Projectile-target game apparatus

• US 5,016,891 A
• Filed: 02/08/1990
• Issued: 05/21/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donald E. Nelson
• Original Assignee: Donald E. Nelson
• Inventors: Nelson, Donald E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Grieb, William H.
• Application Number:
  US07/477,029
• Time in Patent Office: 467 Days
• Field of Search: 273/398, 273/399, 273/407, 273/416, 273/417, 273/67 R, 273/348, 273/317
• US Class Current: 273/407
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/04 Badminton
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/12 specially adapted for children
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/007 Target zones without opening defined on a substantially horizontal surface
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 67/06 Ring or disc tossing games , e.g. quoits; Throwing or tossing games, e.g. using balls; Games for manually rolling balls, e.g. marbles

Abstract

A game target useable with a palm held projectile tossed at a target. The projectiles being light weight provide safe use by almost all ages. Also, younger players can be skilled enough to compete with adults. The target is mounted to tube sections which are loosely spaced on a circular formed tube but snug enough to hold position until the projectile lands. This fit in addition to the generally shaped frustum projectile and an inclined target provide the means for the target to capture the projectile landing squarely on the target landing surface. The game apparatus can be used for various games or scoring methods such as horseshoe type scoring, a horse method similar to the basketball game of Horse, use for a hole in one contest or layout of several targets for a short course golf type scoring procedure. The apparatus also can provide exercise for those who prefer activity rather than routine calisthenics. The apparatus can be used indoors with some care and discretion.

Claims

1. A projectile toss game apparatus comprising a generally circular shaped landing surface of perforate thermoplastic fabric being ultra violet resistant, rot and mildew resistant, vinyl covered polyester, a circular formed tube of extruded polyethylene generally conforming to the outer circumference of said landing surface, said circular formed tube being held generally circular end to end by connector means, a plurality of tube sections of extruded flexible poly vinyl chloride tube, said tube sections being insertably positioned incurvate to said circular formed tube, whereby said tube sections are rotateable having a moderate friction fit on said circular formed tube, said tube sections being the substrate for bonding to said landing surface, whereby a cushion action is provided to said landing surface by the rotational give of said tube sections, a pivot arm support rotateably affixed to said connector means being positioned between ends of said circular formed tube, said pivot arm support extended from the pivot point to ground playing surface being generally vertical to said ground playing surface whereby the game target is held positioned on and angular to said ground playing surface said pivot arm rotateable to a position generally parallel to said landing surface for handling and storage, a horizontal arm support extending outwardly from lower end of said pivot arm support, whereby said horizontal arm support provides lateral support to said landing surface, in position to receive generally frusto conical shaped palm held projectiles launched by hand at said landing surface, said projectiles comprising a hollow conical frustum, a generally round, resiliant nose section of an organic compound affixed to the smaller end of said frustum, said projectile sized shorter and heavier than a standard badminton shuttlecock, being nominally 2" in length and 1 oz. weight with weight distribution providing a generally level flight pattern as said projectile is tossed at said game target.

2. A projectile toss game apparatus comprising, in combination:

a. A generally circular shaped landing surface of perforate thermoplastic fabric,

b. An extruded tube of thermoplastic curved to generally conform to the outer circumference of said landing surface,

c. A connector means joining the ends of said extruded tube thereby holding said tube generally configured as a circular formed tube,

d. A plurality of thermoplastic tube sections generally larger in diameter and more flexible than said circular formed tube, being insertably positioned incurvate to said circular formed tube whereby said tube sections are rotateable having a moderate friction fit on said circular formed tube,

e. Said tube sections being the substrate for bonding to said landing surface whereby a cushion action is provided to said landing surface by the rotational give of said tube sections,

f. A pivot arm support being a rigid structural member pivotably positioned on said connector means between said circular formed tube ends holding the landing surface and tube assembly a predetermined distance off the ground playing surface with the 180 degree opposing point of said landing surface and tube assembly circumference resting on said ground playing surface,

g. A horizontal arm support extending outwardly from lower end of said pivot arm support, whereby said horizontal arm support provides lateral support to said landing surface,

h. A projectile of generally frusto conical shape and sized whereby said projectile comfortably fits in the palm of an adult players hand, yet playable also by young children, with a generally round, resilient nose section of a flexible organic compound affixed to the small end of said frusto conical projectile, said palm held projectile being generally heavier than a standard badminton shuttlecock with weight added near said nose of said projectile to provide for a generally low arc flight pattern to allow said frusto conical shape of said projectile, landing with maximum contact of said game target set in an acclivitous position thereby minimizing rebound off said game target.

3. A structure of claim 2 wherein said circular shaped landing surface is of polypropylene mesh fabric.

4. A structure of claim 2 wherein said circular formed tube is extruded polypropylene.

5. A structure of claim 2 wherein the connector means joining ends of said circular formed tube is a dowel inserted into the inner diameter of said circular formed tube.

6. A structure of claim 2 wherein the connector means joining ends of said circular formed tube is a sleeve positioned on the outer diameter of said circular formed tube.

7. A structure of claim 2 wherein is added a bottom tube section of rigid thermo plastic tubing positioned loosely on said circular formed tube at ground level holding the lower segment of said landing surface in reverse acclivity sufficient to minimize roll back of the landed projectile.