CROSS-REFERENCES

[0001] This patent application claims priority to provisional patent application no. 62/968,463 filed on October January 31, 2020 by Maximilian Eanniello and Chris Eanniello, and titled: “TOSS GAME APPARATUS AND SYSTEM” which provisional application is fully incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to manually played games, and more particularly, concerns games involving dropping of game pieces, or the like, into scoring areas.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Toss games such as Com Hole and Kan Jam are very popular. However, they are very cumbersome to pack and travel with. Pieces may get lost and set up may take a long time. Another disadvantage is that opposing teams are usually standing apart from each other which can limit the amount of socializing due to the distance between teams.

[0004] Thus there is a need for a toss game apparatus and system that overcomes the above listed and other disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention relates to a toss game apparatus comprising: a board with a top side; a bottom side on a side distal the top side; a right side; a left side proximal to the right side; a front side; and an underside on the side opposite of the top side; at least one hole located on the board, the at least one hole configured to receive a tossed item during a playing of the toss game; a board member configured to removeably attach at or near the top side and to extend up from the top side away from the bottom side, the board member is generally on the same plane as the board when installed on the board; a money hole hole located at a distal end of the board member, the money hole hole configured to receive a tossed item during the playing of the toss game; the money hole hole and the at least one hole are in generally the same plane during the playing of the toss game.

[0006] The invention also relates to a toss game system comprising: a board with a top side; a bottom side on a side distal the top side; a right side; a left side proximal to the right side; a front side; and an underside on the side opposite of the top side; at least one hole located on the board, the at least one hole configured to receive a tossed item during a playing of the toss game; a board member configured to removeably attach at or near the top side and to extend up from the top side away from the bottom side, the board member is generally on the same plane as the board when installed on the board; a money hole hole located at a distal end of the board member, the money hole hole configured to receive a tossed item during the playing of the toss game; the money hole hole and the at least one hole are in generally the same plane during the playing of the toss game; a plurality of legs located on the underside; the legs configured to hold the board and board member such that the board and board member make an acute angle with respect to a surface the board and board member are setting on.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present disclosure will be better understood by those skilled in the pertinent art by referencing the accompanying drawings, where like elements are numbered alike in the several figures, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the toss game apparatus;

[0009] Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the toss game apparatus from Figure 1;

[0010] Figure 3 is a view of the underside of the toss game apparatus; [0011] Figure 4 is a view of the toss game board with the legs folded in, the stem removed, and board folded in half;

[0012] Figure 5 is a view of the toss game apparatus stored in a carrying bag; and [0013] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a waist pouch;

[0014] Figure 7 is front perspective view of one embodiment of the disclosed system;

[0015] Figure 8 is a front perspective of a carrying case;

[0016] Figure 9 is a close up view of a leg;

[0017] Figure 10 is a close up view of the leg from Figure 9 in a folded configuration;

[0018] Figure 11 is a view of the underside of the board;

[0019] Figure 12 is a view of a board comprised of three board parts;

[0020] Figure 13 is a view of a board comprised of four board parts;

[0021] Figure 14 is a top perspective view of a pocket;

[0022] Figure 15 is a top view of the pocket with the board folded;

[0023] Figure 16 is a side view of the pocket folded;

[0024] Figure 17 is a view of the pocket with the board unfolded;

[0025] Figure 18 is a front view of the two game board embodiment of the toss game apparatus; and

[0026] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the two game board embodiment from Figure 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the toss game board 10 placed on the ground 14. The top side 132 is visible in this view. The underside 134 is not visible in this view. The board consists of a right side 18, and a left side 22 abutting the right side 18. A right perimeter line 26 is located on the perimeter of the right sidel8. A left perimeter line 30 is located on the perimeter of the right sidel8. The perimeter lines 26, 30 may be different colors, patterns, or other distinguishing marking from each. In other embodiments, the perimeter lines 26, 30 may be moved, omitted, or added, they may be in solid lines, dashed, dotted, or other indicators. The perimeter lines 26, 30 abut each other down the center 34 of the right side 18 and left side 22. A first plurality of holes 38 are located on the right side 18. The first plurality of holes 38 may all have the same diameter, Di _st . A second plurality of holes 42 are also located on the right side 18. The second plurality of holes 42 may all have the same diameter D _2nd , and D _2nd may be smaller than Di _st . A third plurality of holes 46 are located on the left side 22. The third plurality of holes 46 may all have the same diameter, D _3rd . A fourth plurality of holes 50 are also located on the left side 22. The fourth plurality of holes 50 may all have the same diameter D _th , and D _4th may be smaller than D _3K I. Located on the center 34, and extending into the right side 18 and left side 22 may be a middle hole 54. In other embodiments, the middle hole may be omitted. The middle hole 54 may have a diameter D _M . D _M may be larger than Di _st , D _2nd , D _3K I, and D _th . A board member 58 may extend from the center 34. At the top of the board member 58 is a “money hole” hole 62. Surrounding the money hole hole 62 is a money hole perimeter 66. The toss game board 10 has a bottom side 70, and a top side 74 distal to the bottom side 70. The board member 58 extends from the top side 74. The board member 58 may also be called a stem. The above describes several embodiments of the toss game apparatus and system; however, the disclosed toss game apparatus and system may comprise many other embodiments, with different numbers and locations for lines and holes. The shape of the board may be any suitable shape for the toss game. The shape of the money hole hole 62 may be any suitable shape and may be attached to the board 10 in many ways, the money hole hole 62 may also be a part of the board 10.

[0028] Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the toss game board 10. In this view it can be seen that there is a first bottom leg 78 on the underside of the board 10 near the bottom side 70. There may be three or four additional bottom legs near the bottom side 70, but are not visible in this view. There is also a first top leg 82 on the underside of the board 10 near the top side 74. There may be three or four additional top legs near the top side 74, but are not visible in this view.

There is also a stem leg 86 on the underside of the stem 58. The length of the legs are configured so that the board 10, including the stem 58 in some embodiments, is generally at an acute angle a with respect to the ground. In this view, it can be seen that there are pouches or nets 90 on the underside of several of the holes. Each hole may have a pouch 90 in communication with the hole, the pouch 90 may be attached to the underside of the board 10. The numbers of legs may be varied in different embodiments of the board 10.

[0029] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the underside of the board 10 without the stem 58 attached. In this view the bottom legs 78 and top legs 82 can be seen attached to the underside 134. In addition, the right side 18 and left side 22 are connected to each other via hinges 94.

The board 10 can be folded in half about the hinges 94. In addition, the legs 78, 82 are quickly removable and attachable to the underside of the board 10. The legs 78, 82 may also be foldable. Similarly, the stem 58 is easily removable and attachable to the board 10. The board 10 may also have handle straps 98. The stem 58 may slide into a pocket on the underside of the board 10, or may snap onto the board 10.

[0030] Figure 4 shows the board with the legs 78, 82 removed, the stem 58 removed, and the board folded in half about the hinges 94.

[0031] Figure 5 shows the board, folded in half, placed in a carrying bag 102. The carrying bag is also configured to hold balls for the game, the legs 78, 82, and the stem 58. [0032] The disclosed toss game apparatus and system may come with optional waist pouches 106 shown in Figure 6. The pouches 106 comprise a main pouch 110, and adjustable waist straps 114. Bean bag balls may be stored in the main pouch 110, with the waist pouch 106 worn on the player’s waist during play. This allows for hands-free gameplay giving each player the opportunity hold a drink or enjoy a bite to eat while playing the game (it is not mandatory to wear the pouch, it may come with each set as an added convenience).

[0033] Figure 7 is a drawing showing all the pieces of one embodiment of the disclosed toss game apparatus and system that may fit into a carrying bag shown in Figure 8. Shown is the toss game board 10, bottom legs 78, top legs 82, board member(stem) 58, 12 bean bag balls 118, 4 waist pouches 106, and a bottom stopper 122. The bottom stopper 122 is a member that can be placed in front of the bottom legs 78 under the board 10, to prevent the bean bag balls 118 from rolling under the board 10. In one embodiment there may be 4 sets of 3 bean bag balls 118, with each of the 4 sets a different color then the other sets. In other embodiments, each set of bean bag balls 118 may have a pattern that distinguishes each set of bean bag balls from the other sets of bean bag balls 118.

[0034] Figure 8 is a drawing of the carrying case 126 that can carry all the items, and more, shown in the previous paragraph. The carrying case may have an adjustable shoulder strap 130, and several pockets and/or pouches.

[0035] Figure 9 shows a close up view of the underside 134 of the board 10. A bottom leg 78 is shown. The bottom leg 78 in this embodiment is rotatedly attached to the underside 134. The bottom leg 78 may be rotated from its extended position (as shown in Figure 9) to a storage position so that the leg 78 is generally against the underside 134 so that the board 10, when all the legs are rotated to a such a storage position, the board 10 can be easily packed up and stored, and/or placed in a carrying case. Figure 10 shows the bottom leg 78 from Figure 9 in a storage position. The leg 78 may be attached to the underside 134 via a hinge, or any other suitable rotatable attachment. [0036] Figure 11 shows the entire underside 134 of one embodiment of the board 10, with the stem 58 removed. In this figure, all the legs 78, 82 are shown in a storage position, rotated from the extended position.

[0037] The board 10 shown in the embodiments in Figures 1-10, can be folded about the center 34. However, in other embodiments, the board can be folded in different ways in order to make the board and accessories easy to fold and move, and unfold and set up. In still other embodiments, the board can snap or otherwise attach together, and be broken down and stored. The board can fold in quarters, or thirds. In other embodiments, the board 10 can snap together or otherwise attach together, and be broken down into 2 pieces, 3 pieces, 4 pieces or more.

Figure 12 shows the board, with the stem 58 removed, able to be folded in thirds, or each third can removeably attach to an adjacent piece of the board. Similarly, Figure 13 shows the board, with the stem 58 removed, able to be folded in quarters, or each quarter can removeably attach to an adjacent piece of the board.

[0038] Figure 14 is a close up view of the top side 74 of the board 10. In this view a pocket 138 is shown. The pocket 138 is configured to receive the board member 58, and hold the board member 58 during the game play. In this embodiment, the pocket 138 comprises two halves, a right half 142, and a left half 146. When the board 10 is unfolded, the right half 142 and left half 146 abut each other and form a slot 150, that can receive the board member 58. The slot 150 has a bottom, not seen in this view, that stops the board member 58 when it is fully slid into the slot 150. In other embodiments, board member 58 can be attached to the board in many ways or be part of the board.

[0039] Figure 15 shows the board 10 folded in half, as one views down the top side 74 of the board 10. The right half 142 and left half 146 are shown rotated with respect to each other.

[0040] Figure 16 shows the board 10 folded in half, as one views down the center 34 of the board. In this view, the right half bottom 154 is shown on the right half 142, and the left half bottom 158 is shown on the left half 146. When the board 10 is unfolded, the bottoms 155, 158, abut each other and form one bottom for the slot 150. In other embodiments, where the board 10 does not fold about its center 34, the pocket 138 may comprise a single piece, that does not split apart when the board 10 folded for travel or storage.

[0041] Figure 17 is a view of the pocket 138 on the underside 134 of the board 10, with the board 10 unfolded.

[0042] The game board 10 and bean bag balls 118 may also be floatable. The game board 10 may be made of a light weight plastic material and have floats attached to the bottom of the legs. In other embodiments, instead of legs, the game board 10 itself may be configured to float and not use legs. The balls may be floatable and made out of waterproof material. The game board 10 may also be made out of inflatable plastic.

[0043] The game may also come as two separate boards 10a and 10b as depicted in Figure 18. Each board 10a and 10 will have its board member 58 and money hole hole 62. In another embodiment of the game, the game can be played with two separate boards 10a and 10b as depicted in Figure 19. Each team side will alternate shots up to a game of 21, in one embodiment. Each team also has the option to shoot for the money hole to win the game. The separate boards 10a and 10b may also fold in half. The game boards 10a, 10b and bean bag balls 118 may also be floatable. It can be made of a light weight plastic material and have floats attached to the bottom of the legs. In other embodiments, instead of legs, the game boards 10a, 10b itself may be configured to float and not use legs. The balls may be floatable and made out of waterproof material. The game boards 10a and 10b may also be made out of inflatable plastic.

[0044] The toss game apparatus and system can come in a variety of sizes. The toss game apparatus may be sized small enough to play on a table-top, or enlarged for play in backyard, field, or even stadium. The bean bag balls are just one embodiment of the items that can tossed in the holes 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 62 of the board 10. Other suitable tossable items may be used instead of bean bag balls, such items include but are not limited to: coins, inflatable balls, rubber balls, golf balls, tennis balls, beach balls, rolled up paper balls, sponge balls nerf balls, hacky sacks, etc. In other embodiments, different numbers, sizes, and location of holes on the board 10 may be used instead of holes 38, 42, 46, 50, 54 and 62. In other embodiments, the legs 78, 82,

82 can be different sizes and lengths. In other embodiments, the legs 78, 82, 82 can removeably attach to the board 10, can be permanently attach to the board 10, can rotate with respect to the board 10, and lock in place with respect to the board 10.

[0045] The rules of the toss game apparatus and system may be as follows.

[0046] l.vs.l

[0047] Game to 21

[0048] Each player gets 6 shots per round and are permitted to shoot under hand or over hand. The board is split down the middle: 1 player shoots on the left side of the board and the other player shoots on right side of the board (indicated by green/white perimeter lines). The middle hole is worth 1 point and is the only hole that both players can mutually shoot for (besides the “Money Hole”). If a player lands a ball on their side of the board (or is touching any part of their colored line) it is worth 1 point . If a player lands a ball on their opponents side of the board OR in any of their opponents holes it is (-1) point. The bottom 3 holes on each side of the board are worth 2 points. The top 3 holes on each side of the board are worth 3 points. Landing a ball on the stem of the “Money Hole” is worth 4 points. Landing a ball on the perimeter of the “Money Hole” square is worth 5 points. If a player lands a ball in the “Money Hole” the game is over. Each player can shoot for the “Money Hole” ONE time per hand (per 6 shots) and they must call it. If a player calls “Money Hole” and lands in any other hole they do not receive any point at all, HOWEVER if they call “Money Hole” and land on the stem they would receive the 4 points or if they land of the perimeter of the “Money Hole” square they would receive 5 points. If a player goes over 21 their score gets set back to 15. If a player reaches 21 and the opponent has any number of balls, left they are given 1 rebuttal shot. If both teams tie up at 21 they are sent to an overtime round where they are both reset to 0-0 and the highest hand wins (if they tie up again it continues as such until there is a winner). [0049] 2. vs.2

[0050] The same general rules for l.vs.l apply for 2. vs.2

[0051] Teammates shoot on opposite sides of the board. One teammate shoots one the left side of the board and one teammate shoots on the right side of the board. All 4 players stand side by side, and each player gets 3 shots per round. Each TEAM (not player) gets 1 “Money Hole” shot per round.

[0052] The disclosed toss game apparatus and system has many advantages. One of the most unique and attractive features about the toss game apparatus and system, also known as Money Hole, is its portability. It is much more portable and maneuverable than most backyard games.

In one embodiment the toss game apparatus and system may come as one board with 8 lightweight detachable legs, the “Money Hole” stem attachment, and 12 bean bag balls. In another embodiment, the toss game apparatus and system may come with 1 board, 8 legs, 1 Money Hole attachment, 12 bean bag balls, 4 pouches, 1 measuring line, 1 bottom stopper, and 1 carrying bag The legs and the balls for the board may fit conveniently in zipper compartments that come built into the bag, so everything you need to transport and play the game comes in one sleek carrying “brief case”. This makes the game ideal for transporting it to the beach, the park, tailgates, back yard barbeques and just about any other venue you can think of. The biggest difference between Money Hole and other toss games is that Money Hole is only ONE board that folds right down the middle, and all players stand on one side while playing. This allows players to socialize and comingle with one another while enjoying the game. The lightweight balls allow players to shoot under hand and over hand. Another very distinguishable feature of this game is the “Money Hole” attachment. This attachment not only gives the board a unique “look” but it adds the excitement of the possibility of winning the game no matter the difference in score may be (you always have a chance to win by hitting the “Money Hole”). The built in pouches or nets at the bottom of each hole make it easy to retrieve balls in between rounds. The scoring system for Money Hole is yet another factor the makes this game much different than other toss games. An additional distinct aspect of the game are the pouches that go around each player’s hip while playing. During the game players are given the option to wear these belts to hold their bean bag balls. This allows for hands-free gameplay giving each player the opportunity hold a drink or enjoy a bite to eat while playing the game (it is not mandatory to wear the pouch it comes with each set as an added convenience). The belt pouches, main board and the “Money Hole” attachment all fit into the main compartment of the carrying case. To conclude, Money Hole is a fresh new back yard game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and athletic ability.

[0053] It should be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like may be used herein to modify elements performing similar and/or analogous functions. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

[0054] While the disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.