Cornhole training apparatus

Abstract

A cornhole training apparatus for simulating practice scenarios involving a blocking bag positional near a hole on a cornhole game board. The cornhole training apparatus comprises a blocking bag mounting structure configured to engage the cornhole gameboard surface. The blocking bag mounting structure comprises a horizontal band and a pair of cornhole board engaging members. The pair of cornhole board engaging members are oppositely disposed at either end of the horizontal band and configured to extend around and engage the sides of the cornhole gameboard to hold the blocking bag mounting structure in place. A blocking bag is attachable to the horizontal band to simulate a cornhole bag obstructing the hole.

Claims

1. A cornhole training apparatus comprising: a blocking bag mounting structure comprising a horizontal band, a pair of cornhole board engaging members oppositely disposed at either end of the horizontal band; and a blocking bag attachment element attached to a top side of the horizontal band, and a blocking bag comprising a cornhole bag and a mounting structure engaging component attached to the cornhole bag, the mounting structure engaging component attachable to the blocking bag attachment element of the top side of the horizontal band; and wherein the pair of cornhole board engaging members are configured to engage a cornhole gameboard holding the horizontal band in place on a top surface of the cornhole gameboard.

2. The cornhole training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blocking bag attachment element comprises a horizontal band attachment portion and a blocking bag engaging portion.

3. The cornhole training apparatus of claim 2, wherein the blocking bag engaging portion is a hook and loop fastening system.

4. The cornhole training apparatus of claim 2, wherein the horizontal band attachment portion is attached to the horizontal band via an adhesive or a mechanical fastener.

5. The cornhole training apparatus of claim 1, wherein a blocking bag attachment position is centered on the horizontal band between the pair of cornhole board engaging members.

6. The cornhole training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pair of cornhole board engaging members frictionally engage the cornhole gameboard.

7. The cornhole training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pair of cornhole board engaging members are flexible.

8. The cornhole training apparatus of claim 1, wherein each cornhole board engaging member comprises a side grip portion.

9. The cornhole training apparatus of claim 8, wherein each cornhole board engaging member further comprises an underside grip portion extending from the side grip portion.

10. A cornhole training apparatus adapted for use with a cornhole gameboard, the cornhole training apparatus comprising: a blocking bag mounting structure comprising a horizontal band, a pair of cornhole board engaging members oppositely disposed at either end of the horizontal band, and a blocking bag attachment element attached to a top side of the horizontal band; and a blocking bag comprising a cornhole bag and a mounting structure engaging component attached to the cornhole bag, the blocking bag attachable to the blocking bag attachment element; and wherein the pair of cornhole board engaging members are configured to engage a cornhole gameboard holding the horizontal band in place on a top surface of the cornhole gameboard.

11. The cornhole training apparatus of claim 10, wherein the horizontal band comprises a magnetic element.

12. The cornhole training apparatus of claim 10, wherein the horizontal band comprises a channel horizontally disposed in a top surface of the horizontal band.

13. The cornhole training apparatus of claim 10, wherein the blocking bag attachment element is re-positional along the horizontal band.

14. The cornhole training apparatus of claim 10, wherein the mounting structure engaging component comprises a mounting structure engaging portion.

15. The cornhole training apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a second blocking bag attachment element attached to the top side of the horizontal band and a second blocking bag.

16. A cornhole training apparatus adapted for use with a cornhole gameboard, the cornhole training apparatus comprising: a blocking bag mounting structure comprising a horizontal band, a pair of cornhole board engaging members oppositely disposed at either end of the horizontal band, a vertical structure extending perpendicularly from the horizontal band, and a blocking bag attachment element attached to a top side of the horizontal band; and at least one blocking bag comprising a cornhole bag and a mounting structure engaging component attached to the cornhole bag, the at least one blocking bag attachable to the horizontal band; and wherein the pair of cornhole board engaging members are configured to engage a cornhole gameboard holding the horizontal band in place on a top surface of the cornhole gameboard.

17. The cornhole training apparatus of claim 16, wherein the vertical structure comprises a first vertical extension and a second vertical extension parallel to each other separated by at least six inches.

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 apparatus of the present invention in place on a cornhole gameboard in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the cornhole training apparatus of the present invention in place on a cornhole gameboard in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates an underneath perspective view of the cornhole training apparatus of the present invention in place on a cornhole gameboard in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of a blocking bag of the cornhole training apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded side view of blocking bag the cornhole training apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the cornhole training apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a blocking bag mounting structure of the cornhole training apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the blocking bag mounting structure of the cornhole training apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the blocking bag mounting structure of the cornhole training apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates an underneath view of the blocking bag mounting structure of the cornhole training apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(12) FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom view of the blocking bag of the cornhole training apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

(13) FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of a blocking bag mounting structure comprising a vertical structure of the cornhole training apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(14) 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.

(15) Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-12 illustrate a cornhole training apparatus 100. The cornhole training apparatus 100 is adapted for use with any standard cornhole gameboard 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The cornhole training apparatus 100 is configured to horizontally span a portion of a top surface 12 and extend around the sides 14 to the bottom 16 of the cornhole gameboard 10. The cornhole training apparatus 100 may be positioned just below a circular aperture 30 of the cornhole gameboard 10 to train users in how to avoid a blocking bag 170 positioned in front of or near the circular aperture 30. The cornhole training apparatus 100 is movable up and down a length of the cornhole gameboard 10 between a head 18 and a foot 20 of the cornhole gameboard 10 to allow the user to practice airmail and roll shots.

(16) As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, the cornhole training apparatus 100 comprises a blocking bag mounting structure 110. The blocking bag mounting structure 110 is generally constructed from a thin flexible material, such as plastic and is formed to fit around the cornhole board 10. The blocking bag mounting structure 110 comprises a horizontal band 112 and a pair of cornhole board engaging members 140. The horizontal band 110 is typically approximately between one and three inches wide but may be wider or narrower as desired. The horizontal band 110 comprises a top side 114 and a bottom side 118 positional against the top surface 12 of the cornhole gameboard 10 when in place. The top side 114 typically has a similar coefficient of friction as the top surface 12 of the cornhole gameboard 10 so that bags will easily slide across the horizontal band 110.

(17) The pair of cornhole board engaging members 140 are oppositely disposed at either end of the horizontal band 112. The pair of cornhole board engaging members 140 extend generally downward from each respective end of the horizontal band 112 and are generally flexible. The pair of cornhole board engaging members 112 are configured to frictionally engage the sides 14 of the cornhole gameboard 10 to position and secure or hold the horizontal band 112 in place on the top surface 12 of the cornhole gameboard 10.

(18) Each cornhole board engaging member 140 comprises a side grip portion 142. Each side grip portion 142 extends generally perpendicularly downward from the respective end of the horizontal band 112 parallel to the respective side 14 of the cornhole gameboard 10 when in place as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7. Each cornhole board engaging member 140 may further comprise an underside grip portion 144. Each underside grip portion 144 extends generally perpendicularly inward out of the respective side grip portion 142. Each underside grip portion 144 may then angle up around the respective side 12 to the backside 16 of the cornhole gameboard 10 when in place as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 8.

(19) The cornhole training apparatus 100 may be positioned on the cornhole gameboard 10 by sliding up or down the cornhole gameboard 10 from the head 18 or foot 20. Alternatively, the pair of cornhole board engaging members 140 may be spread or pulled apart to fit around the sides 14 before contracting back and conforming to the gameboard 10. When in place, friction generally keeps the cornhole training apparatus 100 from moving.

(20) As illustrated in FIG. 8, a blocking bag attachment position 116 is centered on the horizontal band 112 between the pair of cornhole board engaging members 140 generally in front of the circular aperture 30 in the cornhole gameboard 10 when in place. This is advantageous as it recreates and simulates a practice scenario requiring an airmail type bag toss to score. Alternatively, the blocking bag attachment position 116 may be located anywhere along the horizontal band 112.

(21) As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 7, and 8, the blocking bag mounting structure 110 further comprises a blocking bag attachment element 146. The blocking bag attachment element 146 is attachable to the top side 114 of the horizontal band 112 at the blocking bag attachment position 116. The cornhole training apparatus 110 may further comprise a plurality of blocking bag attachment elements 146 positional at various locations on the horizontal band 112. Each blocking bag attachment element 146 comprises a horizontal band attachment portion 148 and a blocking bag engaging portion 150. The horizontal band attachment portion 148 may attach to the horizontal band 112 with an adhesive or a mechanical fastener. The blocking bag engaging portion 150 may be a hook and loop fastening system or other similar temporary attachment mechanism.

(22) As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cornhole training apparatus 100 may further comprise at least one blocking bag 170. The at least one blocking bag 170 is attachable to the horizontal band 112 of the blocking bag mounting structure 110. The cornhole training apparatus 100 may further comprise a plurality of blocking bags 170. Each blocking bag 170 comprises a typical cornhole bag 172 and a mounting structure engaging component 174. The mounting structure engaging component 174 is attached to the cornhole bag 172 via a blocking bag attachment portion 176. The mounting structure engaging component 174 is attached to the bag 172 by adhesive or a mechanical fastener, such as thread. Alternatively, the cornhole training apparatus 100 may comprise a mounting structure engaging component 174 without the blocking bag 170 for attachment to a regular cornhole bag.

(23) The mounting structure engaging component 174 comprises a mounting structure engaging portion 178. The mounting structure engaging portion 178 is used to temporarily attach the blocking bag 170 to the blocking bag attachment element 146 of the blocking bag mounting structure 110. The mounting structure engaging portion 178 may be a hook and loop fastening system, other temporary attachment mechanism, or a magnetic element configured to releasably mate with the blocking bag engaging portion 150.

(24) The blocking bag attachment element 146 may be permanently fixed or re-positional along the horizontal band 112. In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the horizontal band 112 may further comprise a magnetic element 120. The magnetic element 120 may be a magnetic strip or spot attached to the bottom side 118 or embedded within the horizontal band 112. The magnetic element 120 is used to attract and hold in place a magnetic version of the mounting structure engaging portion 178 of the at least one blocking bag 170. The magnetic element 120 may be used in conjunction with or independently of the blocking bag attachment element 146.

(25) In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the horizontal band 112 may further comprise a channel 130. The channel 130 is a small groove horizontally disposed in the top surface 112 of the horizontal band 112 that will not interfere with a tossed bag sliding across the surface. The channel 130 is configured to accept the mounting structure engaging portion 178 of the at least one blocking bag 170 allowing the blocking bag 170 to slide to different positions side to side along the horizontal band 112.

(26) In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the blocking bag mounting structure 110 further comprises a vertical structure 160. The vertical structure extends perpendicularly from the horizontal band 112. The vertical structure 160 comprises a first vertical extension 162. The first vertical extension 162 extends upward from the horizontal band 112 on one side of the circular aperture 30 of the cornhole board 10. One of the plurality of blocking bag attachment elements 146 may be attached to the first vertical extension 162 to position one of the blocking bags 170 next to the circular aperture 30.

(27) The vertical structure 160 may comprises a second vertical extension 164. The second vertical extension 164 may extends upward from the horizontal band 112 on the opposite side of the circular aperture 30 of the cornhole board 10 from the first vertical extension 162. One of the plurality of blocking bag attachment elements 146 may be attached to the second vertical extension 164 to position one of the blocking bags 170 next to the circular aperture 30. The first and second vertical extensions 162 and 164 are generally parallel to each other and are separated by at least six inches to accommodate the circular aperture 30. This orientation is advantageous as it allows the user to simulate practice scenarios where multiple bags are positioned at different points around the circular aperture 30.

(28) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the cornhole training apparatus 100 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 apparatus 100 and its various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of cornhole training apparatus 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of cornhole training apparatus 100 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, cornhole training apparatus 100 and its 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, cornhole training apparatus 100 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever cornhole training apparatus 100 is designed to be applied.

(29) 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.