Inflatable game and method

Abstract

An inflatable game which generally includes one or more balls; a plurality of containers positioned in a predetermined arrangement, wherein each of the plurality of containers is configured to receive the one or more balls during gameplay; and an inflatable frame for defining the shape of the arrangement.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A game comprising:
 a) one or more balls;   b) a plurality of containers positioned in a predetermined arrangement, wherein each of the plurality of containers is configured to receive the one or more balls during gameplay; and   c) an inflatable frame for defining the shape of the arrangement.   
     
     
         2 . The game of  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable frame is configured to provide a structural template for the positioning and arrangement of the containers. 
     
     
         3 . The game of  claim 2 , wherein the structural template is configured to position each container in close proximity forming a triangular pattern. 
     
     
         4 . The game of  claim 3 , wherein the triangular arrangement comprises a first row containing one container, a second row containing two containers and a third row containing three containers, wherein the arrangement collectively comprising six containers. 
     
     
         5 . The game of  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable frame comprises:
 a) a body portion having a perimeter defining an arrangement shape,   b) a plurality of integral apertures extending within the inflatable body configured to receive and seat the plurality of containers in an upright manner in the predefined arrangement while the inflatable body is inflated.   
     
     
         6 . The game of  claim 5 , wherein the arrangement shape positions each container in close proximity forming a triangular pattern. 
     
     
         7 . The game of  claim 6 , wherein the triangular arrangement comprises a first row containing one aperture, a second row containing two apertures and a third row containing three apertures, wherein the arrangement collectively comprising six apertures. 
     
     
         8 . The game of  claim 5 , wherein the inflatable frame further comprises one or more sides generally defining a depth of the inflatable frame, wherein the one or more side are curved outward forming an integral bumper pad surfaces. 
     
     
         9 . The game of  claim 8 , wherein each angle formed by adjoining one or more sides are curved. 
     
     
         10 . The game of  claim 5 , wherein each aperture extending within the inflatable body comprises
 a) a perimeter defining an opening having a diameter, wherein the diameter is sized to securely envelope the mid-height diameter of the one or more containers;   b) a depth terminating at a bottom, wherein the depth is sufficient to receive at least a portion of the height of each container in order to support each container in an upright manner; and   c) at least a sidewall extending between the bottom and the opening perimeter, wherein while the frame is inflated the sidewall urges towards the seated container, thereby gripping the container during use by way of compression.   
     
     
         11 . The game of  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable frame further comprises one or more tether attachment points for anchoring the inflatable frame to the ground or the bottom of a body of water such as a pool during use. 
     
     
         12 . The game of  claim 11 , further comprising one or more anchors and one or more tether lines connecting the one or more attachment points and with the one or more respective anchors. 
     
     
         13 . A game comprising:
 a) a plurality of containers positioned in a predetermined arrangement, wherein each container comprises a base and upward extending sidewalls terminating at a circular opening;   b) one or more balls, wherein each of the plurality of containers is configured to receive the one or more balls during gameplay; and   c) an inflatable frame configured to provide a structural template for the positioning and arrangement of the containers, wherein the structural template is configured to position each container opening in close proximity forming a triangular pattern.   
     
     
         14 . The game of  claim 13 , further comprising the method of gameplay comprising the steps of:
 a) providing at least a first and second arrangement;   b) determining a distance between the first arrangement and the second arrangement, wherein the first arrangement and the second arrangement are the same shape, and wherein the first arrangement and the second arrangement are positioned opposite from one another; and   c) a user throwing the one or more balls towards the opposite positioned arrangement, wherein if the one or more balls enters one of the plurality of containers, a container is removed from the inflatable frame.   
     
     
         15 . A game comprising:
 a) a plurality of containers positioned in a triangular arrangement;   b) one or more balls, wherein each of the plurality of containers is configured to receive the one or more balls during gameplay; and   c) an inflatable frame for defining the shape of the triangular arrangement comprising a body portion, a plurality of integral apertures extending within the body portion configured to receive and seat the plurality of containers in an upright manner in the triangular arrangement while the inflatable body is inflated, wherein the triangular arrangement comprises a first row containing one aperture, a second row containing two apertures and a third row containing three apertures, wherein the arrangement collectively comprising six apertures.   
     
     
         16 . The game of  claim 15 , wherein the inflatable frame further comprises one or more sides generally defining a depth of the inflatable frame, wherein the one or more side are curved outward forming an integral bumper pad surfaces. 
     
     
         17 . The game of  claim 15 , wherein the inflatable frame further comprises one or more tether attachment points for anchoring the inflatable frame to the ground or the bottom of a body of water such as a pool during use. 
     
     
         18 . The game of  claim 17 , further comprising one or more anchors and one or more tether lines connecting the one or more attachment points and with the one or more respective anchors.