Apparatus and method of using a game apparatus for bouncing projectiles

Abstract

A game apparatus includes an elastic material secured and stretched onto a chassis to create a material surface. The material surface receives a thrown projectile and bounces the projectile from the surface. The material surface faces players at an angle to return or project objects thrown at it. In use, the stretched surface is generally at an angle between 25 to 40 degrees from parallel with a playing surface. A player stands or sits in close proximity to the game apparatus and tosses a lightweight object at the stretched surface. The height and tension of the stretched surface are generally fixed to produce consistent bounce back results. The game apparatus is a toy for a tabletop space or oversized for floor or lawn use. The game apparatus and accessories (including mats, trays, cups, spiked balls and coins) may be used in family, pub, cafe and outdoor environments.

The claimed invention is: 
     
         1 . A game apparatus comprising:
 a lower frame, including a rigid angular base and cooperatively joined with the upper frame to form an angle (alpha) between the upper frame and the lower frame;   an upper frame, including a surface support border extending about the perimeter of the upper frame and a chassis forming an interior space opening and for supporting an elastic material surface; and   the elastic material surface including elastane and that exhibits four-way stretch and recovery properties and that is stretched over the chassis of the upper frame and that provides a game surface to bounce a projectile.   
     
     
         2 . The game apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lower frame comprises at least two angular L shaped legs that cooperate with the rigid angular base and the upper frame to form the angle (alpha) between the upper frame and the lower frame. 
     
     
         3 . The game apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lower frame and upper frame comprises mated protrusions and receiving cavities to connect the lower frame to the upper frame. 
     
     
         4 . The game apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the upper frame supporting the elastic material surface is at an angle in a range of substantially 25 degrees to substantially 40 degrees. 
     
     
         5 . The game apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the angle (alpha) is substantially 30 degrees. 
     
     
         6 . The game apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the chassis is secured between an upper shell and lower shell of the upper frame. 
     
     
         7 . The game apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lower frame comprises separate legs to raise the elastic material surface off a playing surface. 
     
     
         8 . The game apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the legs include different heights. 
     
     
         9 . The game apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elastic material is loaded by stretching and securing the elastic material in a deformed state over a section of the chassis. 
     
     
         10 . The game apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the lower frame includes an open position for playing and closed position for storage, wherein the open position is created by extending legs of the lower frame to support the elastic material surface at the angle for playing. 
     
     
         11 . The game apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lower frame includes a leg, including a frame joint extending to the upper frame. 
     
     
         12 . The game apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the upper frame and the base are connected by a first pivoting joint, and the base is connected to the leg by a second pivoting joint. 
     
     
         13 . The game apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the upper shell or lower shell include tabs that further stretch the elastic material surface. 
     
     
         14 . The game apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elastic material surface includes a range of substantially 15% elastane to substantially 25% elastane. 
     
     
         15 . The game apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the elastic material surface includes substantially 17% elastane. 
     
     
         16 . The game apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elastic material surface is at least 1 inch higher than a playing surface upon which the game apparatus rests.