to the first panel 16. The second panel 18 may be permanently or releasably attached to the first panel. For example, the second panel 18 may be screwed to the first panel 16. In another embodiment, the second panel 18 may be attached by loop and hook (Velcro®) to the first panel 16. The first panel 16 and second panel 18 are in a manner such that the score marker 24 can be inserted between the panels. In one alternative, the first panel 16 and second panel 18 are not secured to each other about their edges.
The first panel 16 may be a wooden, metal or plastic board. Referring to FIG. 3, the first panel 16 includes a front face 20 that is a first color. The second panel 18 is a second color and includes a plurality of spaced apart transparent scoring characters 22. The second panel may be a sheet or panel of clear plastic, wherein the characters are inverted or negative printed on the plastic. In other embodiments, the letters may be punched or cut out of a wooden, plastic or metal board. As such, the term “transparent” is intended to include not only see through material but also such punched or cut out characters in the material. The second color of the second panel 18 may be the same or different from that of the first panel 16. For example, both the first and second panels may be the same color, such as black. In other embodiments, the first panel may be one color and the second may be another. In another alternative, when there are two sets of transparent scoring characters, the portions of the first and second panel associated with one set of scoring characters may be one color, and the portions of the first and second panel associated with the other set of scoring characters may be a different color. Each color may represent a different competitor's score.
As mentioned above, the transparent characters may be any variety of characters, depending on the type of game for which score is being kept. Furthermore, the transparent characters may be any variety of orientations or configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of transparent characters includes two side-by-side sets of numbers ranging from 0-21, wherein each set represents a competitor, respectively. This configuration may be particularly suited for games that are played to a score of 21, such as cornhole. In other embodiments, the transparent characters may be arranged horizontally. For example, two sets of numbers, wherein one set is on top of the other. In another alternative, the transparent characters may be in a circular arrangement.
Turning now to FIGS. 4-5, there is shown alternative embodiments of the score marker 24 (FIGS. 4 and 5) and 24 a (FIG. 4A). The score marker 24, 24 a includes a segment or strip 26, 26 a that is inserted between the first panel 16 and the second panel 18, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 5. The first and second panels 16, 18 are attached to each other such that the strip can be inserted between the opposed edges of the panels. The strip 26 is a different color and/or has a contrasting visual appearance from that of the first and second panels 16, 18. The strip may be fluorescent, energized by light or black light reactive. For example, the strip 24, 24 a may be made of a fluorescent or glow material or may be coated in fluorescent or glow paint. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the score marker may include two strips 26, wherein one is fluorescent and the other is not. Alternatively, the score marker may include two strips wherein each strip is a different color. In this alterative, each competitor may be represented by a different color strip.
Referring to FIG. 4A, the marker 24 a may include a light source 28 a and the strip 26 a may be a clear material, such as plastic or glass, that illuminates or lights up as the light from the light source 28 a passes through it. Similar to above, each competitor may have a different colored light source. Furthermore, the light source may be such that it can toggle between the colors.
Turning back to FIGS. 1, 2, 4A and 5, when the strip 26, 26 a of the marker 24, 24 a is placed between the first and second panels 16, 18 and behind a transparent character, the strip 24, 24 a is visible through the transparent portion of second panel 18. This results in a visual contrast from the colors of the first and second panels, thereby accentuating, highlighting or emphasizing that character for the remaining characters to indicate the score. In one embodiment, the character that is accentuated can be seen from a distance.
The marker 24, 24 a is moveable within the space between the panels 16, 18 to change the score. Furthermore, the marker 24, 24 a may be releasably attachable and/or slidably attached one or both of the first and second panels 16, 18. For example, the marker 24 may have a clip configuration as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, wherein the marker includes a first arm 25 and a second arm 25 a biased toward one another. In this embodiment, the first panel 16 is placed between the arms and the marker 24 is clipped onto the panel 16 to hold its position. When the score needs to be changed the marker 24 is unclipped and moved to another position. In another alternative, the first and/or second panel 16, 18 may be made of metal and the marker 24, 24 a may include a magnet that holds it in place until the score needs to be changed. In yet another embodiment, the marker 24, 24 a may be friction fit between the first and second panels 16, 18. In yet another embodiment, the marker may be a slider that is slidably attached to the scoreboard.
Turning now to FIG. 6, the scoreboard 12 may include a third panel 19 superimposed over the back face of the first panel 16. In this figure, the third panel is shown in a mirror. Similar to the second panel 18, the third panel 19 includes a plurality of transparent scoring characters. In one embodiment, the scoring characters are commensurate or correspond with those of the second panel 18. A marker 24, as shown in FIG. 4, is used wherein the one strip 26 is between the first and second panels 16, 18, and the other strip 26 is between the first and third panels 16, 19. In this embodiment, onlookers are able to see the score from the third panel 19. In an alternative embodiment, the third panel 19 is configured for a game that has a different scoring system from that the second panel 18. In the embodiment, the scoreboard 12 may be used for different games.
Turning to FIG. 7, there is shown one embodiment of the stand 14. The stand includes an upper portion 30 and a lower portion 32. The upper portion 30 may include a top pole and the lower portion 32 may include a bottom pole. The poles may be telescoping for convenient set-up, takedown, travel and storage. Furthermore, the scoreboard 12 may be releasably attachable to the stand 14 also for convenient set-up, takedown, travel and storage. Thus, the scoring device may be easily portable to different locations.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the upper portion 30 or lower portion 32 may include a shelf 34. Optionally, the shelf 34 may include one or more cupholders 36. The shelf 34 may also serve as a support for the scoreboard 12. Referring to FIG. 8, the shelf 34 may include a slot 38 for holding the bottom of the score board 12. The top of the scoreboard 12 may be attached by any suitable method, such as by loop and hook. Optionally, the shelf 34 may also include a slot 40 for holding mobile phones or tablets. This may be used for live streaming the game from the mobile phone or tablet. The shelf 34 may also include accessories, such as phone chargers and Bluetooth speakers. The accessories could be built into the shelf and/or the shelf and accessories could be modular, such that the accessories may be added to the shelf.
Referring to FIG. 8, the upper portion 30 of the stand 14 may include a light source 42 or may be configured for releasable attachment of a light source 42. For example, the light source may be a flashlight. Furthermore, the upper portion may be configured such that the position of the light source 42 may be adjusted. In one embodiment, the light source 42 is a directed source of light or a spot light that is focus or concentrated on the board. This focus or concentration of light from the light source 42 reduces the chances of the light affecting or distracting the competitors. In other embodiments, the light source 42 may both light up the scoreboard and be focused on the playing court or components of the game. For example, for cornhole, the light may be focused on the cornhole board to see the bags on the playing surface and the hole on the board. In an alternative, the light may be a black light that may be used to illuminate a black light reactive scoring marker. Furthermore, the light source may be configured such it eliminates or reduces shadows, which can be a distraction.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the lower portion 32 may include a plurality of support legs 44 to support the stand. Optionally, or in addition to the support legs, the stand may include a ground spike 46 to support the stand. In another alternative, the stand may also include a hook to hang items such as a bag of cornhole bags or weights. This also may assist in supporting the stand.
It will be understood that the scoring device and scoreboard may be used with any suitable stand or support, which may be permanent, temporary, or portable. In one alternative, the scoreboard may be mounted on a fence or wall. Alternatively, the scoreboard may be used without a stand.
It will be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the present subject matter. Numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter, including those combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein. For these reasons, the scope hereof is not limited to the above description but is as set forth in the following claims, and it is understood that claims may be directed to the features hereof, including as combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A scoring device, comprising:

a first panel having a front face, wherein the front face comprises a first color;

a second panel superimposed over the front face of the first panel, the second panel comprising a second color and a plurality of spaced apart transparent scoring characters;

at least one score marker positioned between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the score marker comprises a third color that is different from the first and second colors; and

wherein the at least one score marker is moveable between the first and second panels so as to be selectively positioned behind a transparent scoring character, resulting in a visual contrast between the scoring character and other scoring characters to indicate a score.

2. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the first and second colors are the same or similar colors.

3. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one score marker comprises a strip inserted between the first and second panels.

4. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one score marker is releasably attached to one of the first and second panels.

5. The scoring device of claim 4, wherein the score marker comprises one of a clip and a magnet.

6. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one score marker is slidably attached to the first and/or second panel and slides therealong.

7. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one score marker comprises two or more score markers.

8. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one score marker is fluorescent, black light activated or glows.

9. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spaced apart transparent characters comprises a first set of characters representing a first competitor and a second set representing a second competitor.

10. The scoring device of claim 9, wherein the first and second set of characters are side-by-side vertically aligned on the second panel.

11. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the first and second panel are releasably attached to one another.

12. The scoring device of claim 1, further including a scoreboard and a stand, wherein the first panel and second panel define the scoreboard.

13. The scoring device of claim 12, wherein the scoreboard and stand are releasably attachable to each other.

14. The scoring device of claim 12, wherein the stand includes an upper support and a lower support, and wherein the upper and lower support are telescopic.

15. The scoring device of claim 14, further including feet associated with the lower support.

16. The scoring device of claim 12, wherein the stand further includes a light source.

17. The scoring device of claim 12, further including a shelf.

18. The scoring device of claim 1, further including a third panel superimposed over the back face of the first panel, wherein the third panel has a second plurality of transparent scoring characters.

19. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the second panel comprises clear plastic and the transparent scoring characters are negative printed on the panel.

20. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein the second panel comprises a panel wherein the transparent scoring characters are cut or punched out of the panel.