Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
Millman IP ref: J&T-044
FLOATING GAME ASSEMBLY AND METHOD
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of 62/776,186, filed December 6,
2018, the
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The specification relates generally to games, and more particularly
to a game that
can be played in water.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] This disclosure relates to a game, and more particularly to a game
that can be
played in a body of water.
[0004] Existing games are traditionally played on land and many times
indoors. As will
be appreciated, when indoors, this does not allow a game player to enjoy the
outdoors.
Furthermore, when outdoors, certain games can become stale, lacking sufficient
randomness or variation in the game play. Still further, certain games do not
allow for play
when the players are in or near a body of water.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] In one aspect, there is provided a floating game, comprising a
plurality of
game markers that are floatable in water, and a game pad. The game pad is
sufficiently floatable in water to support a plurality of humans thereon. The
game
pad includes a first side and a second side that face away from one another.
At
least one of the first side and the second side includes indicia shaped based
on the
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plurality of game markers. The game pad is flexible and conforms in shape
based
on a surface of the water. The game pad is positionable in a storage state in
which
the game pad, and in a use state. The game pad is more compact in the storage
state than in the use state.
[0006] Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of
ordinary skill
in the art after review of the following Figures and description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] For a better understanding of the embodiment(s) described herein and
to show
more clearly how the embodiment(s) may be carried into effect, reference will
now be made,
by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0008] Figure 1 is perspective view of a game pad from a floating game
assembly in an
undeployed state.
[0009] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the game pad shown in Figure 1,
in a deployed
state.
[0010] Figure 2B is a plan view of a plurality of game markers from the
floating game
assembly.
[0011] Figure 3 is a plan view of a first side of the game pad.
[0012] Figure 4 is a plan view of a second side of the game pad.
[0013] Figure 5 is a plan view of the game pad, tethered to a dock with a
single tether.
[0014] Figure 6 is a plan view of the game pad, tethered to a dock with two
tethers.
[0015] Figure 7 is a plan view of the game pad, tethered to another game
pad.
[0016] Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the
drawings are not
necessarily drawn to scale.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered
appropriate, reference
numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or
analogous
elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough
understanding of the embodiment or embodiments described herein. However, it
will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments
described herein may
be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known
methods,
procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to
obscure the
embodiments described herein. It should be understood at the outset that,
although
exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the Figures and described below, the
principles
of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques,
whether
currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to
the exemplary
implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described
below.
[0018] Various terms used throughout the present description may be read
and
understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: "or" as used
throughout is
inclusive, as though written "and/or"; singular articles and pronouns as used
throughout
include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns
include their
counterpart pronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting
anything
described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender;
"exemplary"
should be understood as "illustrative" or "exemplifying" and not necessarily
as "preferred"
over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein;
these may
apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood
from a reading
of the present description.
[0019] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems,
apparatuses,
and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the
disclosure. For
example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or
separated.
Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may
be
performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may
include
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more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any
suitable order. As
used in this document, "each" refers to each member of a set or each member of
a subset
of a set.
[0020] Any module, unit, component, server, computer, terminal, engine or
device
exemplified herein that executes instructions may include or otherwise have
access to
computer readable media such as storage media, computer storage media, or data
storage
devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks,
optical
disks, or tape. Computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile,
removable
and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of
information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program
modules, or
other data. Examples of computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash
memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or
other optical
storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other
magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired
information
and which can be accessed by an application, module, or both. Any such
computer storage
media may be part of the device or accessible or connectable thereto. Further,
unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise, any processor or controller set out
herein may be
implemented as a singular processor or as a plurality of processors. The
plurality of
processors may be arrayed or distributed, and any processing function referred
to herein
may be carried out by one or by a plurality of processors, even though a
single processor
may be exemplified. Any method, application or module herein described may be
implemented using computer readable/executable instructions that may be stored
or
otherwise held by such computer readable media and executed by the one or more
processors.
[0021] Figures 1 and 2 depicts a floating game 10, which can include a
plurality of game
markers 12, a tether 14, a plurality of cinch straps 15, and a game pad 16.
Figure 1 depicts
the game pad 16 in an undeployed state (also referred to as a storage state),
and Figure 2A
depicts the game pad 16 in a deployed state (also referred to as a use state).
[0022] As illustrated, the floating game 10 can include four game markers
12, but it will
be appreciated that other numbers of game markers 12 could be utilized without
departing
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from the scope of this disclosure. The game markers 12 may each be cube-
shaped. The
game markers 12 can be configured to absorb water and can have anti-slip
capabilities. For
example, the game markers 12 may be sponges in some embodiments, and can be
fabric-
coated in order to increase the coefficient of friction of the game markers 12
with the game
pad 16 (so as to provide anti-slip capability). In some embodiments, instead
of being
absorbent of water, the game markers 12 may be non-absorbent (i.e. resistant
to absorption
of water). For example, the game markers 12 may be made from a non-absorbent
material
such as a suitable polymeric material, and may lack cells or capillaries that
would retain
water.
[0023] Regardless of whether the game markers 12 are absorbent or are non-
absorbent,
the game markers 12 are preferably floatable in water (shown at 19 in Figure
2B). In other
words, the overall density of each game marker 12 is less than that of water,
regardless of
whether or not the game marker 12 has absorbed water or not.
[0024] The game pad 16 can be 5.5 feet x 16 feet x 1.375 inches. However,
other sizes
are contemplated without departing from the scope of this disclosure. As
depicted, the game
pad 16 has a weight of approximately 27 pounds and can be manufactured from a
variety
of materials. For example, the game pad 16 can be made from two layers of foam
material
with a reinforcing mesh core layer (which may be referred to as a flexcore
mesh) between
the two layers, so as to provide strength and durability. The game pad 16
could alternatively
include more layers, such as, for example, three to five layers, or
alternatively fewer layers.
[0025] The game pad 16 is floatable in water (shown at 19 in Figure 2A).
Further, the
game pad 16 can provide floatation to weight in addition to the weight of the
game pad 16.
For example, in the embodiment shown, the game pad 16 is sufficiently
floatable to support
1200 pounds of distributed weight above the surface of the water 19. Thus,
assuming that
a human weighs less than 200 pounds, it is envisioned that at least six humans
could be
supported on the game pad 16 in water 19 in the embodiment shown. In other
embodiments,
the game pad 16 is sufficiently floatable to support a plurality of humans but
more or fewer
than six humans (e.g. two humans). In still another embodiment, the game pad
16 can
support only one human.
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[0026] The game pad 16 can include a first side 18, as shown in Figure 3,
and a second
side 20, as shown in Figure 4. The first side 18 can be grey in color and the
second side 20
can be blue in color. However, other color combinations are contemplated. The
first side 18
and the second side 20 face away from one another. In other words, one of the
first and
second sides 18 and 20 may face upwardly and the other of the first and second
sides 18
and 20 may be downwardly, while the game pad 16 is floating on the water 19.
Further, a
distance between the first side 18 and the second side 20 defines a thickness
of the game
pad 16. As shown in Figure 3, the first side 18 can include first indicia 18a
which relate to a
first game, and as shown in Figure 4 the second side 20 can include second
indicia 20a
which relate to a second game.
[0027] The game pad 16 is flexible and conforms in shape based on a surface
of the
water 19. The surface of the water 19 is shown at 19a in Figure 2A. As is
described further
below, this enhances game play during use of the game pad 16.
[0028] When in the storage state, the game pad has a first exterior surface
area. When
in the use state the game pad has a second exterior surface area that is
larger than the first
area. In the example shown, the game pad 16 can be modeled as a cylinder
having a
diameter of approximately 1.3 feet when in the storage state. Using this
information the
exterior surface area of the game pad 16 in the storage state is approximately
0.65 x 0.65 x
Pi + 0.65 x 0.65 x Pi + 1.3 x Pi x 5.5 which equals approximately 25.1 square
feet. By
contrast, the exterior surface area of the game pad 16 when in the use state
is approximately
5.5 x 16 + 5.5 x 16, which equals 176 square feet (neglecting the surface area
of the edges).
In other words, the game pad 16 in the storage state is more compact than the
game pad
16 in the use state.
[0029] The cinch straps 15, which are optionally provided, are utilized to
hold the game
pad 16 in the undeployed state (i.e., rolled up, in the example shown in
Figure 1). This allows
the game pad 16 to have a smaller footprint and be stored in a smaller area
when
undeployed and also provides for easier transportation when undeployed.
[0030] The game pad 16 can also optionally include the tether 14 (Figure
2A). The tether
14 may be approximately six feet in length, but other lengths are
contemplated. The tether
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14 allows for the game pad 16 to be attached to a tether receiving structure
29 (Figure 5)
for stability, convenience, and/or user preference. This tether receiving
structure 29 could
be a post on a dock (as illustrated in Figure 5), or a watercraft, for
example. The tether 14
has a free end 25 that optionally has a connector 27 thereon. In the example
shown in Figure
2A, a connector 27 is provided and is a loop, however other types of connector
are
contemplated, such as a hook, or some other shape that is engageable with a
receiving
structure to hold the game pad 16. For convenience, the indicia 18a and 20a
are not shown
in Figures 5, 6 and 7.
[0031] As illustrated, the game pad 16 includes a single tether 14. In such
an instance,
when tethering the game pad 16, the game pad 16 may move around, drifting due
to
currents in the water 19. To address this, more than one tether 14 may be
provided (e.g.
two tethers), so as to permit the game pad 16 to be secured to the tether
receiving structure
29 (see Figure 6) and would be subject to less movement than would occur if
only a single
tether 14 is used.
[0032] The tether 14 shown in Figures 2A and 5 is connected in the middle
of one end
of the game pad 16, however the tether 14 could be connected anywhere suitable
on the
game pad 16, such as at one of the corners of the game pad 16. The tethers 14
shown in
Figure 6 are connected at two adjacent corners of the game pad 16, however the
two tethers
14 could be connected anywhere suitable on the game pad 16, such as at two
points along
one end, or along one of the sides, for example.
[0033] The one or more tethers 14 that may be provided, may be used to
connect a first
game pad 16 to a second game pad 16, as shown in Figure 7 (wherein the first
game pad
is identified as 16a and the second game pad as 16b). In such an embodiment,
each of the
first and second game pads 16a and 16b may include a tether receiving
structure 29
thereon, such as, for example, a mushroom-headed member for snugly receiving
the loop
shown at the free end 25 of the tether 14 that is on the other of the first
and second game
pads 16.
[0034] While a single tether 14 is shown extending from each of the first
and second
game pads 16a and 16b to the other of the first and second game pads 16a and
16b, a
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plurality of tethers 14 may be provided to extend from each game pad 16 to the
other game
pad 16.
[0035] The first indicia 18a and/or the second indicia 20a are configured for
interaction
with the plurality of game markers 12. In other words, at least one of the
first side 18
and the second side 20 includes indicia (18a and/or 20a) shaped for
interaction with
the plurality of game markers 12.
[0036] In the present example, the first indicia 18a are shaped for
receiving feet
of the user, which are shown in Figure 3 at 23. The second indicia 20a are
shaped
for interaction with the plurality of game markers 12 (shown in Figure 4).
[0037] The first indicia 18a may be used for a game called "Game Changer
Hopscotch".
To utilize the game pad 16 to play Game Changer Hopscotch game, the game pad
16 is
oriented in a body of water 19 such that the first side 18 of the game pad 16
faces upwards.
The first indicia 18a may all be squares as shown in Figure 3, or the first
indicia 18a may
have any other suitable shape. The first indicia 18a form a course that the
user (or users)
must hop through, in a manner similar to a traditional game of hopscotch.
Accordingly, a first
user (also referred to as a first player) could stand on the game pad 16 and
toss or kick one
of the game markers 12, in an attempt for the tossed or kicked game marker 12
to land
completely within one of the first indicia 18a.
[0038] Upon a successful attempt to toss or kick one of the game markers 12
to land
within one of the first indicia 18a, the first player then hops through the
course of first indicia
18a, optionally skipping any first indicia 18a with game markers 12 therein.
As is known from
traditional hopscotch, where a first indicium 18a appears alone in the course,
the first player
hops into it on one foot, whereas, where the first indicia 18a appear in a
pair, side-by-side,
the first player hops into them with both feet, one foot in each of the first
indicia 18a of the
pair. After completing the course in one direction, the first player then
turns around and
return through the course to reach the first indicia 18a with the game marker
12. The first
player then stops at the first indicium 18a before the one in which the game
marker 12
landed and reaches down to retrieve the game marker 12. The first player then
continues
through the course to reach the beginning of the course.
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[0039] As will be appreciated, completing the course with the game pad 16
floating in
the body of water 19 can be more difficult than in a game of traditional
hopscotch that is on
land. If a plurality of game pads 16 are connected together end-to-end, the
length of the
course can be increased. Optionally, the first indicia 18a are positioned such
that a first
portion, shown at 18a1, of a particular one of the first indicia 18a are
provided at a first end
of the game pad 16 and a second portion, shown at 18a2, of that same
particular one of the
first indicia 18a is provided at a second end of the game pad 16, such that,
when the first
end of a first game pad 16 is mated with the second end of a second game pad
16, (e.g.
using tethers 14), the first and second portions 18a1 and 18a2 together mate
to form one of
the first indicia 18a.
[0040] The second indicia 20a may be used for a game called "Game Changer 21".
To
utilize the game pad 16 to play the Game Changer 21 game, the game pad 16 is
oriented
in the water 19 such that the second side 20 of the game pad 16 faces upwards.
With teams
of players at either end of the game pad 16, the game markers 12 are thrown by
each team
in order to land on second indicia 20a that are at the end nearest the other
team.
[0041] The second indicia 20a are shaped based on the plurality of game
markers 12.
For example, the second indicia 20a may be shaped such that the second indicia
20a are
completely coverable by each of the game markers 12. Alternatively, the second
indicia 20a
may be shaped such that the game markers 12 can be positioned in such a way as
to fit
completely within each second indicium 20a without extending outside of each
second
indicium 20a. While it is said that the second indicia 20a are shaped based on
the plurality
of game markers 12, it may equally be said that the plurality of game markers
12 are shaped
based on the second indicia 20a.
[0042] For the second indicia 20a that are shown, points are scored when
the game
markers 12 land completely within the second indicia 20a (an example of which
is shown in
Figure 4). As noted above, however, different second indicia 20a could be
provided which
are intended to be completely coverable by the game markers 12 instead of
being shaped
to receive the game markers 12 completely therein. In some embodiments, a
first plurality
of second indicia 20a could be provided that are shaped to receive the game
markers 12
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completely therein, and a second plurality of second indicia 20a could be
provided that are
shaped to be completely coverable by the game markers 12.
[0043] Once a team has thrown all the game markers 12 to the opposing end
of the
game pad 16, scored points are totaled, and the other team throws the game
markers 12
back towards the other end, in order to land on second indicia 20a there, so
as to score
points. As shown in Figure 4, there are second indicia 20a that, if landed
upon, add points
to a team's score, and second indicia that, if landed upon, subtract points
from the team's
score. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more second indicia 20a may
be a Game
Changer - Swap Scores target, which may, for example, be shaped as a Star
Fish. Landing
on this second indicium 20a would cause the scores of the two teams to be
swapped with
one another.
[0044] The first team to accumulate a selected number of points (e.g., 21
points) wins
the game.
[0045] Because the game pad 16 is floating in the body of water 19, and
because the
game pad 16 conforms to the surface 19a of the water, the game play for either
of the games
described herein is made more difficult and more interesting than if these
games were
played on land on a flat, unmoving surface. The added randomness provided by
the
movement of the water 19 enhances the game play and can make the games more
interesting than if they were played on a flat, unmoving surface.
[0046] It is envisioned that the game pad 16 may also be used out of the
water, in some
instances, such as on the beach, where its flexibility causes it to conform to
the surface of
the beach, which can be other than flat, thereby still providing some
difference and some
increased difficulty relative to a version of the game being played on a flat,
unmoving
surface.
[0047] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more
alternative
implementations and modifications possible, and that the above examples are
only
illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope, therefore, is only to
be limited by
the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto.
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