RECREATIONAL AMUSEMENT

RELATED APPLICATION:

This application claims any and all available priority to U.S. patent application Serial No. 1 1/895,282 entitled RECREATIONAL AMUSEMENT filed August 23, 2008, of which prior application this present application is a continuation-in-part. By this reference, the full disclosure, including the claims and drawings, of U.S. patent application Serial No.

1 1/895,282 is incorporated herein as though now set forth in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD:

The present invention relates to recreation. More particularly, the invention relates to a recreational amusement specifically adapted to enable convenient transport of a game by integrating elements of the game into a cooler such as would be expected to be brought along to a recreational outing.

BACKGROUND ART:

Few things are as rejuvenating as going on a recreational outing with family or friends. Unfortunately, some of the fun of such outings is often dampened for those assigned the tasks of packing up and transporting food and beverages, picnic wares, sporting equipment and the like. Often, due to a limited space for transportation of such items, those assigned the tasks are often force to make difficult decisions regarding what to take and what to leave behind, often to the disappointment of at least some others.

It is therefore an overriding object of the present invention to eliminate at lease a part of the resulting frustration by providing a recreational amusement that is highly integrated with an otherwise conventional food and beverage cooler, which, of course, is an item rarely omitted from the outing. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide such a recreational amusement that may be utilized in a number of manners, thereby ensuring that those who are fortunate enough to often embark on recreational outings do not quickly bore of the amusement. Still further, it is an object of the present invention to provide such a recreational amusement that is economical to manufacture and easy to play, thereby ensuring the benefit by those of virtually any economic means or age.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION:

In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention - a recreational

amusement - generally comprises a cooler having a toss-type game board integrated with the lid thereof. The toss-type game board generally includes one or more cavities provided in the top of the lid of the cooler. Additionally, provision is made in the recreational amusement of the present invention for orienting the top of the lid in a sloping position for play of the game enabled by the game board.

Many other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts, especially in light of the foregoing discussions and the following drawings, exemplary detailed description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment follows together with illustrative figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components, and wherein:

Figure 1 shows, in a perspective view, a first preferred embodiment of the recreational amusement of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows, in a left side elevational view, the recreational amusement of Figure l;

Figure 3 shows, in a front end view, the recreational amusement of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows, in a top plan view, the lid of the cooler embodying the recreational amusement of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows, in right side elevational view, the lid of Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows, in a left side elevational view, the lid of a cooler as formed to implement a second preferred embodiment of the recreational amusement of the present invention; Figure 7 shows, in a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 6, the lid of Figure

6;

Figure 8 shows, in a top plan view generally corresponding to the view of Figure 4, a first extension of various aspects of the recreational amusement of Figures 1 or 6;

Figure 9 shows, in a top plan view generally corresponding to the view of Figure 4, a second extension of various aspects of the recreational amusement of Figures 1 or 6;

Figure 10 shows, in a top plan view generally corresponding to the view of Figure 4, a third extension of various aspects of the recreational amusement of Figures 1 or 6;

Figure 1 1 shows, in a perspective view generally corresponding to the view of Figure 1, a fourth extension of various aspects of the recreational amusement of Figures 1 or 6;

Figure 12 shows, in a perspective view generally corresponding to the view of Figure 1, a fifth extension of various aspects of the recreational amusement of Figures 1 or 6;

Figure 12A shows, in a top plan view, details of the extension of Figure 12;

Figure 13 shows, in a perspective view, an alternative embodiment of the extension of Figure 12;

Figure 14 shows, in a top plan view generally corresponding to the view of Figure 4, a sixth extension of various aspects of the recreational amusement of Figures 1 or 6;

Figure 15 shows, in a top plan view, a seventh extension of various aspects of the recreational amusement of Figures 1 or 6; Figure 15A shows, in a cross sectional view taken through cut line 15A — 15A of

Figure 15, details of the extension of Figure 15;

Figure 16 shows, in a right side elevational view, a third preferred embodiment of the recreational amusement of the present invention;

Figure 17 shows, in a top plan view, the lid of the cooler embodying the recreational amusement of Figure 16;

Figure 18 shows, in a rear end view, the lid of Figure 17;

Figure 19 shows, in a schematic block diagram, details of an eight extension of various aspects of the recreational amusement of Figures 1, 6 or 16;

Figure 20 shows, in a rear end view, details of a ninth extension of various aspects of the recreational amusement of the present invention;

Figure 21 shows, in a top plan view, further details of the embodiment of Figure 20;

Figure 22 shows, in a left side elevational view, still further details of the embodiment of Figure 20;

Figure 23 shows, in a bottom plan view, still further yet details of the embodiment of Figure 20;

Figure 24 shows, in an elevational view, details of a detachable leg as may be utilized with the embodiment of Figure 20;

Figure 25 shows, an electrical cord and plug assembly as may be utilized in conjunction with various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 26 shows, in a partially cutaway top view, details of a tenth extension of various aspects of the present invention;

Figure 27 shows, in a partially cutaway left side elevational view, additional details of the extension of Figure 26;

Figure 28 shows, in a bottom plan view, an alternate embodiment of certain details of

Figure 23;

Figure 29 shows, in a left side elevational view, additional details of the alternate embodiment of Figure 28;

Figure 30 shows, in an elevational view, an eleventh extension of various aspects of the present invention;

Figure 31 shows, in a perspective view, a variation of the extensions of the present invention generally depicted in Figures 12, 12A and 13;

Figure 32 shows, in a top plan view, details of a twelfth extension of various aspects of the present invention; Figure 33 shows, in a side cross sectional view taken through line 33 — 33 of Figure

32, additional details of the extension of Figure 32;

Figure 34 shows, in a top plan view, details of a thirteenth extension of the present invention as implemented in conjunction with a cooler as shown in Figures 1 or 6; and

Figure 35 shows, in a top plan view, details of the extension of Figure 34 as implemented in conjunction with a cooler as shown in Figure 16.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION:

Although those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize many alternative embodiments, especially in light of the illustrations provided herein, this detailed description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scope of which is limited only by the claims appended hereto.

Referring now to the figures, the recreational amusement 20 of the present invention generally comprises a cooler 21 having a toss-type game board 28 integrated with the lid 26 thereof. As shown in figures, the toss-type game board 28 generally comprises one or more cavities 29 provided in the top 27 of the lid 26 of the cooler 21. Additionally, provision is made in the recreational amusement 20 of the present invention for orienting the top 27 of the lid 26 in a sloping position for play of the game enabled by the game board 28.

In a first preferred embodiment of the recreational amusement 20, as particularly shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sloping aspect of the top 27 of the lid 26 for the cooler 21 may be provided by forming the top portion 23 of a box 22a forming the body 22 of the cooler 21 to have a sloping edge profile 24. In this embodiment, the bottom 56 of the lid 27 is generally conventionally formed to have a traditional horizontal edge profile 57 and the top 28 of the lid 27 is also formed to have a traditional edge profile 24. In a second preferred embodiment of the recreational amusement 20, as particularly shown in Figures 6 and 7, the lid 26 for the

cooler 21 may be formed with a traditional horizontal edge profile 57 at the bottom 56 thereof but with a sloping horizontal edge profile 55 at the top 27. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, especially in light of this exemplary detailed description, this second preferred embodiment of the recreational amusement 20 is particularly suited for enabling implementation of the present invention in the after-market for conventional coolers, wherein it is to be expected that the box 22a of the body 22 of the cooler 21 would have a traditional horizontal edge profile 25 at the top 23 thereof.

As particularly shown in Figures 16 and 17, however, it is additionally noted that the body 22 of the cooler is not limited to taking the form of a box 22a as previously discussed. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the body of the cooler may take the form of a jug 22b or may comprise any other substantially equivalent container base, the only critical aspect of the present invention being that provision is made in the recreational amusement 20 of the present invention for orienting the top 27 of the lid 26 in a sloping position for play of the game enabled by the game board 28. Regardless of implementation for the sloping aspect of the game board 28, the one or more cavities 29 are disposed in and, if desired or necessary in a particular implementation, through the top 27 of the lid 26 for a cooler 21, forming in the top 27 of the lid 26 one or more repositories for receiving therein a ball, toss-bag or the like in play of the enabled game. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, such a cavity 29 may be provided with a lid 30, which is preferably provided with a tether 31 for retaining the lid 30 during play of the game and/or one or more handles 32 for facilitating removal of the lid 30 as desired. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, provision of such a lid 30 increases the utility of the present invention by enabling the game cavities 29 to also serve as storage areas for condiments, picnic supplies or the like. As particularly shown in Figures 8 through 10, the game board 28 may be implemented in a variety of alternative forms. For example, as shown in Figure 8, a plurality of cavities 29 may be provided in top 27 of the lid 26. As also shown in Figure 8, the cavities may take a variety of shapes and be of a variety of sizes, thereby increasing the possibilities for play and scoring of the game. Additionally, as particularly shown in Figures 9 and 10, scoring applique 44 may be provided to further enhance the game. As particularly shown in Figure 9, one or more of the scoring applique 44 may be manufactured of luminescent material 45 for play of the game in poorly lighted areas.

As particularly shown in Figures 12 and 13, a plurality of attachments 46 may be provided as part of the recreational amusement 20 of the present invention, thereby injecting

further variety into play of the game. For example, a backboard 47 may be provided as particularly shown in Figure 12. As shown in Figure 12, such a backboard 47 is preferably provided with one or more attachment mounting pegs 51 which may be received in a corresponding number of attachment mounting holes 50 provided in the top 27 of the lid 26. As particularly shown in Figure 12A, such mounting holes 50 and corresponding attachment mounting pegs 51 are preferably provided in a non-linear layout in order to give additional vertical stability to the backboard 47 thereby preventing inadvertent dislodgement of the backboard 47 upon impact from a ball, toss bag or the like. As particularly shown in Figure 13, an attachment 46 comprising a backboard 47 may be provided with a ring 48, which may have a net 49 or the like attached thereto, thereby extending the game implemented in the recreational amusement 20 of the present invention to a basketball-like game. Similarly, as particularly shown in Figure 31, such an attachment 46 may also comprise a ladder-type structure 82 for play of another popular game or other similar structure. As shown in Figures 32 and 33, an overlay 83 may be provided such that the lid 26 of the present invention may be better suited to the play of "washers" or other coin-toss type games. In such a case, the overlay 83 may be provided with a surface of artificial grass 84 and/or hook-and-loop type fastener material 85 for affixation to the lid 26. Although not shown in the drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that such artificial grass material, rubber or neoprene or like surface may be provided interior to the cavity 29 or cavities 29 in the lid also as an aid in the play of such games.

The utility of the recreational amusement 20 of the present invention may also be extended by providing the cavity 29 with a reversible-lid 30 as shown in Figure 1 1. In this implementation, the top 33 of the lid 30 is provided with a peg 34 attached thereto. The base 35 of the lid 30 is also preferably provided with a frictional edge banding 36, thereby forming the lid 30 as a plug for insertion into the cavity 29. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, this implementation allows the toss-type game to be played as a ring- toss type game. As will also be appreciated by those of ordinary in the art, such a lid 30 may simply be inverted for transportation or storage of the recreational amusement 20 with the peg 34 contained fully within the cavity 29. As particularly shown in Figure 14, the lid 26 for the cooler 21 may be provided with preferably embedded lighting 53 about the perimeter 52 thereof. In this manner, the recreational amusement 20 of the present invention may be readily played even in very low lighting conditions. In a further extension of the present invention, the recreational amusement 20 may be provided with an insert 37 for the cavity 29. In this manner, embedded

lighting 40 may be optionally provided about the cavity 29. In implementation of such an extension, the embedded lighting 40 is provided about the perimeter 39 of the top 38 of the insert and a power source 42 for the lighting 40 as well as an ON-OFF switch 43 are provided in the base 41 of the insert 37. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, by implementing this extension of the present invention as an insert 37, the lighting power source 42 and switch 43 are easily provided in an out-of-the-way location, thereby preventing interference with play of the game. In a simpler implementation of this general aspect of the present invention, reflective or "glow-in-the-dark" applique 87 may be provided about the lid 26 as particularly exemplified in Figures 34 and 35. As shown in various figures, and particularly in Figures 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22, an integrated speaker system 63 may be provided with any embodiment of the present invention, thereby enabling the use of a portable audio device in conjunction with the other recreational uses of the present invention. As shown in the figures, such an integrated speaker system 63 may include one or more audio speakers 64, a battery pack 65 and an interface port 68 for connection of a portable audio device. The battery pack 65 may include and external charging port 66 or, alternatively or in combination, such a port 66 may be utilized to supply power from the battery pack to small electronic devices such as, for example, a cellular telephone. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, an appropriate power cord 71, such as depicted in Figure 25, may be provided. Additionally, the integrated speaker system 63 may comprise one or more solar panel 67, which are preferably hingedly attached to the side of the lid 26 generally protected from the throwing of balls, bean bags or the like. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art in light of this exemplary disclosure, an appropriate control circuit 70 may accompany the integrated speaker system 63 and the portable audio device may be protected from weather and play of games by enclosure within a hatch 69, which hatch 69 may be made watertight.

For play of the implemented game in a pool or other body of water, the lid 26 of the cooler 21 may be fully removable from the body 22 and, if necessary or desired, may be provided with internal ballast 77, as shown in Figures 17 and 21, to promote stability and/or balance of the floating lid 26. In the case of implementations wherein the lid 26 is fully removable, removable legs 72 or folding legs 86 or the like may be provided, as particular shown in Figures 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29 and 30. In the case of removable legs 72, one or more storage compartments 74, which may comprise caps 75, may be provided for convenient storage. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, such removable legs 72 may be frictionally engaged with the lid 26 or may be provided with

appropriate threading 73 or the like.

It should be noted that Applicant contemplates that in at least one embodiment of the recreational amusement 20 of the present invention, the combination comprises one lid 26 having no legs, which first lid is meant to remain in place atop the cooler body 22, and an additional lid 26 provided with legs, which second lid is easily transported with the recreational amusement 20 by affixation in an upside down position atop the first lid by any conventional means. Upon reaching a recreational destination, the second lid may be separated from the first, enabling the game of choice to be played in back-and-forth fashion.

While the foregoing description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize the many variations, alterations, modifications, substitutions and the like as are readily possible, especially in light of this description, the accompanying drawings and the claims drawn hereto. For example, it is to be expected that the cooler 21 may be provided with any conventional features such as carrying handles 59 wheels 60, a hingedly attached pulling handle 61 or protective reinforcement 62. Likewise, in implementations comprising an integrated Hd 26, the Hd 26 may be provided with conventional hinges 28. Still further, one or more general storage compartments 76, which compartments 76 may be made watertight, are preferably provided in the available interior space of the Hd 26 as shown in Figures 21, 22 and 23. Still further yet, virtually any embodiment of the recreational amusement 20 may be provided with retractable beverage holders 78, such as are shown in Figures 26 and 27, fishing rod holders 79, such as are shown in Figures 29 and 30, or the like. In such extensions, it should be noted that the exemplary depictions shown are not intended to be limiting. For example, the hook 80 and slot 81 arrangement of the depicted fishing rod holder 79 may be equally utilized for attachment of a beverage holder. To this end, it is emphasized that it is expressly contemplated that any or all of the variously described extensions of the present invention may be combined in whole or in part in any basic configuration of the recreational amusement 20 of the present invention, each of which is considered to be within the scope of the present invention. In any case, because the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, the foregoing detailed description should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims appended hereto.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY:

The present invention is applicable to recreation.