Patent Publication Number: US-9409097-B2

Title: Accessories to a modular pathway apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/670,370 filed on Jul. 11, 2012 entitled Accessories to Modular Pathway Apparatus and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/794,220 filed on Mar. 15, 2013 entitled Accessories to Modular Pathway Apparatus, the content of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to an accessory or accessories that may be used with a modular pathway apparatus. More particularly, the accessory or accessories may be attached, secured, anchored, or otherwise fastened to or arranged in and/or around a modular pathway apparatus and adapted for interaction with objects, fluids, or other moveable matter passing through, across, under, or around the apparatus or otherwise interacting with the apparatus. Still more particularly, the accessory or accessories may include a device such as a trampoline, spring, cushion, or otherwise resilient device for receiving and rebounding an object moving through, across, under, over, or around the apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Trampolines for use with marble runs have been provided. However, the methods and devices for securing and positioning the trampoline relative to the marble run are cumbersome and difficult to use and are also imprecise, difficult to adjust and/or do not provide a consistent response with respect to an incoming and a rebounding object. 
     SUMMARY 
     In some embodiments, an accessory to a modular pathway apparatus may include a base and a rebounding portion configured to rebound an impacting object. The accessory may also include an adjustment portion coupled to the base and the rebounding portion. The adjustment portion may support the rebounding portion relative to the base and may be configured for one, two, or three degrees of rotational freedom relative to the base. 
     In another embodiment, a trampoline may include a base and a rebounding portion configured to rebound an impacting object. The trampoline may also include a means for supporting the rebounding portion relative to the base and providing for three degrees of rotational freedom of the rebounding portion relative to the base. 
     While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. As will be apparent, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an accessory arranged with a modular pathway apparatus, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 1B  is top view of the accessory and apparatus of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the accessory and a partially modified configuration of the apparatus of  FIG. 1A  and depicting an object falling onto and rebounding off of a rotated and canted portion of the accessory. 
         FIG. 2B  is a top view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is a close-up view of the accessory of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the accessory and a partially modified configuration of the apparatus of  FIG. 1A  and depicting an object falling onto and rebounding off of a rotated and canted portion of the accessory. 
         FIG. 3B  is a top view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an accessory to a modular pathway apparatus in position on a modular member of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 5A  is a vertically exploded perspective view of the accessory of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the view shown in  FIG. 5A . 
         FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E  are top, perspective top, perspective front, perspective bottom, and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a support or frame portion of the accessory of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIGS. 6F, 6G, 6H, 6I, 6J, and 6K  are top, perspective front, side, perspective top, close-up, and perspective bottom views of a resilient member for positioning on the frame of  FIGS. 6A-6E . 
         FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E  are top, perspective top, perspective front, perspective bottom, and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a cover portion of the accessory of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E  are top, perspective top, perspective front, perspective bottom, and cross-sectional views, respectively of an adjustment portion of the accessory of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIGS. 8F, 8G, 8H, 8I, and 8J  are top, perspective front, perspective top, perspective bottom, and cross-sectional views, respectively of an adjustment portion of an accessory, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, and 9E  are top, perspective top, perspective front, perspective bottom, and cross-sectional views, respectively of a top cap portion of a base of the accessory of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E  are top, perspective top, perspective front, perspective bottom, and cross-sectional views, respectively of a securing portion of a base of the accessory of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, and 11E  are top, perspective top, perspective front, perspective bottom, and cross-sectional views, respectively of a connector portion of the accessory of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, and 12E  are top, perspective top, perspective front, perspective bottom, and cross-sectional views, respectively of a modular member of the apparatus of  FIG. 1A , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 13A  is a cross-sectional view of the accessory of  FIG. 4  with an adjustable portion in a substantially horizontal position. 
         FIG. 13B  is a cross-sectional view of the accessory of  FIG. 4  with the adjustable portion in a slightly canted position. 
         FIG. 13C  is a cross-sectional view of the accessory of  FIG. 4  with the adjustable portion in an additionally canted position relative to the position in  FIG. 13B . 
         FIG. 13D  is a cross-sectional view of the accessory of  FIG. 4  showing the adjustable portion is a series of positions. 
         FIG. 13E  is a close-up view of a plug and socket portion of the cross-section of  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an accessory for a modular pathway apparatus, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the accessory of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view of the accessory of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the accessory of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 18  is perspective view of an accessory secured to a modular member, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the accessory and modular member of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E  are top, perspective top, perspective front, perspective bottom, and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a connector of the accessory of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 21  is perspective view of an accessory secured to a modular member, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of the accessory and modular member of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, and 23E  are top, perspective top, perspective front, perspective bottom, and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a base and adjustment portion of the accessory of  FIG. 21 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an accessory such as a trampoline device having a resilient area for receiving and rebounding an object or marble, for example. The trampoline may be arranged on or around a modular pathway apparatus such as a marble run and may be configured to have marbles or other objects impact its surface and be rebounded off of the surface and to or toward other portions of the apparatus. The trampoline may be easily adjustable in one or more directions and/or orientations such that the resilient area may be positioned and oriented in one of a multitude of positions relative to the pathway apparatus without detaching and reattaching the trampoline to the apparatus, for example. While adjustable, the trampoline may also remain substantially stationary in the adjusted position to provide for consistency in the relative trajectory between incoming and outgoing objects or marbles. As such, the trampoline may provide for an exciting accessory to a modular pathway apparatus and may be easy to use, easily adjustable, and may provide for a consistent rebound of incoming objects or marbles. It is to be appreciated that while the accessory is described herein as being suitable for use with a modular pathway apparatus, it may also be used with other types of marble runs, games, or systems and is not limited to use with a modular pathway apparatus. 
       FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  show a modular pathway apparatus  50  with an accessory  100  arranged thereon, according to some embodiments. As shown, the accessory  100  may be arranged amidst the apparatus  50 , it may be secured to a modular member  52  of the apparatus  50 , or the accessory may be integral with the apparatus  50 . The accessory  100  may be arranged and configured to receive an object or marble  62  following an incoming trajectory  56  as shown in  FIG. 2A . The incoming trajectory  56  may be created by an object  62  exiting the apparatus  50  from an elevated location  54 , by an object  62  launching from a jump, by an object  62  rebounding from another accessory, by an object propelled  62  by another accessory, or an object  62  otherwise directed toward the accessory  100 . The accessory  100  may be configured to deflect, rebound, or otherwise redirect the object or marble  62  along a departing trajectory  58  to a landing location  60  where the object or marble  62  may stay, be collected, or where it may re-enter the pathway apparatus  50  and pass through the apparatus  50  to an end location, for example. 
     As will be appreciated by reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a portion of the accessory  100  may be configured to be rotated (e.g., about a vertical axis) and it may also be configured to be pivoted (e.g., about a horizontal axis) such that the rebounding surface may be positioned relative to the apparatus  50  to receive and rebound objects or marbles  62  as desired by a user. As can be appreciated by comparing  FIG. 1B  to  FIG. 2B , a portion of the accessory  100  has been rotated approximately 135 degrees clockwise from the orientation shown in  FIG. 1B  to the orientation shown in  FIG. 2B . In addition, by comparing  FIG. 1A  to  FIG. 2A , it can be appreciated that the portion of the apparatus  100  that was rotated has also been pivoted such that the rebounding surface  160  is slightly canted. A close-up view of the position of the rebounding surface  160  is shown in  FIG. 2C . 
     In  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a portion of the accessory  100  has been rotated approximately 45 degrees counterclockwise relative to the position in  FIG. 1A  and the portion has also been pivoted such that the rebounding surface  160  is slightly canted. As shown, a landing area  60  different from the landing area in  FIGS. 1A and 2A  has been created with the modular pathway apparatus  50  to receive objects or marbles  62  departing from the accessory  100 . 
     Turning now to a more detailed view of the accessory  100 , reference is made to  FIG. 4  showing a perspective view of the accessory  100  arranged on a modular member  52  of a modular pathway apparatus  50 . As shown, the accessory  100  may include a rebounding portion  102  for receiving and rebounding objects or marbles  62 , a base  104  for supporting the accessory  100  and securing it to a pathway apparatus  50 , and an adjustment portion  106  supporting the rebounding portion  102  relative to the base  104  and allowing for the position and/or orientation of the rebounding portion  102  to be adjusted. 
       FIG. 5A  is an exploded perspective view of the accessory of  FIG. 4  showing the several parts and pieces of each of the rebounding portion  102 , the base  104 , and the adjustment portion  106  of the accessory  100 .  FIG. 5B  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the accessory of  FIG. 4 . Each of these portions may include one or more additional parts and pieces. 
     For example, the rebounding portion  102  may include a frame or stretcher portion  108  and a resilient member or membrane  110  supported by the frame  108 . The rebounding portion  102  may also include a cover or sleeve  112  arranged about the outer portion of the frame  108 . 
     The adjustment portion  106  may include a plug  114  configured to be adjustably secured in the base  104  and the adjustment portion  106  may also include a support portion  116  extending from the plug  114  for supporting the rebounding portion  102  relative to the base  104 . 
     The base  104  may include a top cap  118  configured to retain the plug  114  in place in the base  104 , a securing portion  120  forming a bottom portion of the base  104  and configured for securing the base  104  to the modular apparatus  50 . The base  104  may also include additional components configured for interacting with the plug  114  of the adjustment portion  106 . These additional components may include a seat  122  member configured to support a bottom portion of the plug  114  and a biasing mechanism  124  configured for biasing the plug  114  against the top cap  118  of the base  104  to provide frictional resistance to plug motion such as rotational motion and/or pivotal motion. 
     In addition to the rebounding portion  102 , the adjustment portion  106 , and the base  104 , the accessory  100  may also include a connector portion  126  configured to receive or otherwise secure the securing the portion  120  of the base  104 . The connector portion  126  may be further configured to be secured to a modular member  52  of the modular pathway apparatus  50 . 
     Each of the several pieces of the accessory  100  may now be described in more detail. For example,  FIGS. 6A-6E  show several views of the frame or stretcher portion  108  of the rebounding portion  102  of the accessory  100 . The frame or stretcher portion  108  may be configured to provide a substantially rigid framework for support and/or tensioning of the resilient member  110 , which is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 6F-6K . That is, the frame or stretcher portion  108  may be configured to both support and hold the resilient member  110  in a particular position and/or orientation and may be further configured to maintain the resilient member  110  in a taut condition. As such, the position of the frame or stretcher portion  108  may be adjusted thereby positioning the resilient member  110  providing a rebounding surface upon which an object, or marble  62  for example, may impact the resilient member  110  and be rebounded therefrom in a direction defined by the incoming trajectory  56  of the object  62  and the position of the rebounding surface. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A-6E , the frame or stretcher portion  108  may include a coupling portion  128  for coupling the frame  108  to the adjustment portion  106 . The frame or stretcher portion  108  may also include a spreader or spacer portion  130 . The spreader or spacer portion  130  may form the framework for supporting the resilient member  110  and providing separation and space around the resilient member  110  allowing for a suitable amount of deflection in the resilient member  110  to absorb the impact of an object  62  and return this absorbed energy propelling the object  62  from the resilient member  110 . 
     In the present embodiment, the coupling portion  128  and spreader or spacer portion  130  may take the form of a cup or dish where the bottom of the cup or dish form the coupling portion  128  and the walls of the cup or dish form the spreader or spacer portion  130 . The cup or dish may have a longitudinal axis  132  extending vertically therethrough defining the center  134  of the bottom and the center  134  of the wall arrangement. 
     As shown, the bottom of the cup or dish may be in the shape of a broadly shaped cone and it may be generally round when viewed from above extending generally outwardly from the center  134  to a generally circular peripheral edge  136  where it meets the walls. The bottom may include an attachment feature  138  for attachment to the adjustment portion  106  of the accessory  100 . It is to be appreciated that a generally flat bottom or a curved bottom or another type of shaped bottom may also be provided and that the bottom may be square, triangular, or some other shape rather than round, for example. 
     The attachment feature  138  may include a counter-bored area  140  when viewed from the bottom for receiving a fastening portion  142  of the adjustment portion  106 . The bore of the counter-bored area  140  may have a longitudinal axis  144  that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis  132  of the cup or dish. The counter-bored area  140  may include an additionally recessed slot  146  extending upward from counter-bored area  140  and may be configured to receive a wing or fin  148  on the adjustment portion  106  to resist relative rotation of the frame or spreader portion  108  relative to the adjustment portion  106 . An additional bore  150  may extend through the counter-bored area  140  for receiving a fastener and allowing the frame or spreader portion  108  to be fastened to the adjustment portion  106 . 
     The attachment feature  138  may be offset from the center of the bottom of the frame  108 . For example, the attachment feature  138  may lie on a circle having a radius ranging from approximately ⅛ to ⅞, ¼ to ⅝, or ⅓ to ½ of the length of the radius of the bottom portion of the frame  108 . It is to be appreciated that offsetting the attachment feature  138  may allow the center of the rebounding portion  102  to be adjusted to multiple positions by rotating the rebounding portion  108  relative to the base  104  and without pivoting the rebounding portion  102 . 
     The walls of the cup or dish may extend generally upwardly from the peripheral edge  136  of the bottom and the walls may be tipped outwardly to form a funnel shape having an upper peripheral edge. The upper peripheral edge  152  may define a plane that is generally or substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis  132  of the dish or cup. The walls may be relatively thin shell-like structures allowing the peripheral edge to be substantially narrow or thin. It is to be appreciated that the walls may be, alternatively, substantially upright or tipped more drastically outward. However, it is to be appreciated that generally or substantially upright walls may be advantageous in maximizing the rebounding surface area available on the resilient member  110 . That is, for example, where the walls are tipped more drastically outward, the resilient member  110  may encroach on the walls near the upper peripheral edge  152  and objects  62  encountering the resilient member  110  near the peripheral edge  152  may cause the resilient member  110  to deflect sufficiently to contact the walls thereby inhibiting the ability of the resilient member  110  to control the rebound trajectory of and/or force on the rebounding object. Still further, a slightly outward tip of the walls may be advantageous in securing the resilient member  110 , which is more fully described below. 
     The upper peripheral edge  152  of the wall may include a peripheral lip  154  arranged along the peripheral edge  152  and extending outwardly away from the center of the dish or cup. The peripheral lip  154  may be configured to reinforce the upper peripheral edge  152  of the frame and may be configured to hold the resilient member  110  clear from contact of the outer surface of the walls when the resilient member  110  is draped over and stretched across the cup and down the outside surface of the walls. 
     The walls may also include an intermediate lip  156  arranged at an intermediate height of the walls extending along an outer surface of the walls and extending around the perimeter of the walls. The intermediate lip  156  may be adapted for securing the resilient member  110 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6F-6K , a cinch device  158  may be secured to the resilient member  110  and the cinch device  158  may be extended around the perimeter of the walls below the intermediate lip  156 . Where the walls are tipped slightly outward, the diameter or other peripheral dimension of the frame  108  may be slightly smaller below the intermediate lip  156  than it is at the intermediate lip  156 . Accordingly, as the cinch device  158  is tightened, it may draw the resilient member  110  taut across the dish or cup and down adjacent the outer surface of the walls. The cinch device  158  may be secured against upward propagation by the intermediate lip  156  in addition to the downward tendency of the cinch device  158  due to being tensioned against the sloping surface of the walls. 
     In some embodiments, the resilient member  110  may be a membranous material that is stretchable allowing for a rebounding surface  160  to be created when the material is stretched over the frame or stretcher portion  108 . In some embodiments, the resilient member  110  may be a woven fabric, a net, or other material made from fibers or threads. Still other resilient materials may include elastomeric materials such as neoprene, for example. In still other embodiments, the material may be relatively inelastic and the resiliency may be provided by resilient anchors around the perimeter or at the supporting portions of the material. 
     As mentioned with respect to the intermediate lip  156  of the frame  108 , the resilient member  110  may be secured along its peripheral edge to the frame or stretcher portion  108 . In some embodiments, a series of loops, holes, or other anchor features may be provided along the edge of the member  110  for securing the resilient member  110 . In some embodiments, a hem may be provided along the edge allowing a cinch device  158  to be threaded therethrough. The cinch device  158  may be an elongate flexible device that may be threaded through the hem and pulled tightly to cinch the resilient member  110  around the frame  108 . In some embodiments, the cinch device  158  may be a string, rope, tie, zip tie, wire, or other tension carrying device suitable for threading and for securing one end of the device  158  to an opposite end. In still other embodiments, anchor points may be provided on the frame  108  for securing the opposing ends of the cinch device  158  rather than securing opposite ends to each other. In the case of a zip tie or other cinch device  158  having an enlarged anchor assembly (i.e., zip anchor, knot, etc.), the anchor assembly may be arranged at or near the registration feature  161  described in more detail below. In other embodiments, the enlarged anchor may be arranged at any point around the periphery of the frame  108 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 6A-6E , the walls may also include a lower lip  162  extending around the periphery of the dish or cup at or near the intersection of the walls and the bottom of the dish or cup. The lower lip  162  may be configured as a stop for the cover  112  when the cover  112  is positioned around the frame or stretcher portion  108 . For example, the cover  112  may be placed around the frame  108  from the bottom and may include a flexible portion that may be elastically stretched to pass over the lower lip  162  and once past the lip  162  the flexible portion may snap back into position. The lower lip  162  may then resist downward motion of the cover  112  thereby securing the cover  112  in place on the frame  108 . 
     The frame  108  may also include a registration feature  161  for engaging the cover  112  of the accessory  100  and resisting the relative rotation of the cover  112  relative to the frame  108 . As shown in  FIG. 6D , the registration feature  161  may include an outerwardly extending tab, nub, or rib that is configured to be received by a slit, slot, or recess in the cover  112 . The registration feature  161 , thus, may engage the cover  112  and resist relative rotation of the frame  108  and cover  112 . 
     Turning now to the cover  112 , reference is made to  FIGS. 7A-7E . The cover  112  may be configured for arrangement around the frame or stretcher portion  108  for secluding the anchorage of the resilient member  110 , providing a clean outer appearance, and for protecting the resilient member  110  against abrasion. In some embodiments, the cover  112  may have a shape that is similar to that of the frame or stretcher portion  108 , but the cover  112  may be slightly larger than the frame  108  such that the frame  108  may nest neatly within the boundary of the cover  112 . In the embodiment shown, the cover  112  may include a generally conical shape similar to the walls of the frame  108  and it may include a bottom lip  164  projecting inwardly from the bottom portion of the walls. The cover may also include an upper rim that extends substantially upwardly from an upper peripheral edge  168  of the walls. Still further, the cover  112  may include a bump out portion  170  configured to accommodate the enlarged anchor portion of the cinch device  158 . The cover  112  may also include a slit, slot, notch, or other recess  172  in the bottom lip  164  for engaging the registration feature  161  on the frame  108 . In the present embodiment, the recess  172  for engaging the registration feature  161  may be arranged at or near the bump out portion  170 . Accordingly, when the enlarged anchor portion of the cinch device  158  is positioned at or near the registration feature  161  on the frame  108 , such may allow the bump out  170  to accommodate the enlarged anchor portion while still allowing the registration feature  161  to engage the associated recess  172  on the cover  112 . 
     As can be seen in the figures, the bottom lip  164  may include one or more elasticity features  174  allowing the bottom portion of the cover  112  to elastically enlarge when it is pressed over the low lip  162  on the frame  108 . That is, the cover  112  may be placed on the frame  108  from the bottom side of the frame  108  or, stated another way, the frame  108  may be set into the cover  112  from above. When the frame  108  is set into the cover  112 , the low lip  162  on the frame  108  may engage the bottom lip  164  of the cover  112  causing the walls of the cover  112  to flex allowing the bottom lip  164  to expand radially outward. Once the low lip  162  on the frame  108  is pressed past the bottom lip  164  of the cover  112 , the bottom lip  164  on the cover  112  may snap into place above the low lip  162 . The conical shape of the frame  108  and cover  112  may prevent the cover  112  from propagating further upward along the frame  108  and the low lip  162  may prevent the cover  112  from propagating downward. 
     As mentioned, the upper peripheral edge  168  of the walls of the cover  112  may include an upper rim  166  extending upwardly from the walls. The upper rim  166  may be adapted to extend above the peripheral edge  168  of the frame  108  so as to provide a raised rim around the perimeter of the rebounding surface portion  160  of the resilient member  110 . As such, this upper rim  166  may protect the resilient member  110  against abrasion at a particularly vulnerable location (i.e., where the resilient member  110  is stretched across the peripheral edge  152  of the frame  108 ). The upper rim  166  may be relatively thin to maximize the surface area of the rebounding surface  160  and reduce the interference of the rim  166  with the surrounding apparatus or structure. 
       FIGS. 8A-8E  show several views of the adjustment portion  106  of the accessory  100 . The adjustment portion  106  may include a support portion  116  having a fastening portion  176  and a stem  178  and the adjustment portion  106  may include a plug  114 . The fastening portion  176  may be configured for engagement and fastening to the rebounding portion  102  via the attachment feature  138  on the bottom portion of the frame  108 . The stem  178  may form a supporting extension between the plug  114  and the fastening portion  176  allowing for clearance between them and aiding in the range of motion available for adjusting the rebounding portion  102 . The plug  114  may be configured for adjustable engagement in the base  104  allowing the adjustment portion  106  to be adjusted thereby adjusting the position of the rebounding portion  102 . 
     The fastening portion  176  may be shaped and sized to fit snugly within the counter-bored area  140  of the frame  108 . The fastening portion  176  may, thus, be generally cylindrical defining a longitudinal axis  180  and having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the counter-bored area  140 . Given the snug fit of the fastening portion  176  in the counter-bored area  140 , the longitudinal axis of the fastening portion  176  may be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis  144  of the counter-bored area  140  and, thus, the longitudinal axis  132  of the frame or stretcher portion  108 . The fastening portion  176  may also include an upwardly extending fin or wing  148  for engaging the recessed slot  146  in the attachment feature  138  of the frame  108 . The engagement of the fin or wing  148  with the recessed slot  146  may resist relative rotation of the frame  108  and the adjustment portion  106 . The fastening portion  176  may also include a central bore  182  arranged to be in alignment with the bore  150  in the counter-bored  140  area of the frame  108  such that a fastener may extend through the bores  182 / 150  and secure the frame  108  and the adjustment portion  106  together. The bores  182 / 150  may be sized slightly smaller than the fastener such that the threads of a bolt or screw-type fastener may bite into the walls of the bore  182 / 150  and secure the two parts together. 
     The stem  178  of the adjustment portion  106  may extend downwardly from the fastening portion  176  and may have a longitudinal axis  184  that is skewed relative to the longitudinal axis  180  of the fastening portion  176 . As shown in  FIG. 8E , for example, the angle  186  between the longitudinal axes  182 / 150  of the stem  178  and the fastening portion  176  may range from approximately 5 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, or from approximately 15 degrees to approximately 30 degrees, or from approximately 20 degrees to approximately 25 degrees, or the angle may be approximately 22.5 degrees. Still other angles  186  within the ranges mentioned or outside the ranges mentioned may be used. 
     The stem  178  may be generally cylindrically shaped and may taper slightly as it extends from the fastening portion  176  to the plug  114 . At or near the plug  114 , the stem  178  may have a diameter defining an outer peripheral surface that may interact with the top cap  118  of the base  104  to define the pivoting range of motion of the stem  178  and, in turn, the range of motion of the rebounding portion  102  of the accessory  100 . It is to be appreciated that the cross-sectional view taken in  FIG. 8E  is taken, as shown in  FIG. 8A , through the center of the plug  114  and through the center of the fastening portion  176 . This cross-sectional view may be useful in identifying at least two sides of the stem  178  for purposes of a later discussion of the range of motion and degrees of freedom of the accessory  100 . For example, the right and left sides of the stem  178  as viewed in  FIG. 8E  may be referred to as the flat-defining side  188  and the full-cant defining side  190 , respectively. 
     The plug  114  of the adjustment portion  106  may be configured for frictional seated engagement in the base  104  of the accessory  100 . The shape of the plug  114  and the associated seat  122  in the base  104  may be selected to provide the desired type and range of motion. Whereas in  FIGS. 8A-8E  the plug is spherically shaped, in other embodiments, where, for example, pivoting motion (i.e., about a horizontal axis) is desired and rotational motion is not, a cylindrically shaped plug  314  may be provided where the longitudinal axis of the plug is arranged generally horizontally (See e.g.,  FIGS. 8F-8J ). Where rotational motion (i.e., about a vertical axis) is desired and pivoting motion is not, a cylindrically shaped plug may be provided where the longitudinal axis of the plug is arranged generally vertically. Turning back to the present embodiment of  FIGS. 8A-8E , the plug  114  may be generally spherically shaped to allow for both rotation and pivotal motion of the plug  114  and the corresponding stem  178  and rebounding portion  102 . It is to be appreciated, however, that a spherical plug  114  may be in the shape of a sphere or the portions of the plug  114  that engage with the base  104  may be generally spherically shaped. However, portions of the plug  114  not coming into contact with or engaging  104  the base, may be omitted or otherwise shaped, for example. In still other embodiments, the plug  114  may be oblong, oval, elliptical, or another shape providing for different types of motion involving pivoting, rotation, or a combination thereof. 
     It is to be appreciated that not only can differently shaped plugs  114  be provided, but a different adjustment motion mechanism may also be provided. For example, with reference to the  FIGS. 21-23 , an embodiment is shown with a hinge mechanism made up of a center portion  914  and a pair of hinge plates  1008 A and  1008 B. The center portion  914  may be arranged in a base portion  904  between the hinge plates  1008 A and  1008 B. The hinge plates  1008 A and  1008 B may extend from a securing portion  1020  that is adapted similarly to the securing portion  120 , described in more detail below. The hinge plates  1008 A and  1008 B may include a hole for passing a shaft  922  therethrough. The shaft may rest in and be supported by each of the holes of the hinge plates  1008 A and  1008 B and the shaft may extend along a longitudinal axis of the center portion  914 . The holes in the hinge plates  1008 A and  1008 B may be offset from a surface of the base  904  by at least half of the diameter of the center portion  914  so as to hold the center portion  914  clear from the surface of the base. As such, the shaft  922  may support the center portion  914  relative to the base  904  and allow the center portion  914  to pivot about the horizontal axis of the shaft and relative to the base  904 . The shaft may include a knurled nut  924  arranged on one end thereof that is adapted to be loosened and tighten and, when tightened, the clamping force of the hinge plates  1008 A and  1008 B on the center portion  914  is increased thereby securing the center portion  914  and the associated stem and rebounding portion  102  in a selected position based on a frictional force therebetween. The nut  924  may be loosened and retightened each time a new pivoted position is desired or the nut  924  may be tightened to allow pivotal movement of the center portion  914  with some force, while maintaining the position of the center portion  914  during use or when objects or marbles  62  contact and rebound from the rebounding portion  102 . 
     It is to be appreciated that still other arrangements may be provided such as, for example, a pivotal portion that includes a left cylindrical portion and a right cylindrical portion that meet at their circular faces. (i.e., one may nest within the other) Friction between the two faces of the cylindrical halves may allow for the position of the adjustment portion  106  to be held. For example, a screw and wing-nut or other fastening mechanism may be provided extending along the longitudinal length of the cylindrical halves to create a frictional force between the semi-circular faces at the ends of the plug. 
     Turning now to the base  104 , reference is made to  FIGS. 9A-9E , showing several views of the top cap  118  of the base  104 . The top cap  118  may include a peripheral housing  192  and a top  194 . The top  194  may include an opening  196  providing for the stem  178  of the adjustment portion  106  and a portion of the plug  114  to project out of the base  104 . The top  194  may include a retainer  198  arranged along a perimeter of the opening  196  and adapted to nestably retain the plug  114  in the base  104 . As shown, the retainer  198  may be continuous around the perimeter of the opening  196 . In alternative embodiments, the retainer  198  may be discontinuous and intermittent for example. As shown in  FIG. 9E , the retainer  198  may have a cross-section adapted to conformingly abut a top portion of the plug  114 . In the present case, where the plug  114  is spherical, the retainer  198  may have cross-section with an abutting surface  200  that is substantially concave and has a radius substantially equal to the radius of the spherical plug  114 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the plug  114  may be biased upwardly against the retainer  198  such that the plug frictionally and smoothly engages retainer  198  while being prevented from exiting the top cap  118  of the base  104 . 
     The biasing force on the plug  114  may create an upward force on the retainer  198  and, as such, a plurality of stiffeners  202  may be provided on the underside of the top  194  of the top cap  118  thereby strengthening the tops resistance to out-of-plane deformation. In addition, the top cap  118  may include one or more fastener elements  204  for receiving a fastener and hold the top cap portion  118  to the securing portion  120  or bottom portion of the base  104 . The fastener element  204  may include a protrusion on an inner surface of the housing  192  having a bore extending therethrough for receiving a fastener. 
     The securing portion or bottom portion  120  of the base is shown in  FIGS. 10A-10E . The securing portion  120  may include a peripheral housing  206 , a biasing mechanism holding area  208 , and an anchoring device  210 . The peripheral housing  206  may be configured to align with the housing  192  of the top cap  118  such that when the top cap  118  and the bottom portion  120  are secured to one another, the outer surface may be generally smooth across the seam between the two parts. Within the housing  206 , the bottom portion  120  may include a fastening feature  212  configured to engage the fastening features  204  on the top cap  118  and may include a bore to be aligned with the bore in the corresponding feature  204  in the top cap  118 . A fastener may be provided to secure the top cap  118  and the bottom portion  120  together. 
     The biasing mechanism holding area  208  may be arranged within the housing  206  and may include a cylindrical recess or other defined area for holding a biasing mechanism  124 . In the present embodiment, the holding area  208  may include a generally cylindrical area adapted to maintain a spring in a central location below the plug  114  of the adjustment portion  106 . As such, the holding area  208  may be generally centered relative to the opening  196  in the top  194  of the top cap  118  of the base  104 . The holding area  208  may have a diameter slightly larger than the biasing mechanism  124  such that the biasing mechanism  124  may expand and contract without resistance from the holding area  208 , but the holding area  208  may generally maintain the position of the biasing mechanism  124 . The holding area geometry and size may also be configured for receiving and guiding the plug seat  122 , which may be arranged between the biasing mechanism  124  and the plug  114 . While the biasing mechanism  124  has been described as a spring, other biasing mechanisms  124  such as pressurized balloons, rubberized cores or cylinders, or other biasing mechanisms  124  may be provided. The bottom of the holding area  208  may be spaced from the retainer  198  of the top cap  118  by a distance selected to maintain the biasing mechanism  124  in a compressed condition such that the plug  114  is continuously maintained in a contacting position with the retainer  198 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 5A and 5B  and also to  FIG. 13A , one embodiment of a biasing mechanism  124  and a seat  122  is shown. In the present embodiment, the biasing mechanism  124  is a spring. The seat  122  is configured to ride on the top surface of the biasing mechanism  124  and provide nested abutting surface upon which the plug  114  of the adjustment portion  106  may rest. As shown, the seat  122  may include generally cylindrical perimeter portion configured to slidably translate along the height of the holding portion  208  of the base  104 . As such, the outer diameter of the seat  122  may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the holding portion  208 . The seat  122  may also include a concave surface for nestably engaging the bottom of the plug  114 . The surface may extend generally across the width of the seat  122  and may be in the form of a concave plate or a series of curved ribs or another structure for forming a concave structure. In the present embodiment, the concave surface may be generally spherical and may have a radius substantially equal to the radius of the outside surface of the plug  114 . The holding area  208  may have a depth sufficient to maintain the seat  122  centered under the plug  114  when the plug  114  is abutting the retainer  198  on the top cap  118  of the base  104 . 
     It is to be appreciated that alternative embodiments may rely on the fastening force between the top cap portion  118  and the securing portion  120  to create the frictional resistance to motion of the plug  114 . That is, in some embodiments, the biasing mechanism may be omitted and a seat may be provided in the base as a separate element or as an element integral with the base. The fastening system for securing the top cap  118  to the securing portion  120  may be sized such that when fastened, a pinching and/or squeezing force grips the plug  114  of the adjustment portion  106  creating a frictional resistance to motion of the plug  114 . In still other embodiments, while the top cap  118  and the securing portion  120  have been described as being directly fastened to one another in an abutting relationship, it is to be appreciated that these two parts could be threaded together by providing threads around their respective perimeter surfaces that engage one another and allow for some adjustment of the positions of the two members relative to one another. As such, the pinching or squeezing force on the plug may be adjusted. Still further, this latter embodiment that includes the ability to adjust the position of the top cap  118  relative to the securing portion  120  may be provided together with an internal biasing mechanism  124  as well. As such, the adjustment of the top cap  118  and the securing portion  120 , based on a given biasing mechanism, may allow for the compressive force on the biasing mechanism and, thus, the resulting biasing force to be adjustable. 
     Continuing with the discussion of the bottom portion of the base  104 ,  FIGS. 10A-10E  show an anchoring device  210  projecting downward from the peripheral housing  206 . The anchoring portion  210  may include a pair of opposed flexible extensions with outwardly projecting tabs  213  at the bottom edge. The opposed flexible extensions may be inserted into an opening of another member. The opening may have a diameter smaller than the dimension of the outwardly projecting tabs  213 . As such, as the extensions are inserted, the extensions may deflect allowing the tabs  213  to pass through the opening. When the tabs  121  reach the other side of the opening, the flexible extensions may snap back into place causing the projecting tabs  213  to slip behind the boundary of the opening and secure or anchor the device to the other member with the opening. 
       FIGS. 11A-11E  show an embodiment of a universal connector  126 . The connector  126  may be adapted to receive the anchoring device  210  of the accessory  100  described, or it may receive an anchoring device of another type of accessory  100 . The connector  126  may be further adapted to engage a modular member  52  of the modular pathway apparatus  50  thereby allowing for the attachment of a variety of accessories  100  to be secured to a modular member  52 . 
     The connector  126  may include a top portion  214  with an opening  216  for receiving an anchoring device  210 . The top portion  214  may include an opening  216  having a size slightly larger than the clear distance between the projecting tabs  213  of an anchoring device  210  and slightly smaller than the out-to-out distance between the outer surfaces of the projecting tabs  213 . The opening  216  may include a bore extending into the connector  126  with a length  218  substantially equal to the length of the flexible extensions of the anchoring device  210 . As such, when the anchoring device  210  is inserted into the connector  126 , the engagement of the projecting tabs  213  with the inner wall of the bore will cause the flexible extensions on the anchoring device  210  to flex until the anchoring device  210  is fully inserted and the projecting tabs  213  exit the opposing end of the bore where the flexible extensions snap back to their neutral position causing the projecting tabs  213  to hook onto the opposing end of the bore. In some embodiments, the opposing end of the bore may have rotational blocks arranged to receive the projecting tabs  213  therebetween thereby preventing relative rotation of the anchoring device  210  and the connector  126 . In such embodiments, the bottom portion  120  may be prevented from rotating with respect to the connector  126 . In other embodiments, the opposing end of the bore may not have rotational blocks such that the bottom portion  120  may be free to rotate relative to the connector  126  along the axis  226 . In embodiments where the plug  114  is a cylinder, for example, having a horizontal longitudinal axis, the rebounding portion  102  may have at least two degrees or rotational freedom (i.e., pivotal motion about the horizontal axis of the plug  114  and rotational motion about axis  226  by way of rotation of all of the rebounding portion  102 , the base  104 , and the adjustment portion  106  relative to the connector  126 . 
     The connector  126  may also include a plurality of legs  220  configured and shaped for securing the connector  126  to a modular member  52 . In the present embodiment, the connector  126  may include a leg  220  in each of the four corners of the connector  126  adapted to frictionally and sleevably engage the inner four corners of a modular member  52  such as the one shown in  FIGS. 12A-12E . Additional examples of modular members may be found, for example in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/406,824 entitled Interconnecting Modular Pathway Apparatus, filed on Apr. 18, 2006, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     It is to be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the connector  126  may be omitted and features for engaging a modular member  52  may be integrally formed with the base  104 . As shown in  FIGS. 18-20E  a base  704  may be provided that incorporates several of the features of the connector  126  into a securing portion  720  of a base  704 . For example, as shown, the securing portion  720  may include a peripheral housing  806  and a biasing mechanism holding area  808 . In this embodiment, the peripheral housing  806  may be configured to sleevably engage the peripheral housing  192  of the top cap  118 . Within the housing  806 , the bottom portion  720  may include a fastening feature  812  configured to engage the fastening features  204  on the top cap  118  and may include a bore to be aligned with the bore in the corresponding feature  204  in the top cap  118 . A fastener may be provided to secure the top cap  118  and the bottom portion  720  together. 
     The biasing mechanism holding area  808  may resemble the holding area  208  of the securing portion  120  and the biasing mechanism  724  and the seat  722  may also resemble the mechanism  124  and seat  122  of the securing portion  120 . However, in lieu of the anchoring device  210  show on the securing portion  120 , the securing portion  720  may instead include a plurality of legs  820  configured and shaped for securing the connector base  704  directly to a modular member  52 . Like the connector  126 , the securing portion  720  may include a leg  820  in each of the four corners of the securing portion  720  adapted to frictionally and sleevably engage the inner four corners of a modular member  52  such as the one shown in  FIGS. 12A-12E  and  FIGS. 18 and 19 . 
     Returning now to the initially introduced embodiment,  FIGS. 13A-13C , show the rebounding portion  102  in a series of pivoted positions. In  FIG. 13A , the rebounding portion  102  is positioned such that the rebounding surface  160  is in a substantially horizontal, or flat, or uncanted position. In  FIG. 13B , the rebounding portion  102  is positioned such that the rebounding surface  160  is partially canted, and in  FIG. 13C , the rebounding portion  102  is fully canted. An additional view of these positions is shown in  FIG. 13D  where these positions are superimposed on a single figure. The range of pivoting motion of the rebounding portion  102  may be controlled by the size of the receiving opening  196  in the base  102  and the width of the stem  178  of the adjustment portion  106 . 
     For example, in  FIG. 13A , the rebounding portion  102  is in a substantially horizontal or flat position relative to a vertical direction, where vertical is defined by the accessory&#39;s interaction with the modular member  52  and/or the vertically extending sides of the housing  192  of the base  104  of the accessory  100 . It is to be appreciated that the cross-sectional views taken are similar to that of  FIG. 8E  in that they are taken through the center of the plug  114  and the center of the fastening portion  176 . As shown, and as shown in a close-up view in  FIG. 13E , the flat-defining side  188  of the stem  178  is in an abutting relationship with the retainer  198 . In contrast, in  FIG. 13C , the full-cant-defining side  190  of the stem  178  is in an abutting relationship with the retainer  198  and the rebounding surface  160  is in a fully canted or sloped position relative to the vertical direction previously defined. 
     The opening  196  in the top cap  118  of the base  104  and the size of the stem  178  may, in part, determine the range of motion of the rebounding portion  102 . In the present embodiment the included angle  222  of the opening around which the retainer  198  extends may be approximately 105 degrees. The included angle  224  of the stem  178  may be approximately 60 degrees, and, thus, the remaining amount of the opening&#39;s included angle  222  that is available for motion of the adjustment portion  106  may be approximately 45 degrees. As such, in some embodiments, the full-cant position of the rebounding portion  102  may be such that the rebounding surface  160  is angled at approximately 45 degrees. Still other amounts of included angle may be provided. It is to be appreciated that the retainer  198  may be less effective in retaining the plug as the included angle of the opening  196  approaches 180 degrees, but included angles  222  ranging from approximately 60 degrees to approximately 150 degrees, or from approximately 90 degrees to approximately 115 degrees or from approximately 100 degrees to approximately 110 degrees may be provided. Still other angles  222  inside or outside the ranges mentioned may be provided. Moreover, the included angle  224  of the stem  178  may depend on the type of material used to make the stem  178  together with considerations relating to the desired strength of the stem  178 . The included angle  224  of the stem may range from approximately 10 degrees to approximately 110 degrees, or from approximately 45 degrees to approximately 90 degrees, or from approximately 55 degrees to approximately 65 degrees. Still other angles inside or outside the ranges mentioned may be provided. In some embodiments, the range of motion of the rebounding portion  102  may be determined by subtracting the included angle of the stem  224  from the included angle  222  of the opening  196 . 
     As can be appreciated by a review of the present application, a very high level of flexibility is provided for the position of the rebounding portion  102  of the accessory  100 . As shown in the early figures, the rebounding portion  102  may have a center that is offset from the center of the base  104  when viewed from above allowing the rebounding portion  102  to be rotated about a vertically extending longitudinal axis  226  of the base  104  defining a wide array of positions relative to the base  104  that are available for positioning of the rebounding portion  102 . Still further, as most recently described with respect to  FIGS. 13A-13E , the rebounding portion  102  may be pivoted through a range of motion about a pivot axis  228  extending through the center of the plug  114  and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  180  of the fastening portion  176  and perpendicular to the axis  184  of the stem  178  (i.e., the pivot axis  228  may include the axis extending in and out of the page of  FIG. 13E ). However, due to the multiple degrees of freedom of the motion of the rebounding portion  102 , yet another rotation may be performed. For example, the first rotation (i.e., about axis  226  of base) may be provided and the pivoting motion (i.e., about pivot axis  228 ) may be added thereto to create a desired angle of the rebounding surface  160  in a first direction. Moreover, without adjusting the first rotation angle or the second pivot position, the rebounding portion  102  may be further rotated about the axis  184  of the stem  178 . Accordingly, the accessory provided may include three rotational degrees of freedom. Within those degrees of freedom, the horizontal rotation  184  (i.e., about axis  226 ) may include a full 360 degree range of motion. Rotating about the axis of the stem  178  also includes a full 360 range of motion. Pivoting the rebounding surface  160  about the axis pivot  228  may have a range of motion ranging from approximately 15 degrees to approximately 110 degrees or from approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, or from approximately 40 degrees to approximately 50 degrees, for example. Accordingly, a rotatable and positionable trampoline device may be provided that is easy to use and easily positionable and/or rotatable that automatically holds its adjusted position without further attention and maintains such position after impact by a falling object or marble  62 . 
     The embodiments described and variations thereof may provide for a very precise rebounding device that can be counted on to consistently redirect an incoming object to a selected location. For example, with reference to  FIG. 3A , an marble was placed in the upper most cube and allowed to roll down to the exit point  54  and fall to the accessory  100  along a path similar to the incoming trajectory. It is noted that some variation from the trajectory shown was noted due to variations in how the marble exited the cube at  54 . Upon contacting the accessory  100 , the marble was redirected along a path similar to the outgoing trajectory shown and causing the marble to land in one of the cubes  60   a - 60   d . Again, some variation from the trajectory shown was noted due to the variations in the incoming trajectory previously noted. For purposes of analysis and/or comparison, the distance that the marble dropped from exit point  54  to the accessory was about 5 inches and the horizontal distance traveled from the accessory to the cubes  60   a - 60   d  was about 7-8 inches. In addition, the angle of the accessory in this particular example is approximately 10 to 20 degrees from horizontal. 
     Using the above arrangement, a series of 10 marbles were run through the system. Given the variations in the incoming trajectory discussed, the accessory consistently directed each of the 10 marbles into one of cubes  60   a - 60   d , which reflect approximately an area of about 3 inches by 3 inches. Upon re-entering the modular pathway apparatus, the marbles then continued along a path through the apparatus. It is to be appreciated that the landing area shown (i.e., cubes  60   a - 60   d ) may be replaced with a different arrangement of cubes or another accessory such as a rebounding device or trampoline, a basket, a shoot, a funnel, a cup, a backboard or flatboard, or another type of accessory. However, the consistency of the accessory  100  may allow the user to have confidence that the accessory  100  will function consistently with the system they design and build. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14-17 , an additional embodiment of an accessory  500  is shown. This embodiment may include a rebounding portion  502 , an adjustment portion  506 , a base  504 , and a connector  526 . In contrast to the previously described embodiment, the adjustment portion of the present embodiment may include two rotational degrees of freedom in lieu of three. Otherwise, the several aspects of the accessory  500  may be configured for similar functions and purposes, but same, similar, or differing details may be provided for such functions and purposes. 
     As shown, the rebounding portion  502  may include a frame or stretcher portion  508  in the form of a dish or cup, for example, and it may include a resilient member  510  in the form of a stretchable membrane. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the stretchable membrane  510  may be stretched over a stretcher ring  552  and may be secured in place on the stretcher ring  552  by a retainer ring  554 . The stretcher ring  552  and retainer ring  554  may pinch the membrane therebetween and secure the membrane in a taut condition. The stretcher and retainer ring  552 / 554  assembly may then be secured to the dish or cup by slipping the assembly down over the rim  556  of the dish or cup where a retainer hook  558  may elastically deflect and snap below the rim  556  to secure the assembly in place. Still other approaches to retaining the membrane in a taut condition may be employed. 
     The adjustment portion  506  may include a curved structure arranged along the curved profile of the bottom of the dish or cup. The curved structure may include a blade portion  560  and a bulb portion  562 . The blade portion  560  may track along the bottom of the cup or dish and may include an attachment edge  564  that is secured to the bottom of the dish or cup and a free edge  566  opposite the attachment to the dish or cup. The free edge  566  may be a curved edge that is substantially concentric with the bottom of the dish or cup and may have a similar included angle as the dish or cup. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the included angle of the blade  560  may be slightly less than the dish or cup causing the ends of the blade  560  to be slightly short of the edges of the dish or cup and providing clearance near the peripheral edge of the dish or cup for attachment of the stretcher and retainer rings  552 / 554  for the membrane. The bulb portion  562  of the curved structure may include a round cross-section or other shaped cross-section that is substantially constant along the length of the bottom of the blade  560 . 
     The base  504  of the accessory  500  may include a pedestal  518  and an anchor portion  520 . The pedestal portion  518  may be configured to support the rebounding portion  502  and may be further configured to allow the rebounding portion  502  to pivot about a horizontal axis  628  substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis  626  of the pedestal  518 . The pedestal portion  518  may also be configured to swivel relative to the anchor portion  520  such that the rebounding portion  502  may be rotated. Like the above embodiment, the longitudinal axis  532  of the rebounding portion  502  when arranged in a flat condition may be offset and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis  626  of the pedestal  518 . Accordingly, rotation of the pedestal portion  518  may allow the center of the rebounding portion  502  to be adjusted. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the pedestal portion  518  may include a seat portion  522  at a top end thereof for seated arrangement of the dish or cup. The seat  522  may include a radiused or otherwise curved seat that matches the curvature of the dish or cup and allows the dish or cup to slidingly propagate across the pedestal  518  while pivoting. The pedestal  518  may also include a vertical slot  596  and a keyhole  598  sized and arranged for slidingly receiving and guiding the blade  560  and bulb  562  of the adjustment portion  506 . As such, a user may grasp the bulb  562  and/or blade  560  portion outside the pedestal  518  and push or pull the rebounding portion  502  across the seat of the pedestal  518  thereby pivoting the rebounding portion according to the curvature of the bottom of the dish or cup and the curvature of the seat  522 . The vertical slot  596  and/or keyhole  598  may frictionally engage the blade  560  and/or bulb  562  such that when a position is selected for the rebounding portion  502 , the rebounding portion  502  may remain positioned as desired until some force is applied to adjustment portion  506  to reposition the rebounding portion  502 . 
     The pedestal portion  518  may engage the anchor portion  520  and be configured to swivel relative thereto. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the pedestal portion  518  may extend through a ring portion of the anchor portion  520  and may include a retention lip  612  on a bottom portion thereof such that when the pedestal  518  is inserted through the ring portion, the retention lips  612  may deflect to allow the pedestal  518  to pass therethrough and once all the way through, the retention lips  612  may spring outward causing the retention lips  612  to engage the ring portion and prevent separation of the pedestal  518  and ring portion while allowing relative rotation. 
     The anchor portion  520  may include one or more legs  620  configured for engaging a modular member  52 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the anchor portion  520  may include four legs  620  having a foot print slightly smaller than the inside dimensions of a modular member  52  and configured for a friction fit within the modular member  52 . As such, the anchor portion  520  may be set atop a modular member  52  and the legs  620  may extend downward into the modular member  52  along the vertically extending internal corners of the modular member  52  and creating a friction fit between the anchor portion  520  and the modular member  52 . 
     The embodiment described in  FIGS. 14-17  may include two rotational degrees of freedom. That is, the pedestal  518  may be rotated about its vertical longitudinal axis  626  allowing the center of the rebounding portion  502  to be adjusted. In addition, the rebounding portion  502  may be pivoted by sliding the blade/bulb  560 / 562  through the pedestal  518  and along the arc defined by the shaped of the cup/dish and the arc of the blade/bulb  560 / 562  passing through the pedestal  518 . 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the frame or stretcher portion of the accessory has been described as a shell-like device such as a dish or bowl, a frame-like structure with struts and ties, for example, may also be provided. Similarly, other portions of the accessory may be provided with other structural formations.