Illumination apparatus for bag toss game
View Patent ↗A light array for illuminating the circular opening in the platform of a bag toss game includes a circular frame and mating cover that define a hole, at least equal in area to the opening. A plurality of lights (LEDs) is positioned in the annular enclosure formed by the frame and cover. The cover includes a transparent wall through which light is projected to the opening in the platform. An annular printed circuit board is supported in the annular enclosure and mechanically supports and electrically connects the LEDs to a switched battery source. Different embodiments for blinking and sequencing the LEDs are shown. A laser diode arrangement for producing a cross hair pattern of beams in the platform hole is also described.
1. For use with a bag toss game having a platform including an opening sized to permit passage of thrown bags having a proper trajectory and interference with thrown bags of improper trajectory:
a light array for illuminating said opening comprising:
a frame defining a hole similar in shape, but equal to or larger than, said opening;
one or more lights positioned about said frame for visually enhancing said opening;
power supply means for supplying energy to said one or more lights; and
said light array being secured to said platform with said hole in alignment with said opening in said frame.
2. The light array of claim 1 , wherein said opening is circular, and wherein;
said frame being circular and being secured to said platform;
said one or more lights comprise LEDs positioned about said frame, with the light from said LEDs being directed toward said hole; and
said power supply means comprises a switch and a battery for energizing said LEDs.
3. The light array of claim 2 , further including a mating cover for said frame, said mating cover having an inner transparent wall for passing light from said LEDs.
4. The light array of claim 3 , wherein said frame includes an outer wall having a reflective surface for enhancing light transfer through said inner transparent wall.
5. The light array of claim 4 , wherein some of said LEDs emit light of a different color than others of said LEDs.
6. The light array of claim 5 , further including mounting ears about said frame for securing said frame and said cover to said platform.
7. The light array of claim 3 , wherein said frame further includes a bottom wall and said cover further includes a top wall, said frame and said cover defining an annular enclosure for said LEDs, and further including:
an annular printed circuit board in said annular enclosure mechanically supporting said LEDs and making electrical connections between said LEDs and said power supply means.
8. The light array of claim 7 , further including:
electronic circuitry connected between said switch and said LEDs for establishing operating patterns for said LEDs.
9. The light array of claim 8 , wherein one of said operating patterns comprises operating said LEDs in sequence.
10. The light array of claim 8 , wherein one of said operating patterns comprises alternating said LEDs between ON and OFF states.
11. The light array of claim 7 , wherein said LEDs comprise a pair of laser diodes generating laser beams that intersect at right for establishing a crosshair laser beam pattern in said opening; and
laser drivers for energizing said laser diodes.
12. For use with a bag toss game having a platform including a circular opening sized to permit passage of thrown bags having a proper trajectory and interference with thrown bags of improper trajectory:
a light array including one or more LEDs for illuminating said opening comprising:
a circular frame defining a circular hole equal to or larger than said opening;
said frame having a bottom wall and an outer wall;
a cover having a top wall and a transparent inner wall, for passing light from said LEDs;
said frame and said cover nesting to form an annular enclosure;
said LEDs being supported within said annular enclosure;
a switched battery for supplying energy to said LEDs; and
mounting means for securing said frame to said platform with said hole in said frame in alignment with said opening in said platform.
13. The light array of claim 12 , further including a reflective surface on said outer wall to enhance light transfer through said inner wall.
14. The light array of claim 13 , further including an annular printed circuit board in said annular enclosure mechanically supporting said LEDs and making electrical connections between said LEDs and said switched battery.
15. The light array of claim 14 , further including:
electronic circuitry connected between said switched battery and said LEDs for establishing operating patterns for said LEDs.
16. The light array of claim 15 , wherein one of said operating patterns comprises operating said LEDs in sequence.
17. The light array of claim 15 , wherein one of said operating patterns comprises alternating said LEDs between ON and OFF states.
18. The light array of claim 14 , wherein said LEDs comprise a pair of laser diodes generating laser beams that intersect at right for establishing a crosshair laser beam pattern in said opening; and
laser drivers for energizing said laser diodes.