Blank ammunition and method of use therefore

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a game, and more particularly to a game using a firearm with specialized ammunition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A gaming apparatus and method is provided that includes the use and application of a combination of a firearm with specialized ammunition, gates, targets, a motorized vehicle and a game track or course. In practice of the game, a rider maneuvers through the course discharging the firearm at targets. Ammunition is provided that is capable of short range use to damage or to destroy the reactive targets while offering reasonable safety to the rider and spectators. The reactive targets may include electronics that act as gating and storing indicators. The reactive targets and the gates can also act as communication points for relay of gating and scoring information to a wireless network device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures in which corresponding numerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a game track and targets;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a player, motorized vehicle and target;

FIG. 3 is a cut away view of a preferred embodiment of the ammunition used to conduct the game;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the communication between network components of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is flow diagram of steps executed by a network controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show in detail one embodiment of the game in accordance with the present invention. The game comprises course 17, gates 13, targets 14, barrels 12, vehicle 15 and firearm 21. The firearm includes a novel type of blank ammunition. In an additional embodiment, the game comprises course 17, gates 13, targets 14, vehicle 15 and firearm 21. In an additional embodiment, the game comprises course 17, barrel 12, targets 13, vehicle 15 and firearm 21.

In the preferred embodiment, course 17 includes a start/finish gate 11, path 16, multiple gates 13, multiple targets 14 and multiple barrels 12. However in other embodiments, the course can include either a start/finish gate, gates and targets or the course can include either a start/finish gate, gates and barrels. In the preferred embodiment course 17 is generally planar. The dimensions of course 17 should be approximately 280 feet by approximately 100 feet. The area of the course can be larger or smaller and the topography of the course may vary.

The arrangement of gates 13, targets 14 and barrels 12 determine path 16 of course 17. The rider travels along path 16 in the direction of arrows 10 through all of gates 13 and around all of barrels 12. The course shown in FIG. 1 is just one arrangement of the gates, targets and barrels. In FIG. 1, all of gates 13 are shown as a triangle, all of targets 14 are shown as a circle and all of barrels 12 are shown as squares. Gates 13, targets 14 and barrels 12 can be arranged in a multitude of different patterns in order to provide different challenges to the riders including testing their maneuvering and shooting abilities. For example, group 40 of gates 13 requires the rider to perform a 360 degree turn around gates 13. While arrangement 41 of gates 13, requires the rider to perform an “s-like” pattern. The distance between gates 13 and targets 14 varies throughout the entire course.

In the preferred embodiment, gates 13 are standard rubber construction cones that are approximately 18 inches to 24 inches high. A standard construction cone is a hollow cylindrical stanchion having a flat base and is adapted to stand upright on flat and inclined surfaces. In the preferred embodiment, the gates are fluorescent or “day glow” in color. Gates 13 can be composed of a variety of materials including wood, steel, aluminum, plastic, rubber. In an alternate embodiment, the cones are to be lighted from the inside to aid in visibility.

In the preferred embodiment, targets 14 comprise reactive target 22, stanchion 23 and target stand 24. In this embodiment, reactive target 22 and target stand 24 are fluorescent or “day glow”. Reactive target 22 and target stand 24 can be the same color but do not have to be. In the preferred embodiment, reactive target 22 is a helium balloon that has a diameter between approximately 9 inches to approximately 12 inches when inflated. In an additional embodiment, clay targets can also be employed suspended by appropriate stanchions. However, objects with a diameter of at least 5 inches that can be punctured, broken or moved by ammunition 26 also serve as useful targets. However, in other embodiments, when reactive target 22 is a helium balloon, reactive target further comprises a standard automobile tire valve. In this embodiment, the reactive target is inflated through the tire valve and removably attached to the reactive target with a standard O-ring. In the preferred embodiment, stanchion 23 is an indentation on target stand 24 that allows reactive target 22 to be removably affixed to target stand 24. In the preferred embodiment, target stand 24 is a standard rubber construction cone that is approximately 3 feet high. Target stand 24 can be composed of a variety of materials however, plastic or rubber is preferred for safety considerations.

In the preferred embodiment, targets 14 are identical. However, in alternate embodiments, targets 14 may vary within course 17. Such as the targets may be different colors, may be different heights or may contained different reactive targets scored differently.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of network components and a controller that are present in any embodiment of the novel game that includes an automated scoring system. In this embodiment, electrical motion sensing devices 403 are incorporated in first stanchion 401, second stanchion 402 and first target stand 409 for registering movement of target 408 or displacement of first stanchion 401, second stanchion 402 or first target 409. In this embodiment, first stanchion 401 contains optical receiver 404 and second stanchion 402 contains optical transmitter 406. The optical transmitter and receiver are diametrically opposed on the course so that in use when a beam of light from the transmitter to the receiver is broken, passage of the gate is registered in the memory of the controller. Optical receivers and optical transmitters known in the art are used to register the passage of the player through the stanchions while playing the game. In yet another embodiment, the stanchion is a rectangular or square box that is approximately 1 inch tall and contains a motion sensing device. In this embodiment, the rider must travel directly over the gate. First stanchion 401 and first target 409 further contains processor 405. Processor 405 contains a programmer, memory and transceiver as known in the art to store information gathered by first stanchion 401, second stanchion 402 or first target 409 for transmission of data to controller 410. In one preferred embodiment, this information can be transmitted to a central controller by a wireless data transmission device, as known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, control 410 is a personal computer is used for communication of the electrical data from the wireless data transmission device.

The electrical data transmitted is used to calculate the time required to complete the course, score and any necessary penalties. Standard wireless equipment and associated hardware and software known by those of ordinary skill in the art is used.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of processes 500, which is performed on the electrical data transmitted to controller 410 in the preferred embodiment. The process begins with step 501 when electrical data transmitted to controller 410 signals that the rider has entered the course. Once the program starts, it performs step 502 by logging the time when the rider started the course, then step 503 by registering each gate that the rider passes through. Step 504 processes any movement by the gates/stanchions or targets. Then, step 505 adds additional time to the elapsed time as a result of events such as displacement of the gates. Next, step 506 registers the number of targets that the rider hit with the ammunition. Step 507 logs the time that the rider completed the course. Then process completes step 508 by analyzing the length of time it took the rider to complete the course. Next step 509 analyzes the point total of the rider receives based on his placement in the game. Finally step 510 logs the results and calculates the riders elapsed time, penalty points, and placement in the game.

In the preferred embodiment, holster 17 is on rider 20. Holster 17 holds firearm 21 in a safe manner when it is not in use. Holster 17 can be composed of a variety of materials including leather, plastic or nylon. In another embodiment, holster 17 is on vehicle 15. In alternate embodiments more than one holster is on rider 20 or vehicle 15.

Vehicle 15 can be any motorized vehicle. In the preferred embodiment vehicle 15 is an all terrain vehicle (ATV). However, vehicle 15 can also be a motorcycle, golf cart or snow mobile without departing from the spirit of the invention. In an alternate embodiment, the vehicle accommodates more than one person. In this alternate embodiment, one person is designated “driver” while the other(s) are designated “shooters”.

Firearm 21 is an object that is capable of firing ammunition 26. In the preferred embodiment, firearm 21 is a revolver pistol such as a 44 Magnum or 45 Long Colt Revolver. In yet additional embodiments, firearm 21 may be replaced by other devices capable of firing a projectile such as a sling shot, spear gun, air gun or cross bow. In alternate embodiments, more than one firearm is utilized.

FIG. 3 is a cut away view of ammunition 26. Ammunition 26 is blank ammunition. In the preferred embodiment, ammunition 26 has a limited range. For example, ammunition 26 must break reactive target 22 at approximately 10 feet but not be capable of breaking reactive target 22 past approximately 18 feet. Ammunition 26 comprises cartridge 31, fibers filler 32, propellant 33 and primer 34. In the preferred embodiment cartridge 31 is composed of plastic. In another embodiment, the cartridge is composed of brass, steel or aluminum. In the preferred embodiment, fibers filler 32 is crushed walnut hull. However fibers filler 32 can be other media such as grits, crushed corn or wood fibers. In the preferred embodiment, propellant 33 is smokeless gun powder. In another embodiment, the propellant can be black powder. In the preferred embodiment, primer 34 is a chemical primer, but other primers can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. In the preferred embodiment, fibers filler 32, propellant 33 and primer 34 are maintained in cartridge 31 by star. crimping end 35 of cartridge 31. In other embodiment, other crimping or sealing means can be used to keep fibers filler 32, propellant 33 and primer 34 within cartridge 31. Propellant 33 and primer 34 are introduced in the cartridge to project the fibers filler only about 10 feet. In another embodiment the fibers filler and propellant are replaced by a concussion load capable of breaking the target by a shock wave or sound wave.

Engaged in the novel game, rider 20 enters course 17 on vehicle 15 through start/finish gate 11. As soon as rider 20 travels through the start/finish gate, a timing device will be activated by a motion sensor or optical signal. Rider 20 continues around course 17 by traveling through gates 13 and/or around barrels 12 in order to shoot at each target 14 with firearm 21 by employing ammunition 26. In embodiments where no motion sensor or optical signal is present, a manual timer is used and activated by a game observer.

Rider 20 travels through each gate 13. In the preferred embodiment, rider 20 only has to travel through gates 13. However, in other embodiments, rider 20 might have to perform different tasks such as driving vehicle 15 a full 360 degrees around a gate.

When rider 20 approaches target 14, rider 20 aims firearm 21 towards reactive target 22 on target 14. In the preferred embodiment, target 14 should be approximately 18 feet from each gate 13. However, distances between approximately 5 feet and approximately 20 feet will work with equal success.

After rider 21 has driven through all gates 13, shot or attempted to shoot at targets 14 and travels back through start/finish gate 11. Sensors in the start/finish gates mark the time required to complete the course. In embodiments without electronic sensors, a manual observer logs the completion time.

In a preferred embodiment, a scoring method is provided to rank players. In this embodiment, numerous riders compete in a series by playing one or more games on a course. Each game can be won or lost. The series can be won or lost as well. The winner of the series is the rider that gains the most points. A rider's placement is determined by adding the time to complete the course with any applicable penalties, the shortest time wins. In the preferred embodiment, the applicable penalties are as follows:

• • a. Missed target=add 5 seconds;
  • b. Knocked over gate=add 5 seconds;
  • c. Failure to follow the course=add 10 seconds;
  • d. Dropped firearm=add 5 seconds;
  • e. Failure to holster first firearm=add 20 seconds;
  • f. No show at course=add 99.9 seconds;
  • g. Dismounting during course=add 99.9 seconds; and
  • h. Safety infraction results in a disqualification from the series.

A safety infraction includes discharging the firearm at a spectator. First place is awarded to the rider with the shortest overall time. While, second place is awarded to the rider with the second shortest time, etc.

A series of games is provided in which scores from different games for each individual rider are combined to arrive at a winner for each series. A rider will receive one point for each individual game that the rider completes. If more than 5 riders enter into a specific game, the points will be awarded as follows:

• • i. 1^st place=5 points;
  • ii. 2^nd place=4 points;
  • iii. 3^rd place=3 points;
  • iv. 4^th place=2 points; and
  • v. 5^th place=1 point.

If 4 riders enter into a specific game, the points will be awarded as follows:

• • vi. 1^st place=3 points;
  • vii. 2^nd place=2 points; and
  • viii. 3^rd place=1 points.

If less than four riders enter the game, no additional points will be awarded.

The novel game provides a method for ranking contestants. Riders are classified into various contestant levels. The contestant levels allow riders of similar riding and shooting ability to compete against each other. All entry level riders are considered at Level 1. A rider moves up to Level 2 after he earns two first place wins at that level. A rider reaches Level 3 status when he earns three first place wins at that level. Level 4 status is achieved when the rider earns four first place wins at that level. A rider attains Level 5 status when he has five first place wins at that level. Finally, a rider achieves Level 6 status when he has at least six first place wins at that level. Of course other levels are possible.

While this invention has been described in reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is therefore intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.