STACKED BEVERAGE GAME SYSTEM

Abstract

Provided are a stacked beverage game system and methods of playing a stacked beverage game. The provided game system comprises at least one stackable tier, each tier being adapted to receive a plurality of beverage receptacles and stack onto each other to form a stack. The provided methods of playing a game comprise assembling a provided game system into a stack with each stackable tier holding a plurality of beverage receptacles containing a liquid beverage of choice, and having a player toss or bounce a ball towards the stack in an attempt to cause the ball to be received within a beverage receptacle.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and any other benefit of U.S. 61/428,850, filed Dec. 30, 2010.

BACKGROUND

Numerous games involving beverages are known. Beer-Pong, also known as “Beirut,” is one such game and typically involves beer or other alcoholic beverages. Although numerous variations in the rules of the game exist, typically two teams of two or more people take turns throwing or bouncing balls into drinking cups. The game is played on a smooth, flat rectangular table or similar surface, typically one having a length between six to eight feet. Each team has a group of cups (typically 6 or more) centrally placed at opposite ends of the playing surface, said cups arranged in a close fitting triangular pattern (such as a 3-2-1 pattern) with the rims of the cups abutting one another. In this arrangement, each group of cups resembles an initial rack of balls in a game of pool. Each cup is filled, or partially filled, with a liquid beverage of choice, typically beer.

Play typically consists of each team taking turns trying to eliminate the other team's cups by directly throwing or bouncing a ball (such as a ping-pong ball or beer-pong ball) across the length of the playing surface and into one of the opposing team's cups. If a ball lands in a cup, that cup is taken out of play, and a member of the team whose cup was eliminated drinks the beverage contained within the cup. Play continues until the winning team eliminates all of the opposing team's cups. The losing team then drinks the contents of the winning team's remaining cups.

Although numerous games exist, including games involving beverages, there nevertheless remains a need in the art for new games, especially those with sufficient complexity that player participation and enjoyment are enhanced. Because games involving beverages are typically played in a variety of venues, a need also exists for such games that are readily portable.

SUMMARY

The present application provides, in various embodiments, a game system comprising one or more stackable tiers, each tier of the system comprising (a) a body having a top with a plurality of receptacle apertures defined therein, each receptacle aperture adapted to receive a receptacle capable of holding a liquid; and optionally, (b) one or more legs or other support means. In some embodiments, the provided game system comprises a first and at least one additional stackable tier, each tier adapted to stack onto each other in a pre-determined order to form a stack, the first tier being on bottom of the stack. In some embodiments, the provided game system may comprise one, two, three, or more stackable tiers.

In addition to the provided game system, the present application also provides methods of playing a game between two or more players. In various embodiments, the provided methods comprise (i) assembling a provided game system to form a stack of one or more stackable tiers such that a plurality of receptacles are received in the stacked tiers, each receptacle holding at least one liquid; and (ii) having a player toss or bounce the at least one ball towards a stackable tier disposed on top of the stack in an attempt to cause the ball to be received within a receptacle received in said tier. If a ball is received within a receptacle, the provided methods further comprise (iii) awarding at least one point, having another player drink the at least one liquid held in said receptacle, and removing said receptacle from said stackable tier. Steps (ii)-(iii) are repeated until all receptacles in a stackable tier are removed, followed by removal of said stackable tier from the stack. The process is then repeated until all receptacles have been removed from the stack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and the many embodiments thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a provided game system comprising three stackable tiers.

FIGS. 2-4 further illustrate one example of a stackable tier of the game system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates one example of an optional bracket for use in securing legs to the body of a stackable tier of a game system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 further illustrates another example of a stackable tier of a game system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7-8 further illustrate one example of a stackable tier of a game system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 illustrates one example of how a game system of FIG. 1 may optionally disassemble and be stored;

FIG. 10 illustrates one example of how a game system of FIG. 1 may optionally disassemble and compactly be stored within a carrying case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific embodiments of the present application will now be described. The invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about,” which is intended to mean up to ±10% of an indicated value. Additionally, the disclosure of any ranges in the specification and claims are to be understood as including the range itself and also anything subsumed therein, as well as endpoints. Unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the present invention. Notwithstanding that numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements.

The present application provides, in various embodiments, a stacked beverage game system and methods of playing a stacked beverage game between two or more players. The beverage may be selected from a variety beverages, including beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, water, tea, soda, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Game System

In the various embodiments, provided is a game system comprising one or more stackable tiers adapted to stack onto each other to form a stack. Such stackable tiers may interchangeably stack onto each other, or such stackable tiers may be adapted to stack onto each other in a pre-determined order. In some embodiments, the system comprises a first and at least one additional stackable tier. Accordingly, the provided game system may comprise two, three, four, five, six, or more stackable tiers. In some embodiments the game system comprises three tiers.

Each tier of the provided system comprises a body having a top with a plurality of receptacle apertures defined therein, wherein each receptacle aperture is adapted to receive a receptacle capable of holding a liquid. A “receptacle aperture” may be a hole, slot, depression, recess, or portion of any of the aforementioned in the top of the body, provided that it is of suitable shape and dimension to receive a receptacle. Receptacles received by a tier may be selected from those of single size, shape, or both, or may be selected from those of a plurality of sizes, shapes, or both. As one illustrative example, a tier of the provided system may comprise receptacle apertures adapted to receive cups of a single size and shape. As another illustrative example, a tier of the provided system may comprise receptacle apertures adapted to receive cups of a plurality of sizes, said receptacle apertures being of a plurality of suitable sizes. In some embodiments, the game system does not comprise receptacles, wherein suitable receptacles are provided by players. In alternative embodiments, the provided game system comprises suitable receptacles. Suitable receptacles are those that are capable of holding at least one liquid beverage and receive at least one ball. Non-limiting examples of liquids are water, soda, beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages).

In some embodiments, each stackable tier of a provided game system has dimensions, shape, or both, that are the same as or different from at least one other stackable tier of the system. As one illustrative example, each stackable tier in a stack may have dimensions, shape, or both, that are the same as the tier stacked immediately below said tier. In some embodiments, each stackable tier of a provided game system has dimensions, shape, or both, that are different from at least one other stackable tier of the system. As one illustrative example, each stackable tier in a stack may have dimensions, shape, or both, that are different than the tier stacked immediately below said tier.

Each stackable tier of a provided game system may have a shape independently selected from circular, oval, oblong, square, rectangular, triangular, or other suitable shape. As one illustrative example, a provided game system may comprise three stackable tiers, each having a substantially circular shape. In some embodiments, each stacked tier in a stack may be adapted to receive fewer receptacles than the tier stacked immediately above or below said tier. As one illustrative example, in a game system with three stackable tiers, the first tier may have seven receptacle apertures, the second tier may have six receptacle apertures, and the third tier may have four receptacle apertures, wherein the first tier is on the bottom of the stack. As another illustrative example of a game system with three stackable tiers, the first tier may have four receptacle apertures, the second tier may have six receptacle apertures, and the third tier may have seven receptacle apertures, wherein the first tier is on the bottom of the stack.

Optionally, each tier of the provided system may further comprise one or more support means. A support means may be a tab, a peg, a leg, or other means of supporting a tier on a surface (such as a floor or a table) or on another tier. In certain embodiments, the provided system may optionally comprise a plurality of legs. Accordingly, a tier may comprise two, three, four, or more legs. In some embodiments, the provided game system comprises at least one tier with three legs. The legs of a stackable tier are adapted to maintain a suitable distance between two stacked tiers. As one illustrative example, the legs may be adapted such that the bottoms of receptacles received in one stackable tier rest on the tops of receptacles received in the stackable tier upon which said tier is stacked. As another illustrative example, the legs may be adapted such that the bottoms of receptacles received in one stackable tier do not touch the tops of receptacles received in the stackable tier upon which said tier is stacked. Legs of tier may be permanently attached to the body or may be removably attached to the body. In some embodiments, permanently attached legs of a tier may be foldable. For example, the legs may be adapted to fold under the body. One of skill understand that the one or more legs or other support means described herein are optional, and that stackable tiers lacking legs or other support means are also within the scope of the present application. One of skill with further understand that stackable tiers lacking legs or other support means may require modifications to the body (such as increased height) to allow proper stacking.

In some embodiments, at least one stackable tier may optionally comprise a secondary aperture defined within the top, the secondary aperture having a size, shape, or both, that is different from the size, shape, or both, of a receptacle aperture in said tier. As one illustrative example, a circular stackable tier may have six receptacle apertures defined around the perimeter of said tier and a secondary aperture defined in the center of said tier.

In further embodiments, the tiers of the provided game system may be, but are not required to be, adapted to be disassembled and stored together. The tiers (including body and optional support means) may be stored together in a box, bag, or carrying case, or may be stored together without need of a box, bag, or carrying case. In some embodiments, the game system is adapted to be disassembled and stored in a carrying case adapted to receive the disassembled game system. Thus, the provided game system is portable and can be played at a variety of venues.

The stackable tiers (body and optional support means) of the provided game system may be comprised of any material suitable for use in game systems. For example, suitable materials may be selected from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (such as high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene), polycarbonates (such as Lexan®), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), wood, engineered woods, and aluminum, other metals, and metal alloys. The receptacles of the provided game system may be comprised of any material suitable for use in holding a beverage. For example, suitable materials may be polyethylene, ceramic, and glass. Thus, receptacles may be cups, glasses, or disposable cups, whether standard or non-standard in shape, size, or both. The ball of the provided game system may be comprised of any material suitable for use in balls. For example, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyethylenes, and polypropylene.

It may be advantageous for a game system to be packaged and sold as one, two, three, or more stackable tiers. For example, a game system may be sold as one stackable tier. As another example, a game system may be sold as a first and at least one additional stackable tier. Alternatively, it may be advantageous for a game system to be packaged and sold as one or more stackable tiers and at least one ball. Accordingly, in some embodiments provided is a game system, comprising: (i) at least one ball; and (ii) a first and at least one additional stackable tier. Alternatively, it may be advantageous for a game system to be packaged and sold as one or more stackable tiers and a plurality of receptacles. Accordingly, in some embodiments provided is a game system, comprising: (i) a plurality of receptacles adapted to hold a liquid; and (ii) a first and at least one additional stackable tier. Alternatively, it may be advantageous for a game system to be packaged and sold as one or more stackable tiers, a ball, and a plurality of receptacles. Accordingly, in some embodiments provided is a game system, comprising: (i) at least one ball; (ii) a plurality of receptacles adapted to hold a liquid and receive the at least one ball; and (iii) a first and at least one additional stackable tier. In the various embodiments, the game system may optionally comprise a carrying case adapted to receive and compactly store a disassembled game system.

The described embodiments will be better understood by reference to the figures, which are offered by way of illustration and which one of skill in the art will recognize are not meant to be limiting. Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a game system 1 comprising a first 2, second 3, and third 4 stackable tier, wherein said stackable tiers are arranged in a stack. Each stackable tier 2, 3, 4 comprises a body 5 and legs 6. Legs 6 may be of any suitable size and shape. As one illustrative example, cylinders having a diameter of 0.5 inch and height of 3.75 inches may be suitable for legs 6. Similarly, a stackable tier 2, 3, 4 may be supported by any suitable number of legs 6. As one illustrative example, four legs 6 may be suitable. One of skill will understand that stackable tiers lacking legs are also within the scope of the present application. Each body 5 comprises a substantially planar top 7 and plurality of receptacle apertures 8 defined therein, each receptacle aperture 8 adapted to receive a receptacle 9. The substantially planar top 7 may be molded into, permanently attached to, or removably attachable to the body 5. As shown, each receptacle aperture 9 is substantially circular in shape. However, one of skill will understand that a variety of shapes (or portions thereof) and sizes are within the scope of the present application. Similarly, a body 5 may be of any suitable size and shape, and may be the same for each, or different for each, stackable tier 2, 3, 4. As one illustrative example, a first stackable tier 2 may have a circular body 5 with a diameter of 15.5 inches and a height of 1.5 inch; a second stackable tier 3 may have a circular body 5 with a diameter of 14.2 inches and a height of 1.5 inch; and a third stackable tier 4 may have a circular body 5 with a diameter of 12.6 inches and a height of 1.5 inch. One of skill will understand, however, that such dimensions are non-limiting. For example, the first stackable tier 2 may be of smaller dimensions (and have fewer receptacle apertures 8) than the second tier 3, and the second tier 3 may be of smaller dimensions (and have fewer receptacle apertures 8) than the third tier 4. In some embodiments, a body 5 may also optionally comprise a plurality of tees 10 received therein, said tees 10 being one way of keeping score when the game system 1 is played. For example, when a player tosses or bounces a ball (not shown) into a receptacle 9, said player may take a tee 10 that is proximate to said receptacle 9.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, illustrated are various views of the third stackable tier 4 of FIG. 1 without receptacles 9. As shown, the body 5 comprises a substantially planar top 7 and sides 11. One of skill will understand that the top 7 may also be non-planar and still be within the scope of the present application. The height (not labeled) of the body comprises the height of the substantially planar top 7 and the height of the sides 11. The height may vary according to the specific application and body design. For example, a body lacking legs may have a greater height than a body with legs. As another example, the height may be de minimis. As shown, the body is hollow between the substantially planar top 7 and the bottom 12. However, it is also contemplated that a body 5 may be solid between the substantially planar top 7 and bottom 12. As shown, the substantially planar top 7 comprises a plurality of optional tee apertures 13 defined therein, each located proximate to a receptacle aperture 8 and adapted to receive a tee 10. The stackable tier 4, as shown, comprises four legs 6, each removably attached to the body 5 with a bracket 14. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any suitable bracket or other apparatus may be used to secure legs 6 to the body 5. The bracket 14 shown secures to the body 5 with screws (not shown) and comprises a first recess 15 and a second recess 16, each being of suitable size and dimension to receive a portion of a leg 6. When all legs 6 are received in the first recess 15, the stackable tier 4 may be stacked as shown in FIG. 1. When all legs 6 are received in the second recess 16, the stackable tier 4 may be stored with the legs 6 securedly stored within the hollow portion of the body 5. One of skill in the art will also appreciate that the legs may be permanently secured to the body 5 or reversibly securable to the body 5. As shown, the third stackable tier 4 is adapted to receive four receptacles 9. However one of skill in the art will appreciate that because the tier 4 may be of variable size and shape and because the receptacles 9 may be of variable size and shape, the number of receptacles 9 that can be received within a third tier 4 be more or less.

Referring to FIG. 6, illustrated is a top view of the second stackable tier 3 of FIG. 1 without receptacles 9. As shown, the substantially planar top 7 comprises an optional secondary aperture defined therein. The secondary aperture 17 has a diameter that is less than that of a receptacle aperture 8. Optionally, in playing the game, if a ball (not shown) is tossed or bounced through the secondary aperture 8, at least one player must drink a beverage or perform some action. For example, the player that tossed or bounced the ball would be required to take a shot of an alcoholic beverage. As shown, the second stackable tier 3 is adapted to receive six receptacles 9. However one of skill in the art will appreciate that because the tier 3 may be of variable size and shape and because the receptacles 9 may be of variable size and shape, the number of receptacles 9 that can be received within a second tier 3 be more or less.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8, illustrated are top and bottom views of the first stackable tier 2 of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 7 shows the tier 2 with receptacles 9 and FIG. 8 shows the tier 2 without receptacles 9. As shown, the first stackable tier 2 is adapted to receive 7 receptacles 9. However one of skill in the art will appreciate that because the tier 2 may be of variable size and shape and because the receptacles 9 may be of variable size and shape, the number of receptacles 9 that can be received within a first tier 2 be more or less.

Referring to FIGS. 9-10, illustrated are optional embodiments of the provided game system 1 in which the stackable tiers 2, 3, 4 may be adapted to disassemble and be compactly stored together. One possible storage configuration is shown. However, one of skill will understand that other configurations are also within the scope of the present application. The game system 1 may also be packaged and sold in such manner. Optionally, the game system 1 may comprise a carrying case 18 adapted to receive and store the disassembled stackable tiers 2, 3, 4. Thus, in some embodiments, the provided game system 1 is portable. In some embodiments, a carrying case 18 may also be adapted to receive and store one or more of a ball (not shown) and a plurality of receptacles 9 (not shown).

Methods

In various embodiments, provided are methods of playing a stacked beverage game, wherein the game is played between two or more players. Players may play individually or as teams. For example, the game may be played between two or more teams, each having two or more players. The provided methods comprise assembling a provided game system such that the first and at least one additional stackable tiers are stacked onto each other to form a stack, and the plurality of receptacles are received in the stacked tiers, each receptacle holding at least one liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid is beer or other alcoholic beverage. Once the game system is assembled into a stack, the methods further comprise having a player toss or bounce at least one ball towards a stackable tier disposed on top of the stack in an attempt to cause the ball to be received within a receptacle received in said tier. Play alternates between players, teams, or both until a ball is received within a receptacle. Once a ball is received within a receptacle, the provided methods further comprise (i) awarding at least one point to the player (or team) that threw or tossed the ball, (ii) having another player drink the at least one liquid held in said receptacle, and (iii) removing said receptacle from said stackable tier. The aforementioned steps are repeated until all receptacles in a stackable tier are removed, followed by removal of said stackable tier from the stack. The process is then repeated until all receptacles have been removed from the stack or a player (or team) is awarded a pre-determined number of points. In some embodiments, the process is repeated until a player (or team) is awarded a pre-determined number of points, after which the other players are required to drink the liquid contained in any remaining receptacles.

This application should not be considered limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures and devices to which the present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, which is not to be considered limited to what is described in the specification.

Claims

1. A game system, comprising:

a first and at least one additional stackable tier, each tier comprising (i) a body having a top with a plurality of receptacle apertures defined therein, each receptacle aperture adapted to receive a receptacle capable of holding a liquid; and optionally, (ii) one or more legs or other support means;

wherein the first and at least one additional stackable tier are adapted to stack onto each other to form a stack, the first tier being on bottom of the stack.

2. A game system according to claim 1, wherein each stackable tier in a stack comprises at least one less or at least one more receptacle aperture than the stackable tier upon which it is stacked.

3. A game system according to claim 1, wherein the legs or other support means of the at least one additional stackable tier are adapted to maintain a distance between the body of the at least one additional stackable tier and any receptacles received in the body of the stackable tier upon which the at least one additional stackable tier is stacked.

4. A game system according to claim 1, wherein the body of each stackable tier has a shape independently selected from circular, oval, oblong, square, rectangular, or triangular.

5. A game system according to claim 4, comprising a first stackable tier, a second stackable tier, and a third stackable tier.

6. A game system according to claim 5, wherein the body of the first stackable tier comprises at least seven receptacle apertures, the body of the second stackable tier comprises at least six receptacle apertures, and the body of the third stackable tier comprises at least four receptacle apertures.

7. A game system according to claim 6, wherein the body of each stackable tier has a circular shape.

8. A game system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of receptacles adapted to hold a liquid and receive at least one ball.

9. A game system according to claim 8, wherein the receptacles are selected from cups of a single size and cups of a plurality of sizes.

10. A game system according to claim 9, further comprising at least one ball capable of being received in the plurality of receptacles.

11. A game system according to claim 1, wherein the first and the at least one additional stackable tier are adapted to be disassembled and stored together.

12. A game system according to claim 11, further comprising a carrying case adapted to receive the disassembled first and at least one additional stackable tier.

13. A game system, comprising:

at least one ball;

a plurality of receptacles adapted to hold a liquid and receive the at least one ball;

a first and at least one additional stackable tier, each tier comprising (i) a body having a top with a plurality of receptacle apertures defined therein, each receptacle aperture adapted to receive one receptacle of the plurality of receptacles; and optionally, (ii) one or more legs or other support means;

wherein the first and at least one additional stackable tier are adapted to stack onto each other to form a stack, the first tier being on bottom of the stack; and

wherein each stackable tier in a stack comprises at least one less or at least one more receptacle aperture than the stackable tier upon which it is stacked.

14. A game system according to claim 13, wherein the body of each stackable tier has a shape independently selected from circular, oval, oblong, square, rectangular, or triangular.

15. A game system according to claim 14, comprising a first circular stackable tier with at least seven receptacle apertures, a second circular stackable tier with at least six receptacle apertures, and a third circular stackable tier with at least four receptacle apertures.

16. A game system according to claim 14, wherein the first and the at least one additional stackable tier are adapted to be disassembled and stored together with the at least one ball and the plurality of receptacles.

17. A game system according to claim 16, further comprising a carrying case adapted to receive the disassembled first and at least one additional stackable tier, the at least one ball, and the plurality of receptacles.

18. A game system according to claim 13, further comprising a set of rules for using the system in a game between two or more players, the rules comprising the steps of (i) assembling the first and at least one additional stackable tiers in a stack with the plurality of receptacles received in the receptacle apertures, each receptacle holding at least one liquid; (ii) having each player alternate turns of tossing or bouncing the at least one ball towards a stackable tier disposed on top of the stack in an attempt to cause the ball to be received within a receptacle received in said tier; (iii) upon a ball being received within a receptacle, (a) awarding at least one point, (b) having another player drink the at least one liquid held in said receptacle, and (c) removing said receptacle from said stackable tier; (iv) repeating steps (ii) and (iii) until all receptacles in said stackable tier are removed, followed by removal of said stackable tier from the stack; (v) repeating steps (ii)-(iv) until all receptacles have been removed from the stack.

19. A method of playing a game between two or more players, comprising:

(i) assembling a game system, comprising: (a) at least one ball; (b) a plurality of receptacles adapted to hold a liquid and receive the at least one ball; (c) a first and at least one additional stackable tier, each tier comprising (i) a body having a top with a plurality of receptacle apertures defined therein, each receptacle aperture adapted to receive one receptacle of the plurality of receptacles; and optionally, (ii) one or more legs or other support means;

wherein the game system is assembled such that the first and at least one additional stackable tiers are stacked onto each other to form a stack, and the plurality of receptacles are received in the stacked tiers, each receptacle holding at least one liquid;

(ii) having a player toss or bounce the at least one ball towards a stackable tier disposed on top of the stack in an attempt to cause the ball to be received within a receptacle received in said tier;

(iii) if a ball is received within a receptacle, (a) awarding at least one point, (b) having another player drink the at least one liquid held in said receptacle, and (c) removing said receptacle from said stackable tier;

(iv) repeating steps (ii) and (iii) until all receptacles in a stackable tier are removed, followed by removal of said stackable tier from the stack; and

(v) repeating steps (ii)-(iv) until all receptacles have been removed from the stack.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein each tier of the game system has (i) a body shape independently selected from circular, oval, oblong, square, rectangular, or triangular and (ii) at least one less or at least one more receptacle aperture than the stackable tier upon which it is stacked.