Lacrosse Themed Amusement Game Apparatus and Method

The present invention relates generally to the field of recreational games and amusement devices. More specifically, the invention pertains to a game apparatus and method for playing a lacrosse-themed amusement game suitable for players of various ages and skill levels.

Recreational games and amusement devices have long been popular for providing entertainment and fostering friendly competition among players. Many such games involve tossing or throwing objects at a target, with points being awarded based on the proximity of the thrown object to the target or the successful passage of the object through designated openings in the target.

One well-known example of such a game is cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, which involves players attempting to toss small bags filled with corn or beans onto a raised platform with a hole in it. The game of cornhole has gained widespread popularity due to its simple rules, easy setup, and suitability for players of all ages and skill levels. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0023762 A1 discloses a typical cornhole game set comprising two sloped game boards and eight corn-filled bags, with points being awarded for landing bags on the board or passing them through the hole.

However, while games like cornhole provide enjoyable recreational experiences, there remains a need for novel and engaging variants that incorporate different skills and gameplay mechanics. In particular, the rising popularity of lacrosse in recent years has created a demand for lacrosse-themed games that allow players to practice and showcase their lacrosse skills in a fun and competitive setting.

The present invention addresses this need by providing a lacrosse-themed amusement game that combines the basic gameplay concepts of cornhole with the unique challenges and skills associated with lacrosse. By incorporating lacrosse sticks and balls into the traditional cornhole format, the present invention offers an exciting and innovative gaming experience that appeals to lacrosse enthusiasts and general gaming enthusiasts alike.

The present invention is directed to a game apparatus and method for playing a lacrosse-themed amusement game. The game apparatus comprises a substantially planar board with a playing surface featuring a plurality of circular and pie-shaped holes of varying sizes and positions. The board is supported at an angle by at least one leg member, allowing players to toss lacrosse balls toward the playing surface using lacrosse sticks.

In one embodiment, the playing surface includes a first pair of circular holes, each having a diameter of approximately 6 inches, situated near the top and bottom edges of the board. A second pair of circular holes, each having a diameter of approximately 8 inches, is positioned along the horizontal midline of the playing surface, near the side edges. Four pie-shaped holes, each with a radial dimension of approximately 8 inches, are located in the corners of the playing surface.

The game apparatus may further comprise score markers proximate each hole, indicating the point values associated with successfully tossing a lacrosse ball through the respective holes. The board can be constructed from various materials, such as wood or plastic, and may include handles for easy transport. The leg members supporting the board may be hingedly attached, allowing for compact storage and portability.

The invention also encompasses a method of playing a lacrosse amusement game using two of the disclosed game apparatuses. Players positioned adjacent to each apparatus alternate turns throwing lacrosse balls with lacrosse sticks toward the opposing player's apparatus. Points are awarded based on the successful passage of lacrosse balls through the holes in the opposing player's apparatus, with varying point values assigned to different hole sizes.

The objective of the game is to be the first player to reach a predetermined point threshold, such as 21 points. The game can be adapted for various skill levels by adjusting the distance between the two apparatuses or modifying the point values associated with each hole.

By combining the familiar gameplay mechanics of traditional cornhole with the unique skills and challenges of lacrosse, the present invention provides an engaging and entertaining recreational activity for players of all ages and skill levels. The game apparatus and method encourage the development of hand-eye coordination, precision, and strategic thinking while fostering friendly competition and social interaction.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present systems described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features.

Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

The terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar references used in the context of describing a particular embodiment of the present invention (especially in the context of certain claims) are construed to cover both the singular and the plural. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

All systems described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (for example, “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the application and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the application otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the application. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The word or as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might”, or “may” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect.

is a perspective view of a game apparatusfor playing a lacrosse amusement game. The game apparatuscomprises a substantially planar boardhaving a top edge, a bottom edge, two side edges,, and a playing surface. The boardis constructed of wood, providing a durable and sturdy playing surface.

The playing surfaceincludes a first pair of circular holes, each having a diameter of approximately 6 inches. The center of each holeof the first pair is situated approximately 9 inches from the top edgeand approximately 9 inches from the bottom edgealong a vertical axis of the playing surface. A second pair of circular holes, each having a diameter of approximately 8 inches, is also provided on the playing surface. The center of each holeof the second pair is situated along a horizontal midline of the playing surface, approximately 6 inches from a respective one of the two side edges,.

In addition to the circular holes,, the playing surfacealso includes four pie-shaped holes, each having a radial dimension of approximately 8 inches. Each pie-shaped holeis situated in a respective corner of the playing surface.

The game apparatusfurther comprises at least one leg memberattached proximate the top edgeof the board. The at least one leg memberis configured to support the boardat an angle of approximately 70 degrees relative to a horizontal surface, providing an optimal angle for gameplay. In the embodiment shown in, the game apparatusincludes two leg members, each leg memberbeing attached proximate a respective one of the two side edges,of the board. The two leg membersare attached to the board, allowing them to be folded against the boardfor convenient storage or transport. A mesh netis attached to both sides, andas well as the top edgeto catch incoming lacrosse balls.

provides a lateral view of the game apparatus, further detailing the game apparatus. The boardis depicted resting at an angle of approximately 70 degrees from the ground supported by the legs. The mesh net included in this view can be seen draping across the back of the board.

is an aerial view of the front of the board, providing a clear representation of the dimensions and layout (in inches) of the various holes,,on the playing surface. The measurements in inches are clearly indicated, ensuring that the game apparatusis constructed to the proper specifications for optimal gameplay.

In use, players toss a plurality of lacrosse balls (not shown) using lacrosse sticks toward the playing surfaceof the board, aiming for the various holes,,. The angled orientation of the board, supported by the at least one leg member, provides a challenging and engaging gameplay experience for players of all skill levels.

illustrates a flow diagram of how to play the lacrosse amusement gameusing the game apparatusdescribed in. The method () involves two players, each positioned adjacent to their respective game apparatus, which are spaced apart by a predetermined distance (), typically between 10 and 30 feet.

To begin, each player is provided with a plurality of lacrosse ballsand lacrosse sticks. The first player initiates the game by throwing () a first lacrosse ballwith their lacrosse sticktoward the playing surfaceof the second player's game apparatus. The objective is to toss the lacrosse ballthrough one of the holes on the playing surface, which include the first pair of circular holes, the second pair of circular holes, and the four pie-shaped holes.

The second player then takes their turn, throwinga second lacrosse ballwith their lacrosse sticktoward the playing surfaceof the first player's game apparatus. Points are awarded () to each player based on the holes through which their thrown lacrosse balls () pass.

Players keep score (). Lacrosse ballspassing through the 6-inch diameter holes of the first pair of circular holesare awarded a higher point value (), such as 3 points, compared to balls passing through the 8-inch diameter holes of the second pair of circular holesor the 8-inch pie-shaped holes, which may be awarded a lower point value (), such as 1 point.

Players alternate turns () throwing the lacrosse ballswith their lacrosse stickstoward their opponent's game apparatus. The game continues until one player reaches a predetermined point threshold (), typically 21 points, at which time that player is declared the winner ().

The game apparatusesare designed to be durable and portable, with the planar boardconstructed from materials such as wood or plastic. The leg members, attached proximate to the top edgeof the planar board, support the game apparatusat an angle of approximately 70 degrees relative to a horizontal surface, providing an optimal playing angle. For easy transport and storage, the leg membersmay be hingedly attached to the planar board, allowing them to fold flat against the board when not in use.

Additionally, the game apparatusmay include handlesattached to the planar boardto facilitate carrying the board between game locations or for storage purposes.

The embodiments described herein are given for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The respective elements and their arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, or the like of the embodiment are not limited to the illustrated examples but may be appropriately changed. Further, the constituents described in the embodiment may be partially replaced or combined together.