Patent ID: 6478299
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: A63F

Abstract:
A device for movably coupling a gaming piece to a substantially non-magnetic surface having opposite first and second sides, said device comprising;(a) a base mountable to the gaming piece, the base comprising a housing, a first and second magnet and a first support element positioned between the first and second magnets, the first support element dimensioned and configured to support the base on the first side of the surface, (b) a magnetic coupling positioned on the second side of the surface, said magnetic coupling comprising a spindle member having an axis and a first and second magnet, the spindle member being rotatably mounted in a carriage housing such that the spindle can rotate relative to its axis, the carriage housing being adapted and configured to position the magnets of the spindle in close proximity to the second side of the surface without making contact with said surface, (c) the support element of the base and the carriage housing of the magnetic coupling configured to position the magnets of the base in close proximity to the magnets of the magnetic coupling when the base and magnetic coupling are positioned across each other on opposite sides of the surface, (d) an elongated rod having an axis and opposite first and second ends, a first end rotatably mounted to the carriage housing, the second end of the elongated rod adapted to be grasped by a user, the first end of the elongated rod coupled to the spindle such that rotating the elongated rod causes a corresponding rotation of the spindle.