US20040155400A1

US20040155400A1 - Pool game ball

Info

Publication number: US20040155400A1
Application number: US10/360,331
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul Perkins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-02-06
Filing date: 2003-02-06
Publication date: 2004-08-12

Abstract

The present invention concerns a game piece comprising an inflatable enclosure defining an interior space. A valve is in communication with the interior space. An indicator is also located in the interior space. The indicator may be a single die or a pair of dice as well as other objects used to indicate a move and the like. The enclosure may be in the shape of a ball. The enclosure is made of a material so that the indicator is visible within the enclosure.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a game piece which may be in the shape of a ball for use in water environments such as pools and the like. The present invention provides an inflatable enclosure that is typically in the shape of a ball. Located within the enclosure is a multi-sided indicator such as a die or dice and the enclosure is made of a material so that the indicator is visible within the enclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Batting a beach ball around has long been an enjoyable recreational activity. The present invention adds another dimension of excitement to this past time by providing a beach ball inside of which a multi-sided indicator is located. Configuring the ball in this manner allows it to be used as a component of outdoor games requiring the use of indicators such a die or dice.

Incorporating the indicator in the inflatable enclosure solves several problems associated with using pre-inflated balls. First, a pre-inflated ball must be sold with air inside which results in the item taking up a large amount of retail space. From the stand point of a retailer, this is a disadvantage. This problem is typically solved by making the pre-inflated balls smaller in size than the normal size associated with a beach ball and of heavier grade material. This, however, leads to problems for the user.

The smaller ball does not tend to float in the air as a beach ball. This is so because of the smaller size and heavier material. Moreover, pre-inflated balls are primarily designed for bouncing, not hitting in the air.

The present invention provides a solution to the above stated problems by providing an inflatable enclosure that may be in the shape of a ball. The enclosure is sufficiently large in size and is light enough so to permit it to float in the air. The inclusion of an indicator inside the enclosure allows it to be used as a game component.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in an inflated state. [0006]
FIG. 2 a perspective view of the present invention in a partially deflated state. [0007]
FIG. 3 side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. [0008]
FIG. 4 a perspective view showing a use of the present invention.[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Set forth below is a description of what are currently believed to be the preferred embodiments or best examples of the invention claimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to the preferred embodiments are contemplated. Any alternates or modifications in which insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure or in result are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent. [0010]
As shown in FIGS. [0011] 1-5, the present invention includes an enclosure 100 that may be in the shape of a ball so as to define an interior space 115. However, other shapes may be used as well.
The enclosure may be made of plastic that is 22 millimeters thick. In a preferred embodiment the enclosure is clear. However, the material may be translucent or colors may be used so long as an [0012] indicator 110 located within the enclosure is visible. Of course, other materials known to those of skill in the art may be used as well.
As mentioned above, located inside of [0013] enclosure 100 is a multi-sided indicator 110. Indicator 110 may be a die or even be comprised of a plurality objects such as a pair of dice 110 and 111. Other indicators known to those of skill in the art may be used with the present invention as well.
The indicator may be made of a EVA foam, some other foam, or other suitable soft material. In addition, if the indicator has corners, all or some of the corners may be rounded. Each of these features helps prevent injury to users if struck by the device. Nor does it result in the indicator breaking the enclosure, while still providing weight to stabilize the enclosure. [0014]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the enclosure is inflated or deflated by the use of [0015] valve 120 which is in communication with interior space 115. Valve 120 is constructed in ways known to those of skill in the art.
In use, [0016] enclosure 100 is tossed into the air which causes indicator 110 to be repositioned inside of the enclosure. Upon landing, the indicator randomly positions itself and provides a random indication. As a result, the present invention may be used as a game piece for play in games requiring a random selection or indication.
While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that changes and other modifications can be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Various features of the present invention are set forth in the following claims [0017]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A game piece comprising:

an inflatable enclosure defining an interior space;

a valve in communication with said interior space;

an indicator located in said interior space.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said indicator is made of foam.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said indicator has rounded corners.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said indicator has rounded corners and is made of foam.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is in the shape of a ball.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein said indicator is a die.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said die is made of foam.

8. The device of claim 6 wherein said die has rounded corners.

9. The device of claim 6 wherein said die is made of foam and has rounded corners.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein a plurality of indicators are located in said interior space.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said indicators are made of foam.

12. The device of claim 10 wherein said indicators have rounded corners.

13. The device of claim 10 wherein said indicators have rounded corners and are made of foam.

14. The device of claim 10 wherein said indicators are dice.

15. The device of claim 14 wherein said dice are made of foam.

16. The device of claim 14 wherein said dice have rounded corners.

17. The device of claim 14 wherein said dice are made of foam and have rounded corners.

18. The device of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is made of a material so that the indicator is visible within the enclosure.