Cornhole training device

Abstract

A cornhole training device for simulating practice scenarios involving a blocking bag positional a cornhole game board. The cornhole training device integrates a suction component and a stabilizing plate with a cornhole bag. The stabilizing plate is retained within a pocket attached to an inside of the cornhole bag with the suction component extending through the pocket, the stabilizing plate, and the cornhole bag. The suction component attaches to and engages the cornhole gameboard surface. Alternatively, the device is configured to attach the suction component, the stabilizing plate, and the pocket to an existing cornhole bag. The cornhole training device is positional anywhere on the gameboard to simulate a cornhole bag obstructing the aperture.

Claims

1. A cornhole training device for use with a cornhole game board, the cornhole training device comprising: a suction component comprising a concave side, a convex side, and an attachment component; a stabilizing plate comprising a plate through hole; a stabilizing plate retaining pocket comprising a pocket through hole, the retaining pocket configured to retain the stabilizing plate so that the plate and pocket through holes align; and a cornhole bag; and wherein the attachment component of the suction component penetrates both the plate and pocket through holes; and wherein the stabilizing plate retaining pocket is attachable to the cornhole bag, and wherein the suction component is configured to engage the cornhole gameboard holding the cornhole training device in place on a top surface of the cornhole gameboard.

2. The cornhole training device of claim 1, wherein the attachment component comprises a center portion integrated into the suction component and a connector element extending out of the convex side.

3. The cornhole training device of claim 2, wherein the connector element is threaded.

4. The cornhole training device of claim 2, wherein the attachment component further comprises a spacer element and a securing element for engaging the connector element.

5. The cornhole training device of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing plate retaining pocket is attachable to the cornhole bag via a hook and loop fastening component.

6. A cornhole training device for use with a cornhole game board, the cornhole training device comprising: a suction component comprising a concave side, a convex side, and an attachment component; a stabilizing plate comprising a plate through hole; a stabilizing plate retaining pocket comprising a pocket through hole, the retaining pocket configured to retain the stabilizing plate so that the plate and pocket through holes align; and a cornhole bag; and wherein the stabilizing plate retaining pocket is securable to an interior surface of the cornhole bag; wherein the attachment component of the suction component penetrates the plate through hole, the pocket through hole, and the cornhole bag; and wherein the suction component is configured to engage the cornhole gameboard holding the cornhole training device in place on a top surface of the cornhole gameboard.

7. The cornhole training device of claim 6, wherein the stabilizing plate is rectangular.

8. The cornhole training device of claim 6, wherein the stabilizing plate retaining pocket further comprises a closable opening sized to accept the stabilizing plate.

9. The cornhole training device of claim 6, wherein the stabilizing plate retaining pocket is stitched to the interior surface of the cornhole bag.

10. The cornhole training device of claim 6, wherein the attachment component comprises a center portion integrated into the suction component and a connector element extending out of the convex side.

11. The cornhole training device of claim 10, wherein the attachment component further comprises a spacer element and a securing element for engaging the connector element.

12. The cornhole training device of claim 11, wherein the spacer element is a washer and the securing element is a nut.

13. The cornhole training device of claim 10, wherein the connector element is threaded.

14. The cornhole training device of claim 13, wherein the plate through hole of the stabilizing plate is threaded for engaging the connector element.

15. The cornhole training device of claim 6, wherein the suction component further comprises a protuberance adjacent to a perimeter of the suction component.

16. The cornhole training device of claim 6, wherein the cornhole training device is temporarily positional on the cornhole game board to block an aperture in the cornhole board.

17. A cornhole training device for use with a cornhole game board, the cornhole training device comprising: a suction component comprising a concave side, a convex side, and an attachment component; a stabilizing plate comprising a plate through hole; a stabilizing plate retaining pocket comprising a pocket through hole, the retaining pocket configured to retain the stabilizing plate so that the plate and pocket through holes align; a corn hole bag; and a cornhole receiving bag for encapsulating the cornhole bag; and wherein the stabilizing plate retaining pocket is securable to an interior surface of the cornhole receiving bag; wherein the attachment component of the suction component penetrates the plate through hole, the pocket through hole, and the cornhole receiving bag; and wherein the suction component is configured to engage the cornhole gameboard holding the cornhole training device in place on a top surface of the cornhole gameboard.

18. The cornhole training device of claim 17, wherein the attachment component comprises a center portion integrated into the suction component and a connector element extending out of the convex side.

19. The cornhole training device of claim 18, wherein the attachment component further comprises a spacer element and a securing element for engaging the connector element.

20. The cornhole training device of claim 17, wherein the cornhole training device is repositionable on the cornhole game board to block an aperture in the cornhole board.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates an overhead perspective view of a cornhole training device of the present invention for use with a cornhole game board attached to the cornhole game board in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the cornhole training device of the present invention for use with the cornhole game board in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of various components of the cornhole training device disassembled of the present invention for use with the cornhole game board in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of various components of the cornhole training device disassembled of the present invention for use with the cornhole game board in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a stabilizing plate being positioned within a stabilizing plate retaining pocket of the cornhole training device of the present invention for use with the cornhole game board in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a side cutaway view of a suction component of the cornhole training device of the present invention for use with the cornhole game board in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of various components of the cornhole training device of the present invention for use with the cornhole game board in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the suction component and a cornhole bag of the cornhole training device of the present invention for use with the cornhole game board in accordance with the disclosed architecture

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates a side cutaway view of the cornhole training device of the present invention for use with the cornhole game board in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates an overhead perspective view the cornhole training device of the present invention for use with the cornhole game board and a cornhole bag in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(12) FIG. 11 illustrates an overhead perspective view of a plurality of the cornhole training devices of the present invention for use with the cornhole game board attached to a cornhole board in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(13) FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of a cornhole training device of the present invention for use with a cornhole bag and a cornhole game board in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(14) FIG. 13 illustrates a side cutaway view of the cornhole training device of the present invention for use with the cornhole bag and the cornhole game board in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(15) The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

(16) Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-10 illustrate a cornhole training device 100. The cornhole training device 100 is adapted for use with a standard cornhole gameboard 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The cornhole training device 100 is designed to allow a player to practice a variety of different shots in the game of cornhole. The cornhole training device 100 can be positioned anywhere on a top surface 20 of the cornhole game board 10 to allow the player to practice cut shots, roll and bounce shots, air mail shots, and the like under a variety of playing scenarios. The cornhole training device 100 may be positioned to block the aperture 30 or hole in the cornhole gameboard 10. The cornhole training device 100 is temporarily attachable to the cornhole game board 10 via suction. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a plurality of the cornhole training devices 100 may be positioned simultaneously at multiple locations on the cornhole gameboard 10.

(17) As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the cornhole training device 100 comprises a suction component 110, a stabilizing plate 130, and stabilizing plate retaining pocket 140. The cornhole training device 100 may further comprise a cornhole bag 160. The cornhole bag 160 may be any traditional cornhole bag constructed from a fabric or pliable material usable to encapsulate a filling material. The cornhole bag 160 is incompletely constructed while the cornhole training device 100 is being assembled. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a cornhole board engaging side 162 of the cornhole bag 160 comprises an interior surface 164 and an exterior surface 166. A bag through hole 168 penetrates the cornhole board engaging side 162.

(18) Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the cornhole training device 100 further comprises a cornhole receiving bag 160a for encapsulating a traditional cornhole bag 50. The cornhole receiving bag 160a is simply a cornhole bag shell sized slightly larger than a traditional cornhole bag so that the cornhole receiving bag 160a can envelope and encapsulate the traditional cornhole bag. The cornhole receiving bag 160a comprises an interior surface 164a and an exterior surface 166a. A bag through hole 168a penetrates the cornhole board engaging side 162a.

(19) The suction component 110 is configured to engage the cornhole gameboard 10 holding the cornhole training device 100 in place on the top surface 20 of the cornhole gameboard 10. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the suction component 110 comprises a concave side 112, a convex side 114, and a circular perimeter 116. The concave side 112, the convex side 114, and the circular perimeter 116 essentially form a suction cup. The concave side 112 is configured to secure the cornhole training device 100 to the cornhole board 10 via suction. The suction component 110 may further comprises a protuberance 118. The protuberance 118 is a knob or bump designed to allow the user to better grasp the suction component 110 to disengage it from the top surface 20 of the cornhole gameboard 10.

(20) The suction component 110 further comprises an attachment component 120. The attachment component 120 comprises a center portion 122 and a connector element 124. The center portion 122 is integrated into the suction component 110 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8. The center portion 122 may be a circular metal or plastic disc. The connector element 124 extends out of the center portion 122 from the convex side 114. The connector element 124 may be threaded or partially threaded. As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7, the attachment component 120 may further comprise a spacer element 126 and a securing element 128. The spacing element 126 is typically a washer or similar spacer that is configured to fit over the connector element 124. The securing element 128 is typically a nut or similar mechanical fastener that engages the connector element 124.

(21) As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the stabilizing plate 130 is a generally rectangular plate. This is advantageous as the rectangular shape is designed to fit the stabilizing plate retaining pocket 140 and limits the weight of the cornhole training device 100 so that it still feels like a normal cornhole bag. The stabilizing plate 130 is typically constructed from a light weight metal, plastic, or similar material and comprises a plate through hole 132. The plate through hole 132 is positioned off center on the stabilizing plate 130. This hole positioning on the stabilizing plate 130 is advantageous as it keeps the bottom of the cornhole bag 50 from flipping up in the air when hit by another cornhole bag.

(22) The stabilizing plate retaining pocket 140 comprises a pocket through hole 142. The stabilizing plate retaining pocket 140 further comprises a closable opening 144. The closable opening 144 is sized to accept the stabilizing plate 130. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the stabilizing plate 130 is positional within the stabilizing plate retaining pocket 140 so that the plate through hole 132 and the pocket through hole 142 are aligned. The stabilizing plate retaining pocket 140 is securable to the interior surface 164 of the cornhole bag 160 via stitching, mechanical fasteners, adhesive, heat-sealing, or the like. Alternatively, the stabilizing plate retaining pocket 140 is securable to the interior surface 164a of the cornhole receiving bag 160a.

(23) The suction component 110 is positioned so that the convex side 114 abuts the exterior surface 166, 166a of the cornhole bag 160 or the cornhole receiving bag 160a respectively. The connector element 124 of the attachment component 120 penetrates the through hole 168, 168a of the cornhole bag 160 or the cornhole receiving bag 160a. The connector element 124 further penetrates the pocket through hole 142 and the plate through hole 132. The connector element 124 extends through the stabilizing plate 130 and spacer element 126 and is secured with the securing element 128 as illustrated in FIG. 7. Alternatively, the connector element 122 may secure directly to the stabilizing plate 130. The plate through hole 132 may be threaded to accept the threaded connecter element 122 without the need for a nut or other mechanical fastener.

(24) In another embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the subject matter disclosed and claimed herein comprises a cornhole training device 200. The cornhole training device 200 is adapted for use with a cornhole bag 50 and a cornhole gameboard 10. The cornhole training device 200 comprises a suction component 210, a stabilizing plate 230, and stabilizing plate retaining pocket 240. The suction component 210 is configured to engage the cornhole gameboard 10 holding the cornhole bag 50 and the cornhole training device 200 in place on a top surface 20 of the cornhole gameboard 10.

(25) The suction component 210 comprises a concave side (similar to 112), a convex side (similar to 114), and a circular perimeter (similar to 116). The concave side, the convex side, and the circular perimeter essentially form a suction cup. The concave side is configured to secure the cornhole training device 100 to the cornhole board 10 via suction. The suction component 210 may further comprises a protuberance (similar to 118). The protuberance is a knob or bump designed to allow the user to better grasp the suction component 210 to disengage it from the top surface 20 of the cornhole gameboard 10.

(26) The suction component 210 further comprises an attachment component 220. The attachment component 220 comprises a center portion (similar to 122) and a connector element (similar to 124). The center portion is integrated into the suction component 210. The center portion may be a circular metal or plastic disc. The connector element extends out of the center portion from the convex side. The connector element may be threaded or partially threaded. The attachment component 220 may further comprise a spacer element (similar to 126) and a securing element (similar to 128). The spacing element is typically a washer or similar spacer that is configured to fit over the connector element. The securing element is typically a nut or similar mechanical fastener that engages the connector element.

(27) The stabilizing plate 230 is a generally rectangular plate. This is advantageous as the rectangular shape is designed to fit the stabilizing plate retaining pocket 240 and limits the weight of the cornhole training device 200. The stabilizing plate 230 is constructed from a light weight metal or plastic and comprises a plate through hole (similar to 132). The plate through hole is positioned off center on the stabilizing plate. This is advantageous as it keeps the bottom of the cornhole bag 50 from flipping up in the air when hit by another cornhole bag.

(28) The stabilizing plate retaining pocket 240 comprises a pocket through hole (similar to 142). The stabilizing plate retaining pocket 240 further comprises a closable opening (similar to 144). The closable opening is sized to accept the stabilizing plate 230. The stabilizing plate retaining pocket 240 further comprises an outward facing side 246 and a cornhole bag facing side 248. The outward facing side 246 is removably attachable to the cornhole bag 50 via a bag attachment element 250. The bag attachment element 250 may be a hook and loop fastening component, a magnetic attachment, a mechanical fastener component, or the like.

(29) The stabilizing plate 230 is positional within the stabilizing plate retaining pocket 240 so that the plate through hole and the pocket through hole are aligned. The stabilizing plate retaining pocket 240 is securable to an exterior surface of the cornhole bag 50 via stitching, mechanical fasteners, adhesive, heat-sealing, or the like.

(30) The suction component 210 is positioned so that the convex side abuts an exterior surface of the cornhole bag 50. The connector element of the attachment component 220 penetrates the through hole the pocket through hole and the plate through hole. The connector element extends through the stabilizing plate 230 and spacer element and is secured with the securing element. Alternatively, the connector element may secure directly to the stabilizing plate 230. The plate through hole may be threaded to accept the threaded connecter element without the need for a nut or other mechanical fastener.

(31) Notwithstanding the forgoing, the cornhole training devices 100 and 200 can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the cornhole training devices 100 and 200 and their various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the cornhole training devices 100 and 200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the cornhole training devices 100 and 200 and their components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the cornhole training devices 100 and 200 and their various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the cornhole training devices 100 and 200 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever the cornhole training devices 100 and 200 are designed to be applied.

(32) What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.