FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates generally to an apparatus and method for use in timing competitive play and more specifically to an apparatus for use in the timing of cup

stacking competitions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cup stacking first became popular in the mid 90s as a method of teaching physical

coordination, including hand-to-eye coordination, to youngsters. Cup stacking helps

students use both sides of their bodies and brains, develop ambidexterity, develop

quickness, and improve concentration. Cup stacking also helps teach sequencing and patterning, which can help in developing math and reading skills. The sport has grown

in popularity throughout the country, primarily in elementary schools, where it has

become a part of many physical education programs. Generally, the sport involves

stacking and unstacking a set of specially designed cups in pre-arranged sequences while being timed. The object of the competitions is to complete the sequence or sequences in

as short a time as possible. There are several standard sequences and the competitions

can be performed by an individual or by a team in a relay fashion.

Timing of the competition is usually performed by a judge with a stopwatch. The competitor begins with both hands face down on the table where the cups are to be stacked. The judge gives a verbal cue, usually "Ready, Get Set, Go", starting the

stopwatch on the word GO. Time is stopped when the last cup is down stacked in the

particular sequence.

One of the major drawbacks to the sport has been the inaccuracy associated with

having different individuals time the competitors using stopwatches. Errors in timing

due to variations in human reaction time often exceed several tenths of a second and are

significant (as much as 10% off) when measuring competitive times. Competitive times in this sport range from 2 to 15 seconds with winners of the competition usually

determined by hundredths of seconds. To mitigate against the human reaction time, in

final competitions, three judges are used and the high and low times are not counted

against the competitor. This measure, however, is inefficient and does not cure the inaccuracies inherent with using human judges since the measured time to complete the

sequence is still subjective. Another drawback to the sport is the surface on which the

cups are stacked. At present, there are no surfaces which are the same for competitions. Some tournaments use tables covered with short nap carpeting while others use a

standard Formica® table top. In addition, the competitors do not always have access to the competition surface in order to practice their sport in a competitive environment.

This lack of consistency among the surfaces upon which the cups are stacked is a further

problem for competitive cup stackers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Each of the embodiments of the present invention described herein solves both

the timing problem and the surface problem described above. Each of the embodiments includes a mat. The mat of the present invention may provide a consistent surface upon which cups are to be stacked. The present invention includes an embodiment where the mat is used as a surface upon which cups are stacked in a cup stacking competition or in

practice for a cup stacking competition.

Most of the embodiments of the present invention also include a timing

mechanism. The timing mechanism may be incorporated into the mat or otherwise be

associated with the mat. In either case, the timing mechanism solves the inaccuracies

associated with utilizing human judges.

One embodiment of the present invention describes an apparatus comprising support means, trigger means connected to the support means, and timing means operatively connected to the trigger means. Another embodiment of the present invention

describes an apparatus comprising a mat, a pressure sensitive trigger connected to the

mat, and a timer operatively connected to the trigger so that the timer begins to accrue

time with a first activation of the trigger and stops with a second activation of the trigger.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention describes a system that has an

apparatus and a plurality of cups. The apparatus of this embodiment comprises a mat,

a trigger connected to the mat, and a timer operatively connected to the trigger so the

timer begins to accrue time with a first activation of the trigger and stops with a second activation of the trigger.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a two-piece timing system

that selectively interconnects to the mat. Preferably, one embodiment of the present

invention includes an upper timing portion and a lower timing portion that sandwiches

the mat therebetween. This embodiment of the present invention allows the mat to be altered or replaced pursuant to the desires of the players such that any size or shape of

mat may be used. Alternatively, many timers may be used in conjunction with a single

mat such that a plurality of players may be able to use the same mat at the same time. In

an alternate use, the timer may be used remotely from the mat, which will be understood

further after review of the drawings included herewith.

The present invention also includes a method of timing a competition that

comprises arming a trigger connected to the mat and operatively connected to the timer, starting the timer, completing the tasks on the mat, and stopping the timer. The present

invention further includes a method of cup stacking utilizing a plurality of cups

comprising placing the mat on a table or desk, stacking the plurality of cups on the mat, and unstacking the plurality of cups on the mat.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become

apparent from the following best mode description, the drawings and the claims. The

Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being

representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention

is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of

elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the

present invention will become more readily apparent from the Detail Description,

particularly when taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings

given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions.

Fig. 1 depicts a top perspective view of the components of one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 depicts a front cross sectional view of the mat of one embodiment of the

present invention;

Fig. 3 depicts front cross sectional view of the mat of one embodiment of the

present invention; Fig. 4 depicts a bottom perspective view of the mat of one embodiment of the

invention;

Fig. 5 depicts a top perspective view of the timer of one embodiment of the

present invention;

Fig. 6 depicts a flowchart of the operation of the timer of one embodiment of the

present invention;

Fig. 7 depicts a top view of an upper portion of a two-piece timer of an alternate

embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 depicts a bottom view of the upper portion of the two-piece timer shown

in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 depicts a top view of a lower portion of the two-piece timer of an alternate

embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 10 depicts a perspective view of the mat for use with a two-piece timer embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 11 is a partial top view of the two-piece timer of one embodiment of the

present invention shown connected to the mat.

To assist in the understanding of the present invention the following list of

components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein: Component #

Mat 10

Foam backing 11

Fabric Surface 12

Timer 20

Upper Timer Portion 2OA

Lower Timer Portion 2OB

Readout Display 21

Wire/Trace Connectors 22

Power Switch 24

Reset Button 23

Indicator Lights 25 and 27

"ARM" Light 26

Trigger 30

Film Covering 33

Traces 34

Cups 50

Wires 60

Console 62

Magnet 64

Aligner tab 66

Boss 68

Boss cavity 70

Alignment tab cavity 72

Power supply 74

Boss aperture 76

Wall 78

Console 80

Boss cavity 82

Alignment tab cavity 84

Magnet 86

Alignment boss 88

Alignment tab 90

Wall 92

Aperture 94

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, hi certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the invention

or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be

understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular

embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Initially, it should be understood that this invention comprises a method and an

apparatus for timing competitions, particularly, competitions focusing on hand eye

coordination and manual dexterity and, more particularly, cup stacking competitions.

The description that follows describes various embodiments of the invention. It should

be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that various other alternative

embodiments may be realized without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

The mat of one embodiment of the present invention is made from any material

that provides a non-slip surface on one side of the mat and a smooth, even surface on the

reverse side. One should note that the smooth side of the mat should be such that the

cups do not slip when placed on the mat. The mat may be made from various types of fabric (alone or in combination with a backing), various types of short nap carpeting,

closed cell foam, vinyl covered surfaces, any combination of these, and the like.

It has been found that materials commonly used for computer mouse pads work

well for the purposes of the present invention. These materials have a fabric surface bonded to a foam substrate or backing. The foam backing gives the mat integrity, while

providing flexibility and a soft feel to the mat. The foam backing is also water resistant

and provides a stable base throughout the life of the mat. The foam backing typically

used in mouse pads is a closed cell foam, which also works with the present invention.

As with mouse pads, the foam backing used in the present invention should have non- skid properties. These properties will allow the mat to be placed on a table or other

surface and will prevent the mat from sliding while the cups are being stacked and

unstacked.

A fabric provides a stacking surface that is smooth and even, yet does not allow

the cups to stick or slide. The surface may be made of any fabric such as polyester.

However, a flocked fabric surface is also suitable. In addition, the fabric surface maybe

imprinted or designed in various ways. Designs can include, but are not limited to,

school colors, mascots, and the like.

The mat can easily be stored by simply rolling the material into a tube. In

addition, a bag or enclosure for housing the mat while it is not in use may be provided.

The bag can be designed to house only the mat or it can be designed to house additional

items, such as the cups and a timer. The mat can have bands or ties which will help

secure and keep the mat in a rolled position, similar to the way that such bands or ties are

used on sleeping bags.

It should be noted that the invention contemplates using the mat alone, either

while the competitor is learning how to stack, practicing stacking, or competing in a cup stacking competition. In most of the embodiments of the present invention, the mat is connected to at least one trigger mechanism, which is connected to a timer mechanism.

The trigger mechanism starts and stops the timer. The mat can incorporate the trigger so

that the mat and trigger form an integral unit or the trigger can be located apart from the mat. The trigger can be any type of trigger that will start and stop a timer, including but

not limited to capacitive switches, inductive switches, photoelectric or photo optic

sensors, dry contact switches or conductive contact points. The trigger should also meet

the following criteria: 1) have an extremely low profile so that the trigger(s) does not interfere with cup stacking; 2) be tuned to filter out false signals, such as a cup being placed on the trigger; 3) be covered with a film or other covering to keep the trigger safe

from environmental conditions; 4) allow small amounts of pressure to operate; and 5) be

inexpensive. It has been found that a capacitive touch trigger or pressure sensitive trigger

works well with the present invention. In addition, it has been found that, for the

purposes of cup stacking competitions, two touch pad triggers work well. However, it

should be noted that any number of touch pad triggers can be used with the present

invention. For example, for use with a relay event in cup stacking, the mat can

incorporate four or more touch pad triggers to allow each competitor in the relay team

access to their own set of touch pad triggers. In addition, an array of sensors can also be created which allows the competitor to place two hands anywhere within a specified

boundary to trigger the timer. This array can be constructed using any of the

aforementioned types of sensors or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the touch pad triggers are formed by printing conductive ink

traces to the backside of a film covering. The traces conduct a signal generated from the

touch pad triggers to the timer. The trigger area is formed by increasing the circular area

of the trace. Thus, in this embodiment, the trigger is part of the trace. Wires are connected to the traces to conduct the signals generated to the timer. The film covering has an adhesive backing which adheres the film to the mat. The film covering can be

made of any material, such as Mylar. In this embodiment, the traces are printed on the

backside of the film covering and conduct signals from the trigger section to the timer mechanism. The wires can run-along the bottom of the mat (the surface that will be laid on the table) as shown in Fig. 4, or may be integrated into the mat so that the wires are

not visible from the back of the mat. Conductive traces can also be used instead of wires

and can be built into the mat so that the traces are not visible from the back of the ^' mat.

The film covering can be adhered directly on top of the top surface of the mat. One of skill in the art will recognize other means of securing the touch pad triggers to the mat

and it should be understood that all means of securing the touch pad triggers to the mat

are specifically contemplated by the inventors for use with the present invention.

The timer mechanism can be any kind of timer that meets the following criteria: 1) is capable of timing to at least 0.01 seconds; 2) is able to be started and stopped by the competitor without reliance on any third party; 3) is predictable, repeatable, reusable, and

reliable; 4) does not interfere with the stacking process; and 5) is able to be operated

using a free standing power source, such as batteries, for long periods of time without

resort to auxiliary power sources. A timer found suitable for use with the present

invention includes a timer constructed from standard electronic components, including

a microprocessor to accurately keep time, a LED display, discrete light emitting diodes,

a reset switch, a power switch and a power source. The power switch is shown in the figures as a toggle switch; however, it should be noted that type of switch is appropriate

for use in the present invention. It may be preferable to have the power switch and the

reset switch be different types of switches so that competitors and judges do not become

confused. The timer is, preferably, powered by batteries to allow for maximum

portability of the mat and timer, however, the invention may incorporate a power coupling to allow the timer to be connected to an external power supply or other suitable

power source.

As shown in Fig. 1, the cup stacking system is comprised of a mat 10, a timer 20,

touch pad triggers 30, wires 60 connecting the timer 20 to the touch pad triggers 30, and a plurality of cups 50. Fig. 1 depicts a set of twelve cups arranged in a 3-6-3 position

with the timer as a separate unit from the mat and triggers incorporated into the mat. It should also be noted that the triggers and the timer may be incorporated into the mat to

form an integral unit.

Fig. 2 is a mat made from material generally used in computer mouse pad

construction showing both touch pad triggers 30. The foam backing 11 is bonded to the

fabric surface 12 of the mat 10. The touch pad trigger, comprising the film covering 33

and the capacitive antenna 34, are placed on the fabric surface 12 of the mat 10. The trace or wire 60 is connected to the capacitive antenna 34 and is also connected to the

timer through the wire connectors 22 (shown in Fig. 5). Fig. 3 depicts the same elements

but from a side view where only one of touch pad triggers is shown.

Fig. 5 shows the timer 20 of one embodiment of the present invention. The timer

is shown separated from the mat but may be alternatively attached to the mat. The timer

has a power switch 23, which can be any kind of switch that will allow electricity to flow

through the circuit board and the various elements of the timer. In addition, the timer 20

includes a readout display 21 where the time is shown. The timer 20 is connected to the touch pad triggers 30 through the wire connectors 22. This connection may be through

wires or through conductive traces. The timer 20 has, in this embodiment, two indicator

LEDs 25 and 27, each of which corresponds to one of the touch pad triggers, and will illuminate when pressure is sensed by a touch pad trigger. Alternately, a single LED may be used to indicate the presence of both hands. When pressure is applied to the touch pad

triggers 30 for longer than one second, an arming LED 26 is illuminated. The arming

LED 26 indicates to the competitor that the timer is ready and the competition can be

begin. The timer 20 is triggered by releasing the touch pad triggers 30. The timer 20 is stopped by applying pressure again to the touch pad triggers 30. The timer is reset by

utilizing the reset switch 23 that is a push button, a flip switch or any other similar

device.

A competitor will use the mat by first placing both hands on the touch pad triggers 30. Indicator lamps or light emitting diodes 25 and 27 (shown in Figs. 1 and 5) will light

up to show that each touch pad has been activated. Alternatively, a single LED may also

be used to indicate the presence of both hands. Once both hands are in place for a full

second, an arming lamp or light emitting diode 26 is illuminated to show that the timer is armed and ready for the competitor to begin. Although this embodiment utilizes light

emitting diodes to show the competitor that the timer is armed and ready to begin, one

of skill in the art can envision other means of notifying the competitor that the timer is armed, including but not limited to an audible indicator or a flashing light.

The competitor's hands will then leave the touch pad triggers, starting the timer.

A readout display 21 indicates the amount of time that has passed. Once the sequence has been completed, both of the competitor's hands must again rest on the touch pad

triggers. This will stop the timer. The final time remains on the readout display to allow the time to be recorded. To begin another timed sequence, the competitor or a judge

pushes a reset button 23.

It should be appreciated that the timer could easily be connected, in any suitable

manner, to a remote time display devices that would compute time or store time, such as a computer, or other electronic device that stores information (a palm pilot, etc.). In such

an arrangement, a data cable would connect the timer which would be connected to the

computer or other device (not shown). A computer program can direct the computer to begin accruing time when the trigger is activated, to stop accruing time when the trigger

is reactivated, or the computer could simply display the time as calculated by the timer.

Once time is stopped, the computer program could direct the judge or competitor to store

the time or to delete the time.

The flowchart for the timing mechanism of one embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 6. The power is turned on in step 100. The timer then sets a

variable T ₀ to be zero in step 105. When the variable, T ₀ is zero, the light emitting diodes

are off. The touch pad triggers are activated by placing the hands of the competitor on

or over the triggers and the microprocessor of the timer analyzes whether both touch pad triggers are activated, step 110. When both triggers are activated, the microprocessor adds 1 to the value of T ₀ in step 115, then compares the value of T ₀ to another preset

variable, T _arm , in step 120. The microprocessor then determines whether T ₀ is greater

than T _arm , step 120. If not, the microprocessor reverts to step 110. If T ₀ is greater than

T _arm , the microprocessor directs current to the "ARM" light emitting diode, illuminating

the diode, as shown in step 125. If not, the process begins again at step 110 until both

pads have been activated for the required time T _arm .

The hands must be removed from both pads in order to move from the "ARM" state to accruing time. The "ARM" LED is the signal for the competitor to begin the competition. Once the competitor notices the illumination of the "ARM" LED, the

competitor is then free to remove both hands from the touch pad triggers. Then, the

microprocessor checks whether both touch pad triggers are activated, in step 130. If the

pads are not activated, the "ARM" LED is turned off and the timer is started, step 135. A delay is built into this embodiment of the present invention, step 140. This delay

prevents errant starting of the timer by the competitor if the competitor's hands were to

leave the pads for less than 0.3 seconds. The delay of 0.3 seconds shown in step 140 is

a debounce timer that does not affect the accumulating time of the competitor. The purpose of the delay is to eliminate errant STOP signals that could occur as the

competitor's hands are leaving the triggers. Since actual competitive times of less than 0.3 seconds are not likely, the delay does not interfere with the function of the device and

does not affect the measured time.

When the touch pad triggers are reactivated, the microprocessor checks to ensure that reactivation occurs on both touch pad triggers, step 145. If not, the timer keeps

accruing time. If so, the timer is stopped, step 150. The final time is displayed on the

display readout until the reset button is pressed, steps 155 and 160. Once the timer is

reset, the variable T ₀ is set back to zero and the timer is ready to time another

competition.

Referring now to Figs. 7-11, an alternative embodiment of a two-piece timing

mechanism is shown. This embodiment of the present invention includes an upper

timing portion 2OA and a lower timing portion 2OB that selectively interconnects to

sandwich the mat 10 therebetween, to thus secure the mat 10 firmly to the timing

mechanism. This embodiment may be used with any sized or shaped mat depending on

the needs of the competitor or competition. In addition, a plurality of timers 20 may be used with a single large mat, or the timer 20 may be used remotely from the mat 10.

Referring now to Fig. 7, an upper portion 2OA of a two-piece timer is shown.

This portion of the timer is similar to that of those described above, wherein a plurality

of triggers 30, a read out display 21, a power button 24, a reset button 23, and indicator

lights 25 & 27 are provided. This portion of the two-piece timing mechanism functions similar to those already described. The competitor engages, then releases, both triggers

30 to initiate timing. Time elapsed from the triggering event would be then displayed on

the read out display 21. This portion of the two piece timing mechanism also may

include a console 80 that is tilted from the plane of the triggers 30, wherein the read out

display 21 and indicator lights 25 & 27 may be more easily viewed. However, one

skilled in the art will appreciate that the timing mechanism or the read out display 21 and

associated lights and switches may be in line with the triggers 30, as described in some

of the other embodiments of the present invention.

Referring now to Fig. 8, a bottom view of the upper portion 2OA of the two piece

timing mechanism is shown. A power supply 74, which may be battery or a hardline to

a power source, is provided for supplying electricity to the timer. In addition, a plurality

oi apertures are provided tor interconnection with a lower portion of the two-piece timing

mechanism. More specifically, a plurality of boss cavities 82 are provided that receive

bosses of the lower portion of the timer, which will be explained in more detail below.

In addition, a plurality of alignment tab cavities 84 are provided to ensure proper engagement of both portions of the two-piece timing mechanism. Finally, a magnet 86 or a ferromagnetic material may be provided in the body of the upper portion 2OA of the

two piece timing mechanism for magnetic connection to another magnet or ferromagnetic

material of the lower portion. The upper portion 2OA may be constructed of metal, plastic, rubber, wood, or any other rigid material. Preferably, in one embodiment of the

present invention, a plastic material that is easily molded to any shape is provided that

includes cavities for the interconnection of the magnets 84 or ferromagnetic metallic

materials, as should be appreciated by one skilled in the art. One skilled in the art will

also appreciate that other attachment devices may be used, such as hook and loop fasteners, etc.

Referring now to Fig. 9, the lower portion 2OB of the two piece timing mechanism is shown. One embodiment of the present invention is simply a base portion

for the interconnection to the timing mat and the upper portion of the two-piece timing mechanism. As shown, a plurality of alignment bosses 88 are provided that interconnect

with associated apertures in a mat, which effectively align the lower portion 2OB of the

two-piece timing mechanism with the mat. In addition, the alignment bosses 88 may be

made to protrude out of the mat such that they may be selectively locked into the boss apertures of the upper portion of the two-piece timing mechanism. Further, a plurality of

magnets 86 or ferromagnetic materials are provided that are associated with the magnets

or ferrometallic materials of the upper portion of the two piece timing mechanism, such

inai me magnets, wnen engaged, provide a connection force between the two portions. The lower portion 2OB of the two-piece timing mechanism also may include a plurality

of alignment tabs 90 that protrude upwardly. The alignment tabs 90 may be used to

perform gross alignments with the alignment tab cavities of the upper portion of the two- piece timing mechanism such that engagement between the alignment boss 88, alignment

cavity and associated magnets 86, is ensured. Further, as described herein, the bosses

88 of the lower portion of the two-piece timing mechanisms are shown emanating from

the lower portion. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention will

function equally well to that already described if the bosses 88 emanate from the upper

portion. The main function of the bosses 88 is to restrain the two-piece timer relative to the mat in at least 3 degrees of freedom. The addition, the magnets 86 also help to secure

portions of the two-piece timing mechanism together and to provide further restriction

of movement between the timer and the mat. Finally, a wall 92 may be provided such

that the outside edge of the mat may be firmly abutted thereto. Referring now to Fig. 10, a mat 10 of one embodiment of the present invention

that is adapted for interconnection with the two-piece timing mechanism is shown. The

mat 10 of this embodiment of the present invention is substantially similar to the ones

already described. However, the mat 10 of this embodiment of the present invention also includes a plurality of apertures 94 for engagement with the bosses of the lower portion of the two-piece timing mechanism. In addition, one skilled in the art should appreciate

that the mat 10 may include a plurality of apertures 94 such that a plurality of timing

mechanisms may be employed therewith.

Referring now to Fig. 11, the two-piece timing mechanism interconnected to the

mat 10 is shown. More specifically, the lower portion 2OB is shown connected to a cut-

away view of the upper portion 2OA of the two piece timing mechanism thus revealing

the engagement of the boss 88 through the aperture 94 of the mat 10. In operation, one may simply lie the lower portion 2OB of the two-piece timing mechanism on to a flat

surface. Next the mat 10 would be placed above the lower portion 20 of the two-piece

timing mechanism wherein the bosses 88 would be then threaded through the apertures

94 of the mat 10. Next, the upper portion 2OA of the two-piece timing mechanism would

be aligned with the lower portion 2OB using the alignment tab 90 or simply by aligning the outer surfaces of the two portions of the timing mechanism. However, as should be

appreciated by one skilled in the art, the portions of the timing mechanism may have any

shape such that the outer contours of the upper and lower portions of the timing mechanism do not have to be similar. Once the lower and upper portions are grossly

aligned using the aligning tabs 90, the two pieces are simply locked together, thus

sandwiching the mat 10 therebetween. In order to ensure a flat mat after interconnection,

a portion of the underside of the mat 10 may be removed to accommodate the material

of the lower portion 2OB of the two piece timing mechanism.

While various embodiment of the present invention have been described in detail,

it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those

skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and

alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the

following claims.