Toss game projectiles

Abstract

A toss game projectile includes a projectile body. The projectile body extends between a first end and a second end. An outer covering at least partially defines a shape of the projectile body. A non-metallic structural insert is located internal to the outer covering. The structural insert increases a stiffness of the projectile body. A bead-type filler is located between the structural insert and the outer covering, and the bead-type filler surrounds the structural insert.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A toss game projectile, comprising:
 an outer covering;   a non-metallic structural insert housed within the outer covering; and   a bead-type filler located between the structural insert and the outer covering, wherein the bead-type filler surrounds the structural insert.   
     
     
         2 . The projectile of  claim 1 , wherein the outer covering encompasses the bead-type filler, and wherein the outer covering at least partially defines a body of the projectile. 
     
     
         3 . The projectile of  claim 2 , wherein the structural insert reduces deformation of the body. 
     
     
         4 . The projectile of  claim 2 , wherein the structural insert is formed of a polymer, wherein the outer covering is formed of a woven fabric, and wherein at least a portion of the body includes bean-bag like tactile properties. 
     
     
         5 . The projectile of  claim 4 , wherein the polymer is high density polyethylene. 
     
     
         6 . The projectile of  claim 4 , wherein the bead-type filler is formed of polypropylene and calcium carbonate. 
     
     
         7 . The projectile of  claim 1 , wherein the body includes one of a horseshoe-like shape and a disc-like shape. 
     
     
         8 . The projectile of  claim 7 , wherein the body extends between a first end and a second end, wherein the body includes a horseshoe-like shape having a first leg and a second leg, and wherein the structural insert extends into the first leg and the second leg. 
     
     
         9 . The projectile of  claim 8 , wherein the structural insert has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the structural insert is located at the first end of the body, and wherein the second end of the structural insert is located at the second end of the body. 
     
     
         10 . The projectile of  claim 7 , wherein the body includes a disc-like shape, wherein a protruding ring member is located at an outer circumference of the body, wherein the structural insert takes the form of an annular cylinder, and wherein the structural insert is located internal to the protruding ring member. 
     
     
         11 . The projectile of  claim 10 , further comprising a second protruding ring member including a second structural insert, wherein the second protruding ring member is disposed radially inward from the protruding ring member, wherein the protruding ring member and the second protruding ring member are disposed in a substantially concentric relationship, and wherein a connecting segment extends between the protruding ring member and the second protruding ring member. 
     
     
         12 . A toss-type game apparatus, comprising:
 a projectile body extending between a first end and a second end;   an outer covering defining an outer surface of the projectile body;   a structural insert disposed within the projectile body, wherein the structural insert increases a stiffness of at least a portion of the projectile body; and   a bead-type filler located between the structural insert and the outer covering, wherein the filler encompasses the structural insert.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the structural insert is a polymer, wherein the outer covering is a woven fabric, and wherein the outer covering and the bead-type filler impart textural beanbag-like tactile properties to at least a portion of the projectile body. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the structural insert extends along a perimeter of the projectile body, and wherein the structural insert extends within the projectile body for substantially the entire length of the perimeter. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the projectile body defines one of a horseshoe-like shape and a disc-like shape. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the projectile body includes a horseshoe-like shape including a first leg and a second leg, and wherein the structural insert extends into the first leg and the second leg. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the bead-type filler is a composite comprising:
 20% wt.-30% wt. polypropylene; and   the remaining 70% wt.-80% wt. calcium carbonate.   
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the projectile body includes a disc-like shape, wherein a protruding ring member is disposed at an outer circumference of the projectile body, and wherein the structural insert is located internal to the protruding ring member. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 a second protruding ring member located radially inward relative the protruding ring member, wherein the protruding ring member and the second protruding ring members are retained in a substantially concentric relationship, and wherein a connecting segment extends between the protruding ring member and the second protruding ring member.   
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the bead-type filler is a composite comprising:
 33% wt.-43% wt. polypropylene; and   the remaining 57% wt.-67% wt. calcium carbonate.   
     
     
         21 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a body configured to be tossed by a user;   an outer covering defining an outer surface of the body, wherein the body has one of a horseshoe-like shape and a disc-like shape;   a non-metallic structural insert located internal to the body, wherein the structural insert increases a stiffness of the body; and   a bead-type filler sandwiched between the structural insert and the outer covering, wherein the filler completely surrounds the structural insert.   
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the structural insert is formed of a polymer, wherein the outer covering is a woven fabric, wherein the bead-type filler is a composite material formed of polypropylene and calcium carbonate, and wherein at least a portion of the body includes soft, textural tactile properties.