A contrivance for playing hoop-and-stick

Abstract

 Outfit for playing hoop-and-stick consisting of a hoop (1) or circular disc or thin wheel, and at least one implement (2) equipped with a hand-grip (3) by means of which an individual may grasp the same. The implement is provided with a recess (4) designed to accept and encompass a portion of the hoop - or outside edge of the disc, or wheel-, from the outer, and partly from each lateral side. The envisaged function of the implement, once gripped by the individual, is that of stopping the hoop - this thrown so as to cause its rolling along a given surface - holding the same in a practically vertical position, and throwing the hoop in like manner so as to cause its being rolled once more upon and along the said surface.

Description

[0001] The invention described herein is a contrivance for playing hoop-and-stick. It is envisaged for use by one or more individuals, ideally two, who throw a hoop, or disc, or thin wheel one to the other by causing the same to roll along the ground, using a suitable implement with which to accept, and hold the hoop in a practically vertical position and thus to throw it. To this end the invention is characterised by the fact that it comprises: apart from the hoop, -or circular disc or thin wheel -, at least one implement equipped with a hand-grip and designed to be grasped by an individual, the said implement being'provided with a recess serving to accept and encompass a part of the hoop, -or outside edge of the disc, or wheel -, from the outside, and in part from a lateral direction. The envisaged function of the implement and hoop combined, once the former is gripped by the individual, is that of the implement's stopping and holding the said hoop, -or said disc, or wheel -, thrown and caused to roll along the surface, -that is along the ground -, in a practically vertical position, as well as throwing the said hoop, or disc, or wheel so as to cause its being rolled along the said surface or ground. The combined elements of the invention offer an extremeiy simple and easy-to-use contrivance designed to create a vigorous and enjoyable physical pastime.

[0002] Further advantages and features of the invention described herein will become apparent from the detailed description which follows of a preferred, though not exclusive form of embodiment, illustrated by way of unlimited example in the enclosed drawings, in which :-

Fig 1 illustrates the invention's use schematically;

Fig 2 shows a first form of embodiment of a contrivance to which the invention relates, for use by two individuals as in Fig 1;

Fig 3 shows the front-face view of one of the two implements composing the embodiment illustrated in Fig 2;

Fig 4 shows a lateral view of Fig 3

Fig 5 shows a second form of embodiment of a contrivance of the kind to which the invention relates;

Fig 6 shows a part of the rightangle cross-section executed according to a radial plane relative to the contrivance in Fig 2;

Fig 7 shows a part of the rightangle cross-section executed according to the radial plane of a hoop having a different profile and forming part of a contrivance of the kind to which the invention relates.

[0003] With reference to the drawings mentioned above,a hoop is indicated by 1 whose rightangle cross-section, relative to a radial plane, is shown in Fig 6. 2 denotes an implement, provided with a hand-grip 3 positioned uppermost, and incorporating at least one recess 4 designed to accept and encompass a portion of the hoop 1 from the same's outer edge so as to embrace part of the lateral surfaces thereof. The recess 4 is fashioned in the form of a channel, whose curvilinear axis corresponds to a circumferential arc. The bending radius of the recess 4 base is equivalent to the outermost circumferential curvature of the hoop 1 surface. The said channel-shaped recess has, in part, and with respect to that plane containing its curvilinear axis, a constant and symmetrical rightangle cross-section. The opposed lateral walls 6 of the recess 4 are profiled in such a way as to accommodate a portion of the hoop 1 therebetween and embrace the same laterally. The opposed lateral walls 6 diverge outwards at their actual edges so as to facilitate the entry, and subsequent insertion, of the hoop 1 into the recess 4. The envisaged function of the implement 2 is that of combining with the hoop, -and more particularly -, by way of its hand-grip 3 being gripped by an individual, the latter using it to accept and stop the hoop 1, holding the same in practically vertical position, the said hoop 1 having been thrown so as to roll along a given surface, generally the ground. The same implement 2 grasped in like manner serves to throw the hoop 1, directing it along the surface towards a second individual equipped with an identical imple - ment 2.

[0004] The implement 2 allows correct positioning of the hoop 1 prior to the latter's being thrown firmly and accurately so as to roll along the surface.

[0005] In like manner the implement 2 allows accurate and safe receipt of the rolling hoop 1', and holding of same on the surface in a practically vertical position, ready for a fresh throw.

[0006] Fig 5 illustrates a further form of embodiment of the invention in which the hoop 1 is substituted by a wheel 7 furnished with spokes 8, and the implement 2 replaced by an implement 9 having identical function, though provided with a channel-shaped recess 4 of notably reduced length with respect to that embodied in the first implement 2.

[0007] A further form of embodiment could comprise a solid disc with circular outline, in place of the hoop 1 or spoked wheel 7. The outer edge of any such disc, hoop 1 or wheel 7 would normally be fashioned with rightangle radial cross-section symmetrical , with respect to the plane containing its geometrical axis, the said cross-section's outward facing profile being curved, rounded, and convex.

[0008] Further forms of embodiment besides may, in the cross- sections-of the outer edge of the relative disc, hoop 1 or wheel 7 executed according to a radial plane, show the outward-facing edge's symmetrical profile tapering into a cusp, as demonstrated in Fig 7.

[0009] Numerous modifications of a practical nature may be applied to the constructional details of the invention described thus, without there being a deviation from, and without straying outside the sphere of, the framework of protection afforded to the concept of the invention as described above, and as claimed below.

Claims

1) A contrivance for playing hoop-and-stick; characterised by the fact that it comprises;

- a hoop (1) or wheel (7) or circular disc or the like;

- at least one implement (2 or 9) equipped with a hand-grip and provided with at least one recess (4) designed to accept and encompass a portion of the said hoop (1) or wheel (7) or border of the said circular disc, embracing that same in part laterally; the implement (2 or 9) and said hoop (1) or wheel (7) or said circular disc being envisaged for combined use, the former being grasped by an individual and utilised to accept, stop, and hold the latter (1 or 7) in a practically vertical position, the same (1 or 7) having been thrown so as to cause its rolling along a given surface ( the ground ), as well as to throw the said hoop (1) or wheel (7) or circular disc so as to cause its rolling upon the said surface (ground).

2) Contrivance according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that the recess (4) is fashioned in the form of a channel with curvilinear axis equivalent to a circumferential arc; the bending radius of the channel-shaped recess (4) base (5) being equivalent to the outermost circumferential surface curvature of the said hoop (1), or wheel (7) or circular disc.

3) Contrivance according to the preceding claims characterised by the fact that the channel-shaped recess (4) has, in part, and with respect to a plane containing its actual curvilinear axis, a constant and symmetrical rightangle cross-section; the opposed lateral walls (6) of the recess (4) being profiled in such a way as to accommodate a portion of the hoop (1) or outer edge of the wheel (7) or disc, and diverging outwardly from the recess at the actual outer edges thereof so as to facilitate the entry, and insertion, of the said hoop(1) or wheel (7) or disc into the recess (4).

4) Contrivance according to the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that the hand-grip (3) is prolonged in shape and disposed in that plane determined by the curvilinear axis of the channel-shaped recess (4).

5) Contrivance according to the preceding claims characterised by the fact that the hoop (1) or outer edge of the said wheel (7) or disc has rightangle cross-section symmetrical with respect to the plane containing its geometrical axis.

6) Contrivance according to the preceding claims characterised by the fact that the rightangle radial cross- section of the hoop (1), or outer edge of the said wheel (7) or disc has outward facing profile curved, rounded and convex.

7) Contrivance according to claims 1 to 5, characterised by the fact that the radial cross-section of the hoop (1) or outer edge of the said wheel (7) or disc has its outward-facing edge's symmetrical profile tapering into a cusp.

Drawing