Abstract:
Some embodiments relate to a base unit for use in a game. The base unit includes a lower panel extending from a front region of the base unit towards an inner region of the base unit, wherein the lower panel has a scoring region associated therewith. The base unit also includes an upper panel extending from a rear region of the base unit towards the inner region of the base unit, wherein the upper panel has a launching assembly coupled thereto. A sidewall extends upwardly from a lower sidewall region to an upper sidewall region, wherein the lower sidewall region abuts the lower panel at the inner region and wherein the upper sidewall region abuts the upper panel at the inner region. Other embodiments are also provided.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application having Ser. No. 61/311,413, filed on Mar. 8, 2010, and entitled “Object Launching System and Method”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to games, and more particularly to games in which players use a launching assembly to attempt to launch an object into a predetermined scoring area. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Games have long been a source of enjoyment for children and adults. For example, checkers, chess, and a number of other games allow players to refine their skills and compete against other players in good-hearted fashion. There is an ongoing need for new games to capture the interest of children and adults. 
         [0004]    Consequently, this disclosure provides new games as set forth herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various drawings. 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective frontal photo of an object launching system constructed in accordance with an aspect of this invention; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a perspective side photographic view of the object launching system of  FIG. 1 , according to yet another aspect of the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a perspective frontal photographic view of an object launching system constructed in accordance with an aspect of this invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a perspective side photographic view of an object launching system with an inclined front panel removed; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a perspective bottom photographic view of an object launching system according to one aspect of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a perspective bottom photographic view of an object launching system with the launching mechanism in a prelaunch position according to yet another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a perspective bottom photographic view of an object launching system with the launching mechanism in a relaxed position according to yet another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a perspective frontal photographic view of an object launching system with three holes in an inclined front panel constructed in accordance with an aspect of this invention; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 9-15  are various views of launching mechanisms according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 16  is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a methodology for utilizing an object launching game in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 17  depicts one example of how a first base unit can launch an object onto a scoring region of a second base unit in accordance with some manners of game play in accordance with the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 18  illustrates a perspective view of a rotating scoring assembly, which may be referred to as “FOUR-PLAY™” in some contexts. 
           [0018]      FIG. 19  illustrates a top view of a rotating scoring assembly, which may be referred to as “FOUR-PLAY™” in some contexts. 
           [0019]      FIG. 20  depicts one example of how four different base units can attempt to launch an object into respective scoring regions of a rotating scoring assembly in accordance with some manners of game play in accordance with the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 21  depicts several examples of different scoring regions that may be used in some embodiments. 
           [0021]      FIG. 22  depicts several different perspective views of a support platform for deploying one or more base units to users. 
           [0022]      FIG. 23  depicts a base unit with adjustable legs to provide an adjustable launch angle. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 24A-24B  depicts two different manners in which coins or other objects can be held in a launching assembly. 
           [0024]      FIG. 25  depicts several different target aperture configurations. 
           [0025]      FIG. 26  shows lower panels with various configurations. 
           [0026]      FIG. 27  shows one example of a launching assembly that includes a pivot point. 
           [0027]      FIG. 28  shows one example of another launching assembly for launching a coin. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    One or more implementations of the present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. The invention relates to an object launching system and associated method wherein a game is played utilizing the system and method. 
         [0029]    Several embodiments of a game that utilizes an object launching system of the present invention illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 .  FIGS. 1-8  collectively show a game base unit  100  that includes an upper panel  102 , a lower panel  104 , and a sidewall  106  intersecting the upper and lower panels. The upper panel  102  is inclined at an angle, a, relative to a lower surface  108  of the base unit  100 , and includes at least one elongate slot  110  therein. A launching assembly  112  slidably engages the elongate slot  110  in the upper panel  102 , wherein the launching assembly includes an object holder  114  and a finger pull  116 . The lower panel  104  is declined at an angle, β, relative to the lower surface  108  of the base unit  100  and includes at least one scoring region  118 , such as a target aperture  120  for example. Side panels  122  often extend downward from the upper and lower panels  102 ,  104  to define the lower surface  108  of the base unit  100 . 
         [0030]    As can be seen from the bottom of the base unit  100  (see  FIGS. 5-7 ), the launching assembly  112  includes a coupling member  124  that extends through the elongate slot  110  so as to slidably couple the launching assembly  112  to the upper panel  102 . A stop block  126 , which is wider than the elongate slot  110 , helps to vertically retain the launching assembly  112  near the upper panel  102 . A cross block  128  and a side panel  122  are disposed at opposing ends of the elongate slot  110  to laterally retain the launching assembly near the upper panel  102 . 
         [0031]    To facilitate launching of an object, a rubber band  130  is fitted into a pair of slots  132   a,    132   b  on an underside  134  of the upper panel  102 . A fastener  136  protrudes from the stop block  126  and physically couples the rubber band  130  to the finger pull  116 . To launch an object during game play, the object can be placed in the object holder  114  and launched by pulling the finger pull  116  with a backward motion  138  ( FIG. 4 ). When the launching assembly  112  is an initial relaxed position ( FIG. 5 ), the rubber band  130  is correspondingly in a relaxed position. As the launching assembly  112  is pulled backwards via the finger pull  116 , the rubber band  130  is stretched so that it applies a forward bias to the launching assembly  112  ( FIG. 6 ). Thus, when the finger pull  116  is released, the launching assembly  112  lurches forward until the stop block  126  hits the cross block  128  ( FIG. 7 ), thereby ejecting the object from the object holder  114 . 
         [0032]    In addition, the launching assembly can be provided with a pivot, such that the angle at which the object is launched can be offset from the direction of the slot. For example, FIGS. Although a rubber band  130  is utilized in a preferred embodiment, there are many other force producing mechanisms that can be utilized to launch the object from the object holder  114 , all of which are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention. A few alternative force producing mechanisms are discussed below, although it will be appreciated that these in no way limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 9-15  illustrate several alternative launching systems.  FIG. 9  illustrates an object launching assembly  900  that utilizes a pendulum assembly  902 . A player can drop a pendulum weight  904  from a height h from a flat surface  906 , for example so that the pendulum weight  904  impacts with an object  908  to thereby launch the object  908 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 10  illustrates an object launching assembly  1000  utilizing a player&#39;s hand  1002  to launch an object  1008 . For example, a player&#39;s finger  1009  is snapped outward so that the finger  1009  impacts with an object  1008  to thereby launch the object  1008  toward a second object launching assembly. 
         [0035]      FIG. 11  further illustrates an object launching assembly  1100  utilizing a slide  1102  to thereby launch an object  1108 . For example, the object  1108  can be released from the slide  1102  such that the object  1108  speeds off of the slide toward a second object launching assembly. 
         [0036]      FIG. 12  illustrates another object launching assembly  1200  utilizing a catapult  1202  to thereby launch an object  1208 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 13  illustrates another object launching assembly  1300  utilizing a spring assembly  1302  to thereby launch an object  1308  toward a second object launching assembly, for example. For example the object  1308  is pulled backward so that a spring  1307  impacts with an object  1308  to thereby launch the object  1308  toward a second object launching assembly. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 14-15  illustrate another object launching assembly  1400  utilizing a torsion spring hammer  1402  to thereby launch an object  1408  toward second object launching assembly, for example.  FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of object launching assembly  1400 , whereas  FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of the object launching assembly  1400 . It should be noted that object launching systems are well known by those of skill in the art and all such object launching systems are included in the present invention. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, base units (e.g., base unit  100  of  FIG. 1 ) can be made of wood, however, base units can be made from other materials, including but not limited to: plastic, blow-molded components; plastic, injection molded components; components made of various woods (e.g., maple, pine, black walnut), metal, cardboard, composite materials, etc. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, a base unit can include a target aperture that allows objects to enter or pass through the aperture and them “traps” the objects in a storage bin included in the base unit. In one embodiment, for example objects have to be removed via a hinged door, rather than an aperture. In another embodiment, the base unit automatically keeps track of and displays running scores based on which of several apertures the objects enter. The scores can be kept mechanically, electronically or the like. In addition, numerous inclined panels can be utilized with any number and arrangement of apertures. Also, an electronic rotatable blocking component can be rotated in front of the apertures thereby blocking the aperture opening at times. 
         [0041]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,  FIG. 16  illustrates a method  1600  for playing a game that utilizes one or more base units (e.g., base unit  100  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ). While exemplary methods are illustrated and described herein as a series of acts or events, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited by the illustrated ordering of such acts or events, as some steps may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other steps apart from that shown and described herein, in accordance with the invention. In addition, not all illustrated steps may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present invention. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the methods may be implemented in association with the systems illustrated and described herein as well as in association with other systems not illustrated and/or described. 
         [0042]    As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the method  1600  begins at  1602  and at  1604  when a first object launching assembly (e.g., a first base unit  100 ) and a second object launching assembly (e.g., a second base unit  100 ) are provided. In this embodiment, the object launching assemblies are fully enclosed with a bottom plate and a door for removing coins. The players can bring numerous objects to play with, however in this embodiment the players, for example, each bring ten dollars in change (i.e., quarters, dimes, nickels). The change is placed on a table for example next to each player. 
         [0043]    At  1606  the first player and the second player can claim the object launching assemblies so that each of the players is launching objects toward his own object launching assembly. Although this embodiment is being described with respect to the game being played with two players, any number of players can play at the same time, for example. 
         [0044]    At  1608  a first object launching assembly  102  is spaced away from a second object launching assembly by defined distance, wherein the defined distance is maintained, for example by a string, a chain, a wire and the like attached to the front of each object launching assembly. Although this embodiment is described with a defined distance it is also contemplated that the game can be played with numerous defined or undefined distances between the various object launching assemblies. 
         [0045]    At  1610 , the first player places an object (e.g., a quarter) in an object holder and launches the object toward a first object launching assembly aperture. If the first player successfully gets the object in the aperture the first player launches another object toward the first object launching assembly. Once the first player is unsuccessful in his attempt to get an object into an aperture the second player places an object (e.g., a quarter) in an object holder at  1612  and launches the object toward a second object launching assembly aperture. The players go back and forth trading turns until all of the objects are captured in one of the object launching assemblies at  1614  wherein the game ends at  1616 . 
         [0046]    In one embodiment, a base unit can measure approximately 5 inches by 12 inches. However, in other embodiments base units can be small enough to fit on a key chain (e.g., a base unit measuring about 2 inches by 3.5 inches), or large enough to launch large objects, such as basketballs; and all sizes of base units are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0047]      FIG. 17  shows one manner in which a first base unit  1702  and second base unit  1704  can interact with one another during game play. As shown, the first base unit  1702 , under the control of a user (not shown), can launch an object  1706  from its launching assembly  1708  towards the scoring region  1710  of the second base unit  1704 . If the user lands the object in the scoring region  1710 , the user of the first base unit scores. The second base unit  1704  can similarly launch an object from its launching assembly  1712  towards a scoring region  1714  on the first base unit  1702 . In one embodiment, the players can go back and forth trading turns until all of the objects are captured in one of the base units wherein the game ends. 
         [0048]    As can be appreciated from the method of  FIG. 16 , in other embodiments a user can shoot objects towards a scoring area on his own base unit. Thus, some embodiments of the game do not require multiple players and can be played in a solitaire-like fashion. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 18-19  show one embodiment of a rotatable scoring assembly  1800 , which may be used in some implementations.  FIG. 18  shows a perspective side view, and  FIG. 19  shows a top view. In this embodiment, the rotatable scoring assembly  1800 , which may also be referred to as “FOUR-PLAY™” in some contexts, includes a pyramid  1802  having one or more apertures (e.g.,  1804 ,  1806 ,  1808 , and  1810 ) on each side. The pyramid  1802  is disposed on a base  1812  having a rotating turn-table  1814 . The base  1812  has a user control interface, such as an on/off pushbutton  1816 , and/or a speed control element (not shown) for controlling the rotational speed of the turntable  1814  and the pyramid  1802 . 
         [0050]    During FOUR-PLAY™ game play, as shown in  FIG. 20 , a number of users control a number of base units  2000 A- 2000 D and attempt to score by launching respective objects towards respective pre-determined scoring regions assigned to them on the rotating scoring assembly  1800 . In one embodiment, each user attempts to score by launching an object from their base unit into a scoring region (e.g., aperture) uniquely assigned to them on the rotating scoring assembly. For example, in  FIG. 20 , first base unit  2000 A could be assigned to score in first aperture  1804 , second base unit  2000 B could be assigned to score in second aperture  1806 , third base unit  2000 C could be assigned to score in third aperture  1808 , and fourth base unit  2000 D could be assigned to score in fourth aperture  1810 ; whereby each base unit scores a point when it passes an object through its respective aperture. In another embodiment, each user attempts to score by launching an object from their base unit into a scoring region (e.g., aperture) uniquely assigned to at least one other user; whereby each user decrements the other users&#39; score when it passes its object into/through the other users&#39; scoring region. For example, first base unit  2000 A could be assigned to score in second, third, and fourth apertures ( 1806 ,  1808 ,  1810 ); second base unit  2000 B could be assigned to score in first, third, and fourth apertures ( 1804 ,  1808 ,  1810 ); and so on. Other scoring scenarios are also possible. As the turntable rotates the pyramid of the rotating scoring assembly  1800 , users will find enjoyment attempting to score points in these or other manners, due to the competitive nature of the game and camaraderie developed therewith. 
         [0051]    Although  FIGS. 19-20  show a rotating scoring assembly  1800  that is pyramidal shaped, it will be appreciated that other geometries are also contemplated. For example, in other embodiments, the rotating scoring assembly have a cylindrical surface extending upwardly around an axis extending into the top surface of the turn-table. Apertures could then be defined in the cylindrical surface, for example in a spiral pattern or in any other pattern. Again, the apertures or other scoring regions could be assigned in various manners to the users so that points can be scored in various manners. Other geometries are also contemplated, and may incorporate any number of players, different heights or levels, and different surface geometries. 
         [0052]      FIG. 21A-21F  (collectively  FIG. 21 ) shows several different embodiments of different scoring regions that are contemplated as falling within the scope of this disclosure. These embodiments are merely examples, and are not held to be limiting in any manner. In  FIG. 21A , one can see a somewhat basic scoring region that comprises a single aperture  2102  on the lower panel of a base unit. The aperture is approximately centrally located in the lower panel, and is sufficiently large so that a coin or other suitable table-top object can be launched therethrough. 
         [0053]    In  FIG. 21B , one can see another scoring region that comprises three apertures superimposed over a graphical representation of a baseball diamond. A smaller, middle aperture  2104  is positioned between two larger, side-apertures ( 2106 ,  2108 ). The middle aperture is labeled “grand slam” and the side-apertures are labeled “out”, thereby allowing one or more users to launch objects to simulate a baseball game in some respects. 
         [0054]      FIG. 21C  shows another scoring region having multiple aperatures  2110  that simulate a golf hole. A portion of the lower panel corresponding to green grass can be covered with a “fuzzy” surface (e.g., felt, some other fabric) or another frictional surface, while a portion of the lower panel corresponding to a sand trap, for example, can be covered with sand or some other material that differs from the grass. 
         [0055]      FIG. 21D  shows another scoring region that simulates a football field, in which the users score points by successfully launching an object through a “goalpost” aperature  2112  that extends vertically from the lower panel. 
         [0056]      FIG. 21E  shows yet another scoring region that simulates bowling, where a number of pins  2114  are set on the lower scoring region. 
         [0057]      FIG. 21F  shows yet another scoring region wherein the lower panel is marked with a number of target zones (e.g.,  2116 ,  2118 ) having different point values. In this embodiment, another user attempts to launch his or her object onto the target zone with the highest score value. As objects are launched, point values are accrued until some threshold is crossed that indicates one user is the winner. 
         [0058]    It will be appreciated that these lower panels of  FIG. 21  are merely examples of but a few embodiments of how scoring regions can be implemented. Often, the lower panels are removable from the base units so that a user can purchase multiple lower panels and interchange them to gain further enjoyment from the gaming system. 
         [0059]      FIG. 22  ( FIG. 22A-22C  collectively) shows a support platform  2200  on which one or more base units can be mounted. This support platform  2200  provides a convenient arrangement for deploying one or more base units to bars, restaurants, homes, and the like, so that users can interface with the game system in a consistent manner. The support platform  2200  includes one or more legs  2202 , as well as a substantially horizontal lateral member  2204 . A first base unit  2206 , which includes a launcher assembly, is mounted (either detachably or permanently) near a first end of the support platform  2200 . Near the other end of the support platform, another base unit or merely a scoring region  2208  can be disposed. An object receptacle bin  2210  (e.g., a coin box with a lock and key assembly) can be disposed in the other end of the support platform in some embodiments to generate revenue for a bar or restaurant, for example. Often, the support platform  2200  can include audio and/or visual displays (e.g., lights and/or sounds) to enhance a user&#39;s experience while playing. For example, the support platform  2200  can include a sensor near the other end of the platform that indicates when a user scores, and can light up a scoreboard or some other visual display to indicate the user has scored, thereby enhancing game play for the user. 
         [0060]      FIG. 23  shows one example of a base unit  2300  having an adjustable launch angle, Δα. In this embodiment, an adjustable (e.g., rotatable) leg  2302 , which rotates about a pivot point  2304 . To adjust the launch angle by an amount, Δα, a user can correspondingly adjust the leg to correspondingly adjust the height of the launching assembly and thus, the launch angle. In other embodiments, other mechanisms could be used to alter the launch angle, such as a wedge or a series of shims, a threaded height pedestal, for example. 
         [0061]      FIGS. 24A-24B  show two examples of how objects (e.g., coins) can be held in a launch assembly. In  FIG. 24A , a coin is held on its edge, and in  FIG. 24B  a coin is held on its face. 
         [0062]      FIG. 25  shows a few examples of various hole configurations. As shown, the holes can have different sizes and different locations to form a scoring region on a lower panel. It will be appreciated, however, that holes are not required to implement a scoring region and that some scoring regions do not include holes. 
         [0063]      FIG. 26  shows some other examples of more complex scoring regions. As shown, some scoring regions can include a series of steps, wherein different steps can be assigned different point values for example. Other scoring regions can include a series of one or more pyramids (e.g., dual pyramids), or other multi-faceted manifolds that make game play more challenging. 
         [0064]      FIGS. 27A-27C  show another example where a launching assembly includes a pivot point  2702  about which the launching assembly can be rotated to launch an object at different angles. For example,  FIG. 27A  shows an example where an object  2704  is launched on a launch path  2706  that is aligned to a line  2708  of an elongated slot  2710 .  FIG. 27B  shows an example where an object  2712  is launched on a launch path  2714 , wherein the launch path  2714  is disposed at a positive angle α 2  (e.g., about 15 degrees) with respect to the line  2708  of the elongated slot  2710 .  FIG. 27C  shows an example where an object  2716  is launched on a launch path  2718 , wherein the launch path  2718  is disposed at a negative angle α 3  (e.g., about negative 15 degrees) with respect to the line  2708  of the elongated slot  2710 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 28  shows another example of a launching assembly  2800 . This launching assembly includes a launching plate  2802  that includes two or more members  2804   a,    2804   b  between which a coin  2806  or other object is positioned. In the illustrated embodiment, the launching plate  2802  is generally in the shape of a foot, but could also take other forms in other embodiments. A coupling member  2808  extends through the launching plate  2802  such that the launching assembly can slideably engage a base unit (not shown). A bulbous finger pull  2810  is included near the heel of the foot. 
         [0066]    Although the invention has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more embodiments, implementations, alterations and/or modifications may be made to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components or structures (assemblies, devices, systems, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component or structure which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising”.