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Hoop balancing game

Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1993-10-07
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Granted: 1995-01-03
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Expires: 2013-10-07
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Abstract

Abstract A string or cord is tied between two vertical surfaces. A hoop is rolled across the stretched string in an attempt to balance the hoop as it travels from one end of the string to an opposite end of the string. On a peripheral edge of the hoop, a concave groove is formed so as to engage the string as the hoop is rolled across the string. Depending upon the depth and width of the groove, the degree of difficulty in rolling the hoop across the string is varied. In a preferred embodiment, the string is stretched across a game table, so if the hoop falls off of the string or even if the hoop completes its journey across the string, the hoop falls onto an elevated surface from which the hoop may be retrieved. To assist a player in retrieving the hoop, a hooked rod may be used.

Inventors

  • 👤 Angel L. Rodriguez Rivera

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-23 22:13
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F7/00; A63F7/22; A63F7/36; A63F7/40; A63F7/38; A63F7/388

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim 66 words
A balancing game comprising: two string supports spaced from each other, a string stretched between said two string supports and secured at opposite ends to said two string supports, and a plurality of hoops having a groove in a peripheral surface for rolling along said string in a balanced condition in an attempt to prevent falling of each of said plurality of hoops from said string.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 66 words
A balancing game comprising: two string supports spaced from each other, a string stretched between said two string supports and secured at opposite ends to said two string supports, and a plurality of hoops having a groove in a peripheral surface for rolling along said string in a balanced condition in an attempt to prevent falling of each of said plurality of hoops from said string.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 18 words
A balancing game according to claim 1, wherein said two string supports are mounted on a game table.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 21 words
A balancing game according to claim 2, wherein said game table includes legs to elevate said game table above the floor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 18 words
A balancing game according to claim 3, wherein a partition rail divides said game table into two sections.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 18 words
A balancing game according to claim 4, wherein said partition rail is centrally located on said game table.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 19 words
A balancing game according to claim 2, further comprising a hook for retrieving a hoop from said game table.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 17 words
A balancing game according to claim 1, further comprising an additional hoop having a flat peripheral surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 26 words
A balancing game according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of hoops have an outside diameter of two inches and an inside diameter of one-and-one-quarter inches.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 14 words
A balancing game according to claim 1, wherein said string is four feet long.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US1098360A Cited
US2021395A Cited
DE1200715B Cited
US3542366A Cited
US3600843A Cited
US3785652A Cited
US4257602A Cited
US4247110A Cited
US4257603A Cited
US4561656A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1998-01-02 1998-07-04 1999-01-03 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2002-01-02 2002-07-04 2003-01-03 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2006-01-02 2006-07-04 2007-01-03 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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