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Disc-throwing target game

Disc-throwing target game description/claims

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates primarily to four poles, four objects and a flying FRISBEE™ disc along with playing techniques associated with these elements, particularly with unique methods of integrating skill and fitness for a wide variety of participants.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Throwing a disc has been a mainstay in American yards, parks and fields for many years. Tossing the FRISBEE™ from one person to another in an open environment has become part of our outdoor culture. This popularity has precipitated a variety of offshoots to the basic game. Some take on the characteristics of sports such as football, golf or basketball. Many of these games involve a relatively large amount of participants in large fixed areas of play such as soccer or football fields. This makes it difficult for a small grouping of people to get together and engage in the activity, especially if they are limited to a small area. Also, even if a large field is available, this group may still find their activity limited by the fact that others using the area for their own use may be in the way and even inadvertently creating dangerous conditions.

While the large team games are limited in these ways, other-disc games involve modified versions of the basic pass-and-catch original. This original activity is indeed a classic, but it does not suit those that want to compete or exercise additional skills or challenges. The modified versions do not come to the level of a real competition, but typically serve as an outing of pass-and-catch with a bit of flair, whether it is quick passes to see who drops the disc first or taking a step backwards after each pass to see who drops the disc first. While that certainly can be fin, it again does not serve those looking for unique competition where multiple skills and attributes are needed.

Moreover, not all of these games require both disc accuracy and throwing power. In this age of unique sport, people crave competition where there is an element of unpredictability and the ability to delegate team members to fit their individual skill levels. People want a challenge. Even the use of traditional goals have become commonplace to the point where the unique aspects have waned. At the same time, one must consider that not everybody is a stereotypical athlete. The offshoots that utilize the FRISBEE™ or like discs do not integrate an apparatus that allows people of varying fitness levels—whether they be quick and limber or slow but skilled to throw a disc—to work together as a team in order to compete. This can alienate those that may not be able to run due to lack of fitness or medical reasons. These individuals may be able to throw a disc well, but are almost automatically excluded or at least markedly limited in participating in some of the other team games that borrow from the characteristics of sports such as basketball, football and soccer.

Due to these many issues, there is a need for such an all-inclusive skill game. Too often an individual who may not be able to sprint and run becomes alienated from those who can perform these types of activities and want to compete outdoors. At the same time, there is the need for an outdoor team game that includes both throwing skill and the physical aspects of running, diving, catching and reaction time while taking into account those confined to a space much smaller than that of a field or large park. The present invention meets these needs. It also should be noted that there are no other games that can match the variety of rules, scoring options, or individual elements that make up the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,734 issued to Frank on Feb. 15, 1983, is a team game where opposing players utilize running and passing ability to ultimately toss the disc into various goals positioned on two sides of the field. Unlike the present invention, a singular goal apparatus is the only method to score points so that the skill element related to scoring is limited to that effect. In addition, unlike the present invention, it does not afford a defender the opportunity to stop the points from being awarded after the target is struck.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,126,245 issued to Darby on Aug. 9, 1938, is a team game where opposing players attempt to score points by tossing the disc into a basket-like container. Unlike the present invention, this basket is the only way to score points and does not require the skill of passing the disc through two relatively small, upright spaces just slightly wider than the width of the disc itself, hitting an even smaller target for additional points, nor does it afford a defender the opportunity to stop the points from being awarded after the target is struck.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,466 issued to Searles Dec. 9, 2003, is a game where players attempt to score points by tossing the disc into a goal-like apparatus and netting. Unlike the present invention, this goal consists of at least two different zones for which the disc can land and does not require the offensive skill of earning points by tossing a disc through a width just slightly wider than the disc itself, nor does it afford a defender the opportunity to stop the points from being awarded after the target is struck.

None of these games can match the unique aspects of the present invention. The games with goals provide one scoring option for the players. These participants, incidentally, must either possess some degree of physical ability or be relegated to merely throwing the disc without exerting much energy. In short, the options related to fitness and skill for the individual players is limited by the rules. Outdoor team enthusiasts with limited space and personnel need a game that not only matches, but combines, all the unique physical and skill abilities of those that want to compete with and against each other.

The present invention satisfies this need by using an array of poles to allow participants a chance at scoring multiple points through sheer skill. At the same time, these poles are made to hold objects that can be knocked off for points as well. But the points for knocking them down are not guaranteed because an athlete can make a play and attempt to catch these objects before they hit the ground. This creates a unique outdoor game featuring separate offensive and defensive players who must work together to win. In addition, the present invention can be played with two teams of two players, or as a one-on-one competition. Moreover, physical contact between players that can occur in many of the other outdoor games is virtually non-existent in the present invention based on the layout of the elements and rules.

Therefore, a need has been established for a novel-disc throwing game featuring sets of poles and smaller skill objects to be used in a relatively small area and allowing people with varying levels of skill and fitness to work together in competition against an opposing team.

There are four poles that have the ability to be placed upright in the ground. Each pole stands at a markedly taller height compared to its much lesser width. There also are four objects that can rest on the high end of the poles. These objects are capable of matching the width of the poles. The disc has a circumference of 1′.

The team aspect of the present invention can include two to four players, although it also can be used by a sole individual for skill. In the team game, two poles are placed in the ground and spaced slightly wider than the width of a standard FRISBEE™. This equates to about 12-14 inches. At some predetermined distance away, the other set of two poles are placed in the ground in the same manner. The individual objects are placed on top of each pole. After setting up, the teams take turns throwing the disc as the competition begins.

The primary goal of the game is to be the first team to score 15 points. A team can score two points if a player can throw the disc between the poles of the opposing team without touching anything. A team scores one point for each time that a player hits a pole with the disc, causing the object to fall off and hit the ground. Meanwhile, opposing players can play defense by attempting to catch the object before it hits the ground. This element causes an additional strategy for the disc thrower because the faster he or she can sail the disc, the less likely that the defender will be able to react and catch the falling object in time. In the instance where the object is caught, no points are awarded as the player will have successfully defended his or her side of the field. Incidentally, if a player accidentally causes one of his own objects to hit the ground, then points are awarded to the opposing team. At the same time, no points are awarded if the disc touches the ground before hitting the poles or sails above the poles. While the goal is to reach 15 points, the teams switch sides when one reaches eight points. A final element of the game is that a team must win by two points.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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