Rocking Target

Abstract

A device that is capable of being in three states: (1) a first stable state, (2) a second stable state, wherein said device teeters back and forth when hit by a force, and (3) and a third stable state, wherein said device will topple completely over when hit too hard by a force. The device comprises a target piece and a base. The base is configured to lay flat on a surface and contains a curved section, a ledge, and a ledge perimeter. The target piece may contain a top piece attached on the opposite side which the base is attached, which may contain a hollow cavity, a shot glass holder cavity, or take the shape of a target for use in target practice. The device may be used in many different applications including in recreation games, drinking games, target practice, and fighting practice.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of target games or drinking games. More specifically, the invention relates to a rocking target in which the object of the game is either: (1) to hit the present device without causing it to topple completely over, or (2) to hit the present device with such a force that the device topples completely over.

2. Description of the Related Art

The present invention is applicable to a wide variety of rocking targets that move when hit with a force and should not be viewed as being limited to any one type. The present invention may be used in many applications, including for target practice, fighting practice, throwing practice, recreational gaming, and even for use as a drinking game. A common prior art rocking target is displayed in FIG. 1. The inflatable punching bag 22 has a weighted base 24, typically weighted through the addition of a weight, liquid, or sand, which forms the center of gravity of the inflatable punching bag 22. The low center of gravity prevents the punching bag 22 from falling over no matter how far it tips from its upright position.

The prior art is different from the present invention. Users practicing target aim, fighting techniques, or playing a game find utility in a device that will react when hit and may either return to its upright position or topple over when hit at a certain angle or with a certain amount of force. For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a device that will rock back and forth, as in the prior art, but is also capable of toppling over if it is hit at an angle that causes it to sway too far from its upright position. The present invention solves this problem by rocking back and forth and also having the ability to topple over.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a device that rocks back and forth when hit but will also topple over if hit too hard with a force, causing the device to swing at an angle too wide past its center of gravity. The present invention can be in three states: (1) a tirst stable state, in which the device sits in an upright position on a surface, (2) a second stable state, in which the device will rock back and forth and return to its upright position, and (3) a third stable state, in which the device rocks too far past its center of gravity, causing it to topple completely over. A target piece is attached to a first end of a stem, and a second end of the stem is attached to a base. The base is attached to the second end of the stem, and the stem is attached to the top piece. The base may have a ledge perimeter and a ledge, as well as a flat section on the bottom surface of the base and a curved section. The flat section is meant to touch the object/surface which the device is sitting on, and the curved section curves upwards from the bottom surface of the base. The device is meant to be hit with a force, allowing it to rock back and forth in a pendulum motion in a positive stability margin. It is the curved section of the base of the device that allows this back and forth motion. The device will topple over completely when it rocks at too far of an angle, at which point the device's center of gravity rocks into a negative stability margin.

The top piece of the device can be adapted to accommodate many different shapes. The top piece may be a hollow cavity for use as a drinking cup for wine, beer, soda, or the like. The hollow cavity may also be used to hold cards or paper notes, for example. The device may also have a shot glass holder top piece, in which a prior art shot glass with or without a prior art shot glass lid may be placed inside the shot glass holder top piece for use in a drinking game. Further, the device may have a target top piece in which said target top piece is used for target practice, such as a spherical shaped top piece, for use in shooting, archery, sling shot, BB gun, baseball, golf, or other like target game practice. The target top piece may also receive a loose object, such as a hat, that will lay on top of the device. Thus, during a target practice game, the user will hit the loose object with a force, intending to hit the object off of the device. The device may take the shape of a boxed block, in which the device comprises a boxed target piece and may have a boxed base, which may also be used thr target games. Additionally, the device itself may take the shape of a figurine, such as a clown.

The device may also contain different shaped bases. In one version of the invention, the base is cylindrical. In another version of the invention, the based is box shaped, similar to a rectangular prism. In another version of the invention, the base is weight-holding, in which the weight-holding base is hollow and contains a weighted substance such as water or sand. The device may be adjusted such that a smaller or larger amount of force is necessary to cause the device to enter its third stable state. For example, in the weight-holding base embodiment, the base may be adjusted to hold more or less weight. If the base holds less weight, than the device will require less force to enter the third stable state. In other embodiments, the height of the device can be adjusted, requiring more or less force to make the device topple completely over into the third stable state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view, showing a prior art rocking target game;

FIG. 2 is a side view, showing one embodiment of the present invention with an optional hollow top piece;

FIG. 3 is a cut-away view, showing the device of FIG. 2 filled with wine;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view, showing the base of the device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the base of the device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the device of FIG. 2, showing the rocking motion of the device when hit;

FIG. 7A is a side view of the device of FIG. 2 in a first stable state, illustrating the device's center of gravity;

FIG. 7B is a side view of the device of FIG. 2, illustrating the positive stability margin which allows the device to return to a first stable state;

FIG. 7C is a side view of the device of FIG. 2 in a second stable state, illustrating the center of gravity as the device rocks back and forth in the positive stability margin;

FIG. 7D is a side view of the device of FIG. 2 in a second stable state, illustrating the center of gravity as the device rocks back and forth into the negative stability margin;

FIG. 7E is a side view of the device of FIG. 2, illustrating the device in a third stable state;

FIG. 7F is a side view of the device of FIG. 2, illustrating the device transitioning from the second stable state to the third stable state;

FIG. 8 is cut-away view of the device of FIG. 2, showing an optional shot glass-shaped cavity top piece;

FIG. 9 is a side view, showing a prior art shot glass and a prior art shot glass lid and the placement of the prior art shot glass into the device of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side view, showing another embodiment the present invention with an optional target top piece and an optional weight-holding base;

FIG. 11 is a cut-away view of the weight-holding base of the device shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side view, showing another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the device showing in FIG. 12, illustrating the base.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

• • 20 rocking target
  • 22 inflatable punching bag (prior art)
  • 24 weighted base (prior art)
  • 26 hollow top piece
  • 27 first end
  • 28 curved stem
  • 29 second end
  • 30 base
  • 31 top surface
  • 32 wine
  • 35 bottom surface
  • 36 curved section
  • 38 flat section
  • 40 ledge
  • 41 ledge perimeter
  • 42 top portion
  • 44 bottom portion
  • 46 shot glass holder top piece
  • 48 shot glass holder
  • 50 shot glass (prior art)
  • 52 shot glass lid (prior art)
  • 54 target top piece
  • 56 straight stem
  • 58 weight-holding base
  • 59 cup
  • 60 sand
  • 64 boxed target piece
  • 66 boxed base
  • 68 surface
  • 70 center of gravity
  • 72 contact point
  • 74 gravity vector

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In this Specification, claims, and accompanying drawings, reference is made to the particular features of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and the invention generally.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. Rocking target 20 comprises hollow top piece 26, which is attached to first end 27 of curved stem 23, and base 30. Base 30 has a top surface 31 which is attached to second end 29 of curved stem 28. Hollow top piece 26 can be used to hold liquid such as water, beer, or wine, and it can also be used to hold paper or cards. Hollow top piece 26 is desirable to the present invention because it can be used for drinking games, wherein it can hold alcoholic drinks. Hollow top piece 26 can also hold paper or cards, which is desirable for use in card games or other games requiring use of paper, including games like “truth or dare.”

FIG. 3 shows a cut-away view of the present invention. Hollow top piece 26 of rocking target 20 is filled with wine 32, as one example. This is desirable to the invention for use at parties or as a drinking game. Though the figure shows hollow top piece 26 filled with wine, the reader will appreciate that hollow top piece 26 could be filled with any liquid, including other alcoholic drinks, water, and juice. The ability of rocking target 20 to hold a liquid is advantageous in that the user may enjoy the mere novelty of the ability of rocking target 20 to sway back and forth and return to a first stable state (upright position) when hit with a light force.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of base 30, illustrating flat section 38, which is the surface 68 that rocking target 20 will lay flat on (not shown) when in its first stable state. Flat section 38 is necessary such that rocking target 20 may rest on surface 68 (not shown) when in its upright position. When rocking target 20 is hit with a force, it will teeter back and forth, much like the motion of a swinging pendulum, in a second stable state. So long as rocking target's 20 center of gravity remains within the positive stability margin, it will return from the second stable state to a first stable state, with rocking target 20 sitting upright, lying flat on flat section 38. Flat section 38 curves upward, creating curved section 36. Curved section 36 is attached to ledge 40, which creates ledge perimeter 41 along the edges of base 30. While this figure depicts ledge 40 and ledge perimeter 41, the reader will appreciate that the present invention does not require the presence of ledge 40 or ledge perimeter 41 in all embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows a side elevation view of base 30. Top portion 42 and bottom portion 44 will ofien be made as a single unified piece—such as by injection molding. Flat section 38 is the portion of the base that customarily rests on a flat surface. Curved section 36 surrounds flat section 38. Ledge 40 surrounds curved section 36. Ledge perimeter 41 is the outermost edge of the ledge. In this example, curved stem 28 extends upward from top surface 31. Again, the reader will appreciate that ledge 40 and ledge perimeter 41 are optional.

FIG. 6 shows the rocking motion of rocking target 20 when hit with any outside force. Rocking target 20 will swing back and forth like a pendulum in a second stable state, until rocking target 20 eventually either returns to a first stable state or topples over into a third stable state. The version shown actually has three stable states and a plurality of metastable transition states. These various states create interesting motions and add to the excitement of the target games.

FIGS. 7A-7F illustrate these various states. The reader will appreciate that, while ledge perimeter 41 is shown in these figures as a reference point to gravity vector 74, ledge perimeter 41 is not required in the present invention and rocking target 20 will still have three stable states regardless of the presence of ledge 40 and ledge perimeter 41. FIG. 7A shows rocking target 20 in its first stable state. Flat section 38 of base 30 is resting on a surface 68 (such as a table top). Center of gravity 70 of the rocking target as a whole lies directly above flat section 38. The result is a stable state. In the context of this application this will be referred to as the “first stable state.”

FIG. 7B shows the same rocking target after it has been struck and tipped to one side. FIG. 7B shows the farthest tipping motion obtained. The contact between the tipping target and surface 68 is made at contact point 72. Gravity vector 74 passes vertically downward from center of gravity 79. The reader will observe how gravity vector 74 passes to the left of contact point 72. This means that the target will tip back to the left and eventually reach the first stable state again.

FIG. 7C shows the target after an even larger upsetting force has been applied. Gravity vector 72 now lies to the right of contact point 72, meaning that the target will now continue to tip further toward the right. However, the reader will note that gravity vector 74 lies to the left of ledge perimeter 41. The target will tip further to the right, but the tipping will be arrested (unless the dynamic rate of tipping is very high) when ledge perimeter 41 makes contact with surface 68. The result is that the target will again become stable—but this time in a leaning state (shown in FIG. 7F). This leaning state will be referred to as the “second stable state.” The second stable state provides interesting dynamics because the target will roll around on ledge perimeter 41. The rolling will continue for some time before the target comes to a complete stop.

FIG. 7D shows the tipping target after an even greater disturbing force has been applied. In this case the target has tipped sufficiently for the point of contact to become ledge perimeter 41. Gravity vector 74 now lies to the right of ledge perimeter 41. The target will thereore continue to tip—all the way onto its side.

The fully tipped state is shown in FIG. 7E. This fully tipped configuration is referred to as the “third stable state.” Here, device 20 was hit too hard by an upsetting force, causing the device to completely topple over. Base 30 is no longer lying on flat section 38. Rather, the entire device 20 sits horizontally sideways on a surface 68.

FIG. 7F shows device 20 tipping to the eventual third stable state (not shown). Base 30 is no longer sitting upright on flat section 38 on a surface 68. Device 20 has rocked passed curved section 36 to the left onto ledge perimeter 41. From here, device 20 will topple completely over into the third stable state (not shown).

FIG. 8 shows the present invention with an optional shot glass holder top piece 46. Rocking target 20 still comprises a base 30 and a curved stem 28 but shot glass holder top piece 46 has replaced hollow top piece 26. Shot glass holder top piece 46 comprises a hollow cavity in the shape of a shot glass, such that a user may place a prior art shot glass 50 into the cavity. Shot glass holder top piece 46 is made so that a user may easily place and retrieve a prior art shot glass 50 from the shot glass-shaped hollow cavity. As shown, shot glass holder top piece 46 is made to fit a conventional rounded shot glass, but the reader will appreciate that optional shot glass holder top piece 46 may be shaped to fit any size or shape prior art shot glass 50.

FIG. 9 shows how a user would use rocking target 20 with shot glass holder top piece 46. The user may optionally place a prior art shot glass lid 52 on top of prior art shot glass 50 to prevent spillage in the event rocking target 20 topples over into its second or third stable states. The user would then place prior art shot glass 50 into shot glass holder top piece 46.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is desirable for users that prefer to use rocking target 20 as a target practice game. This is because rocking target 20 comprises a target top piece attached to a straight stem 56. As shown, straight stem 56 is attached to the top surface 31 of a weight-holding base 58, but the reader will appreciate that rocking target 20 may alternatively comprise base 30. Target top piece 54 may be spherical (shown), or any other shape designed to be hit with a force, such as a conventional ovular target for practice, and may be solid or hollow on the inside. In a game using rocking target 20, the users will preferably aim to hit target top piece 54. When target top piece 54 is hit, rocking target 20 will move from the first stable state and begin to swing back and forth in a second stable state. If target top piece 54 is hit too hard with a force, the entire rocking target 20 will topple completely over to a third stable state.

FIG. 11 is a cut-away illustration of weight-holding base 58. Weight-holding base 58 has a cup 59, which has a hollow inside. The reader will appreciate that cup 59 of weight-holding base 58 can take any shape. Top portion 42 is shown below cup 59. In this embodiment, top portion 42 is hollow inside. Cup 59 is filled with sand 60 in the figure, but any other weight-bearing substance, such as a liquid, could also be used. Top portion 42 is attached to bottom portion 44, which comprises curved section 36 and a flat section 38. Device 20 (not shown) will rock on curved section 36 if hit with a force (second stable state). Flat section 38 makes contact with the surface 68 (not shown) that device 20 lies flat on in its upright position (first stable state). The reader will appreciate that top portion 42 bottom portion 44 can be any shape, so long as the base has a ledge and a curved section. Rocking target 20 will teeter back and forth in a second stable state when hit with a force. However, once rocking target 20 is hit too hard, it will enter into the negative stability margin (not shown) and, like other embodiments of the invention, will topple completely over into a third stable state.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention. Rocking target 20 comprises an elongated boxed target piece 64 that is attached to a boxed base 66. Boxed target piece 64 has a length and takes the shape of an elongated cube or rectangular prism, with a height greater in length than its width. In this embodiment, rocking target 20 may be hit at any point along boxed top piece 64, and such force will cause rocking target 20 to teeter back and forth in a second stable state along boxed base 66. Though this embodiment is shown with the presence of boxed base 66, the reader will appreciate that boxed base 66 is not required in this embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a detailed view of boxed base 66 of FIG. 12. Boxed base 66 is like alternative bases described in other embodiments of the invention in that it comprises curved section 36 and a flat section 38 on bottom surface 35 of boxed base 66. Rocking target 20 comprises four ledges 40, which are at the end of boxed top piece 64 that is attached to boxed base 66. Rocking target 20 lies upright on flat section 38. When hit with a force, rocking target 20 enters a second stable state and rocks back and forth along curved section 36. So long as rocking target 20 does not enter into the negative stability margin, rocking target 20 will not topple over from a second stable state into a third stable state. Rather, rocking target 20 will return from a second stable state to a first stable state. Again, the reader will appreciate that boxed base 66 is not required in this embodiment and is merely shown as an option.

The “force” used to hit rocking target 20 may be anything that would cause rocking target 20 to move from its first stable state, including for example a hand or foot, a ball, a bat, a projectile, or a golf club. Rocking target 20 may be made of any durable material, including wood, plastic, or the like. Preferably, hollow top piece 26 and shot glass holder top piece 46 will be made out of a liquid-resistant material. The top piece, stein, and base in any of the embodiments may be attached with any adhesive material, including glue, wood glue, or may be manufactured as one piece. Alternatively, the top piece, stem, and base in any embodiment may be magnetically attached to each other, such that when a user hits rocking target 20 with a force, the force overcomes the magnetic attraction and causes rocking target 20 to come apart. Any embodiments of the present invention may also have a meter placed inside of it, such that the force or angle can be recorded when a user hits rocking target 20.

The previously described embodiments of the present invention have many advantages. The invention allows user to play drinking or target games, wherein the object of the game may be either to cause rocking target 20 to topple over into a third stable state or cause rocking target 20 to swing back and forth in a second stable state without toppling completely over. The present invention may be used to hold liquid, such as when users want to play a drinking game or can include a target top piece for users that want to use rocking target 20 for target practice. Finally, rocking target 20 has different options for base pieces, wherein the base may incorporate a curved section and a ledge or a weight-holding base 58.

The particular embodiments described are preferred due to their advantages over the prior art but are not required in all versions of the invention. Importantly, the invention does not require that all the advantageous features described herein be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention.

The preceding description contains significant detail regarding the novel aspects of the present invention. It should not be construed, however, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. As an example, rocking target 20 may contain a top piece that is any shape, including a target shape, a piece with a hollow cavity, or the shape of a rectangular prism.

Claims

1. A rocking target, comprising:

a top piece;

a stem extending downward from said top piece;

a base attached to said stem;

wherein said base has a flat section surrounded by a curved section;

wherein said base is configured to rest on a surface on said flat section;

wherein said base has a circular ledge extending outward form said curved section:

wherein said rocking target has a center of gravity lying a distance from said flat section;

wherein said center of gravity has a gravity vector extending downward from said center of gravity;

wherein said flat section is bounded by a circle defined by a contact point;

wherein said ledge is bounded by a ledge perimeter;

wherein said distance of said center of gravity from said flat section, a first radius defining said contact point, and a second radius defining said ledge perimeter are selected such that,

said rocking target has a first stable state, wherein said gravity vector extends downward through said flat section while permitting a rocking motion of said rocking target that dampens over time;

said rocking target has a second stable state, wherein said gravity vector extends downward between said contact point and said ledge perimeter while permitting a rocking motion of said rocking target that dampens over time; and

said rocking target has a third stable state, wherein said gravity vector extends downward outside said ledge perimeter.

2. (canceled)

3. The rocking target of claim 1, wherein said base is cylindrical in shape.

4. The rocking target of claim 1, wherein said target piece has a top piece attached to opposite end of said target piece where said base is attached.

5. The rocking target of claim 4, wherein said top piece is spherical in shape.

6. The rocking target of claim 4, wherein said top piece has a hollow top, said hollow top being capable of holding a liquid or an object.

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. A rocking target, comprising:

a top piece;

a stem extending downward from said top piece;

wherein said stem has a height, a first end, and a second end;

wherein said first end of said stem is attached to said top piece;

wherein said second end of said stem is attached to a base;

wherein said base has a flat section surrounded by a curved section surrounded by a ledge;

wherein said ledge has a ledge perimeter;

wherein said ledge perimeter is the outmost perimeter of said ledge;

wherein said base is configured to rest on a surface on said flat section;

wherein said rocking target has a center of gravity lying above said base;

wherein said center of gravity has a gravity vector descending downward from said center of gravity;

wherein said flat section is bounded by a circle defined by a contact point:

wherein a distance of said center of gravity from said flat section, a first radius defining said contact point, and a second radius defining said ledge perimeter are selected such that,

said rocking target has a first stable state, wherein said gravity vector extends downward through said flat section while permitting a rocking motion of said rocking target that dampens over time;

said rocking target has a second stable state, wherein said gravity vector extends downward between said contact point and said ledge perimeter while permitting a rocking motion of said rocking target that dampens over time; and

said rocking target has a third stable state, wherein said gravity vector extends downward outside said ledge perimeter.

13. The rocking target of claim 12, wherein said base is cylindrical in shape.

14. The rocking target of claim 12, wherein said top piece is spherical in shape.

15. The rocking target of claim 12, wherein said top piece has a hollow top, said hollow top being capable of holding a liquid or an object.

16. The rocking target of claim 15, wherein said hollow top is in the shape of a shot glass.

17. The rocking target of claim 12, wherein said base is a weight-holding base, wherein said weight-holding base further comprises an outer cup attached to said target piece of said rocking target, wherein said outer cup is a hollow cavity capable of holding a weight bearing substance.

18. The rocking target of claim 12, wherein said top piece is attached to said first end of said stem and said base is attached to said second end of said stem via magnetic attraction.

19. The rocking target of claim 12, wherein said rocking target further comprises a meter that measures the angle at which said rocking target swayed when hit with a force.

20. The rocking target of claim 12, wherein said mcking target further comprises a meter that measures the force with which said rocking target was hit.

21. A rocking target, comprising:

a target piece;

wherein said target piece has a length and a height;

wherein said target piece is a rectangular prism in shape;

wherein said rocking target is configured to rest flat on a surface;

wherein said rocking target has a center of gravity;

wherein said center of gravity has a gravity vector;

wherein said gravity vector extends downward from said center of gravity;

wherein said rocking target has a first stable state;

wherein said rocking target lies flat on said surface;

wherein said rocking target has a second stable state;

wherein said rocking target no longer lies flat on said surface;

wherein said rocking target has a third stable state; and

wherein said rocking target lies horizontally on said surface.

22. The rocking target of claim 21, wherein said rocking target has a base, wherein said base has a flat section surrounded by a curved section, wherein said flat section of said base is configured to rest on said surface.

23. The rocking target of claim 22, wherein said curved section of said base is surrounded by a ledge, wherein said ledge has a ledge perimeter.

24. The rocking target of claim 21, wherein said target piece is attached to said base via magnetic attraction.

25. The rocking target of claim 21, wherein said rocking target further comprises a meter that measures the angle at which said rocking target swayed when hit with a force.

26. The rocking target of claim 21, wherein said rocking target further comprises a meter that measures the force with which said rocking target was hit.