Scorekeeping device for beanbag game

Abstract

The invention is directed to a scorekeeping device for a beanbag game. The device provides a forked lower body and a cylindrical upper body. The fork points of the lower body may be inserted into mounting brackets on the bottom surface of the frame of a beanbag goal. The upper body provides scorekeeping discs which are movably mounted on two semicircular rings, and two cup holders which may be used to hold the users' drinks while the users throw beanbags at a goal. The lower body easily folds upward on the upper body for storage.

Claims

1. A scorekeeping device for a beanbag game, comprising: a forked lower body and a cylindrical upper body, joined by a hinge, such that fork points of the lower body are configured to be inserted into mounting brackets on a bottom surface of a frame of a beanbag goal, and the upper body comprises scorekeeping discs which are movably mounted on two semicircular rings, and including two cup holders which are configured to hold users' drinks.

2. The scorekeeping device of claim 1, wherein the lower body folds upward on the upper body for storage.

3. The scorekeeping device of claim 1, wherein the lower body terminates in two fork points which are perpendicular to the upper body when unfolded.

4. The scorekeeping device of claim 1, wherein the scorekeeping device is provided in pairs, corresponding to two goals of the beanbag game.

5. The scorekeeping device of claim 1, wherein the fork points of the lower body are configured to be inserted into mounting brackets, which in turn are configured to be affixed to the bottom surface of the frame of a beanbag goal with screws, nails, or similar fasteners.

6. The scorekeeping device of claim 1, wherein using the hinge, the lower body folds upward on the upper body for storage.

7. The scorekeeping device of claim 1, wherein the scorekeeping discs are marked with numbers, such that the user may keep score of a game played in dim lighting conditions.

8. The scorekeeping device of claim 1, wherein the scorekeeping device is adapted to be unfolded and the fork points are insertable into the mounting brackets, which were previously installed on a goal, which enables score to be kept by enabling a scorekeeping disc to be flipped when a goal is scored.

9. The scorekeeping device of claim 1, wherein the lower body, the upper body, the scorekeeping discs, and the cup holders are manufactured from rigid, durable materials, including any one or more of aluminum alloy, plastic, hardwood, fiberglass, and steel.

10. The scorekeeping device of claim 1, wherein the mounting brackets and the rings are manufactured from rigid, durable materials which provide substantial structural strength, including any one or more of aluminum alloy, brass, and steel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

(2) FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the device 10, the lower body 11, the fork points 12, the mounting brackets 13, the upper body 14, the scorekeeping discs 15, the rings 16, and the cup holders 17.

(3) FIG. 2 is a top view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the device 10, the lower body 11, the fork points 12, the mounting brackets 13, the scorekeeping discs 15, the rings 16, and the cup holders 17.

(4) FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the device 10, the lower body 11, the hinge 11A, the mounting brackets 13, and the upper body 14.

(5) FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment in the folded position, displaying the device 10, the lower body 11, the hinge 11A, and the upper body 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(6) Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is a scorekeeping device 10 for a beanbag game. The device provides a forked lower body and a cylindrical upper body. The fork points of the lower body may be inserted into mounting brackets on the bottom surface of the frame of a beanbag goal. The upper body provides scorekeeping discs which are movably mounted on two semicircular rings, and two cup holders which may be used to hold the users' drinks while the users throw beanbags at a goal. The lower body easily folds upward on the upper body for storage.

(7) The first exemplary embodiment is comprised of a device 10 which provides a forked lower body 11 and a cylindrical upper body 14, joined by a hinge 11A. The lower body 11 terminates in two fork points 12 which are perpendicular to the upper body 14 when unfolded. Devices 10 are preferably provided in pairs, corresponding to the two goals of a beanbag game.

(8) The fork points 12 of the lower body 11 may be inserted into mounting brackets 13, which in turn may be affixed to the bottom surface of the frame of a beanbag goal with screws, nails, or similar fasteners. The upper body 14 provides scorekeeping discs 15 which are movably mounted on two semicircular rings, 16 and two cup holders 17 which may be used to hold the users' drinks while the users throw beanbags at a goal. Using the hinge 11A, the lower body 11 easily folds upward on the upper body 14 for storage. The scorekeeping discs 15 are clearly marked with large numbers, such that the user may easily keep score of a game played in dim lighting conditions.

(9) To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user may unfold each device 10 and insert the fork points 12 into the mounting brackets 13, which were previously installed on a goal. The user may then keep score by flipping over a scorekeeping disc 15 when a goal is scored. The user may also secure his drink on one of the cup holders 17 when throwing the beanbags.

(10) The lower body 11, the upper body 14, the scorekeeping discs 15, and the cup holders 17 are preferably manufactured from rigid, durable materials, such as aluminum alloy, plastic, hardwood, fiberglass, and steel. The mounting brackets 13 and the rings 16 are preferably manufactured from rigid, durable materials which provide substantial structural strength, such as aluminum alloy, brass, and steel. Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

(11) While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.