MECHANICAL CORNHOLE SCOREKEEPER

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to scorekeeping devices, and more particularly to a mechanical scorekeeping device configured to track score of a cornhole game.

Description of Related Art

The prior art is well documented with examples of portable scorekeeping devices for assisting a person in keeping a correct score during game play. Some of these scorekeeping devices are electronic, and some are purely mechanical. Examples of an electronic device for gathering baseball data are shown, for example, in Freeman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,695 (umpire's counter), and Neel, U.S. 2008/0026877 (baseball data gathering device).

A mechanical pocket scoring device is shown in Willingham, U.S. Pat. No. 3,455,273, which includes wheels mounted in a housing, where manual rotation of the wheels enables a user to track the score of the game. A similar example is shown in Rothman, U.S. Pat. No. 2,993,288.

The prior art teaches various devices for tracking score of various sporting games. However, the prior art does not teach a mechanical cornhole scorekeeper that includes the particular improvements provided in the present application. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further advantages as described in the following summary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.

The present invention provides a mechanical cornhole scorekeeper for enabling a user to track a score for each team in a cornhole game. The mechanical cornhole scorekeeper comprises a housing having a top surface that extends outwardly to an outer edge, and two dials each having a top surface that extends outwardly to an outer perimeter edge, and each being operably mounted on the housing. One of the two dials is a first team score dial that includes numbers circumferentially spaced around the top surface, and the other of the two dials is a second team score dial that includes numbers circumferentially spaced around the top surface.

A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a mechanical cornhole scorekeeper having advantages not taught by the prior art.

Another objective is to provide a mechanical cornhole scorekeeper that tracks a score number for each team.

A further objective is to provide a mechanical cornhole scorekeeper with the unique construction and particular improvements described in greater detail below.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mechanical cornhole scorekeeper according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view thereof taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1, illustrating two dials that are used for tracking a cornhole game.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the mechanical cornhole scorekeeper, illustrating a ratchet mechanism used with each of the dials in one embodiment of the mechanical cornhole scorekeeper.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mechanical cornhole scorekeeper mounted on a beverage can.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The above-described drawing figures illustrate the invention, a mechanical cornhole scorekeeper for tracking information about a cornhole game.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mechanical cornhole scorekeeper 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view thereof taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1, illustrating two dials 30 that are used for tracking a cornhole game. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the mechanical cornhole scorekeeper 10 comprises a housing 20, wherein the housing 20 contains two dials 30 rotatably mounted within the housing 20 to track score of a cornhole game.

The housing 20 of this embodiment comprises a top portion 22 and an opposed bottom portion 23 that both extend outwardly to an outer edge 26. The housing 20 may form an inner chamber 25 further includes the two dials 30 mounted within the housing 20 to track score of a cornhole game. Two windows 24 are formed through the top portion 22 for enabling the display of numbers 33 and 37 on the dials 30. For purposes of this application, the term “window” is defined to include a hole the top portion 22 as illustrated, or in any other equivalent structure that displays one of the numbers 33 or 37, e.g., a recess or notch in the outer edge 26, or any other equivalent structure known in the art that functions to allow viewing of a selected one of the numbers 33 or 37.

The dials 30 may extend outwardly beyond the outer edge 26 to enable a user to turn the dials 30. The outer edge 26 may include at least two openings 28 through which the dials 30 extend, in this embodiment four openings (wherein each dial 30 extends through opposing pairs of openings). However, in some embodiments, the outer edge 26 may simply all be open; and furthermore, the outer edge 26 may have recesses which allow the dials 30 to be accessed, and this configuration should be considered within the scope of the present invention.

The top portion 22 may be mounted on the bottom portion 23 of the housing 20, so that the dials 30 are sandwiched therebetween. Further details of this construction are shown in FIG. 3 and discussed below. While one embodiment of the housing 20 is disclosed herein, other shapes and configurations may be implemented. For example, a finger grip contour (not shown) may be formed in/on the outer edge 26, to enable the user to hold it more securely, or an alternative attachment means may be used, e.g., a hook/clip, knob/handle, etc., or any other attachment means known in the art. Further accessories, such as a whistle or light, may also be integrated to facilitate use of the device 10. In some embodiments, the housing 20 is a generally rectangular shape that tapers on the top and bottom, but any suitable shape may be used, which should be considered within the scope of the present invention.

The housing 20 may include an attachment strap 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment strap 21 is in the form of two flexible belts that may be attached to a pair of **belt receivers, or a similar mechanism, for attaching the belts to form a loop, for the purposes of attaching the strap 21 to other objects, such as a user's wrist, or a beverage can, as shown in FIG. 5 and discussed below, or any other item which might be handy during a cornhole game. The housing 20 may be sized and shaped to be hand-held by the user, so that it may readily be received into the palm of an average human hand. While one example of the attachment strap 21 is shown and described, a variety of alternatives may be included, e.g., an elastic loop, adjustable ring, etc.

In various embodiments, the housing 20 may be formed in a wide range of shapes for hand-held use. In some embodiments, the perimeter edge 38 of the housing 20 has a curve, and the numbers 39 of one or both dials 30 are visible on the outside of the housing 20, rather than being visible through a window 24 as in the previous embodiment. The housing 20 of some embodiments may further include recessed portions to enhance tactile sensation/grip.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, each dial 30 has a top surface 36 that extends outwardly to an outer perimeter edge 38, wherein a portion of the top surface 36 is visible through one of the two windows 24 of the housing 20, and a portion of the outer perimeter edge 38 of the dial 30 extends beyond the outer edge 26 of the housing, through one of the openings 28 of the outer edge 26 of the housing 20. In this embodiment, the two dials 30 are positioned within the housing 20.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, one of the two dials 30 is a first team score dial 31 that includes numbers 33 (in this embodiment, numbers 0-21, though they could also include greater or fewer numbers, and or any other symbols desired) circumferentially spaced around the top surface 36. While 0-21 numbers are shown and described herein, it is possible for more numbers to be included, or indicia other than numbers, i.e., a graphic or word, etc. The other of the two dials 30 is a second team score dial 32 that similarly includes numbers 37 (as above, in this embodiment 0-21) that are circumferentially spaced around the top surface 36.

The first team score dial 31 may include a first color, which is provided in some manner on the first team score dial 31, and a second color which is provided on the second team score dial 32. In this case the numbers 33 are printed in the first color; however, it may alternatively be the color of the top surface 36. The numbers 33 are preferably adjacent the outer perimeter edge 38 of the dial 31 and circumferentially spaced so that one of the numbers 33 is visible through one of the windows 24, as shown in FIG. 1.

The second team score dial 32 may include a second color that is different than the first color. The critical requirement is that the first and second colors are different. For example, the numbers 33 may be one color (e.g., blue), while the numbers 37 may be red, or white on a contrasting background. In another example, the top surface 36 of the first team score dial 31 may be white, while the top surface 36 of the second team score dial 32 may be shaded a different color, such as gray, light red, etc. In this case, the numbers and the surfaces have distinctive colors so it is easy to distinguish the first team from the second team. As discussed, other forms of indicia may be used, including but not limited to A and B, or any other name, symbol, or marking that may be used to indicate a particular score, team, etc. Furthermore, additional dials may be included to track other game events or metrics, as determined by one skilled in the art. In some further cases, color indicators 53 may be included beside the windows 24 of the team score dials 31 and 32, wherein the color indicators 53 correlate with the color of the adjacent team score dial 31 or 32.

For purposes of this application, the term “color” is broadly defined to include any visually distinguishable markings that enable the user to distinguish between the two dials 31 and 32, including but not limited to any colors (including black and white), patterns, hatchings, text, and/or other markings that may be devised by one skilled in the art. The colors may be applied to the entire top surface 36 of each dial 30 (shading, stippling, etc.), or in some embodiments, only the numbers are colored, or both may be colored (the same color, or different colors). Any colors may be used, and any suitable combination of colors, patterns, or graphic designs may be implemented, as long as the colors are reasonably distinguishable.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the mechanical cornhole scorekeeper, illustrating a first embodiment of a ratchet mechanism 40 used with each of the dials 30 in one embodiment of the mechanical cornhole scorekeeper 10 within the inner chamber 25. In various embodiments, the ratchet mechanism 40 is provided in or on each of the two dials 30 mounted on or adjacent the ratchet mechanism 40. In this embodiment, each of the dials 30 is mounted on top of the ratchet mechanism 40, in this case two separate mechanisms (although it could be provided by a single mechanism). Alternative forms of the rachet mechanism 40 may be included, shown in FIGS. 4-5 and discussed further below.

As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the bottom portion 23 of the housing 20 includes posts 60, and the top portion of the housing 20 includes posts 64, which together engage a hub 62 of each of the dials 30 therebetween, so that they may be rotated about the hub 62 as discussed herein. In this embodiment, the rachet mechanism 40 is in the form of spring arms 41A extending upwardly from a spring steel plate 34 mounted in the bottom portion of the housing. In this embodiment, the spring steel plate 34 includes openings 35 for allowing the posts 60 to pass therethrough. In this embodiment, the base sheet 34 and spring arms 41A are constructed of spring steel, but any suitably resilient materials may be used. Furthermore, alternative forms of arms or engaging features may be used in place of the spring arms, and any suitable or equivalent materials may be used. Each of the spring arms 41A engage with notches 41B spaced circumferentially around the dials 30, so that the dials 30 can “click” between each number 33 (and 37), and the spring arms 41A may further prevent rotation in the reverse direction, although this is optional, and selection of the shape of the spring arm 41A may allow for rotation in either direction if this is desired.

In this manner, the base sheet 34 is positioned between the bottom portion 23 and the dials 30. However, in alternative embodiments, the ratchet mechanism 40 may be formed on the bottom portion 23 instead of the base sheet 34, or the posts 60 may be formed on the base sheet 34, or any other similar configuration may be implemented. Furthermore, alternative forms of ratchet mechanisms may also be used, and the term “ratchet mechanism” is defined to be broadly construed to include any form of mechanism that enables movement of the dials 30 through a series of discrete positions. For example, a plurality of recesses, with at least one protrusion which snaps from recess to recess, thereby providing discrete positions which the user can rotate through during use. Willingham, U.S. Pat. No. 3,455,273, teaches another form of ratchet mechanism, and this disclosure is incorporated by reference in full.

As illustrated, the bottom portion 23 may include the belt receivers mounted on opposite sides of the outer edge 26, though the belt receivers may be positioned elsewhere on the housing 20. Furthermore, the bottom portion 23 may include clip receivers 43 for receiving clips 45 of the top portion 22. In other embodiments, the receivers 43 and clips 45 may be reversed, or a different attachment means may be included for securing the top and bottom portions 22 and 23 together (e.g., a permanent adhesive, pin-lock mechanism, tongue-and-groove seal, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the top portion 22 is positioned over the dials 30, having the two windows 24 for viewing the numbers 33 and 37 of the dials 30. In this embodiment, the outer edge 26 of the top portion 22 may be slightly raised so that it surrounds an insert sheet 47 of the top portion 22. The insert sheet 47 may cover the majority of the top portion of the housing, and includes cutouts 50 positioned over the windows 24, to allow the numbers 33 and 37 to be visible when the housing 20 is fully constructed. In this embodiment, the windows 24 include an upwardly extending annular wall 51, which extends upwardly a length that is approximately equal to the thickness of the insert sheet 47. The insert sheet 47 is then retained by both the upwardly extending annular walls 51 and by the raised outer edge 26. In some embodiments, the insert sheet includes indicator strips 57 that match the colors of the adjacent dials 30 and/or the adjacent numbers 33 or 37. A central plate 58 may further be included on the insert sheet 47, which separates the indicator strips 57, and may be used to display indicia such as a brand name, etc. (not shown). The insert sheet 47 is preferably made of a resilient material such as silicone; however, it may be omitted in some embodiments, or constructed of another material in alternative embodiments.

In use, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the cornhole scorekeeper 10 enables a user to track a score for each team in a cornhole match. Proper sequence for calling a cornhole score in doubles is: first player of team one tosses; first player of team two tosses; second player of team one tosses; second player of team two tosses; and repeat. In cancellation scoring, the total score of the losing team is subtracted from the total score of the winning team to get the resultant points for that inning. However, each point can simply be recorded as it happens, i.e., when the first server scores, the user adjusts the first team score dial 31 to add a point to the number of points scored. If the second server of the first team scores, the user adjusts the first team score dial 31 to reflect points scored. If the first server of the second team scores, the user adjusts the second team score dial 32 to reflect points scored, and so on. In some uses, a game may be played up to, for example, 21, but in other uses, the game may be played up to any desired score. Both scores are initially set to zero. However, alternative rulesets may be applied while still using the scorekeeper 10. If a user wishes to track a game that concludes at, for example, 11 points, the user may simply stop at 11 on the first or second team score dial 31 or 32. In some embodiments (not shown), more than two dials 30 are included, for example, to keep track of the score of each player rather than each team, or for similar adaptations. In such an embodiment, additional windows and openings may be formed in/on the housing 20, to properly display those numbers and rotate the dials.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mechanical cornhole scorekeeper 10 mounted on a beverage can 12. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the housing 20 includes the attachment strap 21, which may be threaded through the bottom portion 23 of the housing 20. In the current embodiment, the bottom portion 23 of the housing 20 includes a pair of outwardly extending flanges 70 on either side, and each flange 70 includes a slot 72 for receiving the strap 21. The attachment strap 21 may be sized and adapted to be worn on the user's wrist, or, as illustrated, it may be mounted on various objects such as the beverage can. Obviously, the attachment strap 21 might be used in a variety of different ways, on various parts of the body or on various objects or environmental structures. As previously discussed, the attachment strap 21 may be a closed loop, or it may be an open strip of material attached together (e.g., with a fastener mechanism) to form an adjustable loop. While one size is illustrated, the attachment strap 21 may be any desired size, for attachment to objects larger or smaller than a beverage can. The strap 21 material may be elastic, or inelastic. Furthermore, it may be adjustable or include similar features commonly associated with this type of attachment (e.g., a hook-and-loop fastener, drawstring, adjustment buckle, etc.).

The title of the present application, and the claims presented, do not limit what may be claimed in the future, based upon and supported by the present application. Furthermore, any features shown in any of the drawings may be combined with any features from any other drawings to form an invention which may be claimed.

As used in this application, the words “a,” “an,” and “one” are defined to include one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. The terms “approximately” and “about” are defined to mean +/−10%, unless otherwise stated. Also, the terms “have,” “include,” “contain,” and similar terms are defined to mean “comprising” unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the terminology used in the specification provided above is hereby defined to include similar and/or equivalent terms, and/or alternative embodiments that would be considered obvious to one skilled in the art given the teachings of the present patent application. While the invention has been described with reference to at least one particular embodiment, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but rather the scope of the invention is defined by claims made to the invention.