This Day in Patent History: Cornhole Patented!

By Libby Jones, Staff Writer

Ever wondered where that popular backyard game, Cornhole, came from? 
 

Since Noro IP is based out of Cleveland, I thought it would be only fitting that I write about a patent that originated in Ohio. Apparently the game started in Cincinnati in the late 1900s but there have been debates that its origins go back to the 1800s. Nonetheless, the patent was granted on October 9, 1990, and Cornhole has since become a staple at graduation parties, tailgating events, and backyard barbeques.

Here is what the game looks like:




According to the patent, Cornhole is:

a bag tossing game for use by one or more players [and] can be disposed in either a  transportable mode, a display mode, or a playing mode. In the playing mode a pair of identical, modular target assemblies are deployed in spaced apart relationship to present a pair of slightly inclined, apertured targets towards which soft bags are thrown to generate points in accordance with rules.

In common terms, the boards are set across from each other on a lawn and the object is to throw your bean bag (or a bag filled with corn like they were during the game’s origins) into the hole in the other team’s board. You get the most points for making it in the hole and some points for landing it on the board. The first team to reach a certain amount of points, wins.

Cornhole’s popularity skyrocketed when it became more than just a fun outdoor game and turned into a competition. Since, the game’s creation, there have been Cornhole tournaments formed around the nation. While Cornhole is most popular in the Midwest, there are still tournaments all over the nation, from Florida to Arizona.

Do you have an idea for a little game you’ve created that might be patent-worthy? If that’s the case, then a patent might just be in your future. Check out our Patent Application page (http://www.noroip.com/patent-services/application/) to see how you can begin the patent process.
 

October 9, 2010

Category: This Day in Patent History

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