Cross Reference to Related Application

This application is based on United States provisional application serial number 61/834194 filed June 12, 2013.

S P E C I F I C A T I O N

Field Of The Invention

The present invention relates to a kayak game to be played on water to develop kayaking and boat handling skills while fostering team building and community building.

Background Of The Invention

Kayaking has become an ever increasing recreational sport, and many involved in the sport would welcome a game that can be played for fun or competition, and can also develop the boat handling skills helpful to more fully enjoy the sport; and to be safer on the water.

The game of the present invention not only develops kayaking skills, but also develops team building and community building skills, in a fun cooperative environment. Our kayak game provides a unique structure on the sport of kayaking that makes it more accessible, more appealing, and facilitates safety management in ways that diminish the technical know how and training required of people who manage the game when compared to supervising people on open water kayak trips.

The game also addresses a disconnect between the public's desire to play on the water and safety challenges inherent to boating that are not readily apparent to people who lack adequate training. Kayak training requires the learning of techinal skills under supervision. The game provides a focus that makes

boundaries desirable to players that people would otherwise resist as an imposition in kayak rental or group outing situations. By placing the court in a protected area, people are provided a way to safely have fun on the water in even the busiest commercial waterways.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is illustrated by way of example in the attached drawings showing game equipment; and the following description of the game.

The Court (Fig. 1):

In the preferred embodiment, a full court would be a rectangle 80 feet long and 45 feet wide, divided into two 40 foot playing zones, one for each team. The court size can be reduced to 70 feet long by 35 feet wide when playing with a reduced number of players, or perhaps increased to accommodate more players, and/or more room to maneuver, for example, for advanced players. The line dividing the zones is called the midline. The lines at the ends of the court are called backlines. The lines at the sides of the court are called sidelines.

Accordingly a court is defined by two parallel opposing backlines; two parallel opposing side lines; and a midline parallel to the back lines, and at the mid-point of the sidelines.

Court Fixtures:

The Court will be anchored in place by court fixtures, comprising floatation devices that are anchored in place, and straps attached to said floatation devices. The floatation devices will be adapted with securing hooks around their perimeter and serve as the points of connection to link the straps in place, and form the court lines. In the preferred embodiment, the floatation devices are circular Type IV floatation devices, with connecting snap hooks spaced around the perimeter. Accordingly, said floatation devices shall be referred to in this patent as "court connector rings."

In the preferred embodiment, six court connector rings are used around the perimeter of the court, with one located at each corner, and a pair located at the opposing ends of the mid-line. Straps are then connected to the court connector rings to form the backlines, sidelines and midline. In the preferred embodiment, the straps are 1.5 inch wide straps made of heavyweight polypropylene webbing, doubled over and sewn together at each end, with a hole and grommet within each end. There should be an additional grommet ten feet from one end of midline and backlines, and an additional grommet five feet from one end of the sidelines.

The strap set shall be ideally composed of four straps measuring 37 feet, 4 inches for the sidelines and three straps measuring 42 feet, 4 inches for the backlines and midline..

Court Connector Ring Anchoring System:

Securing the court fixtures involves variables that are site specific. When securing court connector rings in a natural environment, anchors are used, along with two lines. Two lines extend from the anchor: one line runs from the anchor to the court connector ring; the second line runs from the anchor to a separate float. The anchor sinks, forming a V-pattern, with the court connector ring and the float, which both remain on the surface of the water. In the preferred embodiment, the anchors are vinyl coated mushroom anchors weighing ten pounds or less. The length of the lines used is determined by measuring the distance from the bottom to the water surface at high tide, then adding an additional length of approximately six feet.

Inasmuch as it is impractical to drop each anchor at the precise place to make a court with boundary lines at right angles, the anchor can adjusted by pulling the float, in order to drag the anchors along the bottom an position the anchors, and court connector rings until the court is rectangular enough to facilitate play.

The game can also be played in controlled environments, such as a swimming pool. Custom straps are made to order for swimming pool play. If the pool is smaller than an official court size, the court can be reduced to the actual size of pool. If the pool is rectangular, only one strap is needed, to form a mid line. If the pool is too large, or has non rectangular portions, additional straps can be used to create the appropriate side and back lines

For player safety, the midline strap (and any other additional straps/lines added) should be fixed such that it gives way if a player falls on it. The midline strap is secured to either a below surface anchor, placed along the pool perimeter, or to an anchor located outside the pool, on a pool deck. For additional security, both anchors can be used. The midline strap is releasably secured to the pool deck anchor such that if a player falls on the midline, the strap would slip from beneath the deck anchor. During play, time would be stopped until the midline integrity is restored.

Game Play and Flow:

Participants shall be equipped with a kayak, kayak paddle, and PFD

(personal floatation device).

Participants divide into two teams. The object of the game is to accumulate points by striking opposing team players with a ball. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. The game can be played with a varying number of players on each team.

In the preferred form, there shall be half as many balls as there are Players. Fractions round up, such that odd numbers add one ball. Balls are distributed equally among teams at start of each period; and may be of differing colors or distinguishing patterns.

Length of game is determined by players prior to start, and preferably divided into 2 or more periods of no more than 12 minutes each. Preferably, there is an even number of periods, with a minimum of two periods. Teams switch sides after each period to neutralize environmental advantages.

Play begins with players on each team facing opponents in a line one paddle length from the midline and within a paddle length of adjacent team members. A whistle starts and ends each period. No hit shall score after whistle signals end of period.

Definitions and Rules of Play:

- Player: An in-court team member paddling a kayak. Scoring is done by Players only.

- Chaser: An off-court team member paddling a kayak. Chasers race to retrieve balls that leave the court, and return them to play. Chasers cannot score.

- Spectator: An off-court team member paddling a kayak, that is not involved in the current play.

- 20 Second Rule: Players and Chasers cannot possess the ball for more that 20 seconds without either throwing to score or passing to another team member.

- Live Ball: A ball that has been thrown or hit across the court's centerline.

- Dead Ball: A thrown ball is dead once it is caught, touches the water, or comes to rest in a boat after striking a player.

- Hit: A player is hit when they are struck with a live ball anywhere on the boat or body.

- Catch: A catch is made when a player gets possession and complete control of a live ball before it "dies". Only a player that is completely in bounds can score with a catch. A player can make a catch using two hands or one hand and their upper body or paddle.

- Deflection: A live ball has been deflected when a player blocks it with their paddle or ball they are holding. Deflected balls are live until rendered dead.

- Rejection: A live ball that has been deflected back across the centerline and strikes an opposing team's player.

- Off sides: A player is determined to be off sides when any part of their boat or body crosses the midline. There is a Penalty bonus for the team of the thrower if a player is hit while off sides.

- Out of Bounds: A player is determined to be out of bounds when their entire boat crosses a sideline or backline.

Scoring:

Hit: 1 point

Catch: 1 point

Rejection: 2 points

Special Scenarios:

If a live ball hits one teammate, then bounces off and hits another teammate before the ball dies, two points will be awarded.

If a player is hit by a live ball that is then caught by another teammate before it dies, no points will be awarded for the hit and a point will be awarded for the catch.

In the preferred embodiment each team has 10 active participants, 7 in-court Players, and 3 out-of-court Chasers. However, the game can be played with a varying number of participants on each team. If there a suitable number of players, each team can be divide into three position squads, which shall rotate during play. The position squads are Player, Chaser, and Spectator. If there are only enough players for two position squads, the position squads are Player and Chaser.

Squads members change positions at the end of each period, for example, as follows: 1) Spectator squad becomes Chaser squad, 2) Chaser Squad becomes Player Squad, 3) Player Squad becomes Spectator Squad.

Only Players are allowed on court to score or be hit and they must remain in bounds.

Chasers are mounted on kayaks at the sidelines and backlines. They cannot score in any way and must stay out of the court. Chasers must fetch any balls that go out of bounds and throw them to their teammates.

Spectators do not participate and get a chance to rest as well as observe the game, and learn.

20 Second Rule applies to Chasers as well as Players.

In the preferred form, there shall be six 7-minute periods, with 4-minute breaks between periods. Teams change sides after the 3 ^rd period.

Brief Description of the Drawings

- Fig. 1 is an Illustration of the preferred embodiment for rectangular court to be used for playing the Kayak game of the present invention;

- Fig. 2 is an illustration of the preferred embodiment for a court connector 5 ring to be used at the four corners of the court illustrated in Fig 1 ;

- Fig. 3 is an illustration of the preferred embodiment for a court connector ring to be used at each end of the midline of the court illustrated in Fig 1 ;

- Fig. 4 is in illustration of the anchoring system used to secure the court connector ring of Figs. 2 and 3 in a natural environment.

i o - Fig 5 is in illustration of the anchoring system used to secure the court connector ring of Figs. 2 and 3 in a swimming pool environment.

Deatailed Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates a court (10) for playing the game of the present invention. The perimeter of the court (10) is a rectangle defined by two backlines (1 1 a and 1 lb), and two sidelines (12a and 12b), and bisected by midline (13).

The sidelines (12a and 12b) are generally parallel to each other, and the distance between the sidelines defines the width of the court (A). In the preferred embodiment the width of the court (A) is approximately 45 feet, or 13.5 meters.

The backlines (1 1 a and 1 lb) are generally parallel to each other, and the distance between the backlines defines the length of the court (B). In the preferred embodiment the width of the court (A) is approximately 80 feet, or 25 meters.

The midline (13) is generally parallel to the backlines, and spaced equidistant from each backline. The distance from one backline to the midline defines the halflength of the court (C). In the preferred embodiment the halflength of the court (C) is approximately 40 feet, or 12.5 meters.

The sidelines, backlines and midline are affixed to court connector rings (20), shown in Figs 2 and 3. In the preferred embodiment the court connector rings (20) are made of an U.S.C.G. approved Throwable Device -Type IV PFD, more commonly known as a life preserver, or life ring. Such devices have a perimeter rope known as a grab rope (22) . The court connector rings (20) are affixed with snap hooks (30) fastened to the grab rope (22). The snap hooks (30) can be directly fastened to the grab rope (22), or in the alternative they can be attached using an intermediate line. In one embodiment, Snap Hooks (30) are affixed to the court connector ring grab rope (22) with a suitable rope, such as a ten inch length of Spectra line that is suitable for use in water. The Spectra line, or related suitable line, loops around the grab rope, then both ends are passed through the eye of the snap hook and then tied off with a double overhand knot.

It should be understood that the various components of the court (10), such as the connecter rings (20), straps (40, 50 and 55), lines (60, 62 and 65) and anchors (61 , 63 and 64) can be connected and secured to each other in a variety of ways. The use of snap hooks (30) is the preferred method, however, nothing in this specification should be construed to limit the means of connecting the various components of the court (10).

Fig. 2 illustrates a court connector ring (20) adapted to be used in the backline corner position. Four total such devices are used, on each corner of the court (10). The backline corner connectors have snap hooks (30) attached to the grab rope (22) on three of the four sides. One snap hook is secured to the backline strap (50). Another snap hook (30) is adjacent to the above referenced hook, and is secured to the sideline strap (40), such that backline strap (50) and sideline strap (40) extend perpendicular from each other forming an appropriate right angle/corner for the court (10). The third snap hook is secured to anchor line (60) which extends opposite the backline strap (50).

Fig. 3 illustrates a court connector ring (20) adapted to be used in the midline position. Two total such devices are used, one at the midpoint on each sideline of the court (10). The midline connectors have snap hooks (30) attached to the grab rope (22) on all four sides. Two opposing snap hooks (30) are secured to the sideline strap (40). Another snap hook (30) is between the above referenced hooks, and is secured to the midline strap (55), such that midline strap (55) and the two sideline straps (40) extend perpendicular from each other forming an appropriate right angle defining the midpoint of the court (10).

As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, securing the court connector rings (20) involves variables that are site specific. When securing court connector rings in a natural environment (see Fig. 4), anchor (61 ) secures the connector ring in place. The preferred anchor is a vinyl coated mushroom anchor, weighing ten pounds or less. Two lines (60 and 62) are attached to the anchor (61). Each anchor will have an anchor line (60) that terminates in a loop to receive the court connector ring snap hook (30), and a positioning line (62) of slightly greater length that is attached to a floating buoy (63).

The anchor (61) sinks below the surface of the water (70) and rests on the bottom (71). Both the ring connector (20) and floating buoy (63) remain on the surface of the water (70). The length of the positioning line (62) is determined by measuring the distance from the bottom to the water surface at high tide, then adding approximately 6 feet, or 2 meters.

When securing court connector rings in a man-made environment, such as a swimming pool (see Fig. 5), bottom anchors (63) are used below the water surface (70), and pool deck anchors (64) are used above the surface, resting on the pool deck (72). The midline strap (13) can be secured using either bottom anchors (63) or poll deck anchors (64), or both. Midline strap (13) rests along the water surface (70), and is adapted with connector points (31) at each end. Said connector points (31 ) can be made simply using grommets, or snap hooks, or any other suitable means of providing a connection point to the midline strap (13). Restraining lines (65) extend either upwards or downwards, or both, from connecting points (31 ), and are secured to the respective bottom anchors (63) and/or pool deck anchors (64)

For player safety, the midline (13) should be fixed so it gives way if a player falls on it. The restraining line (65) extends from the midline through connecting points (32), to pool deck anchors (64). This line (65) is held to the surface of the pool deck by the anchors (64), which are preferably vinyl-clad anchor or ten pound sand bags. The restraining line (65) can either be secured to the pool deck anchor (64), or simply placed underneath the anchor. In either configuration, if player falls on the midline (13), the ten pound weight of the anchor (64) will not hold the midline (13) in place, and it would either slip from beneath the pool deck anchor (64), or if attached, simply move the pool deck anchor (64). If the restraining line (65) is secured below the water surface (70), to bottom anchor (63), the same effect is created. A person falling on the midline (13) would simply cause the bottom anchors (63) to move accordingly. During play, time would be stopped until the midline integrity is restored.

It should be understood that, should a pool or other playing area be a non- rectangular shape and require additional lines to create the appropriate court, all lines will be secured in the same manner as the midline discussed above.