WOBBLING TABLE GAME

BACKGROUND

Tables are articles of furniture having at least one surface on which objects may be placed, and which are supported at a desired height from the ground or a floor by one or more legs.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to the novel hardware of a table, such as may be used in a competitive tossing or placing game. A play surface is initially level with the ground (or other supporting surface), and tilts or wobbles as players place their tokens on the play surface. Various scoring methodologies may be used for different games using the hardware described herein, which provides a central mechanic for players to strategically tilt the play surface to secure advantages for themselves or their team, or confer disadvantages on other players. To ensure that the tilting mechanic is reliant on player skill rather than chance or environmental conditions, and is tuned to the appropriate level of skill for various players, the described hardware provides several novel features and advantages for use in various environments.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a kit, comprising: a plurality of tokens: a platform, including a play surface and a mounting surface, opposite to the play surface, wherein the mounting surface includes a mounting point at a center of gravity for the platform; a base; and a wobble member having a first end coupled to the mounting point and a second end coupled to the base, wherein the wobble member is configured to support the platform such that the play surface is approximately level until unequal forces are applied to the platform, thereby causing the platform to tilt at an angle to level.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is an apparatus, comprising: a platform having a first side and a second side, opposite to the first side; a flexible rod, secured to the second side of the platform in a mounting point located at a center of gravity for the platform, wherein the flexible rod is configured to allow the platform to tilt from level; a rigid tube, coaxially surrounding at least a portion of the flexible rod, configured to constrain an amount that the flexible rod permits the platform to tilt from level; and a base from which the flexible rod and the rigid tube extend in a first direction toward the platform.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is an apparatus, comprising: a platform having a first side and a second side, opposite to the first side; a socket mount, secured to the second side of the platform at a center of gravity for the platform; and a wobble member, secured in the socket mount by which the platform is pivotably mounted to a base from which the wobble member extends.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures depict various elements of the one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not considered limiting of the scope of the present disclosure.

In the Figures, some elements may be shown not to scale with other elements so as to more clearly show the details. Additionally, like reference numbers are used, where possible, to indicate like elements throughout the several Figures.

It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in the other embodiments without further recitation or illustration. For example, as the Figures may show alternative views and time periods, various elements shown in a first Figure may be omitted from the illustration shown in a second Figure without disclaiming the inclusion of those elements in the embodiments illustrated or discussed in relation to the second Figure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a wobble table, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate the wobble table in use, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate various support bases for the wobble table, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate various hubs in the support base, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate overhead views of the play surface of the wobble platform, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6H illustrate various rods for use as wobble members, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate various mounting points on an underside of the wobble table, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate various tokens for use with the wobble table, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To ensure that the tilting mechanic offered by the wobble table is more reliant on player skill than chance or environmental conditions, and is tuned to the appropriate level of skill for various players, embodiments of the described hardware can provide several novel features and advantages for use in various environments. In various embodiments, a user may freely change various components of the wobble table (which may be included in a kit) to affect various characteristics of the wobble table to alter how the play surface is supported, various physical properties of the play surface, how resilient to tilt the play surface is, and the like to tune how the wobble table is used.

Although generally described in relation to providing utility for a tossing or placing game, the hardware described in the present disclosure may also be used as a novelty or “trick” table, a multi-axial scale, and other purposes that will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a wobble table 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The wobble table 100 is an apparatus that includes a platform 110 that is supported along its center of gravity by a wobble member 120 connected to a base 130.

The platform 110 includes a play surface 112 on a first side and a mounting surface 114 on a second (opposite) side). As described in relation to FIGS. 5A-5C, the platform 110 may have play surfaces 112 with surface areas of various different shapes and sizes. The play surface 112 may include various textures and patterns to affect how various tokens 140 placed onto the play surface 112 are scored or remain placed on the play surface 112 when using the wobble table 100. Additionally, as described in relation to FIGS. 7A-7E, the mounting surface 114 may include various designs for a mounting point (700) to connect or mount the platform 110 with the wobble member 120.

The wobble member 120, as is described in greater detail in regard to FIGS. 6A-6G, is selectively connected between the platform 110 and the base 130. As used herein, an element that is described as being selectively connectable, selectively mountable, or variations thereof, is able to be temporarily connected and later disconnected with various other elements without damaging either element. For example, two elements with matching male and female threads, twist locks, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, or the like may be considered to be selectively connectable, whereas elements that are glued, welded, nailed, or otherwise permanently affixed together may not be considered to be selectively connectable.

The platform 110 balances on the wobble member 120, which provides users with control over how readily, and to what extent, the platform 110 tilts from an initial plane parallel to the ground (or other support surface) when uneven forces are applied to the platform 110. In various embodiments, the wobble member 120 may include a flexible rod of various lengths that extends between the platform 110 and the base 130 and deflects as uneven forces are applied to the platform 110, such as is shown in greater detail in regard to FIGS. 2A-2D. In various embodiments, the wobble member 120 may include a rigid rod of various lengths that includes a rounded head, elastic member, or other element about which the platform 110 pivots as uneven forces are applied to the platform 110, such as is shown in greater detail in regard to FIGS. 3A-3C.

The base 130 include a hub (320) to which the wobble member 120 is selectively connectable. In various embodiments, the base 130 may take different forms for use on different supporting surfaces, some of which are described in greater detail in regard to FIGS. 3A-3C. For example, the base 130 may include a plurality of legs that end in feet that rest on a supporting surface, a single leg that includes a spike to drive into a supporting surface, or a vehicular leg that ends in a hitch mount to be supported by a trailer hitch of a vehicle. In various embodiments, the legs may be adjustable in height, or a user may select different lengths of wobble members 120 to adjust the height that the platform 110 rests relative to the supporting surface.

In various embodiments, the wobble member 120 may be rigidly mounted to both the platform 110 and the support base 130 and impart tilt via deformation or bending in the wobble member 120 itself. In various embodiments, the wobble member 120 may be rigidly mounted to one of the platform 110 and the support base 130 and pivotably mounted to the other one of the platform 110 and the support base 130 at a joint. As used herein, two elements that are pivotably mounted with one another can move relative to one another to tilt or rotate the platform 110 relative to the supporting surface.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate the wobble table 100 in use, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 2A-2B are side views of a wobble table 100 in use with a flexible rod-style wobble member 120, in which FIG. 2A is a side view of a wobble table 100 with the wobble platform 110 in a flat or balanced position, while FIG. 2B is a side view of the wobble table 100 in a tilted position. FIGS. 2C-2D are side views of a wobble table 100 in use with a rigid rod-style wobble member 120, in which FIG. 2C is a side view of a wobble table 100 with the wobble platform 110 in a flat or balanced position, while FIG. 2D is a side view of the wobble table 100 in a tilted position.

Although illustrated in one viewing plane (e.g., an XZ plane) that is perpendicular to the balance plane 210 (e.g., an XY plane), it will be appreciated that the angle of tilt may be imparted in other planes that are also perpendicular to the balance plane 210. Stated differently, the platform 110 may tilt in 360 degrees, and the chosen viewing plane may be rotated about the balance axis 220 to show a tilt in two-dimensions (e.g., on the page), as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D, or in three-dimensions (e.g., at least partially into or out of the page).

When in the balanced position and level, as in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the play surface 112 of the platform 110 is aligned with a balance plane 210. Although illustrated with the balance plane 210 parallel to the supporting surface 230 that the base 130 rests on (e.g., the ground, a table), the wobble table 100 may be adjusted (e.g., when on uneven ground) to maintain level when the balance plane 210 is not parallel to the supporting surface 230. The wobble member 120 is connected to the mounting surface 114 of the platform 110 at a center of gravity for the platform 110 so that the weight of the platform 110 is substantially evenly distributed in the balance plane 210, and the platform 110 remains balanced in the balance plane 210 unless uneven external forces, such as from tokens 140 placed on the play surface 112, are applied to the platform 110. A balance axis 220 is directed through the center of gravity of the platform 110 through the wobble member 120 to the connection point with the base 130 when the platform 110 is level, and offers a reference for what angle the platform 110 has been tilted when out of level.

When a force is applied to the platform 110, such as the downward force of a token 140 placed on the play surface 112, that force creates a moment arm that tilts the platform 110 out of level when the magnitude of the force is sufficient to overcome the rigidity of the wobble member 120 or joint. A user may select different rigidity levels in a flexible wobble member 120, or different rigidity levels in a joint when using a rigid wobble member 120 to affect how readily the platform 110 tilts. For example, a less rigid (or more flexible) wobble member 120 may permit the platform 110 to tilt to a greater extent with less force applied than a more rigid (or less flexible) wobble member 120. Similarly, a less rigid (or looser) joint used with a rigid wobble member 120 may permit the platform to tilt to a greater extent with less force applied than a more rigid (or tighter) joint. Additionally, a user may tune various elements of the wobble table 100 to affect the amount of tilt (e.g., an angle away from the balanced position) that the wobble member 120 can impart on the platform 110.

Depending on where the force is applied to the platform 110 relative to the center of gravity, various forces may exert different moment arms. As more downward forces are placed on the platform 110, the different moment arms constructively or destructively interfere with one another; destabilizing or rebalancing the platform 110 depending on the relative magnitudes of the respective moment arms. Once the moment arms are sufficient to overcome the rigidity of the wobble member 120, the platform 110 begins to tilt, as is shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D.

The tilting means for the wobble table 100 includes the wobble member 120 and the attachment or rotation points in the platform 110 and support base 130 that the wobble member 120 is mounted to. When the platform 110 tilts using a flexible wobble member 120, as in FIG. 2B, all or some of the wobble member 120 bends to impart the tilt, while remaining rigidly mounted to the platform 110 and the support base 130. When the platform 110 tilts using a rigid wobble member 120, as in FIG. 2D, the platform 110 tilts relative to the wobble member 120 at a joint, where the wobble member 120 is connected to the platform 110. In various embodiments, elements of the joint or the support base 130 may constrain the amount of tilt that the tilting means is able to impart to the platform 110 to below a threshold angle (e.g., a tilt of no more than X degrees).

In various embodiments, the imparted tilt may be removed or altered via user interaction or the mechanics of the wobble member 120 as unequal forces are applied to the platform 110. For example, a user may place a first token 140a on one side of the platform 110 that induces the tilt, and subsequently places a second token 140b on the opposite side of the platform 110 that counteracts the initial tilt (e.g., rebalancing the platform 110), partially counteracts the tilt (e.g., tilting the platform 110 to a lesser angle of deviation from balanced), or re-tilts the platform 110 in a new direction based on the combined moment arms of the tokens 140. In another example, the elasticity in the wobble member 120 or joint formed between he wobble member 120 and the platform 110 can return the platform 110 to the balanced position when the moment arm is removed or reduced in magnitude. In some embodiments in which the joint formed between he wobble member 120 and the platform 110 does not incorporate a component providing an elasticity to return the platform 110 to the balanced position, the platform 110 may remain tilted (even when the moment arms are removed) until a user places the platform 110 back into the balanced position. Accordingly, the wobble table 100 may return to the balanced position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C) after being placed into the titled position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D) by various actions.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate various support bases 130 for the wobble table 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. A plurality of support bases 130 with different properties and methods supporting the platform 110 at a desired may be included (e.g., as part of a kit) for a user to freely substitute in a wobble table 100. Depending on the surface that the wobble table 100 is to be used on, various support bases 130 may be used, and a user may freely substitute one support base 130 for another according to the conditions of the surface, desired footprint for the wobble table 100, desired height of the platform 110 relative to the supporting surface 230, available support bases 130, and the like.

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a support base 130 with three legs 310a-c (generally or collectively legs 310). In FIG. 3A, the legs 310 meet at a central hub 320 and end in a corresponding foot 330a-c (generally or collectively foot 330 or feet 330). Although illustrated with three legs 310a-c, in various embodiments, a multi-legged support base 130 may include more than three legs 310 (each that meets at the hub and includes a corresponding foot 330).

In various embodiments, the legs 310 may be of a fixed length or an extendable length. For example a leg 310 may be adjustable in length when including two or more coaxially aligned segments that may be fixed in place via pins or tabs (that are selectively removable or are retractable) inserted through to various through-holes in the segments to thereby allow adjustment of one segment relative to the other to adjust the length of the associated leg 310.

In another example, the user may adjust how far outward the legs 310 extend relative to the hub 320 to adjust the height of the platform 110 relative to the supporting surface 230. For example, in a first state, the legs 310 may extend past the outer edge of the platform 110, extend to the outer edge of the platform 110 in a second state, and are contained under the platform 110 in a third state. In the present example (assuming that the user is using a constant length for the legs 310), the platform 110 is lowest in the first state, at a mid-way height in the second state, and highest in the third state due to the length of the legs 310. The legs 310 may be attached to the hub 320 (or one another) via hinges or rotational joints to allow the user to adjust the amount of the length of the leg 310 to contribute to the vertical height of the wobble table 100 versus the lateral footprint. Additionally or alternatively, by attaching the legs 310 to the hub 320 via rotational joints or hinges, the user may fold in the legs 310 to allow for easier storage of the support base 130.

In another example, the hub 320 includes a plurality of cavities in which the legs 310 may be inserted and held in place via friction or the weight of the wobble member 120 and platform 110.

The hub 320 may include various hinges and rotational joints that are connected with the legs 310. The hub 320 also includes a cavity or mounting point (discussed in greater detail in regard to FIGS. 4A-4B) to allow the user to selectively attach and detach a wobble member 120 with the support base 130. In various embodiments, wobble member 120 is selectively attachable with the hub 320 to allow for easier storage and transport of the wobble table 100, or for a user to select different wobble members 120 with different lengths, levels of flexibility/rigidity, or wobble mechanics (e.g., rotation at a joint versus bending along the length of the wobble member 120) to tune how the platform 110 moves when forces are applied to the platform 110 during use.

In various embodiments, each foot 330 may include various non-slip or gripping elements to help maintain the wobble table 100 in place during use, and to avoid marking or marring various supporting surfaces 230. In some embodiments, the feet 330 may include rubberized or plastic caps for the legs 310 that may include treads, stakes, spikes, cleats, or other anti-slip surfaces or grip-increasing features. In some embodiments, the feet include through-holes through which stakes may be inserted to secure the support base 130 to a supporting surface 230.

In some embodiments, the support base 130 includes a rigid tube 340 located concentrically around the hub 320. The rigid tube 340 extends from the hub 320, similarly to the wobble member 120 when connected to the hub 320, but extends for a shorter distance than the wobble member 120. Stated differently, when assembled, the rigid tube 340 is connected at the hub 320 concentrically around the wobble member 120 and extends from the hub 320 partially to the mounting point of the platform 110 such that the rigid tube 340 leaves a portion of the wobble member 120 exposed.

Depending on the internal bore and height of the rigid tube 340, the wobble member 120 may be constrained to a threshold angle for how far the platform 110 can tilt away from the balance plane 210. For example, using the same forces on the same platform 110 attached to the same wobble member 120, a longer rigid tube 340 may permit less bend in flexible wobble member 120 and a shorter rigid tube 340 would permit. Similarly, using the same forces on the same platform 110 attached to the same wobble member 120, a rigid tube 340 with a smaller bore may permit less bend in flexible wobble member 120 and a rigid tube 340 with a larger bore would permit. In various embodiments, the user may selectively attach rigid tubes 340 of different heights and bore diameters to affect how much the wobble member 120 is permitted to bend or tilt. Although illustrated as a substantially cylindrical tube, in various embodiments, the rigid tube 340 may take different forms, such as open conic sections.

FIG. 38 is an isometric view of a support base 130 with a single leg 310 with a spike 350 included at the distal end of the single leg 310 relative to the coaxial hub 320. The single leg 310 is aligned on the balance axis 220 and held in place via a spike 350 inserted into the supporting surface 230. Stated differently, the leg 310 and spike 350 are concentrically aligned with one another coaxially with the hub 320. In various embodiments, the spike 350 may be included as a foot 330 for the leg 310 that a user may selectively remove from the leg 310 (e.g., for storage) and may replace with different spikes 350 for insertion into different material types for the supporting surface 230. For example, a spike 350 intended for insertion into a clay supporting surface 230 may narrower and have a sharper tip than a spike 350 intended for insertion into a sandy supporting surface 230.

In various embodiments, the spike 350 or the single leg 310 may include one or more inserting aids or footpads 360 that allow a user to impart a downward force to the support base 130 to drive the spike 350 into the supporting surface 230. In various embodiments, the footpads 360 extend laterally from the leg 310 or spike 350 and may provide additional support for keeping the leg 310 in an upright position aligned with the balance axis 220.

FIG. 3C is an isometric view of a support base 130 with a single “vehicular” leg 310 with a hitch mount 370 for connection to hitch of a vehicle or trailer. The hitch mount 370 is adapted to be selectively inserted and secured in the hitch of a vehicle or trailer, thereby allowing the height of the vehicle or trailer to contribute to the height at which the platform 110 is elevated above the supporting surface 230. The single vehicular leg 310 includes a horizontal member 312 and a vertical member 314. The vertical member 314 includes an upright hub 320 to which a wobble member 120 can be coupled.

As will be appreciated, depending on the surface that the vehicle or trailer that the vehicular leg 310 is coupled, the horizontal member 312 and the vertical member 314 may be approximately horizontal or vertical. Accordingly, the upright hub 320 may include various pivot points to level the upright hub 320 in the vertical member 314 to counteract various degrees of un-levelness in the supporting surface 230.

In various embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, the single leg 310 may define an “L” shape with the horizontal member 312 and vertical member 314 attached to one another at a 90 degree angle (and may include a cross-member 316 for additional support connected to both members at acute angles). In some embodiments, a diagonal member (not illustrated) is connected between the horizontal member 312 and the vertical member 314 at acute angles. In various embodiments, the length of the horizontal member 312 or height of the vertical member 314 may be adjustable when two or more coaxially aligned segments are included that may be fixed in place via pins or tabs (that are selectively removable or are retractable) inserted through to various through-holes in the segments to thereby allow adjustment of one segment relative to the other.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate various hubs 320 in the support base 130, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The hub 320 includes a mounting cavity 410 to accept and selectively secure one end of the wobble member 120. In various embodiments, such as in FIG. 4A, the mounting cavity 410 has an anti-rotation cross-sectional shape matched to the shape of the one end of the wobble member 120, such as a triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc., shape that resists rotation about the balance axis 220. Accordingly, when the wobble member 120 is inserted into the mounting cavity 410, the wobble member 120 can bend or tilt and resist rotation. In some embodiments, such as in FIG. 4B, the mounting cavity 310 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and includes threads matched to threads included on the one end of the wobble member 120 to secure the wobble member 120 within the mounting cavity 410 and resist rotation during use of the wobble table 100.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate overhead views of the play surface 112 of the wobble platform 110, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5A illustrates the play surface 112 parallel to the balance plane 210 for the wobble table 100, while FIGS. 5B and 5C respectively illustrate progressively greater amounts of tilt from the balance plane 210 for the play surface 112.

In various embodiments, the play surface 112 includes at least a first section 510a and a second section 510b (generally or collectively, section 510) that are differentiated from one another by at least one of color (including pattern or design), texture, and coefficient of friction. For example, the first section 510a may have a higher coefficient of friction than the second section 510b so that tokens 140 placed in the first section 510a resist sliding across (or off) of the play surface 112 to a greater degree than tokens 140 placed in the second section 510b.

For example, a first token 140a placed in the first section 510a (as is shown in FIG. 5A) may remain stationary (e.g., resisting sliding) as a second token 140b (identical to the first token 140a) is placed in the second section 510b, as is shown in FIG. 5B. The first token 140a in the first section 510a may continue to resist sliding as a third token 140c is added to the second section 510b, but the second token 140b in the second section 510b may begin to slide due to the lower coefficient of friction of the second section 510b when a greater tilt is applied to the play surface 112, as is shown in FIG. 5C. The third token 140c in the present example, may also slide in some embodiments or, in other embodiments, may remain stationary if the third token 140c has a higher coefficient of friction than the second token 140b or otherwise exhibits greater inertia than the second token 140b.

Although illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C with the first section 510a being concentrically located within the second section 510b, other patterns or arrangements of the sections are envisioned. Additionally, although shown with two sections 510 in FIGS. 5A-5C, in various embodiments, fewer or more sections 510 may be provided.

In various embodiments that include different sections defined for the play surface 112, the different sections 510 may be provided by using different paints or dyes on the play surface 112, casting the play surface 112 with a mold with different textures defined for the areas corresponding to the different sections, using different inserts with different material characteristics for the different sections, or the like. In various embodiments, various sections 510 may take different shapes from one another (e.g., inner and outer sections 510 as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C) or may have the same shape as one another (e.g., quadrants of the play surface 112).

Although the play surface 112 shown in FIGS. 5A-5C is shown with a shape 520 that is substantially circular, other layouts for the play surface 112 that exhibit radial symmetry and can be balanced on the balance axis 220 are also contemplated, such as substantially triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc., as well as various irregular polygonal shapes (e.g., amoebas, blobs, snowflakes) that can be balanced on the wobble member 120. In various embodiments, the edges 530 of the platform 110 may include rounded portions on any corners, and may include padding or reinforcing material (e.g., a rubberized plastic, a steel or aluminum band).

FIGS. 6A-6H illustrate various rods 600a-h (generally or collectively, rod 600) for use as wobble members 120, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. A plurality of wobble members 120 with different properties and methods of imparting tilt to the platform 110 may be included (e.g., as part of a kit) for a user to freely substitute in a wobble table 100 to tune the mechanics for how readily, and to what extent, the platform 110 tilts.

Each of the rods 600 in FIGS. 6A-6H include a first end 610a (generally or collectively, end 610) for mounting to a first one of the platform 110 or the support base 130 and a second end 610b for mounting to a second one of the platform 110 or the support base 130. The various rods 600 may include different lengths 630 to allow the user to tune the overall height of the wobble table 100, and may include different diameters 620 to allow for flexible wobble members 120 made of the same material to bend less (with a larger diameter) or more (with a larger diameter) when the same forces are applied. In various embodiments, the flexible wobble members 120 may include rods 600 made of rubber, rubberized plastics, textiles or woven materials, and other materials capable of bending when unequal forces are applied (and returning to a base state when the unequal forces are removed). In various embodiments, the rigid wobble members 120 may include rods 600 made of metals, wood, or other materials that deform or bend less than approximately five degrees during use of the wobble table 100 to encourage the tilt in the platform 110 to occur due to rotation in a joint formed with the rigid wobble member 120.

FIG. 6A illustrates a first rod 600a having threads 640 defined on a first end 610a to mount with corresponding thread mounts included in a mounting point for the platform 110 (such as those illustrated in FIG. 7A) and including an insert 650 with an anti-rotational cross-section that is adapted for insertion into a mounting cavity 410 defined in the hub 320 having the same or similar cross-sectional shape (such as that illustrated in FIG. 4A). Although illustrated with a hexagonal cross-section, in various embodiments, the insert 650 may have various anti-rotational cross-sectional shapes. In various embodiments, the first rod 600a may be a rigid rod or a flexible rod, depending on the mounting point in the platform 110 and whether the user wishes to convert the wobble table 100 to a non-wobbling table.

FIG. 6B illustrates a second rod 600b having threads 640 defined on a first end 610a to mount with corresponding thread mounts included in a mounting point for the platform 110 (such as those illustrated in FIG. 7A) and including threads 640 defined on a second end 610b to mount with corresponding thread mounts included in a hub 320 of the support base 130 (such as those illustrated in FIG. 4B). In various embodiments, the threads 640 on either end of the second rod 600b may both be left-handed threads, right-handed threads, or one of each handedness. In various embodiments, the second rod 600b may be a rigid rod or a flexible rod, depending on the mounting point in the platform 110 and whether the user wishes to convert the wobble table 100 to a non-wobbling table.

FIG. 6C illustrates a third rod 600c with a shorter length 630 than the first rod 600a of FIG. 6A. In various embodiments, a user may freely replace one wobble member 120 with another with different properties, such as a greater or lesser length 630. For example, a shorter flexible rod 600, ceteris paribus, decreases the overall height of the wobble table 100 and is more resilient to bending (e.g., taking greater forces to affect the same angle of tilt in the platform 110) than a longer flexible rod 600.

FIG. 6D illustrates a fourth rod 600d with a thinner diameter 620 than the first rod 600a of FIG. 6A. Similarly, FIG. 6E illustrates a fifth rod 600e with a thicker diameter 620 than the first rod 600a of FIG. 6A. In various embodiments, a user may freely replace one wobble member 120 with another with different properties, such as a greater or lesser diameter 620. Although the diameters 620 of the fourth rod 600d and the fifth rod 600e are different than the first rod 600a, the ends 610 of each rod 600 retain the same size to allow for the rods 600 to be attached, inserted, or otherwise mounted to the same mounting points and hubs 320. In various embodiments, a user may freely replace one wobble member 120 with another with different properties, such as a greater or lesser diameter 620. For example, a thinner flexible rod 600, ceteris paribus, is less resilient to bending (e.g., taking lower forces to affect the same angle of tilt in the platform 110) than a thicker flexible rod 600.

FIG. 6F illustrates a sixth rod 600f including a spring 660 on a first end 610a to mount with corresponding spring mount included in a mounting point for the platform 110 (such as those illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C) and including threads 640 defined on a second end 610b to mount with corresponding thread mounts included in a hub 320 of the support base 130 (such as those illustrated in FIG. 48). In various embodiments, when the platform 110 tilts, the spring 660 is placed in tension, and seeks to pull the platform 110 back into a balanced state (e.g., parallel with the balance plane 210), and generally resists tilting the platform 110 out of the balanced state. In various embodiments, a user may select various springs 660 with different strengths (e.g., based on the material, wire diameter, spring diameter, number of windings, etc.) to affect the rigidity of the wobble member 120.

In various embodiments, the body of the sixth rod 600f may rigid, and the spring 660 provides the flexibility for the platform 110 to wobble, or the sixth rod 600f may be flexible, and the spring 660 provides additional flexion and/or the ability to connect to the mounting surface 114. In various embodiments, the threads 640 shown on the sixth rod 600f may be replaced with an insert 650, such as is shown in FIG. 6A, or another mounting feature depending on the mounting hardware included in the hub 320.

FIG. 6G illustrates a seventh rod 600g having a rounded head 670 defined on a first end 610a to mount with corresponding socket mount included in a mounting point for the platform 110 (such as those illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C) and including threads 640 defined on a second end 610b to mount with corresponding thread mounts included in a hub 320 of the support base 130 (such as those illustrated in FIG. 4B). In various embodiments, the rounded head 670 includes a spherical arc distance of at least 180 degrees (e.g., a hemisphere) that is adapted to allow smooth rotation of the platform 110 relative to the wobble member 120. In various embodiments, although not illustrated, the hub 320 may include a socket configured to capture the rounded head 670, and the mounting point of the platform 110 includes a thread mount to engage the threads 640.

As used herein, a first element is considered to have captured a second element when, during normal use of the wobble table 100, the first element holds the second element in substantially place (e.g., within a cavity), but may allow for the rotation or pivoting of the first element and second element relative to one another to permit the platform 110 to tilt.

In various embodiments, the seventh rod 600g may be a rigid rod or a flexible rod, depending on the mounting point in the platform 110 and whether the user wishes to convert the wobble table 100 to a non-wobbling table. Additionally, in various embodiments, the threads 640 shown on the seventh rod 600g may be replaced with an insert 650, such as is shown in FIG. 6A, or another mounting feature depending on the mounting hardware included in the hub 320.

FIG. 6H illustrates an eighth rod 600h that defines a cavity 680 on a first end 610a that includes a tension spring 690 to mount with corresponding spring mount included in a mounting point for the platform 110 (such as those illustrated in FIG. 7E) and including threads 640 defined on a second end 610b to mount with corresponding thread mounts included in a hub 320 of the support base 130 (such as those illustrated in FIG. 4B). In various embodiments, when connected to the platform 110, the tension spring 690 is initially placed in tension, and seeks to maintain the platform 110 in a balanced state (e.g., parallel with the balance plane 210), and generally attempts to return the platform 110 to the balanced state when tilted. In various embodiments, a user may select various tension springs 690 with different strengths (e.g., based on the material, wire diameter, spring diameter, number of windings, etc.) to affect the rigidity of the wobble member 120. Additionally or alternatively the user may use elastic or rubber bands held under tension as the tension spring 690. Although not illustrated, the cavity 680 may include a hook, eyelet, or other attachment point for the tension spring 690, thereby allowing a user to replace or remove the tension spring 690.

In various embodiments, the eighth rod 600h may be a rigid rod or a flexible rod, depending on the mounting point in the platform 110 and whether the user wishes to convert the wobble table 100 to a non-wobbling table. Additionally, in various embodiments, the threads 640 shown on the eighth rod 600h may be replaced with an insert 650, such as is shown in FIG. 6A, or another mounting feature depending on the mounting hardware included in the hub 320.

FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate various mounting points 700a-f (generally or collectively, mounting point 700) on an underside (e.g., the mounting surface 114) of the wobble table 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. A plurality of mounting points 700 with different properties and methods interfacing with a wobble member 120 may be included (e.g., as part of a kit) for a user to freely substitute in a wobble table 100 to tune the mechanics for how readily, and to what extent, the platform 110 tilts. In various embodiments, the mounting points 700 (or attachment points on the mounting surface 114 for the mounting points 700) may be integrated in the construction of the platform 110 (e.g., during a molding or an additive manufacturing process, or during machining or a subtractive manufacturing process). In embodiments including selectively attachable mounting points 700, the user may attach and detach the mounting points 700 to the mounting surface 114 via screws, bolts, a thread mount, or a twist-lock mechanism, clamps, or other fastening means.

FIG. 7A illustrates a first mounting point 700a of a thread mount 710 configured to interface with threads 640 included on a wobble member 120 to secure the threaded end of a flexible wobble member 120 to the platform 110, such as is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6E. In various embodiments, the thread mount 710 may be left-handed or right-handed.

FIG. 7B illustrates a second mounting point 700b of an open socket 720 configured to interface with the head 670 of a rigid wobble member 120, which may be rounded or flat. The wobble member 120 is not attached to the mounting point 700b, but is placed within the open socket 720 to allow the platform 110 to freely balance and wobble or tilt on the rigid wobble member 120. The depth and circumference of the open socket 720

In various embodiments, the open socket 720 is defined as a cavity within mounting surface 114 of the platform 110 having straight-sloped or rounded-slope walls (e.g., an open cone or semi-sphere). In various embodiments, the open socket 720 is an extension or added component that projects from the mounting surface 114 of the platform 110 having a straight-sloped or rounded-slope walls. In various embodiments, the walls of the open socket 720 describe no more than 180 degrees of arc from a “top” point of the closed socket 730 (aligned on the balance axis 220) to thereby allow free movement of the wobble member 120 (e.g., a hemisphere). In various embodiments, the straight-sloped walls can have angles between 45 and 90 degrees.

FIG. 7C illustrates a third mounting point 700c of a closed socket 730 configured to interface with the head 670 of a rigid wobble member 120, which may be rounded or flat. The closed socket 730 captures the head 670 of the rigid wobble member 120, such that the platform 110 is allowed to freely balance and wobble or tilt on the rigid wobble member 120, but the platform 110 cannot fall off of the wobble member 120 when the head 670 is captured. The closed socket 730 has an opening through with the body of the wobble member 120 extends, and the opening defines an arc distance that constrains tilt of the platform 110 relative to the wobble member 120 to a threshold degree when the sides of the opening make contact with the body of the wobble member 120 (e.g., preventing further movement in a given direction).

In various embodiments, the head 670 may be captured within the closed socket 730 via: a doors, added walls, or other clasping mechanisms that selectively close an otherwise open socket 720; inserting a smaller second end 610b of the wobble member 120 through a through-hole in the closed socket 730 before attaching the closed socket 730 to the mounting surface 114; manufacturing the closed socket 730 to include a captured ball that includes a thread mount 710 to which a rigid wobble member 120 with a threaded end may screw into; pressure mounts that the end 610 of the wobble member 120 can selectively “pop” into or out of to provide a pivotable joint with the closed socket 730; and the like.

In various embodiments, the closed socket 730 is defined as a cavity within mounting surface 114 of the platform 110 having straight-sloped or rounded-slope walls (e.g., conic or semi-spherical). In various embodiments, the closed socket 730 is an extension or added component that projects from the mounting surface 114 of the platform 110 having a straight-sloped or rounded-slope walls. In various embodiments, the walls of the closed socket 730 describe more than 180 degrees of arc from a “top” point of the closed socket 730 (aligned on the balance axis 220) to thereby capture the head of the wobble member 120 (e.g., more than a hemisphere). When using straight-sloped walls, the closed socket 730 includes walls sloped in one direction (e.g., outward) that transition to slope in an opposite direction (e.g., inward) to thereby capture the head of the wobble member 120.

FIG. 7D illustrates (in a cross sectional view) a fourth mounting point 700d of a spring mount 740 configured to engage a spring or coil, such as spring 660 shown in FIG. 6F. The spring mount 740 includes an opening through which a free end of the spring or coil may be inserted and wound or screwed into a cavity defined between an external wall of the spring mount 740 and the body of the platform 110 or an internal wall of the spring mount 740 connected to the platform 110.

FIG. 7E illustrates (in a cross sectional view) a fifth mounting point 700e of a tension mount 750 included within an open socket 720. In various embodiments, a tension mount 750 may be included in a closed socket 730. The tension mount 750 includes a hook, eyelet, or other feature that one end of a spring under tension, such as the tension spring 690 shown in FIG. 6H, is connected. When connected to the wobble member 120 and the tension mount, the spring is held under tension, which allows the platform 110 to resist tilting, and to return to the balanced state when the tilting forces are removed or reduced in magnitude. In various embodiments, a user may select various springs with different strengths (e.g., based on the material, wire diameter, spring diameter, number of windings, etc.) to affect strength at which the platform 110, when connected via the spring, is held to the wobble member 120. Additionally or alternatively the user may use elastic or rubber bands held under tension as the spring connected to the tension mount.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate various tokens 140 for use with the wobble table 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. A token set 800 may include various tokens 140 that are distinguishable from one another based on size, color, shape, weights, materials used, and combinations thereof. For example, a wobble table 100 may be used as part of a competitive tossing game where two or more teams or players are assigned otherwise identical subsets of tokens 140 from the token set 800 that have tokens 140 with different colors (e.g., a blue, red, yellow, etc., team) or with different emblems printed thereon.

In some embodiments, the token set 800 includes tokens 140 of several different designs, although each subset may be provided with an equal number of each different design. For example, a first token 140a, as shown in FIG. 8A, may be provided as a larger square pillow-shaped bag 810, while a second token 140b, as shown in FIG. 8B, may be provided as a smaller square pillow-shaped bag 810 (relative to one another). Other shapes may also be provided, such as circular, triangular, other quadrilateral, pentagonal, etc. pillow-shapes, or a pyramidal shape, such as the third bag 830 shown in FIG. 8C, cubic, or other regular or irregular prisms.

Additionally or alternatively to having different sizes and/or shapes, the various tokens 180 can have different weights, different coefficients of frictions, and combinations thereof. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the token set 800 includes at least a first token 140a and a second token 140b having a first weight, a first size, a first shape, and a first coefficient of friction; and a third token and a fourth token having a second weight, a second size, a second shape, and a second coefficient of friction, wherein at least one of the second weight, the second size, the second shape, and the second coefficient of friction is different from a corresponding one of the first size, the first shape, and the first coefficient of friction.

In various embodiments, the tokens 140 (such as those shown in FIGS. 8A-8C) include cloth or plastic bags that are filled with various stuffing 840, such as corn kernels or other seeds, sawdust, plastic or polystyrene pellets, water, or other materials to add weight to the tokens and are freely deformable. Different amounts or different types of stuffing 840 may provide for different weights in otherwise similarly sized tokens 140. In other embodiments, the tokens 140 (such as that shown in FIG. 8D) include a solid core 850 (although an external covering may be applied) that is not freely deformable, such as sheets or discs of steel or aluminum, coins, single-piece plastic or wood cores, or the like.

The descriptions and illustrations of one or more embodiments provided in this disclosure are intended to provide a thorough and complete disclosure the full scope of the subject matter to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art and are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the subject matter as claimed in any way. The aspects, examples, and details provided in this disclosure are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable those of ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the best mode of the claimed subject matter. Descriptions of structures, resources, operations, and acts considered well-known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may be brief or omitted to avoid obscuring lesser known or unique aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure. The claimed subject matter should not be construed as being limited to any embodiment, aspect, example, or detail provided in this disclosure unless expressly stated herein. Regardless of whether shown or described collectively or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features. Further, any or all of the functions and acts shown or described may be performed in any order or concurrently.

Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the relevant art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate embodiments falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept provided in this disclosure that do not depart from the broader scope of the present disclosure.

As used in the present disclosure, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any set of those items, including sets with a single member, and every potential combination thereof. For example, when referencing “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C”, the phrase is intended to cover the sets of: A, B, C, A-B, B-C, and A-B-C, where the sets may include one or multiple instances of a given member (e.g., A-A, A-A-A, A-A-B, A-A-B-B-C-C-C, etc.) and any ordering thereof.

As used in the present disclosure, the term “determining” encompasses a variety of actions that may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., via a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), retrieving, resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

As used in the present disclosure, the terms “substantially”, “approximately”, “about”, and other relative terms encompass values within ±5% of a stated quantity, percentage, or range unless a different approximation is explicitly recited in relation to the state quantity, percentage, or range or if the context of the value indicates that a different approximation would be more appropriate. For example, a value identified as about X % may be understood to include values between 0.95*X % and 1.05*X % or between X−0.05X and X+0.05X percent, but may stop at zero or one hundred percent in various contexts. In another example, a feature described as being substantially parallel or perpendicular to another feature shall be understood to be within ±9 degrees of parallel or perpendicular. In another example, a shape being described as substantially square may include sides that are approximately the same lengths, angles that approximately 90 degrees, corners that are rounded, or edges that are approximately straight. Any value stated in relative terms shall be understood to include the stated value and any range or subrange between the indicated or implicit extremes.

As used in the present disclosure, all numbers given in the examples (whether indicated as approximate or otherwise) inherently include values within the range of precision and rounding error for that number. For example, the number 4.5 shall be understood to include values from 4.45 to 4.54, while the number 4.50 shall be understood to include values from 4.495 to 4.504.

Additionally, any number or range that explicitly or by context refers to an integer amount (e.g., approximately X users, between about Y and Z states), shall be understood to round downward or upward to the next integer value (e.g., X±1 users, Y−1 and Z+1 states).

The following claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. Within the claims, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated as such, but rather as “one or more” or “at least one”. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. No claim element is to be construed under the provision of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for”. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described in the present disclosure that are known or come later to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

WOBBLING TABLE GAME

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CPC

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