Toy dart assembly and method

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include a method for engaging a dart with a net. A dart is thrown toward a net. When the dart hits the net, the nose of the dart passes through an opening in the net for subsequently, lodging strands of the net in a recess situated behind the nose of the dart. Embodiments further include a recreational toy assembly having in combination a net and a dart. One or more strands of the net lodge in a recess behind the nose of the dart for coupling the dart to the net. The dart remains engaged to the net until the dart is removed from engagement with the net. For disengaging the dart from the net, the strand(s) is/are removed from the recess such that the nose of the dart may be passed out of opening in the net. The strands of the net provide the boundary or perimeter of the opening.

1 . A method for engaging a dart with a net comprising:
 (a) passing a conical section of a dart through an opening in a net; and   (b) lodging one or more strands of the net in a recess situated behind the conical section of the dart.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  additionally comprising bending the net in a direction; and
 subsequently moving the net in a direction opposite to the direction.   
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  additionally comprising establishing the net in a generally stationary position; and tilting the dart downwardly tilting position the dart forms an oblique angle with the generally planar surface of the net. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  additionally comprising removing the dart from engagement with the net. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein said removing of the dart from engagement with the net comprises moving a pair of strands in a direction opposite to each other. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 4  wherein said removing of the dart from engagement with the net comprises moving a first pair of strands in a direction opposite to each other; and moving a second pair of strands in a direction opposite to each other. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein moving of the first pair of strands is generally simultaneous with the moving of the second pair of strands. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said dart comprises a coupling member coupled to said conical section, and a truncated cylindrical base member coupled to the coupling member. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said dart additionally comprises a weight member extending through the truncated cylindrical base member, through the coupling member and into the conical section. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said dart additionally comprises a weight member disposed in said conical section. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said dart additionally comprises a weight member disposed in said conical section and in said coupling section. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said conical section comprises an elastomeric or smooth plastic coating. 
   
   
       13 . A recreational toy assembly comprising in combination a net; a dart lodging in an opening in the net; and strands of the net lodging in a recess behind a nose of the dart. 
   
   
       14 . The recreational toy assembly of  claim 13  wherein said strands define the opening in the net. 
   
   
       15 . The recreational toy of  claim 14  wherein said dart comprises a coupling member coupled to said nose, and a truncated cylindrical base member coupled to the coupling member. 
   
   
       16 . The recreational toy of  claim 13  wherein said nose comprises an elastomeric or smooth plastic coating. 
   
   
       17 . The recreational toy of  claim 14  wherein said dart additionally comprises a weight member extending through the truncated cylindrical base member, through the coupling member and into the nose. 
   
   
       18 . The recreational toy of  claim 16  wherein said dart additionally comprises a weight member disposed in said nose. 
   
   
       19 . The recreational toy of  claim 16  wherein said dart additionally comprises a weight member disposed in said nose and in said coupling section.