Ball tossing skills game and methods of playing same   

This application is a nonprovisional patent application which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/373,329, filed on Aug. 13, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a multi-player skills game, and more particularly to a multi-player game in which ball tossing or throwing skills earn and accumulate scoring points for an individual player or a team of players based on each player\'s tossing or throwing skills performance.

Games that involve physical skills or player performance can be challenging and provide satisfaction and enjoyment as players\' skills and performance are tested consistently or with increasing intensity during gameplay. In particular, game designs that involve throwing or tossing skills help to exercise players, improve player hand-eye coordination, and practice and improve tossing or throwing skills. However, many designs of throwing or tossing games do not permit gameplay on any surface and do not provide portability or allow game pieces to be easily changed or modified to alter the level of gameplay difficulty or skills required.

Thus, it is desirable to provide a ball throwing or tossing skills game including game pieces that permit gameplay along any of a variety of playing surfaces. In addition, it is desirable that such a ball throwing or tossing skills game allow players to readily modify game pieces or a gameplay lay out to adapt the level of gameplay difficulty in order to accommodate a variety of players of different ages and different tossing or throwing skills. Further, it is desirable that a ball throwing or tossing skills game is constructed and arranged to permit multiple game pieces to consolidate or integrate with one another to provide a compact play set configuration that enables easy transport and storage of the game. It is also desirable that a ball throwing or tossing skills game include scoring schemes or rules that may be modified or changed to adapt the level of gameplay difficulty and performance challenges in order to accommodate a variety of players of different ages and ball tossing or throwing skills.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention provides a game method for a tossing or throwing skills game that requires one or more players to toss or throw a plurality of balls into one or more receptacles and/or within one or more playing areas. The game method comprises positioning at least two receptacles opposite one another, such that, a predetermined distance extends between the receptacles. Positioning the receptacles also includes locating each receptacle within an enclosed band. The band can have a size and shape to define a predetermined playing area within its perimeter and which surrounds each receptacle. The game method includes two or more players for individual-based or a team-based gameplay. In one configuration of the game method according to the invention, the players of an individual-based method or a team-based method are divided on each side of the receptacles with, in some cases, the same number of players positioning adjacent and typically behind each receptacle. For an individual-based game method including, for instance, four players, two players may position adjacent and behind each receptacle. For a team-based game method including, for instance, two players per team, one teammate may position at a first receptacle and the other teammate may position at the second opposing receptacle. The object of the game method is for players to take turns to attempt to toss or throw one or more balls into the opposing receptacle or playing area to earn scoring points.

The game method includes accumulating points as a result of each player tossing or throwing a predetermined number of balls for each of a predetermined number of turns. The game method further includes defining a game set as including a predetermined number of turns for each player, wherein an entire game includes a given number of game sets until a predetermined total winning number of points are earned. The game methods include scoring after completion of each game set. In one configuration of the game method according to the invention, scoring, e.g., of a game set, includes reducing the number of points earned by the highest-scoring player or team in a game set with the number of points earned by the lowest-scoring player or team in the game set. Playing continues for any number of game sets until one player or one team earns the predetermined total winning number of points.

In another aspect, the invention provides a ball tossing or throwing skills game play set including at least two receptacles, at least two bands with each band configured to define a playing area within which one receptacle is positioned, and a plurality of balls configured for gameplay according to the game methods described above. The receptacles may include any of a variety of configurations. In addition, the receptacles may be designed and constructed such that one receptacle receives the other receptacle in order to stack the receptacles. Each band may be designed and constructed as an enclosed tubular member that, when placed along a playing surface, defines a playing area within its perimeter. The tubular member may have any shape and size, such that, the playing area may have a range of playing area shapes and sizes. The tubular member may be designed and constructed as a hoop or band having multiple sections, wherein sections are configured to connect detachably to one another to construct or dismantle the hoop or band, or to reconfigure the playing area0.

The invention will be further described in detail below in relation to the drawings and the detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one aspect of the invention providing an individual-based tossing or throwing skills game method in which at least two players participate;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of another aspect of the invention providing a team-based tossing or throwing skills game method in which at least two teams, each team including two or more players, participate;

FIG. 3A and 3B are views of a game play set according to a further aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3C is a top plan view of a lay out of the play set shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B for the individual-based and the team-based game methods illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of configurations of receptacles of a play set according to the invention;

FIGS. 4C-4E are perspective view of another configuration of a receptacle and other optional pieces of the play set;

FIG. 4F is a perspective view of a pair of receptacles, strap, and lid coupled in a compact configuration to contain and transport game pieces;

FIGS. 5A-5C are top views of configurations of bands of the play set according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the game methods illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 modified with other features;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are top views of the receptacle and the band, respectively, of the game set according to the invention including additional signal-generating features; and

FIG. 8 is a top view of an optional score keeping board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one aspect, the invention provides a method of playing a tossing or throwing skills game that players may play as an individual-based game 100 or a team-based game 200. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in another aspect, the invention provides a tossing or throwing skills game play set 300 including game pieces as described in detail below. The methods 100 and 200 according to the invention may employ the play set 300 shown in FIG. 3A and in FIG. 3B. The play set 300 according to the invention includes at least one receptacle 12, a band 14 defining a predetermined playing area 13 in which the receptacle 12 is placed, and a plurality of playing balls 16 for tossing or throwing during gameplay. As shown in FIG. 3B, in one configuration of the play set 300 according to the invention, the set 300 includes at least two receptacles 12, at least two bands 14 to define the predetermined playing area 13 in which each receptacle is placed, and a plurality of playing balls 16. Other configurations of the play set 300 and game pieces according to the invention are described in detail below

As used to disclose the inventions, the terms “toss”, “throw”, “tossing” and “throwing” refer to any and all manner with which an individual player launches the ball 16 toward the receiving receptacle 16 and/or the playing area 13, including, for instance, overhand throwing, underhand tossing, overhand pitching, lobbing, and any other style of tossing/throwing the ball 16. For a particular level of difficulty of the game method 100 and 200 according to the invention, one or more tossing and/or throwing styles may be allowed or disallowed during gameplay.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the game method 100 and 200 includes positioning the receptacles 12 apart from one another at a predetermined distance or length L1, e.g., 5, 10, and 15 yards. The predetermined distance or length may depend on the skill level of the one or more players or one or more teams, and/or may depend on the level of gameplay difficulty that is required or desired. As described below with reference to FIGS. 4A-4F and FIGS. 5A-5C, the receptacle 12 may include any type of containing device, such as a bucket, and the band 14 may include a device suitable to define the enclosed playing area 13, such as a hoop or other tubular member.

FIG. 1 illustrates the individual-based game method 100 according to the invention including at least two players A and B. One configuration of the game method 100 includes positioning each player A and B as shown whereby one player A positions adjacent and behind one receptacle 12 and the other player B positions adjacent and behind the other opposing receptacle 12. Alternatively, the game method 100 may include positioning players A and B adjacent and behind one of the receptacles 12.

One object of the game method 100 is for each player A and B to toss or throw a playing ball 16 across the predetermined distance or length L1, as shown by dashed line 24 in FIG. 1, toward and into the opposing or receiving receptacle 12. Each player earns a predetermined number of points for successfully sinking the playing ball 16 into the receptacle 12. Additionally, another object of the game method 100 is for each player A and B to toss or throw a playing ball 16 to land successfully within the opposing playing area 13 defined by the band 14 to earn a predetermined number of points. The game method 100 includes accumulating points as each player A and B earns points as a result of successfully sinking balls 16 into the opposing receptacle 12 and/or placing balls 16 within the opposing playing area 13. The player A and B that earns a predetermined total number of points first wins the game 100.

The game method 100 includes scoring the predetermined number of points each player A and B earns during each of a predetermined number of turns. For instance, each player A and B may toss or throw one ball 16 per turn, with each player A and B earning points depending on the outcome of their toss or throw. A predetermined number of points are earned by each player A and B when they successfully sink the ball 16 into the receptacle 12 or place the ball 16 within the playing area 13. The number of points the players A and B earn for sinking the ball 16 into the receptacle 16 may be different from , e.g., greater than, the number of points the players A and B earn for placing the ball 16 within the playing area 13. For instance, if greater tossing or throwing skill is required to sink the ball 16 into the receptacle 12 than placing the ball 16 within the playing area 13, then more points may be earned by the player A and B who sinks the ball 16 into the receptacle 12, or vice versa. As described below, earning points may be varied based on modifying or adjusting the level of difficulty of sinking the ball 16 into the receptacle or placing the ball 16 within the playing area 13.

The game method 100 further includes determining a score for each game set wherein a game set includes one or more turns for each player A and B. Each player A and B takes a predetermined number of turns with each turn involving tossing or throwing a predetermined number of balls 16, e.g., one turn includes tossing or throwing one ball 16, and earns points toward a game set score. The predetermined number of turns may constitute one game set and the score is calculated after completion of each game set. After each player A and B has taken the predetermined number of turns of the game set, the total points each player A and B earns is used to calculate the game set score. The calculation involves subtracting the points earned by the lower scoring player during the game set from the points earned by the higher scoring player during the game set to determine the game set score. For instance, players A and B may earn 3 points for sinking the ball 16 into the receptacle 12 and may earn 1 point for placing the ball 16 within the playing area 13. The predetermined number of turns for each game set may include 2 turns for each player A and B with each turn involving tossing or throwing one ball 16. Therefore, after player A and player B have each taken 2 turns in the game set, the game set score is determined. The points earned by the higher scoring player are lowered by the points earned by the lower scoring player. Where player A earns 6 points after two turns and player B earns 4 points after two turns, player A would have a score of 2 points and player B would have a score of zero (6 player A points−4 player B points=2 player A points). Player A in this case would win the game set with 2 points.

The predetermined number of turns each player A and B takes in a game set is not limited, nor is the predetermined number of balls 16 each player tosses or throws per turn limited, such that, each player A and B can earn any number of points in a given game set based on their tossing or throwing performance.

One object of the game method 100 is for each player A and B to attempt to outscore the other player A and B during each game set either by playing offensively and/or defensively in response to the points the other player is earning. Additional scoring rules of the game method 100 according to the invention are envisions and examples of such scoring rules are described in detail below for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit or to narrow the scope of the invention.

As described above, for the individual-based game method 100, a game set may include each of the players A and B taking a predetermined number of turns with each turn allowing each player to toss or throw a predetermined number of balls 16. In one configuration of the game method 100 according to the invention, one game set may include each player A and B taking two turns that require the player A or B to throw one ball 16 per turn. Each game set in this case, therefore, includes a total of four ball tosses or throws with each player A and B making two ball tosses or throws. Each player A and B may take their two turns sequentially or each player A and B may take their turns alternately with the other player\'s turn. Scoring involves each player A and B earning a predetermined number of points, e.g., 3 points, for sinking the ball 16 in the receptacle 12, and a predetermined number of points, e.g., 1 point, for placing the ball 16 within the playing area 13. After each game set, e.g., after four ball tosses, the points earned by the lower scoring player are subtracted from the points earned by the higher scoring player to calculate the total points awarded to the higher scoring player of the game set.

The invention, however, is not limited in this respect and envisions that any number of ball tosses or throws may comprise each player turn. The invention also envisions any number of player turns may comprise a game set and any number of points may be earned for sinking or placing the ball 16, as well as any total number of points may be earned to win the game.

For instance, Player A takes a turn and throws the ball 16, placing the ball 16 within the playing area 13 to earn 1 point. Player B takes a turn and throws the ball 16, and does not sink the ball 16 in the receptacle 12 or place the ball 16 within the playing area 13, thereby not earning any points. Player A takes their final turn in the game set and places the ball 16 within the playing area 13, earning 1 point. Player A has earned a total of 2 points in the game set. Player B takes their final turn in the game set and sinks the ball 16 into the receptacle 12 earning 3 points. Player B has thereby earned a total of 3 points in the game set. Player A, therefore, does not score any points in the game set and player B scores 1 point. Player B\'s score effectively reduces player A\'s score to zero (3 player B points−2 player A points=1 player B point) and player B wins the game set with a game set score of 1 point. Thus, the lower scoring player may not score any points in the game set. The game continues for a number of game sets until one of the players A and B scores a predetermined game-winning number of points, e.g., 21 points.

Continuing with the above example, in the next game set, if player A tosses or throws two balls 16—sinking both balls 16 into the receptacle 12—then player A earns 6 points. If player B in the same set tosses or throws two balls 16—placing both balls 16 within the playing area 13—then player B earns 2 points. As a result, player A scores 4 points in the game set and player B does not score any points because player B\'s points are effectively cancelled by player A\'s points (6 player A points−2 player B points=4 player A points) and player A wins the game set with a game set score of 4 points. At this point in the game 100, player A has a score of 4 points and player B has a score of 1 point that player B earned in the prior game set.

In the next game set, if player A tosses or throws two balls 16—sinking one ball 16 into the receptacle 12 and placing one ball 16 within the playing area 13—then player A earns 4 points. If player B in this same set tosses or throws two balls—sinking one ball 16 into the receptacle 12 and placing one ball 16 within the playing area 13—then player B earns 4 points. Neither player A nor B scores points in this game set because their earned points cancel each other out (4 player A points−4 player B points=0 points) and there is no winner of the game set. The scores of the players A and B at this point have not changed since the last game set.

As the game method 100 proceeds from game set to game set, the players A and B may strategize their gameplay and choose to play defensively and/or offensively in any given game set. For instance, if after player A has taken two turns in a game set and has not earned any points, player B may choose to play defensively against player A. Player B may attempt to perform an easier toss or throw, e.g., to place the ball 16 within the playing area 13, to earn at least 1 point to win the game set rather than attempt to perform a more difficult toss or throw, e.g., to sink the ball 16 in the receptacle 12. Alternatively, if player A has taken two turns and has earned a low number of points, such as 2 points, then player B may choose to play offensively in two turns. Player B may attempt the more difficult toss or throw, e.g., to sink the ball 16 in the receptacle 12, to attempt to earn at least 3 points to ensure that player B will earn more points than player A in the game set.

Other scoring rules of the method 100 may include allowing the player A and B, who scores highest or lowest in the game set, to take the first turn or toss in the next game set. The players continue to play the game until one of the players A and B scores the predetermined total number of points to win, e.g., 21 points. Optionally, the winning player A and B must win by a predetermined number of points, e.g., 2 points.

The team-based game method 200 according to the invention may include one or more of the features, scoring rules, and other aspects of gameplay as described above with reference to the individual-based game method 100. As shown in FIG. 2, in one configuration of the team-based game method 200 according to the invention, the method 200 includes at least those features and scoring rules to perform gameplay as described above with reference to FIG. 1. The team-based game method 200 includes forming two or more teams of multiple players. For instance, two or more players may comprise one team wherein Team 1 may include player A and C and Team 2 may include player B and D. The teammates A and C and the teammates B and D position at opposites receptacles 12, as shown.

The game method 200 similarly proceeds as described above with reference to the individual-based method 100. One player A or C of Team 1 may alternately take his/her turn with one player B or D of Team 2 until each player A, B, C and D has taken the predetermined number of turns to toss or throw a predetermined number of balls 16, e.g., one ball 16 per player turn, required for each game set. The points earned by the players A and C on Team 1 would be totaled together and the points earned by the players B and D of Team 2 would be totaled together to calculate the score of the game set as described above. The points earned by the lower scoring team during the game set are subtracted from the points earned by the higher scoring team during the game set to determine the score of the winning team for that game set. For instance, if player A sinks the ball 16 in the receptacle 12 and misses in the next turn, player A earns 3 points. If player C misses in the first turn, and places the ball 16 within the playing area 13 in the second turn, player C earns 1 point. Team 1 thereby earns 4 points in the game set. If player B sinks the ball 16 in the receptacle 12 and then places the ball 16 within the playing area 13, player B earns 4 points. If player D has a similar performance, player D earns 4 points and Team 2 thereby earns 8 points. Team 2 wins the game set with a game set score of 4 points (8 Team 2 points−4 Team 1 points=4 Team 2 points).

Similar to the individual-based game method 100, other game rules of the team-based game method 200 may include allowing the team that scores highest or lowest in the game set to take the first turn or toss in the next game set. The teams continue to play the game until one of the teams scores the predetermined total number of points to win, e.g., 21 points. Optionally, the winning team must win by a predetermined number of points, e.g., 2 points.

The design of the game methods 100 and 200 according to the invention permit players to apply other scoring rules for the individual-based game and the team-based game that affect the points earned and/or the scores awarded.

Extra Point Scoring: For example, if one player A or B of the individual-based game method 100, or one Team 1 or 2 of the team-based game method 200, sinks a predetermined number of balls 16, e.g., two balls, in a game set into the receptacle 12 to earn a “double sink,” then that player A or B or that Team 1 or 2 may be awarded a predetermined number of extra points, e.g., 1 extra point, if the other player or Team has not earned any points in the game set. In this case, the extra points may also be awarded only if sinking each of the predetermined number of balls occurs consecutively. For instance, in the individual-based game 100, if player A sinks two balls 16 into the receptacle 12 for a “double sink” and earns a total of 6 points in a game set, and player B earns no points in the game set, then player A receives 1 extra point for a total of 7 points for the game set due to the “double sink” (6 player A points−0 player B points+1 point for “double sink”=7 player A points).

For the team-based game method 200, the extra point scoring may be applied if one player on a team scores a “double sink,” or may be applied if at least two players on the team sink two balls 16 in the receptacle 12 so that the team collectively scores a “double sink.”

In addition, in either game method 100 and 200, the “double sink” extra point(s) may be awarded regardless if the opposing player or team scores points.

Point Scoring Off The Rim: For example, in the individual-based game method 100 or the team-based game method 200, if a tossed or thrown ball hits a rim of the receptacle 12, which was intended to receive the ball, and the ball bounces from the rim, any player can catch the bounced ball for one or more extra points. Alternatively, if an opposing individual player or a player on an opposing team catches the ball 16, the catching player or team may earn one or more extra points or the non-catching player or team may lose one or more points.

In addition, other point scoring off the rim may include any player that tips the ball 16 bounced from the rim of the receptacle 12 into that receptacle 12 may score one or more extra points for him/her or for his/her team. Optionally, in this scenario, only the player that bounced the ball off the rim or his/her team mate may score extra points for tipping the bounced ball into that receptacle 12.

The extra scoring rules are flexible such that players may alter scoring rules according to the number of players per game, the number of players per team, the skill level of individual players, players of a time, or a team a whole, and/or the level of gameplay difficulty required or desired.

Scoring on Non-Throwing Side: As another example of extra or additional scoring, for the team-based game 200, a team mate positioned at the receiving receptacle 12 that is serving as the non-throwing side during gameplay may catch the ball 16 that their team mate tosses or throws toward the receiving receptacle 12 to score automatically a predetermined number of extra points, e.g., 1 point, if the ball 16 hits the rim 12A of the receiving receptacle 12 and the team mate positioned near or at the receiving receptacle 12 catches the ball 16 in the air. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2, if player A tosses the ball 16 to the receiving receptacle 12 at which their team mate, player C, is positioned, and the ball 16 hits the rim 12A of the receiving receptacle 12, then player C earns 1 extra point for the game set if player C catches the ball 16 in the air. Such predetermined extra point or points may be awarded to the team that catches the ball 16 off the rim 12A regardless of the total score between the teams at the end of the game set. In other words, this extra point may not be calculated in the final score of the game set and may be awarded outside the game set scoring.

As another example, for the team-based game 200, if a player A or C on Team 1 takes their turn and throws the ball 16 toward the receiving receptacle 12, and a player B or D on Team 2, positioned near or at the receiving receptacle 12, catches in the air the ball 16 that is thrown by a player A or C on Team 1, then Team 1 automatically loses a predetermined number of points, e.g., 1 point. This lose of a predetermined number of points may or may not be included within the total scoring of the game set.

Alternate Scoring for Individual-Based One-on-One Game: For the individual-based game 100, the game set scoring described above that includes calculating the difference between the higher points earned and the lower points earned for each game set to determine the winning score of the game set may be eliminated. In this context, each individual player A and B essentially plays one-on-one and scores points based on the outcome of their individual tosses or throws irrespective of the points that the other player A and B scores, and is awarded whatever points they earn. Any of the additional scoring rules described above can also be applied to the individual-based one-on-one game.

Two-Point Option at 21 Points: In either the individual-based game 100 or the team-based game 200, when one player or team scores the predetermined number of game-winning points, e.g., 21 points, the opposing player or team may be given the opportunity for one or more extra turns including a predetermined number of ball tosses or throws to attempt to get within the range of points, e.g., within 2 points, required to win the game in order to attempt to keep the game going. For example, if one player or team scores 21 points and is ahead by 2 points, then the other player or team may be given one or more turns to toss or throw one or more balls 16 to attempt to score within the 2-point range in order to keep the gameplay in progress.

The invention is not limited to the objects and the gameplay rules described above and envisions that the objects of the game methods 100 and 200 and the respective gameplay rules may be altered, e.g., by adding features or rules, by removing features or rules, or rearranging features or rules. In particular, the objects of the game methods 100 and 200 and the gameplay rules may be modified in terms of, for instance, the level of tossing or throwing skill and/or the level of difficulty in earning points that is required or desired.

Now turning to FIGS. 3A and 3B, configurations of the game play set 300 according to the invention are shown including the basic game pieces for the individual-based game method 100 and the team-based game method 200, including at least one receptacle 12, at least one band 14 configured to define the playing area 13 within its perimeter and within which the receptacle 12 is positioned, and a plurality of balls 16.

Referring to FIG. 3C, a top plan view illustrates the layout of the play set 300 for the individual-based game method 100 and the team-based game method 200 including positioning the receptacles 12 in opposing, e.g., and substantially aligned, positions relative to one another, and positioning each band 14 to define the playing area 13 in which each receptacle 12 is disposed. In one configuration of the play set 300 according to the invention, the receptacles 12 and the bands 14 may be designed and configured as portable objects such that the receptacles 12 and the bands 14 may be removably positioned along and relocated to any of various playing surfaces 22, such as the ground or a table top, depending on the required or desired location of gameplay. As portable objects, in one configuration of the game method 100 and 200 according to the invention, the predetermined distance or length L1 between the opposing receptacles 12 may be readily modified. The distance or length L1 between the receptacles 12 may be modified in accordance with the skill level of one or more players or teams and/or the level of difficulty of gameplay required or desired. For instance, the opposing receptacles 12 may be positioned to readily change the distance or length L1 to accommodate players and teams with greater or lesser skill, e.g., from one game to the next, and/or to tailor gameplay depending on the ages of one or more players and teams, e.g., changing from a children\'s game to an adult game. The game method 100 and 200 is thereby flexible with respect to the location of play and the nature and skills level of the game players and teams.

In addition, each receptacle 12 may be disposed substantially at the center of the playing area 13 defined by the band 14. Alternatively, each receptacle 12 may be disposed offset from the center of the playing area 13, depending on the surface on which the game 100 and 200 is laid out, the level of skill of players, and/or the level of difficulty of gameplay required or desired.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B and with further reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, each receptacle 12 may define a substantially cylindrical or conical shape and may include, but is not limited to, a bucket. However, the invention is not so limited and anticipates that each receptacle 12 may define any shape and configuration, e.g., a square shape and an elliptical shape, and may include any type of container suitable for performing the game method 100 and 200 according to the invention.

With the configuration of the receptacle 12 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the conical or cylindrical shaped receptacles 12 may define across its open end 15 any diameter D1 suitable for playing the game method 100 and 200 and for providing a greater or lesser challenge to the players. The diameter D1 of each receptacle 12 may be relatively large, or enlarged, to help to decrease the level of difficulty of sinking a ball 16 into the receptacle 12, while the diameter D1 of each receptacle 12 may be relatively narrow, or decreased, to help to increase the level of difficulty of sinking ball 16 into the receptacle 12. Similarly, the outer perimeter diameter D2 of the receptacles may define any of various diameters and the lower diameter D3 of the bottom of the receptacles may define any of various diameters to help to increase or decrease the overall dimensions of the receptacles 12.

The receptacles 12 may further define any of various heights H1, such that the receptacle 12 may have a range of depths. The receptacles 12 may be constructed of various materials that would render the receptacles 12 lightweight and portable for transporting the play set 300 to various gameplay surfaces 22. In one configuration, each lightweight and portable receptacle 12 may require a device or a method to weigh the receptacle 12 down to the gameplay surface 22 to help to prevent the receptacle 12 from collapsing or falling over during gameplay. In one configuration, each receptacle 12 may have a height H1 to define a depth suitable to contain a volume of water 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which is sufficient to weight the receptacle 12 to the playing surface 22 and to help to prevent the receptacle 12 from collapsing or falling over. Alternatively, or additionally, each receptacle 12 may be constructed with a weighted bottom 17 such that the weighted bottom 17 helps to prevent the receptacle 12 from collapsing or falling over during gameplay. Using volumes of water to weigh down the receptacles 12 provides the added dramatic effect and attraction of creating splashing when a player successfully sinks a ball 16 in the receptacle 12.

In one configuration of the receptacles 12 according to the invention, the play set 300 may include the receptacles 12 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B as cylindrical or conical-shaped buckets with the bucket shown in FIG. 4A having substantially the same overall dimensions as the bucket shown in FIG. 4B. However, the two receptacles 12 need not have substantially the same overall dimensions and each receptacle 12 may include a different size.

In one configuration of the receptacle 12 according to the invention, the bucket 12 may include a diameter D1 of from about 10 to about 14 inches, a diameter D2 of from about 12 to about 17 inches, and a diameter D3 of from about 8.5 to about 12.5 inches. In addition, as also shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, one of the buckets 12 may include a handle 19 for carrying the bucket 12. In this manner, the bucket 12 may serve as a container for the game pieces of the play set 300, including, for instance, receiving the other bucket 12 and the plurality of balls 16 and the band segments 23, as are described below, to enable portability of the game methods 100 and 200 and easy storage and transport of pieces of the play set 300.

As shown in FIG. 4B, in one configuration of the game method 100 and 200 according to the invention, one or more receptacles 12 may include a rim 12A defining a width W1, e.g., from about 0.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, such that the rim 12A defines a width or thickness, e.g., consistently, around the perimeter of the receptacle 12 opening. The configuration of the rim 12A may help to make the game method 100 and 200 more challenging, wherein a wide rim 12A may help to increase the difficulty with which to sink the ball 16 into the receptacle 12. Further, a wide rim 12A may help to make it easier for other players, e.g., opposing team, to catch the ball 16 as it bounces off the rim 12A.

Referring to FIGS. 4C-4F, other configurations of the receptacle 12 according to the invention are envisioned. As shown in FIG. 4C, at least one receptacle 12 of the play set 300 may include along one side at least one stop pin 30 that is positioned at an upper portion of the receptacle 12, e.g., 3 inches from top of receptacle 12. With configurations of the receptacle 12 including two stop pins 30, the pins 30 are positioned along the upper portion of the receptacle 12 in opposing alignment with the other stop pin 30. The widest portion, e.g., head, of each stop pin 30 may be from about 0.5 to about 1.0 inch. The stop pins 30 are configured and disposed to serve as devices to stop and to hold one receptacle 12 in position when placed telescopically inside the other receptacle 12, as shown in FIG. 4C. In this manner, the receptacles 12 may be stacked and the stop pins 30 help to prevent the stacked receptacles 12 from sticking together. The stacked receptacles 12 also help to consolidate and contain game pieces during transport and storage.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4D, the play set 300 may include at least one receptacle lid 34 configured to align with the perimeter of the opening 15 of at least one receptacle 12 and to connect with a portion of the rim 12A of the receptacle 12, such that, the lid 34 securely attaches to the receptacle 12 to define an enclosed container. In one configuration, the lid 34 can define an upper portion with a width W1 of from about 12 to about 17 inches, and a lower portion with a width W2 of from about 10 to about 14 inches, depending on the configuration of the receptacle 12 to which the lid 34 connects. The lid 34 may include openings and holes 36, e.g., about 4 inches in length, that are configured and disposed along the lid 34 in order that the openings and holes 36 may align with complementary openings and holes 32 defined in the rim 12A of the receptacle. In this manner, the openings and holes 32 and 36 help to serve as handles for lifting and transporting the receptacle 12 or the receptacles 12 when stacked.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4E, the play set 300 may include a strap 35 that is configured to serve as a shoulder strap for use in connection with carrying the receptacle(s) 12. The strap 35 may include an adjustment device 37 that permits adjustment, e.g., decreasing and increasing, the length of the strap 35. In addition, the strap 35 may be include at each terminal end a toggle or a fastening device 38 to lock to or to connect with one or both of the receptacles 12.

As shown in FIG. 4F, the receptacle 12 including the stop pins 30 inserts into the receiving receptacle 12 telescopically. The lid 34 is secured to the rim 12A of the received receptacle 12 to close off the interior of the stacked receptacles 12 such that the stacked receptacles 12 and the lid 34 define an enclosed container. The strap 35 threads through each of the openings and holes 36 defined in the lid 34 and the openings and holes 32 defined in the rim 12A of each receptacle 12. The toggles or fastening devices 38 of the strap 35 are configured to permit connection of the strap 35 to the receiving receptacle 12. In this case, the receiving receptacle 12 may include attachment fasteners or connectors (not shown) that complement the toggle or other fasteners 38 of the strap 35 to permit detachable connection of the strap 35. This configuration and arrangement permits the stacked receptacles 12 to contain the plurality of balls 16 and/or the plurality of segments 23 of band(s) 14, as described below, to enable easy storage and transport of some or all of the play set 300 game pieces.

The receptacles 12 may be constructed of one or more materials suitable for receiving a volume of water to weight down the receptacles 12 and/or may be constructed of one or more lightweight and economical materials, including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, wood, cardboard, recycled materials and combinations thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, the bands 14 that are used to define the playing area 13 may define a circular-shaped playing area 13, a square or rectangular-shaped playing area 13 or an octagon-shaped playing area 13. The invention is not limited in this respect and envisions that each band 14 may define any shape and configuration, e.g., square shape, rectangular shape, elliptical shape and irregular shape, to define the playing area 13 with a particular shape and area size. The shape and configuration of each band 13 may be selected to modify the playing area 13 such that the playing area 13 may be increased and/or decreased to thereby lower and/or raise the level of playing difficulty.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, each band 14 in one configuration according to the invention may include a solid or hollow hoop or tubular member. The hoop or tubular member 14 may include one or more segments 23 that removably attach or connect to one another. The one or more segments 23 may connect via one or more fasteners 25 to construct the band or member 14 that will configure the playing area 13 as an enclosed area. In one configuration of the band or member 14 according to the invention, the fasteners 25 may include snap-connect fasteners 25, each configured to connect one end of a segment 23 to one end of a second segment 23 or a fastener 25 connected to the end of the second segment 23. The fasteners 25 may also include telescopically receiving fasteners whereby one fastener 25 telescopically receives another fastener 25 to connect two segments 23.

Where the band or member 14 defines a square, rectangle, octagon or other angled member as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, segments may include corner segments 27 with particular angles to define the shape of the member 14. The segments 23 and 27 may be of various sizes, such that, the size of the band or member 14 may be modified to increase and/or decrease the playing area 13 within the perimeter of the band or member 14. In one configuration, the segments 23 may define a diameter of about 0.5 inches and have equal lengths with each segment 23 having a length of about 14 inches, and the corner segments 27 defining a 45° angle. In this manner, the game methods 100 and 200 according to the invention may be modified with respect to the level of difficulty required to place the ball 16 within the playing area 13 during gameplay.

In one configuration of the game methods 100 and 200, where the bands 14 are configured as circular hoops 14, each hoop 14 may define a diameter of from about 20 inches to about 40 inches. In another configuration of the game methods 100 and 200, where the bands are configured as squares or rectangles, each band 14 may define an area of from about 28 inches by 28 inches to about 36 inches by 36 inches. The invention is not so limited and anticipates the band 14 may include any dimensions to define variously the playing area 13.

The band 14 may be constructed of one or more materials suitable for playing and storing and may comprise one or more durable materials, including, but are not limited to, PVC, plastic, metal, wood, cardboard, recycled materials, and combinations thereof.

In addition, the configuration of the bands 14 using the segments 23 and 27 enables the bands 14 to be broken down into their segment 23 and 27 pieces. Such configurations would help to make these game pieces readily portable and to provide flexibility and ease in transporting and storing the play set 300, such as, for instance, in a receptacle 12 or in stacked receptacles 12.

The game methods 100 and 200 according to the invention are highly flexible and may be modified or adapted via manipulation of the sizes and/or shapes of the receptacles 12 and/or the bands 14, at least as described above, in order the game methods 100 and 200 may be tailored to age-specific, skill-specific and difficulty-specific levels. One play set 300 of game pieces including at least two receptacles 12, at least two bands 14, and the plurality of balls 16 may be used to configure the game methods 100 and 200 for children, adults, high-skilled players and/or low-skilled players.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the game methods 100 and 200 according to the invention may be further modified through inclusion of a game default line 18 that is positioned at a predetermined length L2 from each of the receptacles 12. Each player may be required during gameplay, particularly when the player is tossing or throwing the ball 16 to the opposing receiving receptacle 12, to stand behind the default line 18, such that each player tosses or throws the ball 16 from a substantially similar distance from the receiving receptacle 12. The default line 18 may be formed from one or more elements, such as one or more segments 23, which are used to form the bands 14, where such segments 23 are included in the play set 300. The scoring of the game may be modified to account for any violation of the default line 18 during gameplay.

With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the play set 300 includes a plurality of balls 16 for tossing and throwing. The plurality of balls 16 may include different colors to identify different sets of balls 16, e.g., one or more balls 16 per set. The balls 16 may further include any designs or ornamentation as may be desired. The balls 16 may thereby be color-coded in order to identify each individual in an individual-based game method 100 and/or each team in a team-based game method 200.

The plurality of balls 16 in a given play set 300 may include balls 16 having the same size, e.g., about 8 to 14 inches in circumference, and the same weight, e.g., about 5 to 8 ounces. Additionally, or alternatively, a given play set 300 may include a plurality of balls 16 having different sizes and weights. The size and the weight of the balls 16 may be selected based upon the level of difficulty of gameplay required or desired, player or team skill level, player age, and/or the type of toss or throw, e.g., overhand and underhand, required or desired for a game. For instance, the play set 300 may include, and optionally the game methods 100 and 200 may require, balls 16 having the same size and weight that are conducive to underhand tossing or overhand throwing. In another instance, the play set 300 may include, and optionally the game method 100 and 200 may require, balls 16 having different sizes and weights. In this case, the balls 16 used in the early stages of the game methods 100 and 200 e.g., for a predetermined number of game sets or until a predetermined number of points are scored, may have a relatively greater size and/or weight than balls 16 used in the later stages of the game methods 100 and 200. In the later stages, the balls 16 may be relatively smaller and/or lower in weight, e.g., to provide a greater challenge or difficulty in sinking or placing the ball 16 in the receptacle 12. For instance, the balls 16 used in the early stages of the game methods 100 and 200 may be similar to, for instance, baseballs in size and weight, while the balls 16 used in the later stages of the game methods 100 and 200 may be similar to or include lightweight foam or sponge balls. Presumably, players would score more easily with the larger and/or heavier balls 16 resembling baseballs because players can handle and toss/throw such balls 16 more easily than the smaller and/or lightweight balls 16 resembling Nerf® balls. In this manner, the level of difficulty of gameplay can be progressively increased or decreased as the game method 100 and 200 proceeds by using balls 16 with different sizes and weights. In this configuration of the game methods 100 and 200, the plurality of balls 16 used sequentially in a game may be progressively different with respect to their size and weight of the balls 16.

Thus, the receptacles 12, the diameter D1 of the receptacles 12, the width W1 of the rim 12A, the bands 14, the size of the playing areas 13, the predetermined length L1 between the receptacles 12 and/or the size and/or weight of the balls 16 according to the invention may be variously modified, such that, a given play set 300 and/or a given game method 100 and 200 is/are highly flexible with respect to being modified or adapted based on at least the players\' tossing or throwing skills, the players\' ages, the type of tossing or throwing required or desired in the game method 100 and 200, the level of difficulty required or desired in the game method 100 and 200, and/or the location of gameplay. Optionally, the inclusion of the game default line 18, as described above, may be used to modify the game methods 100 and 200 in this manner.

The game methods 100 and 200 according to the invention envision other features, modifications and configurations of the play set 300, game pieces and/or the nature of gameplay. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the bands 14 may include different sizes and shapes in a single game, including a circular band 14 and a square band 14 that may define substantially the same or different playing areas 13. In the case where the playing areas 13 are different due to the different shapes and sizes of the bands 14—such as a circular band 14 and a square band 14—the teams in the team-based game 200 may switch sides. Each team would alternate between tossing or throwing to a circular playing area 13 and a square playing area 13.

As another example, also shown in FIG. 6, the team-based game 200 is sufficiently flexible to allow multiple players on each of at least two teams. As shown in FIG. 6, Team 1 includes players A, D and F and Team 2 includes players B, C, E and H. Although Team 2 has one additional player, players B and C are adults and players E and H are children. The scoring opportunities for Team 2 may be equivalent to those scoring opportunities of Team 1 including adult players A, D and F with the offset provided by the two child players E and H.

As a further example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the play set 300 may include one or both of the receptacles 12 and/or one or both of the bands 14 equipped with one or more sensors 31, 32 and 36. Such sensors 31, 32 and 36 may be configured to detect an impact of a tossed or thrown ball 16, e.g., as a result of the ball\'s 16 contact with the receptacle 12 and/or the playing area 13. One or both receptacles 12 may include one or more sensors 31 within the rim 12A configured to detect when a tossed or thrown ball 16 hits the rim 12A. The one or more sensors 31 may provide a signal upon impact of the ball 16 on the rim 12A that actuates a visual and/or audio signal device 33. The audio signal device 33 may be configured to emit a visual signal, e.g., a light, and/or an audio signal, e.g., a sound alarm, to alert the game players that the ball 16 has hit the rim 12A. This can be an advantageous feature where the game scoring includes extra points for catching a ball 16 off the rim 12A, as described above. The light and/or sound alarm signal that the device 33 may emit may do no more than provide a dramatic effect during gameplay, and/or may alert the players that an extra point catch is imminent. In addition, the device 33 can be additionally or alternatively configured to send a signal, e.g., wirelessly, upon receiving a signal from the impact sensor 31 to an electronic score or record-keeping device (not shown) that is positioned remote from the receptacle 12 and is configured to record and store the number of hits off the rim 12A that have occurred. This feature of score or record- keeping of the number of hits off the rim 12A may be used in score keeping, penalty enactment and/or any other scoring method or other feature of the game 100 and 200 and gameplay.

Further, as also shown in FIG. 7A, one or both receptacles 12 may include one or more sensors 32 in the bottom of the receptacle 12 that are similarly configured to detect the impact of a tossed or thrown ball 16 when the ball 16 sinks into the receptacle 12 and hits its bottom. In this case, the receptacle 12 would not include a volume of water. The one or more sensors 32 may provide a signal upon impact of the ball 16 on the receptacle 12 bottom that actuates the visual and/or audio signal device 33. The visual and/or audio signal device 33 would emit the visual signal, e.g., a light, and/or an audio signal, e.g., a sound alarm, to alert the game players of the sinking of the ball 16. The light and/or sound alarm signal that the device 33 may emit may do no more than provide dramatic effects, but it may also serve as an advantageous feature, such as where an electronic score or record-keeping device, as described above, may be used in conjunction with the game 100 and 200 for, e.g., scoring purposes.

The band 14 may include one or more sensors 36 that help to detect when a tossed or thrown ball 16 lands within the playing area 13. The sensors 36 may be positioned on opposite sides of the band 14 and may be configured to send a signal 37 between the opposing sensors 36. If the tossed or thrown ball 16 breaks the signal 37 as it is tossed or thrown into the playing area 13, the sensors 36 detect the break in the signal 37 and emit a visual and/or audio signal and/or transmit a signal to an electronic score or record-keeping device that may be used in conjunction with the game 100 and 200 for, e.g., scoring purposes.

Referring to FIG. 8, the game set 300 according to the invention may optionally include a manual score board 50 that includes a plurality of apertures 52 defined therein and a plurality of pegs 54. Each aperture 52 is configured to receive at least a portion of a scoring peg 54 and may be labeled with a number (not shown) that represents the score of an individual play or team. The scoring pegs 54 are inserted into the appropriate aperture 52 to represent the numerical score of the individual player or team. The scoreboard 50 may define any dimensions. In one configuration of the board 50 according to the invention, the board 50 has a length of from about 3.5 to about 5.0 feet, a width of from about 2 to about 4 inches and thickness of from about 2 to about 4 inches.

Having thus described at least one illustrative aspect of the invention, various alterations, modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended as limiting. The invention\'s limit is defined only in the following claims and the equivalents thereto.