Inventors: Mark Hartelius

TITLE

MEMORY DEVICE FOR POOL GAME

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63/405,074, filed on September 9, 2022, entitled “MEMORY DEVICE FOR POOL GAME,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a memory device and, more particularly, to a memory device for pool games that utilizes color indicators and sequences of colors.

SUMMARY

[0003] The following presents a summary of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some aspects. This summary is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor define any limitations of embodiments or claims. This summary may provide a simplified overview of aspects that may be described in greater detail in other portions of this disclosure. Furthermore, any of the described aspects may be isolated or combined with other described aspects without limitation.

[0004] Disclosed is a memory device. The memory device may be used in a pool or in any body of water, such as that in a bathtub or in lakes, oceans, and the like. In addition, the memory device may be used independent of water, such as in an open space, a sports field, in the woods, in a driveway or any other available space. While the present disclosure describes the memory game in use in water, the present disclosure is not limited to such. It can be used in any open space, which can be independent of water. The memory device may be used as a game or as part of a memory rehabilitation for a user. The memory device may be used as a memory game where colors of an item are matched to a color sequence provided in the game, such as provided by a game controller.

[0005] The memory device may include a hub. The hub may include first top end that includes a user interface. The user interface may include a transparent button that, upon activation by a user, provides a visual color sequence. The hub may further include a second bottom end that attaches to the top end by a series of arms. The bottom end may provide floatation of the hub on water. The bottom end and arms may extend the top end away from and distanced from the water. The hub may include a hollow or open central interior space. The memory device may further include a plurality of rings. The rings may include a central opening and a body having a color that matches the optional colors in the visual color sequence provided by the hub. The rings may sink in the water. Use of the memory device may include retrieving the plurality of rings in the visual color sequence provided by the hub.

[0006] Disclosed is a memory game. In an embodiment, the memory game may comprise a hub including a bottom end and a top end. In an embodiment, the bottom end may include a floating portion that is configured to float on water. In an embodiment, the top end may include a user interface. In an embodiment, the top end may be spaced from the bottom end by a series of arms. In an embodiment, the series of arms may be configured to hold the top end out of the water. In an embodiment, the top end may include a sequence indicator. In an embodiment, the sequence indicator may be configured to provide a visual color sequence upon actuation. In an embodiment, the memory game may comprise a plurality of rings. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of rings may comprise a single color. In an embodiment, the plurality of rings may have a plurality of colors. In an embodiment, the visual color sequence may correspond to the plurality of colors.

[0007] Tn an embodiment, the bottom end may be circular and have a first circumference. In an embodiment, the top end may circular and have a second circumference. In an embodiment, the second circumference may be smaller than the first circumference. In an embodiment, the sequence indicator may be translucent or transparent. In an embodiment, the sequence indicator may be a push button actuator. In an embodiment, the hub may provide an auditory response upon actuation. In an embodiment, the plurality of rings may comprise a color that is illuminated by black light. In an embodiment, the plurality of rings may be glow- in-the-dark. In an embodiment, the plurality of rings may sink in the water. In an embodiment, the floating portion of the hub may be inflatable. In an embodiment, the hub may be hollow.

[0008] Disclosed is a memory pool game. In an embodiment, the memory pool game may comprise a hub configured to float on water and including a sequence indicator. In an embodiment, the sequence indicator may be spaced from the water. In an embodiment, the sequence indicator may be configured to provide a memory sequence upon actuation. In an embodiment, , the memory pool game may comprise a plurality of rings. In an embodiment, the plurality of rings may be configured to sink in the water. In an embodiment, the plurality of rings may correspond to the memory sequence.

[0009] In an embodiment, the memory sequence may be a color sequence. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of rings may comprise a color that corresponds to the color sequence. In an embodiment, the memory sequence may be a shape sequence. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of rings may comprise a shape that corresponds to the shape sequence. In an embodiment, the sequence indicator may include lights that illuminate to provide the memory sequence. In an embodiment, the sequence indicator may include a speaker that makes sounds to provide the memory sequence. In an embodiment, the hub may comprise a pyramidal shape having a floating base and a top user interface. In an embodiment, the top user interface may include the sequence indicator. In an embodiment, the hub may be hollow. In an embodiment, the sequence indicator may be a push button. In an embodiment, the hub may include a timer configured to time how long it takes for a user to retrieve the plurality of rings in an order of the memory sequence.

[0010] The following description and the drawings disclose various illustrative aspects. Some improvements and novel aspects may be expressly identified, while others may be apparent from the description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present teachings may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a memory device including a hub and a plurality' of rings in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

[0013] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a method of using a memory device including a hub and a plurality of rings in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

[0014] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a hub in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

[0015] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a memory device including a hub and a plurality' of rings in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

[0016] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a plurality of rings placed in a body of water in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

[0017] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a plurality of rings placed in a body of water in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; and,

[0018] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a memory device including a hub and a plurality' of rings in accordance with aspects disclosed herein. [0019] The invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims, rather than in the specific description preceding them. All embodiments that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present teachings, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the present teachings. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the present teachings. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the present teachings. In this disclosure, numerous specific details provide a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure. It should be understood that aspects of this disclosure may be practiced with other embodiments not necessarily including all aspects described herein, etc.

[0021] As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” means an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggest otherwise. [0022] Further, unless context suggest otherwise, descriptions of shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, etc.) refer to shapes meeting the definition of such shapes and general representation of such shapes. For instance, a triangular shape or generally triangular shape may include a shape that has three sides and three vertices or a shape that generally represents a triangle, such as a shape having three major sides that may or may not have straight edges, triangular like shapes with rounded vertices, etc.

[0023] Turning to FIG. 1, shown is a memory device 100. The memory device 100 may include a hub 110 and a plurality of rings 160. The memory device 100 may be used in a pool 5 or in any body of water 10, such as that in a bathtub or in lakes, oceans, and the like. Still further, the memory device 100 may be utilized in an open space, a sports field, in the woods, in a driveway or any other available space. The memory device 100 may be used as a memory game, such memory game could be used a rehab for a user with memory issues. The memory device 100 may be used as a memory game where an aspect of an item, such as the plurality of rings 160, is matched to a memory sequence provided in the game, such as by the hub 110. In an embodiment, the hub 110 may provide a memory sequence (e.g., a visual color sequence) and the user may retrieve the plurality of rings 160 in the memory sequence (e.g., the visual color sequence) provided by the hub 110.

[0024] In an embodiment, completion of the memory sequence may entail retrieving the plurality of rings 1 0 in the order of the memory sequence and optionally returning to the hub 110 after all rings are retrieved in the right order; retrieving the plurality of rings 160 in any order and then placing them in the order of the memory sequence and optionally returning to the hub 1 10 after all rings are retrieved and placed in the right order; retrieving each of the plurality of rings 160 in the order of the memory sequence and returning each of the plurality of rings 160 to the hub 110 before gathering the next ring in the memory sequence; and the like. [0025] The hub 110 may generally float on the surface of the water 10 and the plurality of rings 160 may sink in the water 10. Alternatively or in addition, the hub 110 may be positioned on a flat surface, which could be on the ground or on a platform, or raised surface. The plurality of rings 160 may be dispersed from the hub 110 similar to as done in the water. In an embodiment, the memory sequence may be provided or received outside of the water 10 (e.g., by the floating hub 110) and the retrieving of or carrying out the memory sequence may occur within the water 10 (e.g., the sinking plurality of rings).

[0026] In an embodiment, the hub 110 may have a body 113 that is a pyramidal or triangular shape (e.g., along a vertical plane or as viewed from the side). It is noted that the hub 110 may have any other shape as desired including square, rectangular, circular, ovular, irregular, and the like. The body 113 may include an interior space 116 that is generally hollow or open. The interior space 116 may be central to the body 113. The hollow or open interior space 116 may increase buoyancy of the hub 110 and may assist the hub 110 in floating on the water 10. It may also allow it to be stable when placed on a non- water surface.

[0027] The hub 110 may have a first end 122. In an embodiment, the first end 122 may be a top end. The first end 122 may be spaced or distanced from the water 10 or the surface on which it is placed. The first end 122 may be generally circular (e.g., along a horizontal plane or as viewed from the top). It is noted that the first end 122 may have any other shape as desired including square, rectangular, ovular, irregular, and the like. The first end 122 may include an apron 128 that extends from a planar surface of the first end 122 at an angle.

[0028] The first end 122 and/or apron 128 may include or serve as a housing to hold the circuitry of the hub 110, including a processor or microprocessor, batteries or other power source, circuit board, on-board memory, light and/or speaker indicator connections, Bluetooth connections and capabilities, Wi-Fi capabilities, cellular, NFC connections, transmitters and receivers, and the like. The housing portion may have a liquid-tight seal or may be water resistant or water proof. In an embodiment, the electrical components may be encased in a waterproof or water resistant case or body (e.g., at the first end 122 or distanced from water). In an embodiment, the case or body may comprise a waterproof or water resistant material. In an example, the case or body may be plastic and may have a waterproof or water resistant material coating, such as a clear epoxy. The hub 110 may include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or the like, and a user may be able to download sounds and program the game from a remote device, such as a cell phone, or through the hub’s 110 user interface. The apron 128 may extend towards the bottom end 131 and may attach to the arms 137 as further disclosed and described herein.

[0029] The first end 122 may include a user interface 125. In an embodiment, the user interface 125 may include an actuator. The actuator may be a button, such as a push button. It is noted that the actuator may include other types of buttons, such as a sliding button, twist button, etc. The actuator may turn on the hub 110. In an embodiment, the user interface 125 may include at least one sequence indicator. The sequence indicator may be a visual sequence indicator, such as a light indicator. In some embodiments, the sequence indicator may comprise a noise, i.e., it is an audible sequence indicator. Or, in other embodiments, the sequence indicator may comprise a visual sequence indicator and an audible sequence indicator. If an audible sequence indicator, the noise generated may be any appropriate noise, such as an alarm, a ticking sound, a word or words, a beeping sound or any other sound. The light indicator may correspond to a single color, so that the hub 110 may include a plurality of light indicators to correspond to a plurality of colors. The light indicator may correspond to multiple colors, so that the hub may include a single light indicator to correspond to a plurality of colors. In an embodiment, the light indicator may be a button, such as a push button, sliding button, twist button, etc. The sequence indicator may provide a memory sequence, such as a visual color sequence. [0030] In an embodiment and as shown in FIG. 3, the user interface 125 may be a transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or near transparent push button that both actuates the hub 110 (e.g., the actuator) and that provides a memory sequence (e.g., sequence indicator). Interacting and activating the user interface 125 once may turn on the hub and provide a memory sequence. The same memory sequence may repeat until the user interface 125 is pressed again, or the memory sequence may only be given one, two, or three times (or any limited number as desired). Interacting and activating the user interface 125 again may provide a new memory sequence. The user interface 125 may include multiple buttons to initiate multiple or different instructions or the user interface 125 can include a singular button that initiates multiple or different instructions based on the number of times the button is pressed in a certain period of time, based on short or long presses, and the like.

[0031] The memory sequence from the hub 110 may generally correspond to a matchable aspect 169 of the plurality of rings 160. In an example, the memory sequence may be a visual color sequence and may provide a sequence of different colored lights. For example, a visual color sequence may be: red, orange, blue, purple, green. Another visual color sequence may be: blue, green, red, orange. Yet another visual color sequence may be: blue, blue, green, red, purple, yellow. The visual color sequence may repeat colors, e.g., in embodiments where the plurality of rings 110 have repeat or multiple of the same colors. The number of colors and colors themselves in the visual color sequence are not limited. The visual color sequence may have two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, etc. colors in the sequence. Similarly, an audible sequence may be utilized. In some embodiments, a combination of a visual color sequence and an audible noise sequence may be utilized.

[0032] In embodiments including a visual color sequence, for example, the colors in the visual color sequence may correspond to the colors 169 of the plurality of rings 160. Colors may repeat if there are multiple rings 160 with that color. The user may select different difficulty levels such as by providing easier or more difficult visual color sequences (e.g., if the colors repeat or do not repeat or tossing a quantity of rings 160 that is greater than the number of colors in the visual color sequence), by modifying the number of rings 160 tossed, the number of repeated colors, or the length of the memory sequence, by limiting the amount of time to retrieve the rings 160, by limiting the number of times that the hub 110 repeats the memory sequence, and the like. In an embodiment, the colors 169 of the rings 160 may be receptive to or illuminated by black light and a black light 195 may be used to illuminate the colors 169. In an embodiment, the colors 169 of the rings 160 may be receptive to sunlight and glow in the dark. These embodiments having a color change based on light (or absence of light) may be used when the environment is darker, for example, such as at dusk, at dawn, at night, or when other lights are turned off. Similarly, the audible indicator may read out the colors in addition to the light or instead of the light.

[0033] In an embodiment, the visual color sequence may progressively increase in difficulty after each visual color sequence. For example, the first visual color sequence (e.g., after turning on the hub 110 from an “off’ state) may include a lower number of colors in the sequence, such as 1-3 colors in the sequence. The next or second visual color sequence (e.g., after pressing the actuator while the hub 110 is still in an “on” state) may include a higher number of colors in the sequence, such as 2-4 colors in the sequence. Each successive visual color sequence may include one additional color in the visual color sequence. Each successive visual color sequence may include two additional colors in the visual color sequence. Each successive visual sequence may include additional colors based on the following formula: prior sequence number + n (this may also apply for the audible indicator).

[0034] Although the memory sequence and sequence indicators are hereto described as relating to visual colors, it is noted that other senses and matchable aspects 169 may be used with the memory device 100. For example, the sequence indicator can include a speaker that calls out the names of colors. In another example, a light having a certain shape or pattern may be used that corresponds to shapes or patterns of the rings 160. The shapes or patterns can include words, animals, geometric shapes, like triangles, circles, stars, squares, etc., letters, numbers, and the like. These colors, shapes, or patterns can be indicated visually, e.g., by illuminating a light having the color, shape, or pattern, or by an auditory indicator, e.g., by saying the color, shape, or pattern. In an embodiment, the memory device 100 may give a clue or trivia question where the answer corresponds to an aspect of one of the rings 160.

[0035] The hub 110 may have a second end 131. In an embodiment, the second end 131 may be a bottom end. The second end 131 may contact and float on the water 10 and/or may provide a stable base if set on a non-water surface. The second end 131 may be generally circular (e.g., along a horizontal plane or as viewed from the top). It is noted that the second end 131 may have any other shape as desired including square, rectangular, ovular, irregular, and the like. In an embodiment, the second end 131 may be larger than the first end 122. In an embodiment, the second end 131 may have a larger perimeter or circumference than the first end 122. The larger size or circumference may increase buoyancy of the hub 110 and may assist the hub 110 in floating on the water 10 and may provide a stable base when placed on a non-water surface. The second end 131 may further be comprised of a buoyant material or structure. For example, the second end 131 may be include rounded sides 134, may be hollow, may be re-fillable with air, etc. In an example, the second end 131 may comprise an inflatable material, e.g., an air inflatable material.

[0036] The second end 131 may be spaced apart from but connected to the top end 122 by one or more arms 137. While the structural attachment is described as arms 137, it is noted that the arms 137 can be any shape or form. For example, the arms 137 may be continuous and extend along an entire periphery of each the first end 122 and the second end 131. The arms 137 could also be discontinuous or patterned. The arms 137 may include one or more apertures, for example, elongated apertures, circular apertures, etc. The arms 137 may form a basket weave. The arms 137 may run vertically between the first end 122 and the second end 131, and may also run horizontally around a periphery of the interior space 116 or through the interior space 116, etc. As shown in FIG. 1, the hub 110 may include one or more arms 137 that extend vertically between the first end 122 and the second end 131. The hub 110 may include two or more arms 137 or a plurality of arms 137. The hub 110 may include one, two, three, four, five, size, seven, eight, nine, etc. arms 137. The second end 131 and arms 137 may extend the first end 122 including the user interface 125 away from and distanced from the water 10.

[0037] The memory device 100 may further include a plurality of rings 160. The plurality of rings 160 may generally sink in the water 10 and the hub 110 may float on the surface of the water 10. In an embodiment, the memory' sequence may be provided or received outside of the water 10 (e.g., by the floating hub 110) and the retrieving of or carrying out the memory sequence may occur within the water 10 (e.g., the sinking plurality of rings). The rings 160 may also be of a durable construction so that they are able to be used outside of the water, as described above.

[0038] The rings 160 may include a body 163 having a central opening 166. In an embodiment, the body 163 may be circular and the central opening 166 may be circular or similarly shaped. It is noted that the body 163 and/or central opening 166 may have any other shape as desired including square, rectangular, ovular, irregular, and the like. The plurality of rings 160 may include a matchable aspect 169, such as a color. The matchable aspect 169 may be unique to each ring 160 (e g., each ring 160 having a different color), but the matchable aspect may generally the same (e g., relating to colors).

[0039] In an embodiment, the matchable aspect 169 may be a visual identifier, such as colors, numbers, shapes, and the like. In an embodiment, the matchable aspect 169 may be an auditory identifier. For example, each of the rings 160 may have a speaker or audible component that calls out their matchable aspect 169. For example, each of the rings 169 may include a speaker or audible component that calls out their color, number, or shape. While embodiments herein may describe visually-related identifiers and memory sequences, it is noted that any embodiment can be adapted to have a speaker or auditory component call out the visually-related identifiers and memory sequences or, more generally, call out an auditory identifier or memory sequence separate from any visually-related identifiers and memory sequences (e.g., sequential numbers, Marco-Polo, etc.) It is noted that a combination of visual and auditory indicators and memory sequences can be used in a single game, or that each game may be selected as having all visual indicators and memory sequences or all auditory indicators and memory sequences. In an embodiment, auditory indicators and memory sequences may be used for visually-impaired or blind users. It is noted that tactile identifiers and memory sequences may also be used, e g., dots, stripes, rough, smooth, and the like.

[0040] The memory sequence from the hub 110 may generally correspond to a matchable aspect 169 of the plurality of rings 160. In an embodiment, the body 163 of each the plurality of rings 160 may have a color 169 that matches the optional colors in the visual color sequence provided by the hub 110. As described herein, the matchable aspect 169 of the plurality of rings 160 may include other colors, patterns, shapes, and the like to match the memory sequence provided by the hub 110. As described herein, the matchable aspect 169 of the plurality of rings 160 may include colors or images that are black light sensitive. In an example, the plurality of rings 160 may be released or hidden (e.g., in a pool, field, or other search area) when the environment is darker, for example, such as at dusk, at dawn, at night, or when other lights are turned off and may only be “seen” by someone using a black light. It is noted that other items such as flags may be used instead of rings, e.g., for a capture the flag-type game. [0041] Turning to FIGs. 2-7, shown is a method 200 of using memory device 100. The method 200 for using the memory device 100 may generally comprise retrieving the plurality of rings 160 in the memory sequence, e.g., the visual color sequence, provided by the hub 110.

[0042] Step 210 may include interacting with a user interface 125 on a hub 110 to activate the hub 110 and receive a memory sequence from the hub 110. For example, a user may place the hub 110 in a pool 5 filled with water 10. The hub 110 may float on the water 10. It is noted that the hub 110 may also be used outside of water and may be used in non-water applications. As shown in FIG. 3, a user may press a button 125 on the hub 110 to receive a memory sequence. In embodiments having a visual color sequence, the hub 110 may illuminate to show the visual color sequence. In an example, the button 125 that was pressed to activate the hub 110 may be a transparent button that illuminates to provide the visual color sequence.

[0043] Step 220 may include tossing a plurality of rings 160 into a body of water 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a user may toss the plurality of rings 160 into the pool 5 filled with water 10 that also has the hub 110. While the hub 110 may float on the water 10, the plurality of rings 160 may sink in the water 10. The plurality of rings 160 may be tossed randomly into the water 10. It is noted that this step 220 may occur before or after step 210 for receiving the memory sequence. For example, the plurality of rings 160 may be tossed into the pool 5 water 10 and then the hub 110 may be interacted with to receive the memory sequence, or the hub 110 may be interacted with to receive the memory sequence and then the plurality of rings 160 may be tossed into the pool 5 water 10.

[0044] Step 230 may include retrieving the plurality of rings 160 in the memory sequence provided by the hub 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a user may dive into the water 10 to retrieve the plurality of rings 160 that have sunk to the bottom surface of the pool 5/bottom of the water 10. The user may attempt to retrieve the plurality of rings 160 in the order of the memory sequence. As shown in FIG. 6, the color 169 of plurality of rings 160 may be receptive to black light and the user may use a black light 195 to illuminate the color 169 of the plurality of rings 160 to retrieve the plurality of rings 160. This embodiment may be used when the environment is darker, for example, such as at dusk, at dawn, at night, or when other lights are turned off.

[0045] Step 240 may include determining whether the retneved plurality of nngs 160 matches the memory sequence provided by the hub 110. For example, the hub 110 may continue to repeat the memory sequence after its activation by a user or a user, once having retrieved the plurality of rings 160 in a retrieved order, may re-activate the hub 110, e.g., by interacting with the user interface 125 to repeat the memory sequence. As shown in FIG. 7, the user can then determine whether the retrieved order of the plurality of rings 160 matches the memory sequence provided by the hub 110. The user may acquire a certain number of points for completely matching or partially matching the memory sequence.

[0046] Method 200 can repeat as many times as desired. The difficulty of the method 200 can be modified, for example, by providing easier or more difficult visual color sequences (e.g., if the colors repeat or do not repeat or tossing a quantity of rings 160 that is greater than the number of colors in the visual color sequence), by modifying the number of rings 160 tossed or the length of the memory sequence, by limiting the amount of time to retrieve the rings 160, by limiting the number of times that the hub 110 repeats the memory sequence, and the like. In an embodiment, the hub 110 can include a timer that times how long it takes for a player to complete the assigned task (e g., gather the plurality of rings 160 in the correct order of the memory sequence). For example, a player who both completes the assigned tasks and does so that fastest may win. In an embodiment, a player may press the button 125 to receive a memory sequence and start the time and a player may press the button 125 after completing the memory sequence (e.g., by collecting the plurality of rings 160 in the order of the memory sequence) to stop the timer and indicate the end of that round of play.

[0047] In an example, one or more portions of the hub 110, rings 160, and/or memory device 100 may comprise an inflatable material. For example, one or more (or all) of: the first end 122, the second end 131, the arms 137, the apron 128, etc., of the hub 110 may comprise an inflatable material. In an embodiment, the second end 131 may compnse an inflatable material. In an embodiment, one or more portions of the hub 110 may comprise an inflatable material and may be transported, sold, etc. in an un-inflated state. In an embodiment, one or more portions of the hub 110 may be disassembled and may be transported, sold, etc. in a disassembled state. The memory device 100 (or components thereof) may be made compact for retail packaging. In an embodiment, a user may inflate and/or assemble the memory device 100 and the hub 110 after purchase and prior to use. In an embodiment, a user may deflate and/or disassemble the memory device 100 and the hub 110 for storage or non-use.

[0048] Although reference herein is made towards use of the memory device 100 in a pool 5 or water 10, it is noted that the memory device 100 may be used in or out of water. For example, the memory device 100 could be used on the ground, in a playroom, in a house, in a backyard, etc. It is further noted that a combination of water and non-water areas may be used with the memory device 100. For example, the hub 110 can be placed in or out of water and the plurality of rings 160 may be placed in water, out of water, or a combination of both. Moreover, while embodiments may generally describe random tossing of the plurality of rings 160, it is noted that the rings 1 0 may also be intentionally hidden or placed.

[0049] Although the embodiments of the present teachings have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present teachings are not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the present teachings described herein are capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.