TWO-PERSON UNDERWATER PROJECTILE GOAL-SCORING SPORT, AND EQUIPMENT THEREFOR

Abstract

This invention is a simple method to play a one-on-one underwater goal-scoring sport together with the pertinent field of play, the projectile and the goal apparatus. While underwater, one offensive player throws the projectile toward the underwater goal apparatus defended by a defending player who tries to tag out the offensive player before they can throw, or who tries to prevent the projectile from touching the goal area. Variations to the projectile and the goal apparatus are also described as options for use in the sport.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. A goal apparatus for use in a two or more person underwater, projectile throwing, game for play in a pool where the game has as its object throwing the projectile in an attempt to penetrate or touch a goal area demarcated by the goal apparatus, wherein the goal apparatus comprises two vertical markers defining side limits of the goal area, and a crossbar or horizontal feature positioned adjacent a wall of the pool and defining a bottom limit of the goal area, wherein a top limit of the goal area is defined by the surface of water in the pool, or is a second horizontal feature that extends above or below the water surface, from one vertical marker to the other.

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. The goal apparatus of claim 1 comprising vertical markers extending 2.5 to four feet below the water surface in the pool, a floating horizontal tube or rod of between 6 and 12 feet in length, having opposed ends with each end attached to one of said vertical markers at or near the surface of the water, the crossbar or horizontal feature positioned adjacent a wall of the pool comprising a horizontal tube or rod of between 6 and 12 feet in length and having opposed ends and being more dense than water, and that is attached at each of its ends to lower ends of each respective vertical marker, so as to provide the goal area with a rectangular shape.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. The goal apparatus of claim 2 wherein said vertical markers are ribbon markers that are non-flexible, and include, at the top of said markers, a hook that is securable to a side or a deck of the pool.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. The goal apparatus of claim 2 wherein said vertical markers hang from a structure above or floating on the surface of the water of the pool, with the crossbar or horizontal feature positioned adjacent a wall of the pool maintained at 2.5 to 4 feet below the surface of the water.

22. (canceled)

23. The goal apparatus of claim 2 having a netting, cloth, vinyl, or banner that is held between the vertical markers.

24. (canceled)

25. The goal apparatus of claim 5 wherein said netting, vinyl, banner or cloth includes a sensor that generates a signal as the projectile penetrates a plane defined by the goal area.

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

29. The goal apparatus of claim 1, wherein a portion of a perimeter of the goal apparatus is a rope or ribbon-like material attached at two points along a wall of the pool, at least 6 feet apart, and at least 3 feet below the surface of the water of the pool.

30. A projectile for use in a two or more person underwater, projectile throwing, game for play in a pool where the game has as its object throwing the projectile in an attempt to penetrate or touch a goal area demarcated by a goal apparatus, wherein said projectile is a cylindrical device for throwing by hand underwater, and ranging in length from between about 10 and 40 cm, with a length to width ratio of about 4 and 6, and having a mass of between about 50 and 500 grams.

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. The projectile claimed in claim 8 wherein the cylindrical device has a longitudinal axis, fins, and a tail, a portion of the tail extends longitudinally past the fins to a flat end surface, the flat end surface being planar, orientated generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and having a circumference between 1 cm and 2.5 cm.

36. (canceled)

37. The projectile claimed in claim 9 having a tapered or rounded front end made of a material softer than the shaft of the cylinder of the projectile.

38. The projectile claimed in claim 10 wherein said projectile has a hollow air-filled interior.

39. The projectile claimed in claim 11 having an open end fitted with a removable nose-cone cap to permit an addition of water to said hollow air-filled interior to modify the buoyancy of the device.

40. The projectile claimed in claim 12 in which the removable nose-cone cap is a soft material to serve as both a closure for the hollow air filled interior and to minimize injury to a person hit by the projectile device when thrown by hand.

41. The projectile claimed in claim 8 wherein said projectile has a curved shape, so that a vector along a longitudinal axis of a front section of the projectile, is at an angle of between 0.1 and 20° to a vector of a tail section of the projectile.

42. (canceled)

43. The projectile claimed in claim 10 wherein said projectile is made of a material that can be deformed near a middle portion of its length so as to permit the projectile to move through a straight or at an adjustably curved path when thrown by hand underwater.

44. A projectile for manual throwing in an underwater game having as an object penetrating or touching a goal area demarcated by a goal apparatus, the projectile comprising: a generally cylindrical body with a longitudinal axis, a length between 10 and 40 cm, a length to width ratio of about 4 and 6, and a mass between 50 and 500 grams; a tapered front end; a rear portion with fins extending radially therefrom; and a tail end at a rear area of the fins, or extending along the longitudinal axis rearwardly from the rear portion and past the fins, to a flat end surface, the flat end surface being generally circular with a circumference of between 1 cm and 2.5 cm. planar with a circumference between 1 cm and 2.5 cm.

45. (canceled)

46. (canceled)

47. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example only in association with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0046] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are a side view and offset perspective view respectively, of pool deck and wall surface with side marker of goal apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are slight offset perspective views of modified versions of the devices of the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 3 is a slight offset perspective view of a goal apparatus in a pool having a curved end section;

[0049] FIG. 4 is a slight offset perspective view of a goal apparatus positioned away from the swimming pool wall;

[0050] FIG. 5 is a slight offset perspective view of field of play, for the game of the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 6 is a side view of field of play prior to submerging to start play;

[0052] FIG. 7 is a slight offset perspective view of two pairs of side markers for the goalpost;

[0053] FIG. 8 is a side view of hollow-body version of projectile according to one embodiment of the present invention, fitted with a removable nose cone;

[0054] FIG. 9 is a view of a projectile having a curved body section according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing vectors extending from the front and tail ends of the projectile;

[0055] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view a projectile according to a further embodiment of the present invention with a tail end extending behind the fins; and

[0056] FIG. 11 is a view of the projectile of FIG. 10 in use as it is held in a hand with a pointer finger positioned at the wider tail end of the projectile.

[0057] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following discussion and a review of the attached drawings in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example only.

[0058] It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, all of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination. In the drawings, like reference numerals depict like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059] In the present application, the term “sport” and “game” are used interchangeably, and the exact definition of a sport versus a game is outside of the scope of this invention.

[0060] Also, it will be clear that the present application is primarily directed to a game method, and suitable devices that can be used in a water-filled swimming pool. Typically, the pool is a private recreational pool having useable depths of between 3 and 9 feet, but it should also be understood that the game might also be played in larger and/or deeper public pools, or it might even be played in open water, such as lakes, ponds or rivers, under suitable conditions. Thus, while the present application is described with particular reference to its play in a private pool, the skilled artisan would be aware that the present application is equally applicable in other situations.

[0061] The nature of the devices used in the practice of the present invention, and the method of game play, will now be discussed in more detail.

The Projectile.

[0062] The first problem with development of the projectile, was to determine from the various options available, what were the characteristics of a projectile that are most suitable for a two-player, goal scoring game underwater. Particularly important features to consider were the distance through which a suitable projectile could be thrown underwater by hand and continue to move quickly enough to make the sport a challenge, as well as the ease of controlling the projectile for throwing during a game, and importantly, the safety aspects of the projectile, for the players, during competitive play. Through experimentation, the inventor has found that although projectiles are typically advertised as able to move up to 9 meters (30 feet) underwater, they only move quickly during the first 5 meters (15 feet) from the spot where they are thrown. Beyond that distance, even the best available projectiles thrown by hand underwater move and drift downward in an uninteresting, slow-moving and somewhat feeble manner that is not suitable for a sport. Typically, hand-propelled projectiles with a longer range of movement do not exist, because the mass of the projectile and the propulsion force required, could cause injury to others in the pool. During testing of other larger devices, some projectiles have been known to break swim goggles and cause eye injury. As such, a preferred distance for play of about 4.5 meters (15 feet) distance, for hand-thrown pool projectiles was the most basic feature to take into account for inventing the features for the field of play, the goal apparatus, and the method of play.

[0063] Various projectile designs and features were also reviewed, and the results of testing various projectiles are shown in Table 1.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Evaluation of prior art projectiles for suitability in underwater scoring game. Ratio Density of Product Length Diameter Length/ material Num Result regarding name Material cm max cm Diameter g/cm.sup.3 Mass g of Fins suitability for game play Toypedo Polyurethane 12.5 2.1 6.0 1.2 37 4 Short distance of travel*, (mini) about 10 feet. Slow and hard to aim. Hardest for defender to see and track Toypedo Polyurethane 17.8 3.4 5.2 1.2 102 4 Suitable distance of travel. (middle) Too light for a good feel for it in the hand. Toypedo Polyurethane 24.8 4.8 5.2 1.2 290 4 Ideal for play, travels (original) about 16 feet with a hard throw Sharkpedo Hard plastic 46.1 9.5 4.9 1.2 371 3 Designed with holes to fill body, Vinyl it with water. Too long and head, water too heavy to aim and to filled throw well. Moves slowly, far too easy for defender to stop it. Poolaris Rubber 23.3 4.6 5.1 1.52 389 5 Ideal for play, travels about 16 feet with a hard throw. But hurts if hits in the face. Torpedo Hard plastic 31.4 4.8 6.5 1.66 601 4 Too heavy, short distance housing, of travel, about 10 feet, sand- sinks fast. Body is too filled cylinder, long to aim well. Very rounded front painful if it hits defender in the face. *Distance of travel refers to the distance, once thrown hard by hand underwater, over which the projectile moves horizontally through water before losing speed and dipping downward as it gradually heads to the bottom of the pool. None of these projectiles possesses asoft front end, or soft nose-cone.

[0064] From this testing, the inventors has found that the most preferred projectiles are those projectiles having an essentially cylindrical shape, and ranging in length between 17.8 cm and 24.8 cm, with a length to width ratio of 4.9 and 5.2, and having a mass of between 102 and 389 grams were most suitable for use in the game.

[0065] Projectiles that are significantly longer than this length make it harder to change direction, and their aim, fast enough for good play since part of the strategy for the offensive player is to fake a shot in one direction and then redirecting the shot to a different direction. However, the longer the projectile, the greater the lateral water resistance at the tip of the projectile, making it difficult to quickly change the direction of throw. Further, if the projectile is too short or too light, then there is not a good feel or sense for the projectile in the hand of the offensive player.

[0066] The projectile can also be curved, in shape, as discussed below, in order to provide a projectile that will curve in the water, when thrown, regardless of the tail fin design. This allows the thrower to have the projectile bend from 1 to 3 metres, in a 12 metre flight path. Depending on the position of the curve in the projectile when it is released, the projectile can curve to the left, or the right, or can move upwards or downwards.

[0067] Typically the projectile has a curved configuration wherein a tail section vector is at angle of between 0.5 and 20°, with respect to a longitudinal axis line from the front section of the projectile. More preferably, the tail section vector is at an angle of between 0.5 and 10°, and still more preferably, at an angle of between 1 and 6°, with respect to a longitudinal axis line from the front section of the projectile.

The Underwater Goal Apparatus.

[0068] The second problem was to figure out the type, shape and size of a goal apparatus that would make an underwater projectile game a challenge for both the offensive and defensive players. If a goal area is too small it becomes too difficult for an attacking player to score. If the goal area is too large, it becomes frustrating for the defending player. A challenging game must balance the prospects for both the defending and the attacking players.

[0069] The underwater goal apparatus for use in the method of the present invention preferably comprises two vertical markers that each include a ribbon with a weight at the bottom. These act as “goal-perimeters” or “goalposts” on the side of the goal. The bottom of the goal is preferably provided by a horizontal physical feature along the wall of the pool, or is provided by a horizontal crossbar or rod. The top of the goal area is preferably the surface of the water itself, or is a second horizontal feature on the pool wall, that extends above or below the water, from one vertical goalpost marker to the other.

[0070] Thus, in one preferred embodiment, the goal apparatus comprises two vertical goal-perimeter markers that extend below the water surface, the bottom of the goal apparatus being marked by a physical crossbar, or by a horizontal physical feature along the wall of the pool, and the top of the goal area is the surface of the water or a second horizontal feature above or below the water, from one vertical goalpost marker to the other.

[0071] The top of the goal can also be a second horizontal crossbar, tube or rod, attached to the vertical markers. Typically, when used, the bottom of the goal is preferably a tube, rod or bar which is denser than water, while the top of the goal is preferably a tube, rod or bar which is less dense than water.

[0072] When used, the tubes, rods or bars, are preferably between 3 and 15 feet in length, and more preferably, between 6 and 12 feet in length. The tubes, rods or bars can be provided in a single piece, but more preferably, are provided as continuously adjustable, extensible telescopic device which can be extended to its full length for use in the pool. Alternatively, the tubes, rods or bars can be provided in sectional pieces, such as 3-5 foot sections, and most preferably in sections of about 3 feet, that are assembled together for use.

[0073] The vertical ribbon markers are preferably comprised of a flexible fibre, or rope, or they can be made of a non-flexible material. In this respect, the vertical marker can be a rigid device (solid or tubular), which can be hung from the side of the pool, such as by using a hook affixed to the end of the vertical markers.

[0074] The vertical markers can be attached to the side or deck of the pool, held in place by weights on the deck of the pool, or attached to a flotation device that holds the markers in place inside of the pool (away from the pool walls).

[0075] The vertical goal markers preferably extend no more than five feet from the surface of the water, and more preferably, extend between 2.5 and five feet below the water surface.

[0076] The goal can also include a netting or cloth held between the vertical markers, and/or the bottom or top horizontal crossbars, to further demarcate the goal area. One suitable goal would be a banner made of vinyl that has a horizontal length of 8 to 16 feet, and a vertical width of 2.5 to 4 feet. Preferably, the vinyl banner may be 12 feet by 3 feet and is hung just below the surface of the water. The vinyl, netting or cloth can also include an optional sensor device to determine when a goal is scored, as the projectile penetrates the plane defined by the goal apparatus.

[0077] In another approach, the underwater goal apparatus can consist simply of tape that is applied to the wall of a swimming pool to define the perimeter of the goal area.

[0078] The top of the goal is preferably within 2 feet, and more preferably, within 1 foot of the water surface. The top of the goal can be above the water's surface, but typically, is the water surface, or a horizontal line less than 2 feet, and more preferably, less than 1 foot, below the water's surface.

[0079] The bottom of the goal is preferably maintained at 2 to 6 feet, and more preferably, between 2.5 and 4 feet below the surface of the water.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the goal provides a goal-scoring area of between 5 and 150 square feet, and more preferably, between 10 square feet up to 128 square feet.

[0081] In another embodiment, the underwater goal apparatus preferably demarcates an area of at least ten square feet to 128 square feet, with its top edge at or within 1 foot from the surface of the water and extending down no more than five feet from the surface of the water.

[0082] Also, while the goal is typically rectangular or square in shape, other goal shapes, such as round, triangular, pentagon shapes, or irregular shapes might also be used. This includes a goal wherein a portion of the shape outlined by the perimeter of the goal is a curved line, such as, for example, the line that results when a rope or ribbon-like material is attached at two points along the wall of a swimming pool, at least 6 feet apart along the wall, and which hangs at least 3 feet below the surface of the water.

[0083] To study the preferred goal shapes and sizes, various arrangements and sizes for the goal areas, were evaluated, and are shown in Table 2.

[0084] Based on this study, the inventor has found that for adults, a particularly desirable goal-apparatus is a vertically oriented area with its top edge starting at or near the water surface. A suitable goal area has a horizontal width of 3.7 meters (12 feet) between the vertical posts, and a vertical width downward from its top edge of 3 feet. In this application, the area of the face of the goal is preferably at least about 0.92 square meters (10 square feet), depending on the skill of the players, but as indicated in the previous sentence, a goal planar area of about 3.34 square meters (36 square feet) is considered ideal.

[0085] A goal narrower than 3.7 meters (12 feet) may be used for younger or less skilled players, as being easier to defend. A narrower goal target may also be used to as a handicapping technique compensate for differences in skill. For example two sets of goal delimiting markers can be used in a single goal structure, so that an adult must score into the smaller goal area, while the child has a larger target, to make the game interesting for both.

[0086] Also, it is noted that one preferred arrangement is a goal comprising a vinyl banner having a width of 12 feet that hangs down 3 feet from the pool surface, for a preferred area of 36 square feet.

[0087] In the drawings, in one preferred configuration, as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, each vertical goalpost of a goal apparatus, is a one-inch wide ribbon 1 held at the top of the pool deck 3 with a weight 2, and with the other, submerged end of ribbon 1 being weighed down with a weight 4. The submerged end of ribbon 1 is below the water surface 8 of the pool. Weight 4, in a preferred approach, was two ice-hockey pucks glued together sandwiching the ribbon 1 between them. In this embodiment, the bottom of each goalpost is positioned at a location of from 2.5 to 4 feet below the top of the goal area.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Goal device areas and their suitability for game play. Width Depth Planar Result regarding suitability Goal type description feet feet area for game play Entire wall of pool 16 8 128 Far too easy to score Entire wall of pool, 16 3 48 Moderately suitable game play, easiest limiting to top 3 feetof scoring, but defender can injure hand on depth wall when reaching to stop projectile. Many pools havecurved sides, making it difficult to define a goal area. Marked area starting 12 3.5 42 Ideal for game play. Allows for lateral 0.5 under to 4 feet under movement options for offensive player, and surface. To prevent reasonabledepth for defender to function in. projectile loss over an infinity edge of pool Area from watersurface 12 3 36 Ideal for game play. Allows for lateral down movement options for offensive player, and reasonabledepth for defender to function in. Area from watersurface 5 2 10 Introductory size, suitable for smallchildren, down but not for adults. Goal area horizontalat 6 6 36 Not good. A very silly game, defender bottom of pool needs to hold breath, but then floats up Vertical rectangle goal 4 8 32 Not good. Too deep, makes it more a area, 4 feet wide by 8 jumping up game from the bottomof the feet deep pool. Loop of rope 12 feetwide 12 4 25 Moderately suitable, but very hard to score arching down to 4 feet due to limited goal area toleft and right at its center sides Goal area from water 6 3 18 too narrow a goal, too easy todefend surface down Swimways aquatic game 3 3 9 This floating device is too small, floater target practically impossible to score (U.S. Pat. No. 692,3706) against a defender

[0088] The vertical goalposts may be suspended from the pool side or deck of the swimming pool by weighing them down with a suitable weight 2 such as a stone or block. Alternatively a fastener of any sort can be used to hold up the top of the vertical goal post, and thus the goal apparatus, onto the swimming pool side or the deck 3.

[0089] Commonly, the upper walls of vinyl-lined swimming pools extend down vertically 40 inches or so from the pool deck, and then the wall then typically slopes inwards as shown at point “5”. That bend at the deep end of a swimming pool wall, or some other horizontal feature, such as a line of tile or a change in wall colour at a depth of between 2.5 to four feet below the surface of the water serves as a convenient bottom delimiter of the goal area, while the weighted ribbons serve as the left and right delimiters. In this approach, the goal apparatus is essentially adjacent to the wall of the pool, and the goal area is the solid wall of the swimming pool, with the goal area defined by ribbons 1, the top by water surface 8, and the horizontal line 5 defining the bottom of the goal area.

[0090] The bottom of the goal can also be a tape marking, or a horizontal rod connecting the ends of the goal-post ribbons.

[0091] In another approach, shown in FIG. 2A, a horizontal bar 7, made of a material which is denser than water is fixed to the bottom of two vertical goalpost ribbons 1, to define the goal area. No additional weights are required.

[0092] In FIG. 2B, an embodiment is shown in which horizontal bar 7 is replaced by bar 9, which is made up of 4 three foot sections. The top of goal area 11 is defined by a second sectional bar 10, also made up of 4 three foot sections.

[0093] In another useful configuration, the plane of the goal area can be defined away from a curved pool wall, and in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the goal area is defined by a netting or cloth which provides 2.5 to 5 feet, and preferably 3 feet, of vertical height of the goal area below the surface 8 of the water. Horizontal bar 7 is made of a material which is denser than water and is fixed to the bottom of the cloth or netting 6, between weights 4 at the bottom of the goal marking ribbons 1. The net 6 is preferably 12 feet wide, and is connected at each end to the weighted-down goal-marking ribbon, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0094] In FIG. 4, a similar device is shown having an additional ribbon section 12, which is used to hold the goal away from the side of the pool.

[0095] For a swimming pool with curved wall, or in a larger swimming pool, such as a public swimming pool, the goal area surface can be suspended away from the wall of the pool.

[0096] To accommodate two players in one corner of a swimming pool, a net can be suspended between two vertical posts away from the wall, which can serve as the goal. This kind of goal arrangement makes it possible for a public pool to accommodate multiple separate games at the same time.

Field of Play and Method of Game Play

[0097] The field of play was investigated to determine a field of play best suited for a two-person underwater sport. As explained earlier, if the starting position of the offensive player too far from the goal, then once the play starts, the defending player is able to swim out so far toward the offensive player that there is little chance that a goal can be scored, because the projectile will not have time to reach the goal apparatus, with any appreciable speed. The inventor has found through experience, that it is unacceptably difficult to score a shot from more than fifteen feet distant from the goal apparatus, in normal game play. Through experimentation, my recommendation is that the appropriate distance for the offensive player to initiate play, as shown in FIG. 5, was found to be a position that is between 12 and 18 feet away (see dashed lines A and B respectively) from the goal area.

[0098] An important feature, unique to this goal-scoring game, is that the defending player can end the play simply by touching any part of the body of the offensive player. For the defending player, this ability to tag the opponent, similar to tagging a runner in baseball, to end the play increases the game-strategy options beyond just protecting the goal area; meanwhile, the risk of being tagged to end the play forces the offensive player to be creative in their movements. In their starting positions before play is initiated, the offensive player 13, in FIG. 6, is shown at a distance away from the goal of between 12 and 18 feet, and holds the projectile 15. The defending player 14 has one hand on the pool wall, or goal to start.

[0099] In a preferred approach, at the start of play, the defending player 14 must have one hand touching the goal area, to ensure they are within arms-length of the goal. Once the offensive player 13 submerges to start play, both players are free to move underwater at will, to swim towards each other, or push off the sides of the pool, or ascend or descend in the water, as desired.

[0100] Each play in the game takes place under the surface of the water. Projectile 15 is ultimately thrown by the offensive player 13 towards the vertical goal area that is defended by the defending player 14. Each player takes turns, alternating between the offensive role of throwing the projectile, and the defending role of preventing the projectile from reaching the goal.

[0101] Each play starts when the offensive player submerges with the projectile, and the play ends when one of the following happens: [0102] (1) the defending player 14 touches the offensive player 13 before the projectile is released from the hand of the offensive player; [0103] (2) the projectile is released and touches the face of the goal area to score (hitting the goalpost marker or the wall outside the goal area counts as a miss); or [0104] (3) the face of the offensive player rises above the surface of the water.

[0105] As such, a preferred field of play is one in which the width of the field is the width of a residential swimming pool. The goal is preferably located at the deepest end of the pool, with the opposite end of the field of play being the starting position of the offensive player. Again, the starting position of the offensive player is preferably, 12 and 18 feet away, from the goal.

[0106] It has been found that if the offensive player 13 is too close to the goal, then the offensive player 13 can be too easily touched or blocked by the defending player 14. If the offensive player is too far from the goal, then getting the projectile to the goal can be difficult.

[0107] Some additional preferred conditions also apply to the game. For example, to score, the projectile 15 must be under the surface of the water when it is released. This is because a splash of bubbles upon release unfairly obliterates the view of the defender. Release of the projectile over the water, is not permitted because this is not an over-water throwing game, and it is unfair to the defending player. If a throw released from under the water propels the projectile to momentarily jump out of the water, like a dolphin, this is permissible, because it requires skill to do, and its path stays visible to the defending player. Once the offensive player releases the projectile, the offensive player may not retrieve it to continue play. That is, only one shot is permitted per play.

[0108] A goal is scored when the offensive player 13 successfully throws the projectile into the area encompassed by the underwater goal apparatus. Normally, the players exchange their roles after each play; however, they are free to modify the sequence of changing from offensive to defensive roles. For example, players could decide to alternate between each having a sequence of three plays of the offensive role. The game ends once a predetermined score total or time limit is reached. If players change role after each play, then a short version of the game is the first to score three goals, but a winner must win by two goals.

[0109] A handicapping approach to play can also be provided, as shown in FIG. 7. This is achieved by including a second set of vertical goalpost markers 1A, in addition to markers 1, to define a narrower width of goal for a more skilled player to score into, while goalpost markers 1 set wider apart define the goal area for a less-skilled opponent.

[0110] This sport requires minimal equipment investment since it only requires an underwater goal apparatus that includes goalposts and bottom crossbar markers, and a suitable projectile. A swim mask or sturdy goggles are strongly preferred for each player to protect the eyes and to make the game and the goals visible to each player.

Development of a Projectile

[0111] After the basic rules of the sport were set, and after experimentation in playing the underwater projectile sport, it was felt that a hard projectile could cause injury if thrown at close range to the defending player. As such, safety improvements were investigated and developed for the projectile. To provide a projectile with desirable safety performance, an underwater projectile 23, as seen in FIG. 8, that has a tapered and rounded front end section 15A made of a material softer than the shaft of the cylinder 16 of the projectile, will help to prevent injury to the defending player, if he is hit with the projectile. The soft nosecone of the front end section 15A can be affixed to the cylindrical section 16 of the projectile 23 through use of an adhesive, to make a one-piece projectile, or inserted like a plug into a cavity 17 at the front end of the cylinder 16. The plug might also be held using a threaded section, or by friction or a plug adhesive.

[0112] Fins 19, which might be provided as a replaceable attachment, for use of different and varying tail fin arrangements, are provided at a tail end section 18, of the projectile.

Projectile Density

[0113] All commercially available projectiles tested for Table 1 were denser than water, and they sink. That made it necessary to dive to the bottom of the pool after most plays in the sport. A projectile having an overall density that is not greater than the density of water would be useful. A projectile less dense than water makes it less likely that a shot at the goal area will go below the low edge of the goal area, improving the chance of scoring.

[0114] Thus, manufacturing of a projectile with a material to provide a projectile having a density of between 0.9 and 1.0 density relative to fresh water, is safer for some players, because it obviates the need to dive to the bottom of the water to retrieve the projectile. In deeper water, as in a high-diving pool, or if the game is played in a lake, a projectile less dense than water is less likely to become lost into deep water or lost among vegetation growing in a lake or pond.

[0115] Another configuration to lower the overall density of the projectile is to include a hollow cavity, such as a hollow area 17, which is located within the cylinder of the projectile. The cavity can thus function as an opening for the nose cone, or act as a hollow interior portion of the projectile. Hollow area 17 can thus contain air to provide buoyancy, or it can contain water or another substance, to adjust the overall density of the projectile. Nose cone (i.e. the rounded front section) 15A can be used as a means to open and close the cavity 17, and when fitted with a nose-cone cap made of a soft material, the nose-cone can act as both a closure for the hollow air filled interior and act to minimize injury to a person hit by the projectile device when thrown.

[0116] Alternatively, a rear end 18 of projectile 23 can also be partially hollow, and fitted with a closure (not shown) located at the junction of tail fins 19, in order to alter the buoyancy of rear end 18 of projectile 23, and thus modify its movement behaviour through the water. The tail section might also be removable, and replaceable with various types of tail-fin configurations.

[0117] The tail section might also be removable and act as a cover to provide access to a hollow air-filled portion of the projectile and thus permit adjustments to buoyancy at the rear portion of the projectile by putting water into the hollow portion.

Curved Projectile

[0118] However, in a more preferable option, it was investigated whether it is possible for a thrower to make the projectile move through a more predictably curved path having a diameter of at least twelve feet (four meters).

[0119] Through further experimentation, it was found that torpedo-shaped projectiles that had a gentle bend across the length of the body of the projectile would provide better and more predictable curvature of the projectile when thrown. As such, the present invention also provides a curved projectile, that can be made permanently in a curved shape, or a projectile that can be made of a material (such as a semi-flexible polyurethane) which can be temporarily bent, preferably near the middle portion of its length, so as to permit the projectile to move through a straight or adjustably curved path when thrown by hand underwater.

[0120] As seen in FIG. 9, the body of curved projectile 25, has a front section 28, having a longitudinal axis, or vector 29. The body of the projectile 25 is curved so that axis, or vector 26 for the tail section 30, is at a slight angle to vector 29 for front section 28. The result was that curved projectiles 25 moved through a long, predictable curved path when thrown underwater. It was found that if the vector line 26 through rearward portion of the projectile 25 trails off at an angle 27 of between 1 and 6 degrees from the vector 29 through the front portion 28 of the projectile 25, then a hand-thrown projectile will move through a curved underwater path that has a diameter of more than about twelve feet (four meters).

[0121] Through experimentation, the inventor discovered that a gentle curvature along the length of the body of the projectile 25 causes the projectile to curve gently and more predictably through the water. When a gently curved projectile 25 is thrown underwater, its path through the water can curve in any direction, in a manner that can be determined by the offensive player 13. Depending on way the lengthwise curvature of the projectile body is positioned while the projectile is held in the hand of the offensive player 13, the projectile's path can curve upwards, downwards, left or right. The offensive player needs to develop the skill to throw the projectile through predictable paths, while the defending player 14 needs to anticipate a non-straight path of flight through the water. This is similar to a batter in baseball needing to anticipate the path of a curve ball, or Frisbee players throwing and catching during ultimate Frisbee.

[0122] Further, the curved projectile 25 can be used separate from the underwater-projectile sport, or as a practice for the sport. The curvature of the projectile's path adds enjoyment, similar to the way it is fun to play catch with a Frisbee, while throwing it through curved flight paths.

[0123] It was realized during play, that a point at the tail end of all/any of the above described handheld projectiles limits the ability of the thrower in two ways. First, the tip at the back of the projectile causes pain at the finger that may be placed there for adding thrust to the throw. Second, the small surface area of the tip limits the amount of force that can be applied with one or two fingers to add thrust to the throw. It was found that a modified design of the tail end of the projectiles would improve both player comfort and throwing power.

[0124] Thus, any of the above described projectiles may have a flat tail end. One embodiment of a projectile 31 having a flat back surface 32 is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Similar to the projectiles described above, projectile 31 also has a generally cylindrical body 33 suitable for throwing by hand underwater, and ranges in length from between about 10 and 40 cm, with a length to width ratio of about 4 and 6, and having a mass of between about 50 and 500 grams. To that end, projectile 31 also has a tapered and/or rounded front end 34, with fins 35 positioned at an opposed rear portion 36 of projectile 31.

[0125] Unlike the above described projectiles, however, rear portion 36 further comprises a tail end 37 at the back of the fins, or that extends beyond/past fins 35 to the flat back surface 32. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, flat back surface 32 may be circular and be orientated perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of projectile 31. A circumference of the flat back surface 32 may be between 1 cm and 2.5 cm (0.4 to 1 inch). As shown in FIG. 11, in use, the presence of flat back surface 32 on projectile 31 may help to distribute the force that one or two fingers placed thereon may apply to increase the power of the throw of the projectile underwater. Preferably, projectile 31 may have a length between 17.8 cm and 24.8 cm, a length to width ratio of 4.9 and 5.2, and a mass of between 102 and 389 grams.

[0126] Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a two-person underwater projectile goal-scoring sport, and the equipment for use therefor, which fully satisfies the goals, objects, and advantages set forth hereinbefore. Therefore, having described specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that alternatives, modifications and variations thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art, and that it is intended that the present specification embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0127] Additionally, for clarity and unless otherwise stated, the word “comprise” and variations of the word such as “comprising” and “comprises”, when used in the description and claims of the present specification, is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Further, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0128] Moreover, words such as “substantially” or “essentially”, when used with an adjective or adverb is intended to enhance the scope of the particular characteristic; e.g., substantially planar is intended to mean planar, nearly planar and/or exhibiting characteristics associated with a planar element.

[0129] Further, use of the terms “he”, “him”, or “his”, is not intended to be specifically directed to persons of the masculine gender, and could easily be read as “she”, “her”, or “hers”, respectively.

[0130] Also, while this discussion has addressed prior art known to the inventor, it is not an admission that all art discussed is citable against the present application.