Patent Publication Number: US-11663854-B2

Title: Timing systems including tilting switches

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to timing systems. In particular, timing systems including tilting switches are described. 
     Timing systems are used to keep track of elapsed time and/or time remaining for a given event. One popular application of timing systems is in game applications. For example, games of chess are often timed with each player having a limited amount of time to complete his or her moves. Timing systems in the form of chess timers are used to keep track of the time available for each players&#39; moves. 
     Known timing systems are not entirely satisfactory. For example, existing timing systems are not intuitive to use. Conventional chess timers provide user interfaces limited to physical buttons with complicated methods to adjust timer settings. Manuals for operating existing chess clocks can be over a hundred pages, which is undesirably complex for the relatively simple objective of setting time limits and time addition increments. 
     Conventional chess timers with wind-up mechanical mechanisms lack electronics and are not able to provide more sophisticated timing features and displays. Existing chess timers with electronics generally rely on non-rechargeable batteries, which limits their appeal. For example, timers that rely on non-rechargeable batteries are prone to the batteries becoming depleted at inopportune times. A user may not have replacement batteries on hand when the batteries deplete and properly disposing of depleted batteries may be a hassle. 
     Known software-based chess clocks embodied on smart phones and the like are less than ideal for a number of reasons. For example, conventional software-based chess clocks require users to tap the screen of a smartphone in defined regions. The defined regions generally must be visually identified, which means that players must shift attention away from the chess board to look at the smartphone screen, which disrupts concentration and wastes valuable time in a fast moving game. 
     Further, players often prefer to press a timer button with a chess piece they are holding rather than with their finger. Sometimes players press timer buttons with a chess piece with significant force. Touchscreens may not register a touch from a chess piece and may be damaged by a sharp impact of a chess piece. 
     Another limitation of conventional software chess clocks is that players must utilize a single smartphone to operate them. Hygiene concerns and the potential to spread germs and viruses by touching common surfaces make two people operating a software application on a shared device undesirable. Moreover, two players pressing virtual buttons on a screen tends to shift the position of the device. Over the course of a game, the device may be moved out of convenient reach for one or both players and/or may fall off the table or other surface on which it was placed. 
     Thus, there exists a need for timing systems that improve upon and advance the design of known timing systems. Examples of new and useful timing systems relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to timing systems configured to be used with a computing device including an electronic display and a tilt sensor. The timing systems include a switch and computer executable instructions. The switch includes a base and a cradle. The cradle is pivotally mounted to the base and configured to support the computing device. The cradle is configured to pivot relative to the base between a first pivot position and a second pivot position. The computer executable instructions are stored on the computing device and include instructions for displaying a game timer on the electronic display of the computing device. The instructions include controlling the game timer in response to the tilt sensor detecting that the cradle has pivoted between the first pivot position and the second pivot position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a timing system supporting a smart phone on a cradle, the computing device is displaying a first clock and a second clock. 
         FIG.  2    is a front elevation view of the timing system shown in  FIG.  1    with the cradle in a first pivot position inclined from left to right in the figure, the first clock on the left of the figure remaining static while the second clock runs. 
         FIG.  3    is a front elevation view of the timing system shown in  FIG.  1    with the cradle in a first pivot position declined from left to right in the figure, the first clock on the left of the figure running while the second clock remains static. 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded view of the timing system shown  FIG.  1    from a bottom front left perspective. 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded view of the timing system shown in  FIG.  1    from a top front right perspective. 
         FIG.  6    is a right side elevation view of the timing system shown in  FIG.  1    depicting the smart phone supported in an upright position on the cradle so that the display is visible. 
         FIG.  7    is a rear elevation view of the timing system shown  FIG.  1    depicting a power cord extending from the base. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a timing system, the timing system including a fixed electronic display integrated on the cradle instead of a removeable smartphone. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosed timing systems will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description. 
     Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various timing systems are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundant explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example. 
     Definitions 
     The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated. 
     “Substantially” means to be more-or-less conforming to the particular dimension, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, such that a feature or component need not conform exactly. For example, a “substantially cylindrical” object means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder. 
     “Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional elements or method steps not expressly recited. 
     Terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to denote a serial, chronological, or numerical limitation. 
     “Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components. 
     Timing Systems Including Tilting Switches 
     With reference to the figures, timing systems including tilting switches will now be described. The timing systems discussed herein function to keep track of how much time has elapsed between selected inputs. In game play scenarios, the timing systems function to keen track of a given players&#39; time spent making his or her gameplay moves. Additionally or alternatively, the timing systems may keep track of and display a player&#39;s remaining time available for gameplay moves. In some examples, the timing systems add predetermined increments of time after each move the player makes. 
     The reader will appreciate from the figures and description below that the presently disclosed timing systems address many of the shortcomings of conventional timing systems. For example, the timing systems described herein are much more intuitive to use than conventional timing systems. Unlike conventional chess timers with user interfaces limited to physical buttons with complicated methods to adjust timer settings, the timing systems described in this document utilize intuitive software-based setting adjustments via touchscreen inputs. The timing systems disclosed herein do not require operating manuals to use and are perceived as simple and intuitive to anyone familiar with operating smartphone devices. 
     The presently disclosed timing systems incorporate sophisticated electronic timing features and displays without needing to be plugged and while utilizing rechargeable batteries. By not needing to be plugged in, the timing systems disclosed herein are not limited to locations where mains power is available. Instead, they may be used in a variety of locations, such as for games of chess outside in a park. The timing systems discussed herein are less prone to batteries becoming depleted at inopportune times because most people maintain adequate energy reserves in their computing devices with rechargeable batteries or means to recharge them are readily available. Unlike with conventional timing systems, a user need not have replacement batteries on hand to address situations when non-rechargeable batteries deplete and does not need to hassle with properly disposing depleted batteries. 
     Improving over conventional software application chess clocks, the presently disclosed timing systems do not require users to tap the screen of a smartphone in defined regions. Instead, the timing systems described in this document provide physical inputs that can be easily operated without looking at them. Thus, the presently described timing systems allow players to keep their attention focused on a game play board, which helps maintain concentration and saves valuable time in a fast-moving game. 
     The timing systems described in this document accommodate players activating the timing system with a chess piece they are holding rather than limiting them to using their finger. The timing system components are robust enough to accommodate vigorous impacts with chess pieces without damage and without impacting a valuable computing device. 
     The presently described timing systems avoid the drawbacks associated with players needing to utilize a single smartphone. The timing systems described herein are more hygienic and reduce the potential to spread germs and viruses by touching common surfaces of a shared computing device. Moreover, the timing systems described in this document are configured to remain in position when operated unlike conventional timing systems embodied on smart phones, which often move out of convenient reach for one or both players and/or may fall off the table. 
     Timing System 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1 - 7   , a timing system  100  will now be described as a first example of a timing system. The reader can see in  FIGS.  1 - 7    that timing system  100  includes a switch  104  and computer executable instructions  109 . In other examples, the timing system includes fewer components than depicted in the figures. In certain examples, the timing system includes additional or alternative components than depicted in the figures. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , timing system  100  is configured to be used with a computing device  101 . In some examples, the timing system includes the computing device. For example, with reference to  FIG.  8   , a timing system  200  includes a computing device  201  integrated with a switch  204 . In other examples, the timing system includes a computing device in the form of a handheld computing device as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 7   . 
     The shape of the timing system may be adapted to be different than the specific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. The size of the timing system may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the timing system is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. 
     Switch 
     The role of switch  104  is to selectively tilt computing device  101  to selectively start and stop a game timer  110 . With reference to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , switch  104  includes a base  105  and a cradle  106 . As depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , switch  104  is configured to support computing device  101 . 
     In the present example, switch  104  is operable to charge a rechargeable battery of computing device  101 . Switch  104  includes a power cord  151  and wireless charging circuitry  152  electrically coupled to power cord  151 . Wireless charging circuitry  152  is depicted representatively in  FIG.  6    within cradle  106 . 
     The shape of the switch may be adapted to be different than the specific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. For example, the switch may include a face having the shape of a regular or irregular polygon, such as a circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle pentagon, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the switch may include a face having an irregular shape. In three dimensions, the shape of the switch may be a sphere, a pyramid, a cone, a cube, and variations thereof, such as a hemisphere or a frusto-conical shape. 
     The size of the switch may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the switch is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the switch is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the switch and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     In the present example switch  104  is composed primarily of plastic. However, the switch may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for the applications described herein for which it is used. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials. 
     Base 
     Base  105  functions to support other components of timing system  100 , including cradle  106 . The reader can see in  FIGS.  1 - 7    that base  105  includes four sidewalls  133  and a floor  134 . The sidewalls terminate at a top level  128  and define a cavity  129 . 
     Cavity  129  is complementarily configured with cradle  106 . As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , cavity  129  is configured to receive cradle  106  with a majority of cradle  106  disposed below top level  128  of sidewalls  133 . The reader can see in  FIGS.  1 - 3    that cradle pivots within cavity  129 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , base  105  includes a pivot bearing  112  formed in floor  134 . Base  105  also defines two magnet wells  135  to receive a third magnet  136  and a fourth magnet  137 . Magnet wells  135  are positioned to underlie magnet wells  138  formed in cradle  106 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , pivot bearing  112  cooperates with a pivot shaft  113  of cradle  106  to define a pivot assembly  114 . With reference to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , the reader can see that pivot bearing  112 , and therefore pivot assembly  114 , extends along the longitudinal midline of base  105  and platform  111 . The longitudinal midline is defined as a line extending perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of base  105  at the approximate middle of the longitudinal dimension of base  105 . 
     The size of the base may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the base is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the base is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the base and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     In the present example base  105  is composed of plastic. However, the base may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for the applications described herein for which it is used. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials. 
     The shape of the base may be adapted to be different than the specific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. For example, the base may include a face having the shape of a regular or irregular polygon, such as a circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle pentagon, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the base may include a face having an irregular shape. In three dimensions, the shape of the base may be a sphere, a pyramid, a cone, a cube, and variations thereof, such as a hemisphere or a frusto-conical shape. 
     Cradle 
     Cradle  106  serves to support computing device  101  and to selectively pivot to control operation of game timer  110  operating on computing device  101 . As shown in  FIG.  1 - 5   , cradle  106  includes a platform  111  pivotally mounted to base  105  and a device mount  118  secured to platform  111 . As depicted in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , cradle  106  also includes a first magnet  130 , a second magnet  131 , and a lid  140 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , cradle  106  is configured to pivot relative to base  105  between a first pivot position  107  and a second pivot position  108 . As depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , cradle  106  is configured to support the computing device. Thus, computing device  101  tilts in turn with cradle  106  as cradle  106  pivots between first pivot position  107  and second pivot position  108 . Computing device  101  tilting as cradle  106  pivots activates tilt sensor  103  and triggers game timer  110  instructions in computer executable instruction  109 . 
     The shape of the cradle may be adapted to be different than the specific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. For example, the cradle may include a face having the shape of a regular or irregular polygon, such as a circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle pentagon, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the cradle may include a face having an irregular shape. In three dimensions, the shape of the cradle may be a sphere, a pyramid, a cone, a cube, and variations thereof, such as a hemisphere or a frusto-conical shape. 
     In the present example cradle  106  is composed primarily of plastic. However, the cradle may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for the applications described herein for which it is used. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials. 
     The size of the cradle may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the cradle is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the cradle is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the cradle and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     Platform 
     Platform  111  serves to support other components of cradle  106 , including device mount  118 , first magnet  130 , second magnet  131 , and lid  140 . To support device mount  118 , platform  111  defines a depression  146  complementarily configured with device mount  118  such that device mount  118  may be inserted into depression  146 . 
     To support first magnet  130  and second magnet  131 , platform  111  defines two magnet wells  138 . Magnet wells  138  are configured to receive a first magnet  130  and second magnet  131 . Magnet wells  138  are positioned to overlie magnet wells  135  formed in base  105 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , platform  111  extends longitudinally between a first end  115  and a second end  116  opposite first end  115 . The reader can see in  FIGS.  1 - 5    that platform  111  defines a longitudinal midline halfway between first end  115  and second end  116 . As depicted in  FIG.  2   , first end  115  of platform  111  is at a lower height than second end  116  of platform  111  in first pivot position  107 . With reference to  FIG.  3   , second end  116  of platform  111  is at a lower height than first end  115  of platform  111  in second pivot position  108 . 
     As shown  FIGS.  4 - 6   , depression  146  extends longitudinally towards first end  115  of platform  111  and second end  116  of platform  111 . The reader can see in  FIGS.  4 - 6    that depression  146  is longitudinally centered on the longitudinal midline of platform  111 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  4   , platform  111  includes a pivot shaft  113  complementarily configured with pivot bearing  112 . Pivot shaft  113  extends along the longitudinal midline of platform  111 . As depicted in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , pivot shaft  113  cooperates with pivot bearing  112  of base  105  to define pivot assembly  114 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , platform  111  is disposed substantially within cavity  129 . However, lid  140  and edges of platform  111  extend above top level  128  of cavity  129  to make it easier for users to press on cradle  106  to pivot it between first pivot position  107  and second pivot position  108 . 
     The size of the platform may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the platform is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the platform is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the platform and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     In the present example platform  111  is composed of plastic. However, the platform may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for the applications described herein for which it is used. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials. 
     Device Mount 
     As can be seen in  FIGS.  4 - 7   , device mount  118  is configured to support computing device  101  on pivoting platform  111 . The reader can see in  FIGS.  4 - 7    that device mount  118  defines a channel  145  in which computing device  101  may be inserted. 
     Device mount  118  inserts into depression  146  of platform  111 . As shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6   , device mount  118  extends longitudinally towards first end  115  of platform  111  and second end  116  of platform  111 . The reader can see in  FIGS.  4 - 6    that device mount  118  is longitudinally centered on the longitudinal midline of platform  111 . 
     The size of the device mount may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the device mount is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the device mount is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the device mount and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     The shape of the device mount may be adapted to be different than the specific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. For example, the device mount may include a face having the shape of a regular or irregular polygon, such as a circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle pentagon, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the device mount may include a face having an irregular shape. 
     The device mount may be any currently known or later developed type of device mount, such as those commonly used for phone charging devices. The reader will appreciate that a variety of device mount types exist and could be used in place of the device mount shown in the figures. In addition to the types of device mounts existing currently, it is contemplated that the timing systems described herein could incorporate new types of device mounts developed in the future. 
     Pivot Assembly 
     The role of pivot assembly  114  is to allow cradle  106  to pivot relative to base  105 . Pivot assembly  114  also allows computing device  101  to tilt between tilt positions as cradle  106  pivots relative to base  105 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , pivot assembly  114  is collectively defined by, pivot shaft  113  and pivot bearing  112 . With reference to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , pivot assembly  114  extends along the longitudinal midline of platform  111 . 
     The pivot assembly may be any currently known or later developed type of pivot assembly. The reader will appreciate that a variety of pivot assembly types exist and could be used in place of the pivot assembly shown in the figures. In addition to the types of pivot assemblies existing currently, it is contemplated that the timing systems described herein could incorporate new types of pivot assemblies developed in the future. 
     The size of the pivot assembly may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the pivot assembly is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the pivot assembly is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the pivot assembly and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     Magnets 
     First magnet  130  and second magnet  131  serves to magnetically couple with third magnet  136  and fourth magnet  137 , respectively. The magnets magnetically coupling helps to maintain cradle  106  in a selected position, such as first pivot position  107  or second pivot position  108 . However, the reader should understand that magnets in the timing system are optional. The timing system may operate effectively without magnets with the cradle maintaining a selected position due to a combination of friction and gravity or other means. 
     In some examples, the timing system utilizes two magnets instead of four as depicted in the figures. In examples with two magnets, the magnets magnetically couple to a magnetically attractable material, such as metal, formed in the base and/or cradle, rather than magnetically coupling to other magnets. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , first magnet  130  is configured to magnetically couple with third magnet  136  of base  105  when cradle  106  is in first pivot position  107 . As depicted to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , second magnet  131  is configured to magnetically couple with fourth magnet  137  of base  105  when cradle  106  is in second pivot position  108 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , first magnet  130  is mounted to platform  111  between the longitudinal midline and first end  115 . The reader can see in  FIGS.  4  and  5    that second magnet  131  is mounted to platform  111  between the longitudinal midline and second end  116 . 
     The number of magnets in the timing system may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should understand that the number of first magnets may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some timing system examples include additional or fewer first magnets than described in the present example. 
     The size of the magnets may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the magnets are larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the magnets are smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the magnets and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     The magnets may be any currently known or later developed type of magnet. The reader will appreciate that a variety of magnet types exist and could be used in place of the magnets shown in the figures. In addition to the types of magnets existing currently, it is contemplated that the timing systems described herein could incorporate new types of magnets developed in the future. 
     Computing Device 
     Computing device  101  functions to execute computer executable instructions  109  to keep track of time metrics in coordination with switch  104 . Computing device  101  further functions display a game timer  110  to users. 
     As depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 3    and  FIG.  6   , computing device  101  includes an electronic display  102  and a tilt sensor  103 . In the present example, computing device  101  includes a rechargeable battery  150  mounted inside a housing  153 . The rechargeable battery may be any currently known or later developed type of rechargeable battery. 
     In the present example, computing device  101  is a smartphone. However, the computing device may be any currently known or later developed type computing device. The reader will appreciate that a variety of computing device types exist and could be used in place of the computing device shown in the figures. In addition to the types of computing devices existing currently, it is contemplated that the timing systems described herein could incorporate new types of computing devices developed in the future. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , computing device  101  tilts between a first tilt position  119  and a second tilt position  120  when supported on device mount  118  and as cradle  106  pivots between first pivot position  107  and second pivot position  108 , respectively. Computing device  101  tilting as cradle  106  pivots activates tilt sensor  103  and triggers game timer  110  instructions in computer executable instructions  109 . As depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 5  and  7   , cradle  106  supports computing device  101  in a position  132  where the plane of the planar display surface is transverse to the axis of rotation on which cradle  106  pivots. 
     The size of the computing device may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the computing device is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the computing device is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the computing device and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     The shape of the computing device may be adapted to be different than the specific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. 
     Electronic Display 
     Electronic display  102  serves to display information to users via an illuminated screen. The reader can see in  FIGS.  1 - 5  and  7    that electronic display  102  of computing device  101  includes a planar display surface  160 , which is an illuminated screen. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , electronic display  102  includes a first portion  121  proximate first end  115  of platform  111  when computing device  101  is mounted on device mount  118 . With continued reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the reader can see that electronic display  102  includes a second portion  122  proximate second end  116  of platform  111  when computing device  101  is mounted on device mount  118 . 
     The electronic display may be any currently known or later developed type of electronic display. The reader will appreciate that a variety of electronic display types exist and could be used in place of the electronic display shown in the figures. In addition to the types of electronic displays existing currently, it is contemplated that the timing systems described herein could incorporate new types of electronic displays developed in the future. 
     Tilt Sensor 
     Tilt sensor  103  operates to detect when computing device  101  is tilted. In the present example, tilt sensor  103  is configured to detect when computing device  101  tilts in any direction in three dimensions, such as about a horizontal axis, about a vertical axis, or about an axis perpendicular to the horizontal and vertical axes. In use, tilt sensor  103  detects when computing device  101  is tilted to first tilt position  119  and second tilt position  120  as cradle  106  pivots between first pivot position  107  and second pivot position  108 , respectively. Computer executable instructions  109  utilize tilt position data received from tilt sensor  103  to control game timer  110 . 
     The tilt sensor may be any currently known or later developed type of electronic display. The reader will appreciate that a variety of electronic display types exist and could be used in place of the electronic display shown in the figures. In addition to the types of electronic displays existing currently, it is contemplated that the timing systems described herein could incorporate new types of electronic displays developed in the future. 
     Computer Executable Instructions 
     The role of computer executable instructions  109  is to provide instructions for computing device  101  to keep track of time metrics in coordination with switch  104 . Further, computer executable instructions  109  function to display game timer  110  on electronic display  102  of computing device  101 . 
     In the present example, as depicted representatively in  FIG.  6   , computer executable instructions  109  are stored on computing device  101  after downloading them from an online server, such as the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. However, in some examples the computer executable instructions are stored independent from the computing device and the computing device remotely accesses the instructions. For example, the computer executable instructions may be stored on a memory module mounted to the switch, such as inside the switch, and the computing device may be in wired or wireless data communication with the memory module storing the instructions. In other examples, the instructions are stored on a server and the computing device accesses the instructions via a data network. 
     Computer executable instructions  109  provide instructions for starting and stopping game clocks  125  and  126  in response to cradle  106  tilting computing device  101 . As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , computer executable instructions  109  are configured to start first clock  125  and to stop second clock  126  when cradle  106  is pivoted to second pivot position  108 . With continued reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , computer executable instructions  109  are configured to start second clock  126  and to stop first clock  125  when cradle  106  is pivoted to first pivot position  107 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , computer executable instructions  109  are configured to add predetermined increment  127  of time to the second timer clock when cradle  106  is pivoted to second pivot position  108 . Computer executable instructions  109  are configured to add a predetermined increment of time to first clock  125  when cradle  106  is pivoted to first pivot position  107 . 
     Game Timer 
     Game timer  110  functions to keep track of and display time metrics to a user. The time metrics may include how much time has elapsed in a game, how much time remains in a game, how much time a player has available for a given turn, how much time will be added upon completion of a turn, and/or how much time a user took to complete a turn. A wide variety of other metrics or other details relevant to a given game, such as a score, number of pieces captured, and alarms or warnings, may also be displayed. 
     As depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , game timer  110  is displayed on electronic display  102  of computing device  101 . The reader can see in  FIGS.  1 - 3    that game timer  110  is configured to display a first player display  123  in first portion  121  of electronic display  102 . As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , game timer  110  is configured to display a second player display  124  in second portion  122  of electronic display  102 . In some examples, the game timer displays a single display rather than separate displays relevant to two different players. In other examples, more than two player displays are displayed. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , game timer  110  is configured to selectively start and stop when computing device  101  tilts between first tilt position  119  and second tilt position  120 . Users selectively cause computing device  101  to tilt between first tilt position  119  and second tilt position  120  by selectively causing cradle  106  to pivot between first pivot position  107  and second pivot position  108 , respectively. The game timer may include visual cues to let the user know when it is running and/or stopped. 
     The size of the game timer may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the game timer is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the game timer is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the game timer and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     The number of game timers in the timing system may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should understand that the number of game timers may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some timing system examples include additional or fewer game timers than describe in present example. 
     The game timer may be any currently known or later developed type of game timer. The reader will appreciate that a variety of game timer types exist and could be used in place of the game timer shown in the figures. In addition to the types of game timers existing currently, it is contemplated that the timing systems described herein could incorporate new types of game timers developed in the future. 
     Player Displays 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , first player display  123  includes a first clock  125  simulating a running clock. The reader can see in  FIGS.  1 - 3    that second player display  124  includes a second clock  126  simulating a running clock. 
     The style and formatting of the player displays may be different in different examples. For example, the player displays may display digital clocks primarily displaying numbers rather than an analog clock. In other examples, the player displays may include a graphic other than a clock representing time elapsed and/or time remaining. 
     Game Clocks 
     The game clocks may be any currently known or later developed type of clock configured to run on a computing device. The reader will appreciate that a variety of clock types and software programs exist and could be used in place of the clocks shown in the figures. In addition to the types of clocks existing currently, it is contemplated that the timing systems described herein could incorporate new types of clocks developed in the future. 
     Additional Embodiments 
     With reference to the figures not yet discussed, the discussion will now focus on additional timing system embodiments. The additional embodiments include many similar or identical features to timing system  100 . Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of the additional embodiments below will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between the additional embodiments and timing system  100  will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the different timing system examples. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Turning attention to  FIG.  8   , a timing system  200  will now be described as a second example of a timing system. As can be seen in  FIG.  8   , timing system  200  includes a computing device  201 , a switch  204  and computer executable instructions. Switch  204  includes a cradle  206  and a base  205 . 
     A distinction between timing system  200  and timing system  100  is that computing device  201  is fixedly secured to a cradle  206  of switch  204  rather than a removable handheld device as with computing device  101 . With computing device  201  being fixedly secured to switch  204 , timing system  200  provides an integrated timing system that does not rely on users providing a handheld computing device. An integrated timing system may be desirable to reduce potential compatibility issues between computing devices and switches and/or to have more control over how the computer executable instructions are processed. 
     The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. 
     Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.