Bean Bag Bowling Device

Abstract

A bean bag bowling device is disclosed that is a fun and unique outdoor game that can be played with family and friends. The game comprises two teams that have their own respective set of targets on their side of the playing field. During the game, the teams must knock down each other's targets using bean bags to be the last team standing to win. Based on age or skill level, each set of stakes can be set up five feet to twenty-five feet and up, opposite each other. Each stake has a center hole that allows a piece of cord to fit through for quick and easy collection and transportation. Further, for terrain other than sand/snow, each stake may have a wooden stand for quick balance and setup.

Claims

1. A bean bag bowling device that provides a user with a fun and unique outdoor game that can be played with family and friends, the bean bag bowling device comprising: a plurality of targets; and a plurality of bean bags; wherein the plurality of targets are set up on a playing field; wherein players knock down the plurality of targets with the plurality of bean bags to score points; and further wherein the plurality of targets and the plurality of bean bags are easily set up and portable for any outdoor location or social event.

2. The bean bag bowling device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of targets are typically a plurality of stakes configured in a trapezoidal shape.

3. The bean bag bowling device of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of targets has a planar front face and a planar back face, as well as a top end, a bottom end and opposing side ends.

4. The bean bag bowling device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of targets are multifaced targets, with the front face being a mirror of the back face and multi-positionable such that the plurality of targets can be positioned with the front face forward or the back face forward.

5. The bean bag bowling device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of targets are of various lengths and shapes and sizes.

6. The bean bag bowling device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of targets comprise twelve targets with a set of six targets arranged on either side of a playing field.

7. The bean bag bowling device of claim 6, wherein the two sets of six targets are set up approximately 5-25 feet apart.

8. The bean bag bowling device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of targets are vertically spaced upright, about a ground surface and supported by being embedded into the ground surface.

9. The bean bag bowling device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of targets are supported by a separate stand.

10. The bean bag bowling device of claim 7, wherein the two sets of six targets are painted different colors or have different stripes of color to signify different teams or players.

11. The bean bag bowling device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of bean bags each comprise approximately five inches by five inches square and are approximately full with rubber pellets.

12. The bean bag bowling device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of bean bags include two bean bags per team, and each set of two bean bags are preferably a different color to distinguish between each player's set of bean bags.

13. The bean bag bowling device of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of targets has a through hole preferably positioned toward a middle of each target, through which a piece of cord is threaded through for easy collection and transportation.

14. A bean bag bowling device that provides a user with a fun and unique outdoor game that can be played with family and friends, the bean bag bowling device comprising: a plurality of targets that are a plurality of stakes configured in a trapezoidal shape; and a plurality of bean bags that each comprise approximately five inches by five inches square and are approximately full with rubber pellets; wherein each of the plurality of targets has a planar front face and a planar back face, as well as a top end, a bottom end and opposing side ends; wherein the plurality of targets comprise twelve targets with a set of six targets arranged on either side of a playing field; wherein the two sets of six targets are set up approximately 5-25 feet apart; wherein the two sets of six targets are painted different colors or have different stripes of color to signify different teams or players; wherein the plurality of targets are vertically spaced upright, about a ground surface and supported by being embedded into the ground surface or by a separate stand; wherein players stand back behind the set of six targets and each player takes turns tossing one bean bag at a time toward the set of six targets to knock them down to score points; wherein the plurality of bean bags include two bean bags per team, and each set of two bean bags are preferably a different color to distinguish between each player's set of bean bags; wherein after all the plurality of bean bags are tossed, a score is calculated to determine a winner; and further wherein the plurality of targets and the plurality of bean bags are easily set up and portable for any outdoor location or social event.

15. The bean bag bowling device of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of targets has a through hole preferably positioned toward a middle of each target, through which a piece of cord is threaded through for easy collection and transportation.

16. The bean bag bowling device of claim 14 further comprising a scorecard for each player or team to track their respective scores during game play.

17. The bean bag bowling device of claim 14 further comprising a carrying bag that is sized to hold the plurality of targets, the stands, and the plurality of bean bags, and other items and may be a sling backpack style of bag or a drawstring style of bag.

18. The bean bag bowling device of claim 14 further comprising an instruction card that sets forth instructions regarding preparation and game play.

19. The bean bag bowling device of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

20. A method of tossing bean bags at a plurality of stakes to knock them over to win the game, the method comprising the following steps: providing a bean bag bowling device comprising a set of stakes and a plurality of bean bags; inserting the set of stakes on respective sides of the playing field, such that they are standing up in a vertical position; taking turns throwing bean bags at the targets to knock them down; and threading a piece of cord through the center hole of each stake to gather the set of stakes for easy collection and transportation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the bean bag bowling device of the present invention showing the device components in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the bean bag bowling device of the present invention showing the device components collected via the cord which fits through the center hole for easy collection and transportation in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the bean bag bowling device of the present invention showing the device set up on sand in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the bean bag bowling device of the present invention showing the device set up on concrete/gravel in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the bean bag bowling device of the present invention showing the device set up on grass in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of tossing bean bags at a plurality of stakes to knock them over to win the game in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0038] 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 are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and 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.

[0039] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a bean bag bowling device that provides users with a bean bag tossing game consisting of tossing the bags at stakes to knock them over. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a bean bag bowling device that includes six stakes for each team that can be set up a predetermined distance apart for being knocked over with the bean bags. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a bean bag bowling device that features custom stakes and bags that can feature several different colors, glow-in-the-dark designs, logos, and more. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows users to easily set up and break down the game on any type of terrain like sand, grass, gravel, and more. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a bean bag bowling device that offers hours of fun and entertainment for children and adults. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a bean bag bowling device that includes a stand for the stakes for quick set up on hard surfaces.

[0040] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel bean bag bowling device. The game comprises two teams that have their own respective set of targets on their side of the playing field. During the game, the teams must knock down each other's targets using bean bags to be the last team standing to win. Based on age or skill level, each set of stakes can be set up five feet to twenty-five feet and up, opposite each other. Each stake has a center hole that allows a piece of cord to fit through for quick and easy collection and transportation. Further, for terrain other than sand/snow, each stake may have a wooden stand for quick balance and setup. The present invention also includes a novel method of tossing bean bags at a plurality of stakes to knock them over to win the game. The method includes the steps of providing a bean bag bowling device comprising a set of stakes and a plurality of bean bags. The method also comprises inserting the set of stakes on respective sides of the playing field, such that they are standing up in a vertical position. Further, the method comprises taking turns throwing bean bags at the targets to knock them down. Finally, the method comprises threading a piece of cord through the center hole of each stake to gather the set of stakes and stands for easy collection and transportation.

[0041] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the bean bag bowling device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the bean bag bowling device 100 is an improved bean bag bowling device 100 that provides a user with a fun and unique outdoor game that can be played with family and friends. Specifically, the bean bag bowling device 100 comprises a plurality of targets 102 and sets of bean bags 104. The game device 100 comprises two teams 106 that have their own respective set of targets 102 on their side of the playing field 108. During the game, the teams 106 must knock down each other's targets 102 using bean bags 104 to be the last team 106 standing to win. The game 100 can be set up in less than one minute and it is easily portable for any outdoor location or social event. The bean bags 104 and stakes 102 may be available in several different colors and styles, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0042] Generally, the disclosed bean bag game device 100 is advantageous over conventional bean bag games which use an unwieldy board with holes. Instead, the disclosed bean bag game device 100 comprises a plurality of movable targets 102 that are easily set up and taken down, as needed. The targets 102 may be of any number of different sizes and shapes as is known in the art. The plurality of targets 102 must be knocked down by players 106 to win the game 100, much like in conventional bowling. The plurality of targets 102 are typically a plurality of stakes or other similar implements/components and are configured in a rectangular, oval, or trapezoidal shape, etc. Each stake (target) 102 has a planar front face 110 and a planar back face 112, as well as a top end 114, a bottom end 116 and opposing side ends 118. Generally, the plurality of targets 102 are multifaced targets, with the front face 110 being a mirror of the back face 112, such that the front 110 and back 112 faces are identical. Further, the targets 102 are multi-positionable and can be positioned with the front face 110 forward or the back face 112 forward. The stakes 102 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art and the plurality of stakes 102 are typically comprised of various lengths and/or shapes and sizes when collected together to form the plurality of targets 102 for the game device 100. Generally, the stakes 102 can be 18.5 H2.5 W D, with a center through hole of 13/64 dia.; 16.5 H2.5 W D, with a center through hole of dia.; 9.5 H2.5 W D, with a center through hole of dia.; or 8.5 H2.5 W D, with a center through hole of dia., or any other suitable measurements as is known in the art.

[0043] Furthermore, any suitable number of stakes 102 can be used as targets, typically the bean bag bowling game device 100 comprises a set of twelve stakes 102. In use, the plurality of targets 102 are arranged on either side of a playing field 108, with approximately six targets 102 positioned on each side. Accordingly, there are six targets 102, vertically spaced about the ground surface 120 and supported by being embedded into the ground 120 or by a separate stand 122 and spaced one to two feet apart (in any order). The six targets 102 on one side define the target area of the game 100, at which 2-3 differently colored (or same colored) pillow-type bean bags 104 are tossed to knock over the targets 102 to score points. Further, the six targets 102 are arranged between five feet and twenty-five feet (and up) apart, opposite each other, depending on the age and/or skill level of the players 106. Users stand behind or beside one set of stakes 102 and take turns throwing across the playing field 108 to try and knock over the other set of stakes 102 set up approximately 5-25 feet apart.

[0044] Additionally, there can be many ways to play the bean bag bowling game device 100. For example, first to knock the stakes 102 all down (in any order). Call your shot, where a user picks a specific stake to aim for and restarts for knocking down the wrong stake 102. Stakes 102 have to be knocked down in numbered order (forward or backward). Odds versus evens. First to a specific amount (15, 16, 21, etc.). Spread the stakes 102 further apart on each side. Place all the stakes 102 on one side and the first to get the most stakes 102 down wins. Further, play it any way you want to share the fun.

[0045] Typically, the two sets of targets 102 are preferably identical, but can be painted different colors or have different stripes of color to signify different teams, players, etc. Further, each of the targets 102 can be painted in multiple colors, styles, and designs, depicting a favorite sports team, college, etc., and/or displaying the points awarded for knocking down that particular target 102 with a bean bag 104. In operation, a user demonstrates their bean bag 104 tossing skills by tossing a bean bag 104 to land on particular target areas (i.e., the different stakes 102). Further, different stakes 102 may have different point values associated therewith. For example, the smallest stake may have the highest point value and larger stakes may have increasingly smaller point values. It is to be further understood, however, that any number of different sizes and shapes for the target area stakes 102 may be used as is known in the art.

[0046] Generally, bean bags 104 are used to knock over the targets 102 and win the game 100. The bean bags 104 are utilized as projectiles and adapted for manual grasping including a flexible bag partially filled with weighted material in the form of small (soft) rubber pellets (not shown). The bean bag 104 may be made of any suitable cloth material, such as a denim, fabric, cotton, or nylon, or the bean bag 104 may be formed of a flexible transparent plastic for added effect. Generally, each team or player 106 has 2-3 bean bags 104 for use, however, any suitable number of bean bags 104 can be utilized as is known in the art.

[0047] It is also to be understood that although the term bean bag is used, each bean bag need not actually have beans within it. The term bean bag should be understood to mean a sealed bag which may have dried beans or other organic materials, PVC pellets, expanded polystyrene, expanded polypropylene, or other materials. In one embodiment, the pellets are configured in the form of flat disks approximately 1 to 4 inches in diameter. For projectile use, the best results are obtained when the bean bag 104 is approximately five inches by five inches square and is approximately full with such rubber pellets.

[0048] Further, for case and economy in manufacture, the bean bag 104 may be formed of a single piece of material folded at one end, having inside seams at each side and an outside filler seam at the other end thereof. The bag itself may be made from fabric, nylon, or other suitable materials as is known in the art.

[0049] Additionally, each set of bean bags 104 are preferably a different color to distinguish between each player's set of bean bags 104, but could also be the same color as well. The color of the bean bags 104 could also match the color of the targets 102 or the color of the stripes or designs on the targets 102. Furthermore, the game device 100 includes a set of two to three bean bags 104. Preferably a first subset of the set of bean bags 104 are of a first color and a second subset of the set of bean bags 104 are of a second color, the second color different than the first color. For example, the set of bean bags 104 may include three green bean bags and three blue bean bags. Of course, other numbers and colors may be used. In addition, instead of the bean bags 104 having solid colors, they may have different designs or are otherwise visually distinguishable.

[0050] Further, the game device 100 is played by two competing persons or groups/teams 106 thereof, who alternately throw their own set of colored bean bags 104 at the target area to knock over the standing targets 102, much like one would knock over standing bowling pins. As stated supra, the bean bags 104 are of the same color as a portion of the target 102, to represent which bean bag 104 goes with which set of targets 102. The game 100 is commenced by first positioning all of the targets 102 in the ground 120 or on their stands 122, in a vertical, upright position, so that the front face 110 or the back face 112 of the targets 102 face forward, i.e. toward the players 106. The color of the bean bags 104 which a player 106 tosses, determines the color of the front face 110 or the back face 112 of the targets 102, whichever face endeavors to face forward during play. As the different bean bags 104 strike one or more targets 102, they cause said targets 102 to fall down and stay on the ground surface 120.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the targets 102 has a through hole 200 preferably positioned toward the middle 202 of the target 102, through which a piece of cord 204, rope, string, etc., is threaded through. Thus, the through hole 200 is preferably large enough to receive a piece of cord 204, rope, string, etc., and to allow it to easily pass through. The size of the through hole 200 may vary depending on the size of the diameter of the cord 204, rope, string, etc. Once threaded through all of the stakes 102, the piece of cord 204 is then secured together via tying, clasps, buckle, etc. Thus, the piece of cord 204 allows for all the targets 102 to be threaded through via their middle 202 through holes 200, for quick and easy collection and transportation. The piece of cord 204 is typically 36 inches in length and double knot tied through the first stake 102.

[0052] In one embodiment, the game device 100 could comprise a score pad/card 206 or score counter for each player or team 106 to track their respective scores during game play. The scorecard 206 or counter may include space to record a score associated with each toss of a bean bag 104 by each player 106. The scorecard 206 or counter may also provide for tracking multiple rounds of play. For example, the scorecard 206 may provide for tracking up to three rounds of play for two players (or sets of players), one playing with a set of three Green bean bags and one playing with a set of three Blue bean bags. Of course, other numbers of bean bags 104, numbers of rounds, numbers of players, and further variations are contemplated.

[0053] In another embodiment, the game device 100 may include a carrying case or bag 208, that is sized to hold the plurality of targets 102, the stands 122, and the bean bags 104, and other items (such as scorecards 206) to be placed in the carry bag 208. The carry bag 208 may be of any number of different sizes or shapes. In one embodiment, the carry bag 208 may be a sling backpack-style of the bag. In another embodiment, the carry bag 208 may be a drawstring-style of the bag. Of course, any number of other types of bags may be used. Alternatively, instead of a bag, other types of containers may be used to hold the various items such as a box, case, bucket, or other container.

[0054] In yet another embodiment, an instruction card 210 may also be provided, as shown. The instruction card 210 may set forth instructions regarding preparation or game play. The instruction card 210 may include information, such as suggestions for the type of surface 120 to place the targets 102 on, securing the targets 102 upright in position, how far to stand away from the target 102, as well as the basics of game play, such as having each player 106 take turns and scoring after all bean bags 104 have been thrown. The manner of scoring the situation where a bean bag 104 touches multiple targets 102 may also be provided for. The instructions 210 may also provide for how to resolve ties or other rules as may be appropriate for different embodiments.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the plurality of targets or stakes 102 are vertically positioned for game play. Specifically, the top end 114 and/or bottom end 116 are typically pointed or generally tapered to not form a sharp edge, allowing the plurality of targets 102 to be used by little children, as well. Generally, the stakes 102 can be inserted upright into soft ground via embedding the tapered end 300 of the top end 114 or bottom end 116 directly into the ground 120. A user just firmly pushes the tapered end 300 directly into the soft ground surface 120, such as sand, deep gravel, soft soil, soft grass, snow, etc. Further, a user could also utilize a mallet or small hammer to pound the stakes 102 firmly into the ground surface 120.

[0056] In one embodiment, instead of embedding the stakes 102 directly into the ground surface 120, the stakes 102 include stands 122. Each stand 122 includes a flat surface 302 and a channel or slot 304 for accepting the tapered end 300 of the stakes 102. Each stake 102 can be inserted into their stand 122 for game play. Thus, the stands 122 allow for quick balance and set up of the plurality of stakes 102. Further, the stands 122 allow the stakes 102 to be positioned in an upright, vertical position on a hard ground surface 120, such as concrete, hard soil, shallow gravel, hard grass, etc. Accordingly, the stakes 102 are easily inserted into their stands 122 and removed, as needed. Further, the channel or slot 304 also has a through hole 200 which allows a user to insert a cord 204 for stringing the stands 122 with the stakes 102 for quick pick-up and storage. The stands 122 are typically 5 H3.5 W with center in. bore through hole, but can be any suitable measurements as is known in the art.

[0057] In one example of game play, after the plurality of targets 102 are positioned in their vertical, upright positions and secured a predetermined distance apart, game play may begin. Players 106 stand back from or behind the targets 102 and each player 106 may take turns tossing one bean bag 104 at a time toward the targets 102. After all bean bags 104 are tossed, the scorecard 206 may be used to record the results with the score value of each bean bag 104 being the value of the target(s) 102 that was knocked over. The points for each player 106 is totaled for the round and the round is repeated. The player 106 that wins 2 of 3 rounds may be considered the winner. Of course, any number of different variations in game play may be made based in part on the number of targets 102 knocked over, the number of bean bags 104, the number of players 106, and other variations, etc.

[0058] Therefore, a bean bag toss bowling game 100 has been shown and described. The invention is not to be limited to the particular embodiments shown and described herein. In particular, the invention contemplates numerous variations in the plurality of targets 102, the number of bean bags 104, the visual appearance of the bean bags 104, the rules of the game 100, the manner in which scoring is performed, the manner in which the targets 102 are positioned, and other variations, etc.

[0059] In yet another embodiment, the bean bag bowling device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The targets 102 or bean bags 104 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the targets 102 or bean bags 104, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be bean bag, bowling, or brand related.

[0060] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of tossing bean bags at a plurality of stakes to knock them over to win the game. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a bean bag bowling device comprising a set of stakes and a plurality of bean bags. The method also comprises at 602, inserting the set of stakes on respective sides of the playing field, such that they are standing up in a vertical position. Further, the method comprises at 604, taking turns throwing bean bags at the targets to knock them down. Finally, the method comprises at 606, threading a piece of cord through the center hole of each stake to gather the set of stakes for easy collection and transportation.

[0061] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein bean bag bowling device, game device, bowling device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the bean bag bowling device 100 of the present invention.

[0062] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the bean bag bowling device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size 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 bean bag bowling device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the bean bag bowling device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the bean bag bowling device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the bean bag bowling device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0063] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0064] 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.