Aerodynamically Configurable Horseshoe Projectile Devices

The present invention generally relates to games and more specifically to aerodynamically configurable horseshoe projectile devices.

The game of horseshoes is a classic lawn game in which players throw U-shaped projectiles toward stakes planted in the ground. Points are awarded based on accuracy. The goal is to hook the projectile onto the stake, or to come as close as possible to doing so. The game of horseshoes can be played as a one-on-one competition or in teams.

The various embodiments of the present horseshoe projectile devices contain several features, no single one of which is solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the present embodiments, their more prominent features will now be discussed below. In particular, the present horseshoe projectile devices will be discussed in the context of configurable aerodynamics. However, the use of particular aerodynamically configurable horseshoe projectile devices is merely exemplary and various other horseshoe projectile devices may be utilized for configurable aerodynamics as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description,” one will understand how the features of the present embodiments provide the advantages described here.

One aspect of the present embodiments includes the realization that in current horseshoe devices other than the present embodiments, there is a lack of aerodynamic configurability, which makes the game un-customizable for players. For example, horseshoe devices do not have wings or extendable shafts to make the horseshoe projectiles customizable for smaller children to play. The present embodiments solve this problem by allowing individuals players to change the length of the shaft, the ability for the horseshoe to rotate, and the ability for the tail fin to rotate and slide along the shaft to customize the horseshoe projectile device to fit the needs of each player. The present embodiments thus advantageously enable these customizable features. The present embodiments provide these advantages and enhancements, as described below.

In a first aspect, a horseshoe projectile device having configurable aerodynamics is provided, the horseshoe projectile device comprising: a horseshoe comprising an open end and a closed end, wherein the closed end comprises a mounting point for receiving a shaft; the shaft comprising a first end, a second end, and a body, wherein the first end of the shaft connects to the mounting point of the horseshoe; and a tail fin comprising a bore that receives the body of the shaft and having a plurality of wings extending outward from the bore.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the horseshoe and the shaft are attached at the mounting point of the horseshoe such that the horseshoe can rotate relative to the shaft.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the horseshoe and the shaft are attached at the mounting point of the horseshoe such that the horseshoe cannot rotate relative to the shaft

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the horseshoe and the shaft are attached at the mounting point by a lockable horseshoe connection having a first configuration that prevents the horseshoe from rotating relative to the shaft and a second configuration that allows the horseshoe to rotate relative to the shaft.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the lockable horseshoe connection comprises a first horseshoe lock and a second horseshoe lock.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the shaft is extendable.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the shaft comprises: a first slidable rod having a first end, a second end, an inner surface, an outer surface, and a thickness, wherein the first slidable rod is hollow; and wherein the thickness is the distance between the inner surface and the outer surface; a second slidable rod having a first end, a second end, and an outer surface, wherein the first end of the second slidable rod is nested within the second end of the first slidable rod.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the shaft comprises a slidable rod lock, and wherein the slidable rod lock fixes a depth to which the second slidable rod is nested within the first slidable rod, and wherein the depth to which the second slidable rod is nested within the first slidable rod controls the length of the shaft.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the slidable rod lock comprises: a depressible raised button on the second slidable rod having a locked position and an unlocked position wherein the locked position is convex relative to the outer surface of the second slidable rod, and wherein the locked position has a height greater than the thickness of the first rod; a plurality of holes on the first slidable rod wherein each hole of the plurality of holes is configured to receive the depressible raised button on the second slidable rod such that the depressible raised button locks the relative positions of the first slidable rod and second slidable rod.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the bore of the tail fin receives the body of the shaft such that the tail fin can rotate relative to the shaft.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the bore of the tail fin receives the body of the shaft such that the tail fin cannot rotate relative to the shaft.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the horseshoe projectile device comprises a tail fin fixture having a first configuration that prevents the tail fin from rotating relative to the shaft and a second configuration that allows the tail fin to rotate relative to the shaft

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the position of the tail fin along the body of the shaft is fixed.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the position of the tail fin along the body of the shaft is movable.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the position of the tail fin along the body of the shaft is adjustable and wherein a tail fin fixture fixes the position of the tail fin along the body of the shaft at a desired position.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the tail fin fixture comprises a first tail fin lock and a second tail fin lock.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the position of the tail fin along the body of the shaft is fixed.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the position of the tail fin along the body of the shaft is movable.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the position of the tail fin along the body of the shaft is adjustable and wherein a tail fin fixture fixes the position of the tail fin along the body of the shaft at a desired position.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the tail fin fixture comprises a first tail fin lock and a second tail fin lock.

The following detailed description describes the present embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, reference numbers label elements of the present embodiments. These reference numbers are reproduced below in connection with the discussion of the corresponding drawing features.

Turning now to the drawings, aerodynamically configurable horseshoe projectile devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. In many embodiments, horseshoe projectile devices may include a horseshoe having an open end and a closed end. In some embodiments, the closed end may include a mounting point for receiving a shaft. In some embodiments, the horseshoe and the shaft may be attached such that the horseshoe can rotate relative to the shaft, as further described below. In some embodiments, the horseshoe and the shaft may be attached at the mounting point utilizing a lockable horseshoe connection that prevents the horseshoe from rotating relative to the shaft. In many embodiments, the shaft may include a first end and a second end, where the second end of the shaft may connect to the mounting point of the horseshoe. In several embodiments, the horseshoe projectile device may include a tail fin having wings and a bore that receives the shaft, as further described below.

In various embodiments, the horseshoe projectile device may have configurable aerodynamics by allowing a user to configure various components of the horseshoe projective device. For example, the user may configure the shaft to various lengths (e.g., a shortened configuration and/or a lengthened configuration) thereby allowing the user to configure the aerodynamics. In another example, the user may rotate the tail fin relative to the shaft further allowing the user to configure the aerodynamics. As further described below, various components of the horseshoe projective device may be adjusted allowing for configurable aerodynamics. For example, in some embodiments, the bore of the tail fin may receive the shaft such that the tail fin cannot rotate relative to the shaft. In other embodiments, the bore of the tail fin may receive the shaft such that the tail fin can rotate relative to the shaft. In some embodiments, the position of the tail fin along the body of the shaft may move relative to the shaft. In some embodiments, the position of the tail fin along the body of the shaft may be fixed along the shaft by a tail fin position locking mechanism. Games utilizing horseshoe projectile devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention are further discussed below.

The horseshoe projectile devices may be used to play various games with one or more players. As described herein, horseshoe projective devices are aerodynamically configurable allowing them to adjust and providing users with a learning curve to master the skill of utilizing such devices. In addition, horseshoe projective devices may make games, which may be difficult to master and often dangerous for players when utilizing conventional horseshoes, easier and safer to play.

A game utilizing horseshoe projectile devices in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention is shown in. In many embodiments, a horseshoe projectile devicemay be utilized in a game. For example, a version of the gamemay include a stationhaving a baseand a post. In some embodiments, a first user may throw a first horseshoe projective deviceat the stationattempting to hook a horseshoe of the first horseshoe projective deviceonto the post. Further, a second user may throw a second horseshoe projective deviceat the stationattempting to hook a horseshoe of the second horseshoe projective deviceonto the post. Players may choose to keep score by awarding points when a horseshoe projectile devicehooks onto the post. Players may play to a set score or for a set amount of time depending on player preference. Alternatively, players may choose to award game points based on how close to the postthe horseshoeof the horseshoe projectile devicelands. Players may choose to play solo, individually against other players, or in teams. The gamemay be played by allotting four points when a player lands the horseshoe projectile devicearound the postof the station, three points when the player lands the horseshoe projectile deviceleaning against the postof the station, and two points when the player lands the horseshoe projectile devicetouching the postof the station. The first player(s) to twenty-one points win the game.

In reference to, the horseshoe projective devices may include various components that may be adjustable allowing for aerodynamic configurability of the horseshoe projective device. For example, the horseshoe projectile devicemay include a shaft, a horseshoe, and a tail fin. In some embodiments, the length of the shaftis extendable, as further described below, to allow for users to customize the length of the horseshoe projectile device. In many embodiments, a longer length may allow users with relatively larger hands (e.g., adults) to comfortably grip the shaft, while a shorter length may allow users with smaller hands (e.g., children) to comfortably grip the shaft. In various embodiments, a shorter length may also allow the user to more easily maneuver the horseshoe projectile deviceand make it more aerodynamic, which may make the gameeasier for some users. In addition, a longer length may make it more difficult to maneuver the horseshoe projectile deviceand make it less aerodynamic, which may make the gamemore challenging for more advanced users.

Although specific games utilizing horseshoe projective devices are discussed above with respect to, any of a variety of games utilizing various horseshoe projective devices as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application can be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Various horseshoe projective devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention are discussed further below.

As described above, horseshoe projective devices may include various components that may be adjustable allowing for aerodynamic configurability of the horseshoe projective devices.

A horseshoe projectile device in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention is shown in. In many embodiments, a horseshoe projectile deviceincludes a horseshoe, a shaft, and a tail fin. The horseshoemay include an open endand a closed end. In many embodiments, the open endmay be utilized to hook the horseshoe projectile deviceinto a target (e.g., a post, etc.). In various embodiments, the closed endmay be used to stop the momentum of the horseshoe projectile devicewhen the horseshoe projectile devicehits the target such as, but not limited to, a post. In some embodiments, the horseshoe projectile devicemay include a first horseshoe protective coverand a second horseshoe protective coveron the open end. The first horseshoe protective coverand the second horseshoe protective covermay be included to be an extra protection to minimize injury to players, especially younger children. The first horseshoe protective coverand the second horseshoe protective covermay be made of softer material such as Styrofoam or elastomers to avoid potential injuries. In several embodiments, the horseshoemay also include a mounting pointthat allows for the horseshoeto connect to a shaftat a first end of the shaft. In various embodiments, the horseshoemay spin or lock relative to the shaft, as further described below. The mounting pointmay be made utilizing various components, as further described below. The tail finmay be connected to the shaftof the horseshoe projectile deviceat the second end of the shaft.

In reference to, the tail finmay also include one or more wings (e.g., first wing, second wing, third wing), as further described below. In some embodiments, the tail finmay also spin or lock relative to the shaftand may slide or lock along the length of the shaft, as further described below.

Tail fins can optimize the aerodynamics of flying objects by providing extra surface area, increasing time aloft. Flying objects with multiple fins have enhanced stability in flight, as air is channeled along each fin. In many embodiments, a tail fin of a horseshoe projective device may be constructed to stabilize the flight of the horseshoe projective device. For example, the tail fin may include one or more wings to assist in flight stabilization and may also act as a counterweight to the horseshoe. A tail fin of a horseshoe projectile device in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention is shown in. The tail finmay include a first wing, a second wing, a third wing, and a bore. The boremay be an opening along a center of the tail fin. In some embodiments, the boremay allow for the tail finto slide onto a shaft of a horseshoe projective device. For example, the boremay slide onto the second endof the shaftas illustrated in. The wings,,of the tail finmay give the horseshoe projectile device more stability when thrown by allowing air to flow between the wings,,. The tail finmay also help the distribution of weight of the horseshoe projectile device by counter-balancing the weight of the horseshoe and ensuring the horseshoe projectile device does not fall down due to increased weight in the front of the device.

In reference to, the shaftmay be made using various materials including, but not limited to, plastic, Styrofoam, mixed metals, etc. In some embodiments, the horseshoemay be made using various materials including, but not limited to, plastic, Styrofoam, mixed metals, elastomers, or any combination of Plastics, etc. and can be rigid or flexible, depending on the material used. The horseshoecan also be hollow, solid, or partially hollow and solid. Further, the tail finmay be made using various materials including, but not limited to, plastic, Styrofoam, mixed metals, elastomers, or any combination of Plastics, etc. The materials may be selected based on the recommended use of the game. For example, when considering the safety of children who may play the game, a softer material such as Styrofoam or elastomers may be the better option to avoid potential injuries. However, the softer materials would likely diminish the aerodynamics of the game and require the station to be placed closer to the players; this would align with the decision to make the game both safer and easier for children to play. When considering making the game more difficult, using harder materials, such as plastic or mixed metals, would allow for the horseshoe projectile device to be able to travel longer distances. As a result, the players could place the station further from the players, which would increase the difficulty of the game.

Although specific horseshoe projectile devices are discussed above with respect to, any of a variety of horseshoe projectile devices including a variety shafts, horseshoes, and tail fins as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application can be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Configurable fin connections of horseshoe projectile devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention are discussed further below.

In many embodiments, the aerodynamics of horseshoe projectile devices may be configured by adjusting the position of the tail fin along the shaft. For example, when the tail fin is forward along the shaft relative to the horseshoe, the mass of the horseshoe projectile device may be more concentrated towards a center point of the horseshoe projective device, resulting in a shorter period aloft when thrown. The device may also be more easily grasped by children or others with smaller hands when the tail fin is forward along the shaft. When the tail fin is retracted along the shaft relative to the horseshoe, the mass of the horseshoe projectile device may be more distributed, resulting in a longer period aloft when thrown. This configuration may also be more comfortable for users with larger hands. Further, in some embodiments, the tail fin may slide freely along the length of shaft during flight, and thus the aerodynamics of the device may spontaneously adjust during flight.

The aerodynamics of the horseshoe projectile device may be configured by placing the tail fin in a retracted position along the shaft. In many embodiments, a tail fin in a retracted position may allow the horseshoe projectile device to fly further without losing stability of the flight path. A horseshoe projectile device with a tail fin in a retracted position in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in. The side-on viewillustrates a first tail fin lockand second tail fin locksecuring tail finin a retracted position along shaftrelative to horseshoe. When in a retracted position, tail finis closer to second end of shaftthan to first end of shaftand horseshoe. In some embodiments, first tail fin lockand second tail fin lockmay have various positions along shaft. In some embodiments, the various positions of the first and second tail fin locks,may be controlled by threading along shaftand complementary threading inside first tail fin lockand second tail fin lock. In some embodiments, first tail fin lockand second tail fin lockmay have adjustable diameters that when constricted secure first tail fin lockand second tail fin lockagainst shaftby friction. One of ordinary skill will recognize various ways to adjustably fix the positions of first tail fin lockand second tail fin lockalong shaft.

Further, the aerodynamics of the horseshoe projectile device may be configured by placing the tail fin in a forward position along the shaft. In many embodiments, a tail fin in a forward position may allow users with smaller hands to more easily grip the horseshoe projectile device. A tail fin in a forward position may also allow a diminished time aloft, providing users with better aim in high wind conditions. A horseshoe projectile device with a tail fin in a forward position in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in. The side-on viewillustrates first tail fin lockand second tail fin locksecuring tail finin a forward position along shaftrelative to horseshoe. When in a forward position, tail finis closer to first end of shaftand horseshoethan to second end of shaft.

In addition, the aerodynamics of the horseshoe projectile device may also be configured by allowing the tail fin to freely slide along the length of the shaft. A tail fin that freely slides along the length of the shaft may allow the horseshoe projectile device's aerodynamics to change during flight. A tail fin that freely slides along the length of the shaft may also allow the horseshoe projectile device's travel through the air to be rapid at first, then slowed at the end, as the tail fin may move from a forward position to a retracted position during flight. A horseshoe projectile device with a tail fin that may freely slide along the shaft in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in. The side-on viewillustrates first tail fin lockand second tail fin lockproviding a space along shaftin which tail fincan slide freely between a forward position, as described above, and a retracted position, also as described above

In many embodiments, the tail fin can rotate relative to the shaft to further adjust aerodynamics during flight. A horseshoe projectile device with a freely rotating tail fin in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in. The side-on viewillustrates first tail fin lockand second tail fin lockconfigured such that tail fincan rotate relative to shaft. In some embodiments, when tail finrotates around shaft, tail finmay also slide freely along shaftbetween a forward position, as described above, and a retracted position, as also described above. In other embodiments, when tail finrotates around shaft, tail findoes not slide along shaft. In some embodiments, the manner of adjusting first tail fin lockand second tail fin lockwill determine whether tail finslides freely along shaftwhen the horseshoe projectile device is configured to allow tail finto rotate around shaft. In some embodiments, first tail fin lockand second tail fin lockhave positions along shaftthat are controlled by threading along shaftand complementary threading inside first tail fin lockand second tail fin lock. In some embodiments, first tail fin lockand second tail fin lockhave adjustable diameters that when constricted secure first tail fin lockand second tail fin lockagainst shaftby friction. In some embodiments, the positions of first tail fin lockand second tail fin lockrelative to tail finwill control the ability of tail finto rotate.

Although specific horseshoe projectile devices with configurable tail fin connections are discussed above with respect to, any of a variety of horseshoe projectile devices including a variety shafts, horseshoes, and tail fins as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application can be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Horseshoe projectile devices with configurable horseshoes in accordance with embodiments of the invention are discussed further below.

Horseshoe Projectile Devices with Configurable Horseshoes

In many embodiments, the aerodynamics of the horseshoe projectile device may be configured by controlling whether or not the horseshoe may rotate relative to the shaft during flight. When the horseshoe is allowed to rotate relative to the shaft during flight, the aerodynamics of the horseshoe projectile device may adjust during flight, resulting in longer or shorter periods aloft. Further, when the horseshoe is allowed to rotate relative to the shaft during flight, the horseshoe may rotate such that it arrives with its open end perpendicular to or at any angle from the target, resulting in a more challenging game. Finally, when the horseshoe is allowed to rotate relative to the shaft during flight, the horseshoe projectile device may be more responsive to high wind conditions. When the horseshoe is not allowed to rotate relative to the shaft during flight, players may find the path of the horseshoe in air to be more predictable, resulting in a less challenging game.

In many embodiments, the aerodynamics of the horseshoe projectile device may be configured such that the horseshoe may rotate relative to the shaft. A horseshoe projectile device showing rotation of a horseshoe in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in. The side-on viewillustrates horseshoeconnected to shaftvia lockable horseshoe connection. In some embodiments, lockable horseshoe connectionmay allow horseshoeto rotate relative to shaft. In some embodiments, lockable horseshoe connectionwill prevent horseshoefrom rotating relative to shaft. In some embodiments, lockable horseshoe connectionwill be configurable to allow the user to control whether horseshoerotates relative to shaft. In some embodiments, lockable horseshoe connectionwill be controlled by threading along shaftand complementary threading inside lockable horseshoe connection. In some embodiments, lockable horseshoe connectionwill be controlled by a latch or other device that affixes the position of horseshoerelative to shaft.

In many embodiments, the horseshoe may by connected to the shaft by a lockable horseshoe connection. A horseshoe and shaft connected by a lockable horseshoe connection in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in. Horseshoemay connect to a shaftat a mounting point, at closed endof the horseshoe. In many embodiments, the lockable horseshoe connection may include a first horseshoe lockand a second horseshoe lock. In some embodiments, the first horseshoe lockand the second horseshoe lockmay be threaded to receive by shaft, which may have complimentary threading. In some embodiments, the first horseshoe lockand the second horseshoe lockmay be loosened along the shaftsuch that the horseshoeis free to rotate relative to shaft. In some embodiments, the first horseshoe lockand the second horseshoe lockmay be tightened along shaftsuch that friction prevents the horseshoefrom rotating relative to the shaft.

Although specific horseshoe projectile devices with configurable horseshoe rotations are discussed above with respect to, any of a variety of horseshoe projectile devices with configurable horseshoes as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application can be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Horseshoe projectile devices with extendable shafts in accordance with embodiments of the invention are discussed further below.

Horseshoe projectile devices may include shafts that are extendable in length. The length of the shaft may make the game easier or more difficult by affecting the aerodynamics of the horseshoe projectile device. A horseshoe projectile device with a shaft in a shortened configuration in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention is shown in. The horseshoe projectile device with shortened extendable shaftmay include a shaftthat is in the shortened configuration, a tail fin, and a horseshoe. Shaftmay be extendable by including a first slidable rod, a second slidable rod, and a slidable rod lock. The first slidable rodmay be hollow inside and have a wider circumference such that the second slidable rodcan fit inside the first slidable rod. The length of the shaftmay be adjusted by adjusting how much of the length of the second slidable rodis inserted into the first slidable rod. A shorter shaftlength makes the horseshoe projectile device easier to aim because the aerodynamics is increased because of the decreased air resistance. A shorter configuration may be more desirable for players who intend to make the game easier to play. The shorter configuration may also make the horseshoe projectile device easier to hold for players with smaller hands, especially smaller children. The positions of the first slidable rodand the second slidable rodmay be locked into place with the slidable rod lock. The slidable rod lockmay be made of various material including, but not limited to, a rubber washer, which prevents the second slidable rodfrom sliding out of the first slidable rodwhen the horseshoe projectile device is thrown by creating tension clamping. The slidable rod lockmay also be the joining point of the first slidable rodand the second slidable rod, where the second slidable rodhas threading along the outer surface of the rod and the first slidable rodhas counter-threading on the inner surface of the hollow of the rod. The counter-threading of the first slidable rodcan be threaded into the threading of the second slidable rodto shorten or lengthen the length of the shaft.

A horseshoe projectile device with a shaft in a lengthened configuration in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention is shown in. A horseshoe projectile device with lengthened extendable shaftmay include a shaftthat is in the lengthened configuration, a tail fin, and a horseshoe. As described above, the shaftmay include a first slidable rod, a second slidable rod, and a slidable rod lock. The length of the shaftmay be adjusted by adjusting how much of the length of the second slidable rodis inserted into the first slidable rod, as further described above. The longer length of the shaftis more difficult to throw the horseshoe projectile devicebecause the aerodynamics are reduced through increased air resistance. The longer shaftlength may be desired when a player intends to make the game more difficult to play.