CONSTRUCTION TOY AND GAME

Abstract

A construction toy and game comprises a base, a core, and a first balance rod to operatively balance the core on the base. The construction toy and game further comprises a first weight component and a second balance rod to operatively connect the core to the first weight component.

Claims

1. A construction toy, comprising: a base; a core; a first balance rod to operatively balance the core on the base; a first weight component; and a second balance rod to operatively connect the core to the first weight component.

2. The construction toy of claim 1, further comprising: a balance cap to be temporarily affixed to a first end of the first balance rod, opposite the base; and a balance point to be temporarily affixed to the core, wherein the balance point is to be balanced atop the balance cap to operatively balance the core on the base.

3. The construction toy of claim 1, further comprising: second and third weight components; and a third balance rod, to operatively couple the second and third weight components to the core.

4. The construction toy of claim 3, wherein the first weight component has a same weight than the second weight component and a different weight than the third weight component.

5. The construction toy of claim 3, wherein the second balance rod has a different length than the third balance rod.

6. The construction toy of claim 1, wherein the core is one of an octagonal prism or an icosahedron.

7. The construction toy of claim 1, wherein the core comprises a plurality of voids at various angles such that inserted balance rods protrude from the core at multiple angles.

8. The construction toy of claim 1, wherein the core comprises: sixteen identical wedges; and two identical end caps.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the first weight component comprises a void such that the second balance rod inserted into the void is temporarily affixed to the first weight.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the second balance rod is temporarily affixed to the first weight component via a living hinge.

11. A method of manufacturing a device, comprising: forming a base; forming a core; forming a first balance rod to operatively balance the core on the base; forming a first weight component; and forming a second balance rod to operatively connect the core to the first weight component.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: forming a balance cap to be temporarily affixed to a first end of the first balance rod, opposite the base; and forming a balance point to be temporarily affixed to the core, wherein the balance point is to be balanced atop the balance cap to operatively balance the core on the base.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: forming second and third weight components; and forming a third balance rod, to operatively couple the second and third weight components to the core.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first weight component has a same weight than the second weight component and a different weight than the third weight component.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the second balance rod has a different length than the third balance rod.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the core is one of an octagonal prism or an icosahedron.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the core comprises a plurality of voids at various angles such that inserted balance rods protrude from the core at multiple angles.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the core comprises: sixteen identical wedges; and two identical end caps.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the first weight component comprises a void such that the second balance rod inserted into the void is temporarily affixed to the first weight.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the second balance rod is temporarily affixed to the first weight component via a living hinge.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Various implementations of the present disclosure will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various implementations of the invention.

[0005] FIG. 1 depicts an overview of the various components that may form a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0006] FIG. 2 depicts a base component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0007] FIG. 3 depicts a primary balance rod component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0008] FIG. 4 depicts a secondary balance rod component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0009] FIG. 5 depicts a first balance point component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0010] FIG. 6 depicts a second balance point component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0011] FIG. 7 depicts an Octacog cap component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0012] FIG. 8 depicts an Octacog wedge component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0013] FIG. 9 depicts a first Minicog component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0014] FIG. 10 depicts a second Minicog component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0015] FIG. 11 depicts a first Minicog wedge component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0016] FIG. 12 depicts a second Minicog wedge component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0017] FIG. 13 depicts a first balance cap component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0018] FIG. 14 depicts a second balance cap component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0019] FIG. 15 depicts a first weight component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0020] FIG. 16 depicts a second weight component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0021] FIG. 17 depicts a third weight component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0022] FIG. 18 depicts a first weight insert component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0023] FIG. 19 depicts a second weight insert component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0024] FIG. 20 depicts a third weight insert component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0025] FIG. 21 depicts an Octacog assembly component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0026] FIG. 22 depicts a Minicog assembly component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0027] FIG. 23 depicts a first example configuration of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0028] FIG. 24 depicts a second example configuration of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0029] FIG. 25 depicts a third example configuration of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0030] FIG. 26 depicts a fourth example configuration of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0031] FIG. 27 depicts a fifth example configuration of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

[0032] FIG. 28 depicts an example method of manufacture of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] A construction toy and game device (or system, which may be used interchangeably with “device” herein) (“Octacog” and/or “Minicog,” which may be used interchangeably with “Octacog” herein) is described herein. In one embodiment, Octacog is a toy (e.g., construction toy), game, puzzle, and/or tabletop artistic display including some or all of the following components: Bases, Balance rods, Balance Points, Balance Caps, Weights, Wedges, Core Cap, and Octacog/Minicog assemblies/cores.

[0034] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth such as particular structures, architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the claimed disclosure. However, various aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be practiced in other examples that depart from these specific details, provided that the original design intent and functional goal of the device remains intact. In certain instances, descriptions of well-known devices and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present disclosure with unnecessary detail.

[0035] Furthermore, while the present embodiments described herein reference components of particular shapes, the embodiments described herein relate to any shape components (e.g., round, square, rectangular, rounded edges and/or corners etc.). Worth noting, the embodiments described herein provide for an innumerable number of configuration relationships between rod placements, weight placements, and balance point placements. A primary function of the device is to configure rods and weights and the balance point on the core in such a way that achieves balance at the balance point.

[0036] The following Component Descriptions are non-limiting examples of the types of components that may be included in the described balance device (e.g., see FIG. 1 for an overview of the system): [0037] Base/Pedestal: Designed to hold the pedestal rod in a central hole, the pedestal is the primary support piece that keeps the balanced Octacog stable. See FIG. 2. [0038] Balance Rod (or “Connector Rod”): A long cylindrical or other shape rod that extends from a hole in the Base/Pedestal. Balance rods may be weighted according to various parameters. For example, balance rods may be dowel-like rods that may or may not have threaded or other design features that allow them to be locked into the Octacog Core and/or allow weights to be locked onto the Balance rods. Locking into place may also be a function of various friction solutions such as tight fits, threads, spring functions, snap functions, twist to lock, living hinges, etc. Balance rods may be a solid or slightly hollow, slightly flexible or rigid plastic or solid metal rods. In a variety of embodiments, rods may be straight, curved, or other shapes or configurations. Balance rods may be any length, but generally about 5-25 centimeters with graduated markings about every 2.5-3 centimeters. The diameter of the balance rods may be approximately 3-5 millimeters. In addition to connecting to the primary Octacog core and supporting the weights, Balance rods may also attach to Minicogs or be used to attach multiple Octacog cores together. In one embodiment, mini-rods (e.g., “secondary balance rod components”) are shorter balance rods (e.g., “primary balance rod components”), about half the length or less of standard balance rods are typically used to attached a Minicog to the primary Octacog core. Mini-Rods may also be used to attach multiple primary Octacog cores together. See FIGS. 3-4. [0039] Balance Point: The Balance Point piece can be inserted into any of the holes of the Octacog or Minicog assemblies. Advantageously, the balance point can be moved to various locations in the Octacog unit so that it might balance on the side or lean in a lean in a visibly peculiar way, etc. The movable balance point vastly increases the number of potential system configurations. The balance point in one location may balance well, and in another location, perhaps not balance at all. Additionally, the balance point location may change the center of gravity of a given configured unit. So, it's possible for a single weight configuration to balance on a balance point in multiple locations (meaning a user may swap it to a different hole and it might still balance). The shaped end of the balance point may allow it to balance on the balance cap portion of the balance pedestal assembly or other suitable surface. The balance point end can be curved, pointed, flat or any other suitable shape. It may also have a divot in the tip and balance on a curved or pointed Balance Point Holder. In one embodiment, when inserted into the Octacog core, the balance point may extend out about 1-2 centimeters. See FIGS. 5-6. [0040] Balance Cap A part or included design on the end of the pedestal rod opposite the Base/Pedestal. It may include a small divot into which the balance point piece can balance. The balance cap may also be pointed or rounded if the balance point has a divot. See FIGS. 13-14. [0041] Octacog Core/Assembly: A three-dimensional, multifaceted shape with multiple holes into which balance rods can be inserted. Multiple holes may enter each facet at various angles so inserted balance rods protrude from the Octacog Core at multiple angles. The Octacog Core can be many geometric solid shapes and/or many polyhedron shapes. The Octacog core might also be a cylinder, sphere or cone. It's possible for the Octacog core to be amorphous. Some edges of the Octacog core may be flat while others may be curved. The Octacog core has a relatively low mass to size ratio compared to the weights. A Octacog core in a geometric solid format might be between 40-50 grams with dimensions of approximately 8×4×4 centimeters, in one example. A Octacog core in a polyhedron format might be between 50-70 grams with dimensions of 9×9×9 centimeters. See FIGS. 7 (for cap), 8 (for wedge), 21, and 23 (for rods protruding at various angles). [0042] Weights and weight inserts: Octacog Weights and weight inserts can be many shapes, sizes, materials and masses. They can attach to the balance rods or directly to Octacog core. Their position can also adjust along the length of each balance rod and locked into place via threads, spring action, snap, twist to lock, tight fits or other locking or friction solution. Weights in a Octacog set might come in three types; small, medium and large. Weights have a relatively high mass to size ratio. Small weights might be about 15-30 grams with a size of about 1.2×2.55×2.55 centimeters, for example. Medium weights might be about 30-40 grams with a size of about 1.2×3×3 centimeters, for example. Large weights might be about 40-50 grams with a size of about 1.2×3.2×3.2 centimeters, for example. It's also possible to have denser weights in smaller sizes as well as weights that are less than 15 grams or more than 50 grams. Weights might also be shaped in a same or similar fashion to Minicogs so that balance rods or mini-balance rods can extend out from weights at various angles. See FIGS. 15-20. [0043] Minicog: A smaller version of the Octacog core. Like the Octacog Core, it can be a geometric solid and/or polyhedron shape, spherical, conical, cylindrical or amorphous with holes in the facets at various angles. These holes may accept the balance point and balance rods in a way similar to the Octacog Core. The Minicog can be used in conjunction with the primary Octacog as a way to add weights at more varying angles. It may also be used as a stand-alone balancing toy or game like the primary Octacog. Multiple Minicogs may be attached together with balance rods or other rods. Minicogs might exist in multiple weight formats and serve as additional weights in the balance system. They may also serve to block a move during game play. Minicogs are generally less than 15 grams with a size of about 3×3×3 centimeters. See FIGS. 9-12 and 22.

[0044] In various embodiments, Octacog is a modular balancing device. The balance point pieces and various balance rods can be inserted into the various holes in Octacog. Because the holes enter the Octacog unit at varying angles and each face of the Octacog core faces a different direction, balance rods and/or balance points inserted into the Octacog unit can extend out at multiple angles. When weights are added to the balance rods, Octacog may be able to balance on the balance point or may not. By adjusting the locations or numbers of balance rods as well as the number, location and position of weights as well as the location of balance point, Octacog can balance in various ways either on the balance cap/balance pedestal assembly or another surface.

[0045] In one embodiment, multiple Octacog Cores may be connected together using balance rods to create a more complex balance system. In another embodiment, Minicogs can be used to create a more complex balance system. There are countless configurations in which Octacog will balance on a balance point or lose balance and not balance on a balance point.

[0046] When adjusting the location, position and amount of masses/weights, Octacog's center of gravity changes. As the center of gravity passes through the balance point piece, the device will balance. When the center of gravity is too far outside the balance point piece, Octacog will not balance.

[0047] Weights attached to the connector rods are pulled by gravity more than the lighter center octagonal unit. In a basic setup, the symmetry of the weights on two sides allows the center octagonal unit to balance on a balance point. The Center of Gravity (the balance of the entire device) passes through the balance point. It may be more challenging to visualize the Center of Gravity when connector rods and weights are placed asymmetrically. Adding weights and rods alters the Center of Gravity, which might allow for the device to balance differently on the balance point. If the balance of weight becomes too asymmetrical or if too much of the weight is lifted above the balance point, Octacog becomes unstable and loses balance.

[0048] In some embodiments, Octacog may seem as if it defies gravity. Part of the reason for this visual effect is the size difference between the large, but lighter Octacog core and the small, but heavy weights.

[0049] Octacog/Minicog may exist in other formats. In addition to table-top sizing, Octacog could be adapted to larger, floor-sized formats or smaller, travel-sized formats. There could also be outdoor formats where the base/pedestal rod can function as a yard stake.

[0050] Used differently, Octacog can become a building/construction product with or without the use of the balance point feature.

[0051] Added features might include electronic features such as lights, noise-makers, gyroscopes or motors, digital display features, computerized components, scorekeeping features, etc.

[0052] In one embodiment, Octacog may come with a deck of photos or cards with images that depict various configurations of COG, Balance rods, Weights, MinicogS and mini-rods. Users of Octacog may choose a card or image and challenge themselves to recreate the image as shown.

[0053] Game Setup: [0054] Insert two rods on opposite sides of Octacog into angled holes. [0055] Add a ‘heavy’ mass to the end of each rod. [0056] Insert the balance point piece somewhere between the two rods and between Octacog and the weights. [0057] If Octacog doesn't balance, try a different setup.

[0058] Example configurations are shown in FIGS. 23-27 (with FIG. 23 specifically illustrating how the rods can extend at various angles, which may or may not be a balanced configuration).

[0059] Additional Rules:

[0060] “Moving to the next line” means that the next closest line is fully covered by the weight. For example, lines on each balance rod may be approximately one inch apart. During a turn, if a player moves a weight, it must move to the next graduated line on the balance rod. The line should then be situated under the weight. In other embodiments, any other suitable graduated marking may be used instead of or in addition to a line. In one embodiment, once a player touches COG, you cannot change your declared action for that turn.

[0061] Game Play: [0062] COG game play consists of adding or moving components in a turn by turn basis. [0063] A player chooses one of the following actions [0064] Add a balance rod [0065] Add a weight [0066] Move a weight one notch (e.g., a physical notch in the metal balance rod) closer to the Octacog core [0067] Before making a move, a player declares their action (e.g., “I'm going to add a rod here,” or “I'm going to move this weight.”) [0068] The player removes Octacog from the balance pedestal, performs the action and places Octacog back onto the balance pedestal. [0069] At the end of each turn, a player gently spins Octacog. [0070] If Octacog spins for one complete turn without falling, Octacog is balanced and it's the next player's turn. If any part other than the balance point touches the balance pedestal or if Octacog loses balance, you lose.

[0071] Alternative Play:

[0072] In addition to being played as a game and/or puzzle, Octacog works equally well as a construction toy. Users may simply tinker with various configurations to see how well it might balance or how precarious a balance point might be achieved. Octacog might be balanced on surfaces other than just the provided pedestal. For example, on a finger or the corner of a table. Octacog may also be used simply as a building/construction toy. Octacog may also be used as an educational device/toy in science, STEM, maker space, libraries, art or math classes (and other topics).

[0073] Educational Value:

[0074] While this product concept has high engagement value as a play item, it also can address several Next Generation Science Standards and can promote STEM skills. At a higher educational level, users could measure how far a mass is moved and how it changes the center of gravity. Teachers may ask students to draw a plan on paper, make a prediction, test and then evaluate the results. There are various other ways a product like this could be used in the classroom.

[0075] Potential Interactions/Game Play:

[0076] One big trend in early childhood education, specifically in the STEM fields is pattern recognition and matching. This toy may include a deck of cards with various patterns that a child can challenge themselves to recreate. These cards as well as the game play below would allow for this product to be both a game and a toy.

[0077] Toy Function:

[0078] Users can add two or more rods to the Octacog core and test amounts and locations to achieve balance. Users can build a symmetric creation and achieve balance easier or they can be creative and try something with less symmetry. If a project is close to being balanced, users can adjust amounts or locations of the masses to fine tune the balance. By adjusting the location of the masses, the user effectively is changing the center of gravity or the balance point.

[0079] FIG. 1 depicts an overview of the various components that may form a construction toy and game, according to an implementation. Worth repeating, any of the components described herein may include sample weights and/or sized, but such are non-limiting examples used for clarity and brevity. Any other suitable weights, sizes, and materials are contemplated herein. Turning to FIG. 1, a variety of components are shown, including a base, balance rod 9″, balance rod 3″, round balance point, sharp balance point, easy balance cap, hard (e.g., difficult) balance cap, weights in 25g, 35g, and 45g varieties, an Octacog assembly, and an Minicog assembly, each of which is described herein. A complete system may include less or more components than those depicted in FIG. 1.

[0080] FIG. 2 depicts a base component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation. In one embodiment, a base component may include a flat, horizontal portion for stability, and a vertical portion with a hole (void) to receive a balance rod, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. In one embodiment, balance rods may have a variety of lengths, weights, and diameters, and the base component may be manufactured to receive each type.

[0081] FIGS. 5 and 6 depict first and second balance point components of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation. In one embodiment, balance point components are manufactured to be permanently or temporarily affixed to the Octacog core (e.g., into one of the voids), to enable the Octacog assembly to be balanced on another object (e.g., a balance cap component, as described in FIGS. 13 and 14). Rounded and sharp balance point components may be used interchangeably, and may affect the relative difficulty of achieving a balanced state while in use.

[0082] FIG. 7 depicts an Octacog cap component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation. In one embodiment, and Octacog assembly includes two Octacog cap components—one on each end (e.g., a top and a bottom). In one embodiment, the Octacog cap component is manufactured to be affixed to the top and/or bottom of an Octacog core. The cap component may include a variety of holes (voids), to accept a variety of balance rods, as described herein. In one embodiment, the variety of holes may have a variety of different angles, to allow inserted balance rods to protrude at a variety of angles. Octacog cap may be affixed to remaining components of an Octacog core via adhesive, friction, or by some other means.

[0083] FIG. 8 depicts an Octacog wedge component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation. In one embodiment, an Octacog assembly includes 16 Octacog wedge components. In one embodiment, an Octacog wedge component forms one portion of an Octacog assembly (core). In one embodiment, the variety of holes Octacog produced by the wedges in a completed Octacog assembly may have a variety of different angles, to allow inserted balance rods to protrude at a variety of angles. An Octacog wedge may be affixed to remaining components of an Octacog core, including additional wedges, via adhesive, friction, or by some other means. In one embodiment, the design includes a pin/hole snap assembly. Optionally, some or all of the caps may include a living hinge snap feature that attaches to the assembled wedges.

[0084] FIGS. 9-10 depict first and second (e.g., north and south) Minicog components of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation. In one embodiment, the first and second Minicog components form the top and bottom of a Minicog core (assembly) and hold the core (e.g., including a plurality of wedges) together. Minicog components (e.g., north and south) may be affixed to remaining components of an Minicog core via adhesive, friction, or by some other means.

[0085] FIGS. 11-12 depict first and second Minicog wedge components of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation. Like the Octacog wedge components, the Minicog wedge components form one portion of a Minicog core (assembly (core). In one embodiment, a mini-core consists of 12 total parts when assembled. The wedges, in the two shapes, make up ten of those parts (e.g., five of each). The parts in FIGS. 9-10 illustrate the final parts.

[0086] In one embodiment, the variety of holes included in a Minicog wedge may have a variety of different angles, to allow inserted balance rods to protrude at a variety of angles. A Minicog wedge may be affixed to remaining components of an Minicog core, including additional wedges and north and south Minicog components, via adhesive, friction, or by some other means.

[0087] FIG. 13-14 depict first and second (easy and difficult) balance cap components of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation. In one embodiment, balance cap components are manufactured to be permanently or temporarily affixed to an end of a first balance rod, to enable an Octacog core with a balance point attached to be balanced on the first balance rod. Easy and difficult balance cap components may be differentiated by the size (e.g., width) of the cap and/or the angle of the surface. Balance cap components may be used interchangeably, and may affect the relative difficulty of achieving a balanced state while in use.

[0088] FIGS. 15-17 depict a variety of weight components of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation. As described herein, weight components may be manufactured to have any suitable weight and/or size. In one embodiment, weight components include a pass-through void to receive and secure a balance rod. In one embodiment, a weight component may be temporarily affixed to a balance rod by passing the balance rod through the void in the weight component, at which point the weight component may be held in place via friction.

[0089] FIGS. 18-20 depict a variety of weight insert components of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation. In one embodiment, weight insert components are stamped metal parts (e.g., carbon steel) that are included inside the weights (see FIGS. 15-17). The weight insert components are what give the weights their mass.

[0090] FIG. 21 depicts an Octacog assembly component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation. As shown, the Octacog core may be manufactured such that two Octacog caps hold in place a plurality of Octacog wedges to form a completed system. As described, Octacog wedges may be affixed to remaining components of an Octacog core, including additional wedges and caps, via adhesive, friction, or by some other means.

[0091] FIG. 22 depicts a Minicog assembly component of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation. As shown, the Minicog core may be manufactured such that two Minicog components (e.g., north and south) hold in place a plurality of Minicog wedges to form a completed system. As described, Minicog wedges may be affixed to remaining components of a Minicog core, including additional wedges and north and south components, via adhesive, friction, or by some other means.

[0092] FIGS. 23-27 depict a variety of example configurations of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation. As described herein, the various components of the system may be configured in any suitable fashion, such that the objective of gameplay is to achieve a balanced state of components. By using any number of combinations and placements of component weights, balance rod lengths, angle of void, position of weight components on balance rods, position of balance points, Octacog cores or Minicog cores, etc., a nearly infinite number of possible combinations exist, with only a subset of those achieving a balanced state. The example configurations depicted by FIGS. 23-27 are merely non-limiting examples of balanced states that may be achieved. Worth noting, the Minicog may be used in place of the Octacog, and vice-a-versa, in any context.

[0093] FIG. 28 depicts an example method of manufacture of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation. With reference to FIG. 28, method 2800 illustrates example functions used by various embodiments. Although specific function blocks (“blocks”) are disclosed in method 2800, such blocks are examples. That is, embodiments are well suited to performing various other blocks or variations of the blocks recited in method 2800. It is appreciated that the blocks in method 2800 may be performed in an order different than presented, and that not all of the blocks in method 2800 may be performed.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 28, at block 2801, manufacturing equipment (e.g., any manufacturing equipment suitable for such applications, as understood by a person having reasonable and ordinary skill in the art) may form, or be instructed to form, a base, form a core (2803) and form a first balance rod to operatively balance the core on the base (2805). In one embodiment, to be operatively balanced or connected on or to a component may include a balanced state or connection that is through a third component.

[0095] Optionally, manufacturing equipment may form, or be instructed to form, a first weight component 2807 and a second balance rod 2809 to operatively connect the core to the first weight component. Optionally still, manufacturing equipment may form, or be instructed to form, a balance cap to be temporarily affixed to a first end of the first balance rod, opposite the base (2811). Manufacturing equipment may additionally form, or be instructed to form, a balance point to be temporarily affixed to the core, wherein the balance point is to be balanced atop the balance cap to operatively balance the core on the base (2813).

[0096] Manufacturing equipment may additionally form, or be instructed to form, second and third weight components and a third balance rod, to operatively couple the second and third weight components to the core. In one embodiment, the first weight component has a same weight than the second weight component and a different weight than the third weight component. In another embodiment, the second balance rod has a different length than the third balance rod. In another embodiment, the two lengths are the same. In yet another embodiment, the core is one of an octagonal prism or an icosahedron.

[0097] In a variety of embodiments, the core comprises a plurality of voids at various angles such that inserted balance rods protrude from the core at multiple angles. In another embodiment, the core comprises sixteen identical wedges and two identical end caps, as described herein.

[0098] In another embodiment, the base comprises a plurality of voids at various angles such that inserted balance rods protrude from the base at multiple angles, and/or the first weight component comprises a plurality of voids at various angles such that inserted balance rods protrude from the first weight component at multiple angles.

[0099] In yet another embodiment, the base includes a single void for the reception of a single balance rode and the weight component includes a single void (e.g., that passes all the way through the weight component) to allow reception of a single balance rod. In one embodiment, multiple weights may be temporarily affixed to a single balance rod in a variety of positions along the balance rod (e.g., via physical indentations in the balance rod).

[0100] In one embodiment, the second balance rod is to operatively connect to the first weight component via friction. In another embodiment, the second balance rod is temporarily affixed to the first weight component via a living hinge.

[0101] Worth repeating, the various components of the system described herein may comprise various construction materials. For example, the components may be constructed from injection mold plastic, 3-D printed plastic, wood, fiberglass, metal, cardboard, foam, etc. Various coatings and/or coverings such as felt, velvet, rubberized paint, plastic, glass, foam, etc., may be applied to a base construction material. Furthermore, any fastener and/or fitting type may be used in place of the fasteners and fittings described herein for convenience.

[0102] In the description herein, numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific hardware structures, specific architectural and micro architectural details, specific components, specific measurements/heights, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that these specific details need not be employed to practice the present disclosure. In other instances, well known components or methods, such as specific and alternative construction materials, dimensions, shapes, sizes, functions and other specific details of the system described herein have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure.

[0103] Use of the phrases “to,” “capable of/to,” “operable to,” etc. in one implementation, refers to some apparatus, system, component, member, and/or element designed in such a way to enable use of the apparatus, system, component, member, and/or element in a specified manner. Note as above that use of “to,” “capable of/to,” “operable to,” etc. in one implementation, refers to the latent state of an apparatus where the apparatus is not operating but is designed in such a manner to enable use of an apparatus in a specified manner.

[0104] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” on “in some embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiment.

[0105] In the foregoing specification, a detailed description has been given with reference to specific exemplary implementations. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. Furthermore, the foregoing use of implementation and other exemplarily language does not necessarily refer to the same implementation or the same example, but may refer to different and distinct implementations, as well as potentially the same implementation.

[0106] The words “example” or “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “example’ or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the words “example” or “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X includes A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then “X includes A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Moreover, use of the term “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” throughout is not intended to mean the same embodiment or embodiment unless described as such. Also, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. as used herein are meant as labels to distinguish among different elements and may not necessarily have an ordinal meaning according to their numerical designation.