BALL TOSSING GAME AND METHOD

Abstract

A ball tossing game apparatus includes a playing court defined by a pair of longitudinal lines and a pair of lateral lines. The playing court is divided into two equal halves by a central line and each half of the playing court includes a playing zone. The tossing game apparatus further includes a bar assembly disposed on the playing court which includes a pair of vertical bars arranged at either side of the central line extending vertically upwardly from the playing court; and at least one crossbar arranged horizontally between the pair of vertical bars and arranged above and substantially parallel to the central line of the playing court. A ball is provided for two or more players to toss back and forth over or through the at least one crossbar.

Claims

1. A ball tossing game apparatus comprising: a playing court including a court boundary defined by a pair of longitudinal side lines and a pair of lateral end lines, and first and second play zones defined by a lateral central line, splitting the playing court into two equal halves; a bar assembly positioned at the central line of the playing court, the bar assembly including a pair of parallel vertical bars arranged at opposite sides of the central line and extending vertically upwardly from the playing court, and at least one crossbar arranged horizontally between the pair of parallel vertical bars at a predetermined height and substantially parallel to the central line of the playing court; and a ball configured to be thrown over the at least one crossbar by a player.

2. The ball tossing game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pair of vertical bars each include a base attached at a bottom thereof for supporting the bar assembly on the playing court.

3. The ball tossing game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bar assembly includes one crossbar arranged horizontally between the pair of parallel vertical bars.

4. The ball tossing game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bar assembly includes a pair of crossbars arranged horizontally between the pair of parallel vertical bars, the pair of crossbars separated by a predetermined distance and defining a space therebetween, and wherein the ball is configured to be thrown through the space between the pair of crossbars.

5. The ball tossing game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ball is made from rubber.

6. The ball tossing game apparatus of claim 5, wherein the ball is a size 5 ball.

7. The ball tossing game apparatus of claim 5, wherein the ball is a size 3 ball.

8. The ball tossing game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second play zones are each separated into a free zone and a closed zone by first and second lateral zoning lines, respectively.

9. The ball tossing game apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first and second zoning lines are parallel with the central line.

10. The ball tossing game apparatus of claim 9, wherein the free zone is a larger area than the closed zone.

11. The ball tossing game apparatus of claim 10, wherein the closed zone of each of the first and second play zones spans from the central line to a respective zoning line of the first and second lateral zoning lines, and wherein the free zone of each of the first and second play zones spans from the respective zoning line to one of the pair of lateral end lines.

12. A method of playing a ball tossing game, the method comprising the steps of: providing a ball tossing game apparatus, the ball tossing game apparatus including: a playing court including a court boundary defined by a pair of longitudinal side lines and a pair of lateral end lines, and first and second play zones defined by a lateral central line, splitting the playing court into two equal halves; a bar assembly positioned at the central line of the playing court, the bar assembly including a pair of parallel vertical bars arranged at opposite sides of the central line and extending vertically upwardly from the playing court, at least one crossbar arranged horizontally between the pair of parallel vertical bars at a predetermined height and substantially parallel to the central line of the playing court; and a ball; standing, by at least one first player, in one of the first and second play zones, and standing, by at least one second player, in another of the first and second play zones; and rallying, by the at least one first player and the at least one second player, the ball back and forth over the at least one crossbar for a predetermined number of rallies, wherein a rally includes: simultaneously jumping and tossing, by one of the at least one first player and the at least one second player, the ball over the at least one crossbar, such that the tossing of the ball is completed whilst said one of the at least one first player and the at least one second player is airborne; simultaneously jumping, catching and return tossing, by another one of the at least one first player and the at least one second player, the ball tossed over the at least one crossbar by said one of the at least one first player and the at least one second player, such that the catching and return tossing of the ball is completed whilst said another one of the at least one first player and the at least one second player is airborne; and wherein one rally is completed once the ball is grounded.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein a point is awarded against a player not airborne during the tossing, catching and return tossing steps.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the bar assembly includes one crossbar arranged horizontally between the pair of parallel vertical bars, and wherein the tossing and the return tossing steps include tossing and return tossing the ball over the one crossbar.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the bar assembly includes two crossbars arranged horizontally between the pair of parallel vertical bars, the two crossbars separated by a predetermined distance and defining a space therebetween, and wherein the tossing and the return tossing steps include tossing and return tossing the ball through the space between the two crossbars.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the first and second play zones are each separated into a free zone and a closed zone by first and second lateral zoning lines, respectively, wherein when the ball lands in the closed zone, no point is awarded, and wherein when the ball lands in the free zone, a point is awarded against a player associated therewith.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein when the ball lands outside of the court boundary, one point is awarded against a player who caused the ball to land outside of the court boundary.

18. A ball tossing game apparatus comprising: a playing court including a court boundary defined by a pair of longitudinal side lines and a pair of lateral end lines, and first and second play zones defined by a lateral central line, splitting the playing court into two equal halves, the first and second play zones each separated into a free zone and a closed zone by first and second lateral zoning lines, respectively, the first and second lateral zoning lines parallel with the central line, the closed zone of each of the first and second play zones spanning from the central line to a respective zoning line of the first and second lateral zoning lines, and the free zone each of the first and second play zones spanning from the respective zoning line to one of the pair of lateral end lines; a bar assembly positioned at the central line of the playing court, the bar assembly including a pair of parallel vertical bars arranged at opposite sides of the central line and extending vertically upwardly from the playing court, and a pair of crossbars arranged horizontally between the pair of parallel vertical bars at a predetermined height and substantially parallel to the central line of the playing court, the pair of crossbars separated by a predetermined distance and defining a space therebetween; and a ball configured to be thrown through the space between the pair of crossbars by a player.

19. The ball tossing game apparatus of claim 18, wherein the ball is a size 5 ball.

20. The ball tossing game apparatus of claim 18, wherein the ball is a size 3 ball.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a ball tossing game and method, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a ball tossing game apparatus being used to play a ball tossing game, the ball tossing game apparatus including a playing court, a bar assembly and a ball, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the ball tossing game apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the playing court, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the playing court and the bar assembly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the bar assembly including a pair of crossbars, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a front view of the bar assembly including the pair of crossbars, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the bar assembly including one crossbar, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a front view of the bar assembly including the one crossbar, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of playing a ball tossing game, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a ball tossing game. Generally, the ball tossing game may include a combination of basketball and other net sports, like volleyball, replacing the net with one or two horizontal crossbars. An official sized ball is tossed over a crossbar, for standard play; or through two crossbars for enhanced play, back and forth between two players or two teams. The tossing, catching and returning of the ball must be done mid-air, similar to a jump shot in basketball. As such, the ball tossing game is played mid-air (i.e., airborne) whilst the ball is in play.

[0027] Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-8, various views of a ball tossing game apparatus 100.

[0028] Referring first to FIGS. 1-2, which illustrate side and front perspective views of the ball tossing game apparatus 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 in particular demonstrates the ball tossing game apparatus 100 being used to play a ball tossing game by two players. It is contemplated that the ball tossing game may be played by either two players or four players (two players per team). However, it should also be appreciated that the ball tossing game is not limited to two or four players.

[0029] In some embodiments, a referee may be stationed on one side of a playing court 110 (that the ball tossing game is played on) to determine score, points and resolve any discrepancies between players by applying game rulings. A governing body of the ball tossing game may consist of an amateur and a professional organization. A commissioner, officer and referees may run both organizations.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the ball tossing game apparatus 100 may include the playing court 110, a bar assembly 120 and a ball 130. The playing court 110 may include a court boundary 111 forming a rectangular defined by a pair of longitudinal side lines 112 a, b (forming left and right sides of the playing court 110) and a pair of lateral end lines 113 a, b (forming top and bottom ends of the playing court 110). It is contemplated that the ball tossing game may be played in a variety of locations, both indoors and outdoors. As such, the playing court 110 may be any surface, such as (but not limited to) grass, concrete, hardwood, sand, dirt, and the like. Further, in some embodiments, an aquatic version of the ball tossing game can be played in water, such as in a swimming pool. In this version, the ball tossing game apparatus 100 may be submerged or floating and no court boundary 111 would be necessary.

[0031] As shown here, first and second play zones 114 a, b may be defined by a lateral central line 115, splitting the playing court 110 into two equal halves. As shown in FIG. 1, each team (consisting of one or more players) stand in one of the play zones 114 a, b, at opposite sides of the bar assembly 120. As shown here, the bar assembly 120 may be positioned at the central line 115 of the playing court 110. In some embodiments, the bar assembly 120 may be movable, portable and assembled by parts. In other embodiments, the bar assembly 120 may be one unitary piece fixed together and embedded into the playing court 110.

[0032] The bar assembly 120 may include a pair of parallel vertical bars 121 a, b arranged at opposite sides of the central line 115 and extending vertically upwardly from the playing court 110; and one or more crossbars 122 arranged horizontally between the pair of parallel vertical bars 121 a, b at a predetermined height and substantially parallel to the central line 115 of the playing court 110.

[0033] Further, as shown here, the pair of parallel vertical bars 121 a, b may each include a base 123 a, b disposed at a bottom thereof for supporting the bar assembly 120 on the playing court 110. In some embodiments, each base 123 a, b may be configured for alignment with one of the pair of longitudinal side lines 112 a, b. It should however be appreciated that each base 123 a, b is not limited to the configuration shown here. For example, instead of the bars illustrated here, each base 123 a, b may include (but again is not limited to) square metal plates, concrete blocks, or the like. It is contemplated that each base 123 a, b can be any configuration able to support the bar assembly 120 and keep it in place.

[0034] As demonstrated in FIG. 1, the ball 130 may be tossed over or through the one or more crossbars 122. For example, in embodiments including one crossbar 122, the ball 130 may be tossed over the one crossbar 122; and in embodiments including two crossbars 122 a, b, the ball 130 may be tossed through the two crossbars 122 a, b. As such, one player tosses the ball 130, and the player on the opposite side of the bar assembly 120 aims to catch the ball 130 and then tosses the ball 130 back. When playing in doubles format, during a rally, a player may pass the ball 130 to their teammate before the ball 130 is returned to the opponent team's side of the playing court 110, this passing of the ball 130 between teammates may only be done once before the ball 130 is tossed back over/through the at least one crossbar (122 or 122 a, b).

[0035] The ball tossing game may consist of a predetermined number of rallies. For example, the ball tossing game may consist of (but is not limited to) 3 or 7 sets of rallies. Each set may be (but is not limited to) 5 points and the winner of the ball tossing game is the player who wins the most sets. One rally may be completed once the ball 130 is grounded. It should be appreciated that the term grounded here can encompass both: scenarios where the ball 130 is physically grounded (contacting) the playing court 110; and scenarios where the ball 130 is not physically contacting the playing court 110, but a player holding the ball 130 is contacting the playing court 110 (or grounded). For example, one rally may include the ball 130 being tossed between the two teams or players until a player either 1) misses putting the ball 130 over or through the crossbar(s) 122; 2) drops the ball 130 in their half of the playing court 110; or 3) fails to return the ball 130 and lands on their feet whilst holding the ball 130 in their hand. If any of these scenarios happen, a point is awarded to the opposing team.

[0036] As also demonstrated in FIG. 1, the tossing and catching may be done whilst simultaneously jumping, such that the player is mid-air, similar to a jump shot in basketball. A point may be awarded against a player that lands on the ground prior to returning the ball 130 to the opponent's side (opposite the bar assembly 120). In some embodiments, the ball 130 may be made from rubber. Various sizes may also be contemplated for the ball 130. For example, the ball 130 may be a size 5 ball, generally including (but not limited to) a diameter of between 21-23 cm; or a size 3 ball, generally including (but not limited to) a diameter of between 18-19 cm. It however should be appreciated that the ball 130 is not limited to these sizes.

[0037] Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 3-4 illustrating top plan views of the playing court 110 with the bar assembly 120 removed (FIG. 3) and the playing court 110 with the bar assembly 120 positioned at the central line 115 of the playing court 110 (FIG. 4).

[0038] As discussed above, the playing court 110 includes the court boundary 111 defined by the pair of longitudinal side lines 112 a, b and the pair of lateral end lines 113 a, b; and first and second play zones 114 a, b defined by the lateral central line 115, splitting the playing court 110 into two equal halves.

[0039] As also shown here, the first and second play zones 114 a, b may each be separated into a free zone 116 a, b and a closed zone 117 a, b by first and second lateral zoning lines 118 a, b, respectively. The first and second zoning lines 118 a, b may be parallel with the central line 115. The closed zone 117 a, b of each of the first and second play zones 114 a, b may span from the central line 115 to a respective zoning line of the first and second lateral zoning lines 118 a, b (i.e., the section of the playing court 110 nearest the bar assembly 120 and central line 115). Accordingly, the free zone 116 a, b of each of the first and second play zones 114 a, b may span from the respective zoning line (118 a or b) to one of the pair of lateral end lines 113 a, b. As shown in FIG. 4, the base 123 a, b of each of the pair of parallel vertical bars 121 a, b may extend from a beginning of one of the closed zones 117 a, b a to an end of another of the closed zones 117 a, b.

[0040] In some embodiments, each line (112 a, b, 113 a, b, 115 a, b, and 118 a, b) on the playing court 110 may be marked on the playing court 110; for example, in yellow or white paint, or other marking media. In other embodiments, such as for playing courts 110 on sand, each line (112 a, b, 113 a, b, 115 a, b, and 118 a, b) may be marked using ropes.

[0041] As shown here, the free zone 116 a, b may be a larger area than the closed zone 117 a, b. In some embodiments, if, during play, the ball 130 lands in the closed zone 117 a, b no point is awarded; if the ball 130 lands in the free zone 116 a, b, a point is awarded against the player (i.e., one point given to the opposing player or team) that is in the involved free zone 116 a, b. In other words, if player 1 throws the ball 130 into the free zone (116 a or b) of player 2, player 1 is awarded a point. If player 1 throws the ball 130 in the closed zone (117 a or b) of player 2, the ball 130 is dead and no point is awarded to player 2. Further, when the ball 130 lands outside of the court boundary 111, one point is awarded against the player who last contacted the ball 130 (i.e., the player who caused the ball 130 to land outside of the court boundary 111). In other words, if player 1 throws the ball 130 and it lands outside of the court boundary 111, a point is awarded to player 2.

[0042] Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 5-8, which demonstrate various perspective views of the bar assembly 120, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As discussed above, the bar assembly 120 may include the pair of parallel vertical bars 121 a, b arranged at opposite sides of the central line 115 and extending vertically upwardly from the playing court 110; and the one or more crossbars 122 arranged horizontally between the pair of parallel vertical bars 121 a, b at a predetermined height and substantially parallel to the central line 115 of the playing court 110.

[0043] For example, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, the bar assembly 120 may include a pair of crossbars 122 a, b arranged horizontally between the pair of parallel vertical bars 121 a, b and separated by a predetermined distance. As such, between the pair of parallel vertical bars 121 a, b may define a space. In this embodiment, the ball 130 may be thrown through the space between the pair of crossbars 122 a, b. In some embodiments, the pair of crossbars 122 a, b may be movable to various heights and the space therebetween may be varied. In other embodiments, the pair of crossbars 122 a, b may be fixed; and as such, the space therebetween may also be fixed. It should however be appreciated that the pair of crossbars 122 a, b are not limited to the height and space arrangement shown here.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 7-8, the bar assembly 120 may include one crossbar 122 arranged horizontally between the pair of parallel vertical bars 121 a, b. In this embodiment, the ball 130 may be thrown over the one crossbar 122. The one crossbar 122 may be arranged at a predetermined height between the pair of parallel vertical bars 121 a, b. FIGS. 7-8 demonstrate the crossbar 122 being arranged at different heights. Again, in some embodiments, the one crossbar 122 may be able to be moved to various different heights; or in other embodiments, the one crossbar 122 may be fixed. It should also be appreciated that the one crossbar 122 is not limited to the heights demonstrated here.

[0045] In some embodiments, the bar assembly 120 may be made from a material such as (but not limited to) metal, rigid plastic or fiberglass. Further, each of the bars (121 a, b and 122 or 122 a, b) may include (but are not limited to) an outside diameter between 1 to 5 inches (inclusive).

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 9, a flow diagram illustrating a method 200 of playing a ball tossing game, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, the method 200 may include one or more components or features of the ball tossing game apparatus 100 as described above.

[0047] As illustrated, the method 200 may include the steps of: step one 201, providing the ball tossing game apparatus as above; step two 202, standing, by at least one first player, in one of the first and second play zones, and standing, by at least one second player, in another of the first and second play zones; step three 203, rallying, by the at least one first player and the at least one second player, the ball back and forth over the at least one crossbar for a predetermined number of rallies, wherein a rally includes: simultaneously jumping and tossing 203 a, by one of the at least one first player and the at least one second player, the ball over the at least one crossbar, such that the tossing of the ball is completed whilst said one of the at least one first player and the at least one second player is airborne; and simultaneously jumping, catching and return tossing 203 b, by another one of the at least one first player and the at least one second player, the ball tossed over the at least one crossbar by said one of the at least one first player and the at least one second player, such that the catching and return tossing of the ball is completed whilst said another one of the at least one first player and the at least one second player is airborne.

[0048] In other words, each rally may include simultaneously jumping, for example by a first player, and tossing the ball over the at least one crossbar, such that the tossing of the ball is completed whilst the first player is airborne. A second player may then simultaneously jump, catch and return (i.e., toss back) the ball tossed over the at least one crossbar by the first player, such that the catching and return tossing of the ball is completed whilst the second player is airborne. As discussed above, one rally is completed once the ball is grounded (e.g., one of the players fails to catch the ball and it falls to the ground, one of the players fails to get the ball over or through the crossbar(s) and it falls to the ground, one of the players fails to return the ball whilst airborne and lands on the playing court whilst holding the ball in their hand(s), etc.).

[0049] If a player doesn't return the ball (after catching) whilst airborne, that player loses a point (or a point is awarded to the other player/team). In other words, whilst the ball is in play, any player that lands on the surface of the playing court whilst holding the ball loses a point (or, again, a point is awarded to the other player/team).

[0050] As above, the bar assembly may include one crossbar arranged horizontally between the pair of parallel vertical bars and, as such, the tossing and return tossing steps includes tossing the ball over the one crossbar. In embodiments including two crossbars, the tossing and return tossing steps include tossing the ball through the space between the two crossbars.

[0051] As above, a point is awarded against a player not airborne during at least the jumping and tossing step. Particularly, if the player lands on the ground prior to returning the ball to the opponent's side, a penalty applies (i.e., a point is awarded to the opposing player).

[0052] If the ball lands in the closed zone, no point is awarded (the ball is considered dead); and if the ball lands in the free zone, a point is awarded against a player associated therewith (i.e., the player in that particular free zone). Further, if the ball lands outside of the court boundary, one point is awarded against a player who caused the ball to land outside of the court boundary (i.e., the player who last had contact with the ball).

[0053] It should be noted that certain steps may be optional and may not be implemented in all cases. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of step of should not be interpreted as step for, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112 (f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for playing a tossing game apparatus are taught herein.

[0054] It should be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed invention is described here in a few exemplary embodiments of many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

[0055] The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the relevant patent offices and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.