Game playing apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention as described herein relate to a game with one or more vertical hoops on a pole. The apparatus is typically setup in the center of the playing area, and may involve two teams, or two players whose goal is to through objects such as balls through the hoop or hoops to win. Sensors placed in close proximity to the hoop or hoops display the score on a scoreboard.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A game playing apparatus, comprising:
 a pole, having an upper and lower end;   one or more hoops attached to the upper end of said pole;   one or more sensors positioned on or in close approximation to each of said hoops;   a scoreboard operatively associated with said one or more sensors; and   one or more throwing objects,   wherein when one of the one or more objects passes through one of said one or more hoops, one or more of said sensors registers a score on said scoreboard.   
     
     
         2 . The game playing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lower end of said pole comprises an adaptation to interact with a playing surface. 
     
     
         3 . The game playing apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said adaptation is a base. 
     
     
         4 . The game playing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said pole is telescopic. 
     
     
         5 . The game playing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said one or more hoops are oriented in a vertical plane. 
     
     
         6 . The game playing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein one hoop is attached to the upper end of said pole. 
     
     
         7 . The game playing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said one or more hoops are different sizes. 
     
     
         8 . The game playing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said one or more hoops are different colors. 
     
     
         9 . The game playing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said one or more hoops are illuminated. 
     
     
         10 . The game playing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said scoreboard is attached to the upper end of said pole. 
     
     
         11 . The game playing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said scoreboard is attached to the lower end of said pole. 
     
     
         12 . The game playing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said scoreboard is a device that may be connected to a nearby structure, such as a fence, wall, building or post, or is a separate stand-alone device which may be hand-held. 
     
     
         13 . The game playing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of said scoreboard and sensors are powered by mains or grid electricity, solar or battery power. 
     
     
         14 . The game playing apparatus of  claim 1 , additionally comprising an on and off switch which may be sized and located for actuation manually or by one of said throwing objects. 
     
     
         15 . The game playing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said sensors are selected from the group consisting of ultrasonic sensor, a photoelectric sensor, camera or a mechanical switch assembly. 
     
     
         16 . The game playing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the throwing objects are two or more different colors, and each different color objects are identified differently by the one or more sensors. 
     
     
         17 . A kit for a game playing apparatus, comprising:
 a pole, having an upper and lower end;   one or more hoops attached to the upper end of said pole;   one or more sensors positioned on or in close approximation to each of said hoops;   a scoreboard operatively associated with said one or more sensors; and   instructions for assembly.   
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 17 , additionally a comprising a base. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 17 , wherein said pole is telescopic. 
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 17 , additionally comprising one or more throwing objects selected from the group comprising balls, discs or bean bags, said objects being of either the same of different color.