ANCHORED STAFF

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to systems, devices, and methods relating to a staff that can be removably engaged with a box, puck, and/or other attachments to facilitate a wide range of motion of the staff while engaged to the box or puck. The box can include multiple pieces including at least a top portion and side portions that can include one or more receiving portions (or sockets). The staff can include a circular end portion and a metallic portion at least partially disposed within a cavity of the circular end portion to allow the circular end portion to fit within the socket with a wide range of motion while engaged to the socket.

Claims

1. A modular system, comprising: an anchor body including a surface with a hole in the surface, a socket assembly mounted to the anchor body, the socket assembly including at least four fins attached to a flat base, the fins configured within the hole, wherein the at least four fins are resiliently flexible; a staff with a modular end unit including a connector with a ball end, wherein the ball end is configured to be inserted in the socket assembly and freely rotatable within the socket and wherein the ball end is configured to be removable from the socket assembly by deflecting at least one of the resiliently flexible at least four fins.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the anchor body is a disc-shaped puck.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the anchor body is a side of a box.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the box includes a second hole in a second side and a second socket assembly mounted to the box second side, the second socket assembly including at least four fins, the fins configured within the second hole.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the staff ball end is rubber coated with a metal core.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the modular end unit is connected to the staff by a threaded screw connector.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least four socket fins form an opening, wherein a diameter of the socket fins opening is at least 97% of a diameter of the ball end.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the ball end has 47% of the diameter protruding above the anchor body surface when inserted in the socket assembly, the ball end resting on the socket assembly flat base.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least four fins in the socket are between 0.3 inches and 0.6 inches in height.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least four fins in the socket are tapered to be wider at the flat base and narrower at the opening.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the staff connector having a tapered flange at a 30 degree angle from sides of the staff.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein a width of the socket flat bottom is 117% of a diameter of the ball end.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] A brief description of the figures showing various embodiments and combinations:

[0009] FIGS. 1A-C are illustrations of the systems showing a detail of a staff and puck anchor as an embodiment described herein.

[0010] FIG. 1D is an illustration of the systems showing a detail of a staff and box anchor as an embodiment described herein.

[0011] FIGS. 2A-2G are illustrations of the systems showing a detail of a staff embodiments described herein.

[0012] FIGS. 3A-D are illustrations of the systems showing a detail of a puck anchor as an embodiment described herein.

[0013] FIGS. 4A-D are illustrations of the systems showing a detail of a box anchor as an embodiment described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a sufficient understanding of the subject matter presented herein. But it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. Moreover, the particular embodiments described herein are provided by way of example and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

OVERVIEW

[0015] In the past, various workout systems have been invented that allow a user to stand on a raised platform or step up to do aerobic exercises. Such systems utilized a simple box or step. But in some circumstances, it may be beneficial to help a user keep their balance while using the step box. Similarly on floor exercises. In such circumstances, a vertical bar may be utilized by the user stepping up or on the floor, to keep their balance or increase their range of motion in an exercise regime. However, such static horizontal and vertical surfaces have drawbacks, they are unable to provide any kind of articulating range and cannot be easily moved or disassembled.

[0016] What the systems and methods here resolve is to provide not only a vertical bar to aid a user in a stair step exercise routine, but an articulating 360 range of motion anchored bar or staff for which to secure one end of a bar, enough to withstand the rigors of vigorous exercise contact. Such a combination of bar/staff and anchor are useful to the user to keep balance but also to support a wide range of exercise moves that would not be possible if such a system did not exist.

[0017] The systems and methods here allow for a modular anchoring system, in a ball-and-socket type arrangement, sturdy enough to withstand rigorous exercise, flexible enough to rotate 360 degrees and pivot down to a 30 degree angle from the floor, be portable, and be able to be used in both a floor anchor system and a step box anchor system. Further, the staff system is able to be adapted and changed such that different end components, different length components, different weights and features may be changed into it.

[0018] As such, the present embodiments relate to systems, devices, and methods relating to a staff that can be removably engaged with a box, floor puck, and/or other attachments to facilitate a wide range of motion of the staff while securely but rotatively engaged to the box or puck by a socket system. The ability to push against the anchored staff, while still being able to rotate and move it is achieved through the anchor systems described herein. Such anchors may be in a floor puck and/or in various locations on a box used for step aerobics and other exercises. Other various anchor points may also be utilized as described herein.

[0019] It should be noted that the examples of the puck or disc and the examples of the box as anchors are not intended to be limiting. The anchor system described herein may be fit into either interchangeably, in any of various positions, and may be fit into other anchors as well such as a wall-mounted anchor, an anchor embedded in the floor, a multi-level step with anchors on every level, a mat with embedded anchors, a surface with an array of anchors, or any combination or permutation of the above.

[0020] FIG. 1A shows an example of a staff 102 with a ball 106 fitted by a connector having a tapered flange 104. In the figure, the staff 102 is shown anchored into a floor puck 108 as an example. Many variations and examples herein will describe this system in more detail with various options and features. And while various examples relate to fitness equipment, the present embodiment are not necessarily limited to such examples.

[0021] FIG. 1B shows a view of the staff 102 example engaged with and anchored into the puck 108 or disc by the ball end 104 attached to the staff by the connector 104. The range of motion of the staff 180 around an axis parallel to the ground passing through the center of the ball end of the staff when anchored in the puck or disc 108 is shown. In some examples, the staff is able to pivot up to 140 degrees when anchored in the puck or disc 108. In some examples, the staff is able to pivot up to 120 degrees when anchored. The full range of pivot motion, when the staff 102 is anchored into the puck or disc 108 is only limited by the position of the ball 106 within the socket in the puck or disc 108 and the angle of the tapered flange on the connector 104 as described in later figures and description. The interface of the ball 106 and socket within the puck or disc 108 allows for this staff 102 movement if moved by a human user.

[0022] FIG. 1C also shows the example of a puck or disc 108 anchoring the staff 102 but from a perspective angle. As can be seen from the angle of FIG. 1C, the staff is able to rotate in a multitude of angles and not just in a single plane around the puck or disc 180. As shown in the example FIG. 1C, the staff 102 is able to move about the anchor 108 in a full 360 degree circle if moved by a user. The ball 106 in the anchor socket allows for this full range of movement by the staff if moved by the user in a smooth manner with minimal frictional force opposing it, as described herein. The dimensions of the anchor thereby do not impact the 360 degree motion within the range 180, it is a property of a ball and socket assembly as described herein.

[0023] FIG. 1D shows an example utilizing a box 100 as an anchor instead of the puck or disc, where the anchor socket 101 is shown in one side of the box 100 with the ball end 106 of the staff 102 already engaged and anchored. The same anchor system as described in FIG. 1A-1C and 2A and FIGS. 3A-3D for the puck/disc can be arranged in the box additionally or alternatively. In such examples, the same ranges of motion and adaptability are available for the system.

[0024] As discussed herein, any combination of anchor systems with the ball staff may be created or arranged. The example of the puck or disc and the box are mere examples.

Staff Examples

[0025] The systems described herein utilize two main components: a staff and an anchor of the staff. FIG. 2A shows a detail of a staff terminal end that includes a main body 202 and ball end portion 206. The staff 202 can be substantially cylindrical in shape and include one or more ends capable of being removably engaged with receiving portions as described herein. The end of a staff can include a ball end portion 206 as shown in the example. The staff 202 can be formed with different terminal ends or made of multiple pieces fitted together using any of various connecting components 210 including but not limited to screw, slot, snap fit, magnetic, click, or other connecting systems. In the examples, screw fit with a spiral threaded or inclined plane is shown that mates with another screw receiver, but these are not intended to be limiting. Any number of components may be attached to one end of the staff 202 such as the ball end 206 or weights, or other ends as described herein, etc.

[0026] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-section of a staff 202 engaged with a puck 208 anchor. Additionally, or alternatively, the same anchor system could be used in a box as described herein As shown in FIG. 2A, the ball end portion 206 can include a metal core 260 with components for screw threads or other connectors to attach the ball end 206 to the staff 202. In some examples, this metal core may include various surface features to ensure an outer coating of the ball end 206 does not slip or spin or move when molded together.

[0027] The ball connection tapered flange 204 that connects the ball end 206 to the staff 202 may be angled such that the ball end 206 when secured into a socket 232 (described in more detail herein) may lean over, if put there by a user, to provide a large range of motion for the staff, relative to the puck 208 anchor resting on a floor. In such examples, the tapered flange 204 may have an angle, relative to the staff 202 of 30 degrees 290. In such examples, the surface of the puck 209 may interact with the tapered or angled edge of the ball connection tapered flange 204 to allow for the staff to lean at an angle of 30 degrees from the top of the puck 109.

[0028] In some examples, a minimum diameter of the socket 232 opening may be 97% of the diameter of the ball at rest, without the fins being deflected. In some examples, when the ball 206 is anchored in the socket 232, the ball rests at a height of 53% of the diameter from the bottom surface 249, leaving 47% of the diameter protruding above the anchor surface 250. In some examples, the opening may be between 90% and 99% of the diameter of the ball. In some examples, when the ball 206 is anchored in the socket 232, the ball rests at a height of between 45% and 58% of the diameter from the bottom surface 249.

[0029] This arrangement allows for the ball end 206 to pivot and not hit the surface of the connector tapered flange 204 on the surface of the anchor 209 until a wide range of motion is allowed when in use. In some examples, this range of motion is up to 120 degrees from side to side across the anchor system as shown in FIG. 1B. In some examples, the range of motion is up to 140 degrees.

[0030] FIG. 2B shows an example of a staff 200 that includes a main body 202 and end portions 206, 210. The staff 202 can be formed using multiple pieces formed together using any of various connecting components 210. FIG. 2B showing a smaller diameter threaded end 210 is merely an example, others including but not limited to screw, hanger bolt, slot, snap fit, magnetic, click or other connecting systems. As described herein, either end may be removed, swapped, changed, or connected to any of various weights, ball ends, lights, speakers, batteries, sensors such as movement sensors, GPS sensors, piezoelectric sensors, location sensors, Bluetooth connectors, heartbeat monitors, thermometers, resistance band anchors, hand grips, crystals, touch sensors, etc. Any number of battery operated or not battery operated systems may be packed in a cylindrical unit and attached to the end of the staff as shown herein.

[0031] Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, one or both of the ends of the staff 200 may include a modular (or permanently affixed) end component such as a ball 206 or spherical end cap as described. Such a ball 206 component may be the same diameter as the staff main body 202 or may be smaller or larger in diameter. In some examples, the diameter of the ball is between 0.75 and 3 inches. In some examples, a diameter of the staff may be between 0.75 inches and up to 3 inches. In some examples, the ball 206 may have a side that includes a threaded screw fit connection 204. In such examples, a screw threaded component or hanger bolt 208 may screw threaded fit into the ball 206 at the connection side 204 and the screw threaded component 208 may fit into the staff main body 202. In such a way, the ball 106 and staff main body 202 may securely screw together. In some examples, the ball 206 may include a flared, or tapered connection section 204 that, when screwed together with the staff main body 102 forms a flared or tapered section of the staff 200 thereby allowing a wide range of motion when anchored, as described herein. In some examples, the opposite end 210 of the staff may have the same ball arrangement as shown in FIG. 2A. In some examples, the opposite end 210 may include a screw arrangement for another modular component such as a weight, flat end, round end, or other component. As with the ball end 206 of the staff 202, the staff 200 may be modular and adapted with different component parts.

[0032] The staff shown in all the examples herein is cylindrical, but it could be any number of shapes, including having a square, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-section. It could also be non-prismatic, such as a ring (circular or elliptical), or even two cylinders with a gap in between. The staff could also include specific hand grip areas, like a rubber sleeve or gap in the wood for fingers to go through.

[0033] In some examples, the ball end 206 may be made of rubber. In some examples, the ball end 206 may be made of metal or wood. In some examples, the ball end 206 may have a metal core and a rubber exterior, as described further herein.

[0034] In examples where the staff includes a ball end assembly, FIG. 2D shows a cutaway view similar to the detail of FIG. 2A. The staff main body 202 is shown with the screw thread end 210 without any connecting modular component part. FIG. 2D also shows the ball end side with the flange 204 and the ball 206. The cut away of FIG. 2D shows the inside of the ball 206 with a metal core 207 that secures the screw threads and to which the rubber ball 206 is molded. In such examples, the ball end 206 may have a springy or softer ball end 206 but be able to securely fit to the staff body 202 using screw threads or other connectors securely because of the metal core 207 within the ball 206. The use of the term rubber is not intended to be limiting. Any number of plastic, polymer, rubber, rubber-like materials, can be used alone or in combination. In some examples, the ball end 206 has a metal core 207 which includes the screw threads and/or hanger bolt anchored inside and then a first molded polymer that is very solid and durable with a more springy or resilient outer layer molded over that to complete the ball 206. In any arrangement, the ball end 106 may be mounted to the staff 202 securely.

[0035] The ball end assembly 206 can be removable by unscrewing it from the hanger bolt 108. A threaded insert can be threaded into the other end of the dowel and can accept the machine threads on the hanger bolt in the staff center. A tenon, similar to the one on the staff center, can allow the staff center metal sleeve to engage with the tenon on the staff end.

[0036] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 2E, the staff 200 may include aluminum tubular reinforcing sleeves 220 on an end, the hanger bolts 208, O-Rings 212, and center wooden profiled dowel 222. The O-rings 212 can fit into O-ring grooves in the dowel 222. The O-rings 212 can keep the sleeves 220 from falling off. In some examples, the sleeve overlaps the tenons on both the staff center and staff ends serves to reinforce the resulting connection against bending moments. The hanger bolts 208 or any other kind of connector can have a wood thread on one end and a machine thread on the other or vice versa, or the same threads on both ends. The wood thread end can be screwed into the wooden dowel 222 in production. The machine thread end can be used to connect a center portion to each end portion. The wood dowel 222 can have tenons at each end to accommodate the inside diameter of the sleeve 220. FIG. 2F shows an assembled staff 200 with both ends screwed together without the ball ends but with two ends of weights 222 or other modular battery powered systems as described, secured as the two ends of the staff, instead of one or two ball ends.

[0037] In FIG. 2G, the staff 200 can include a main body and thicker screw thread assembly 210 shown as an example. Such a screw assembly may be 0.5 inches in diameter, 1 inch in diameter, or 2 inches in diameter. Such a screw assembly may be between 0.5 and 2 inches in diameter. Such a thicker screw thread assembly may be useful to attach items such as a weight or heavy metal end to the staff instead of a lighter component part.

[0038] Instead of the ball end, a weight adapter end can be used, with two 5-pound weights assembled to an adapter. The adapter can thread onto the hanger bolt in a similar fashion as the ball end does. A nut can be threaded onto the adapter to retain the weight disks.

[0039] In some instances, the weight adapter can include a portion which envelops the end of the wooden staff end. As a result, bending moments from the weights can be resolved by transferring the load between the inside surface of this extended portion and the outside surface of the wooden dowel, instead of using the hanger bolt to handle these moments.

Puck Anchor Examples

[0040] The staff as described above in FIGS. 2A-2G may be used in conjunction with any anchor assembly as described herein. Such an anchor assembly may allow for the staff to secure but also pivot and rotate and articulate about the anchor s described. Such an anchor may be mounted in a separate portable puck or disc shaped component as described in FIG. 3A-3D.

[0041] FIG. 3A shows an example floor puck or disc 300 that could be placed on the ground in use. The shape of a circular disc is not intended to be limiting and it could be square, triangular, or any other shape. The middle of the puck 300 includes a circular hole or indent 330 inside which include the anchor components 332. In the example, the anchor components are shaped to receive the staff ball end (206 in FIG. 2A) and retain the ball end of the staff while allowing it to rotate, pivot, and otherwise spin around inside the anchor hold 330 but stay in place as described herein. In some examples, the puck or disc 300 may be between 4 and 12 inches in diameter. In some examples, the puck disc 300 may be between 5 and 9 inches in diameter. In some examples the puck disc 300 height may be between one and two inches high. In some examples, the puck disc 300 height may be between 0.5 and 1.5 inches high.

[0042] FIG. 3B is a cutaway perspective view of FIG. 3A puck or disc similar to that shown in FIG. 2A. In the example of FIG. 3B, the inside of the receiver anchor section is shown with the cutaway hole 330 in the body of the puck or disc 300. Within this hole 330 the receiver anchor is affixed or part of the body of the puck or disc 300. In the example, the receiver anchor includes a main circular shape 334 at the flat base and fins 332 that extend upward into the hole 330. The circular base foundation socket 334 and fins 332 may be shaped such that the spherical ball end 306 may fit into the area between and among the fins 332 and be secured in place during use.

[0043] The sides of the socket 334 fins 332 may be segmented or separated to allow this flex. The socket 332 parts may be made of plastic or a springy metal, for example, a stainless steel stamping. This may be accomplished using fins 332 that are configured to deflect when forced, but resiliently return to shape after bending slightly. In such a way, the ball end 306 may have a diameter that is slightly larger than the distance between opposing fins 332 so that in use, the user may push the ball end 306 into the hole 330 and thereby deflect one or more of the fins 332 until the ball and 306 pushes into the space or void at the circular foundation socket 334 and the fins 332 may then resiliently snap back into place in order to retain the ball end 306 in place during use. In such an example, the ball end 306 may then be secured under and among the fins 332 in the hole 330 and the foundational circular base socket 334 until the user pulls hard enough such that the ball end deflects one or more fins 332 to pop the ball end 306 out of the hole 330.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3B, two fins 332 are shown, and because it is a cutaway view, the full embodiment would include four fins 332. The number four fins 332 is just an example and not intended to be limiting. The number of fins could be two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight. Any number of fins, flexible enough to receive the ball into the socket yet resilient enough to hold the ball in place, may be used as described herein.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3B, each fin 332 is separated from the next fin by a gap, lower portion, trench, void, valley or other dip 335 to form a castellated pattern all the way around a circular shape. In some examples, each fin 332 is tapered, with a wider base side and a narrower top side.

[0046] In such an example, each fin 332 rises above the lower portion to allow for each fin 332 to flex when pushed or pressed but then resiliently flex back into shape. In some examples, each fin 332 is angled toward a center of the hole within which it is located, and thereby toward the center of the socket assembly. In such examples, the fins angling together toward the center of the hole provide a void or space below them in which the staff ball end may be secured in a fully rotatable configuration.

[0047] In some examples, each fin 332 is bent in, or angled toward a center of the hole 330 within which it is located. In such examples, the fins angling together toward the hole provide a void or space below them in which the staff ball end may be secured in a fully rotatable configuration. In some examples, the diameter of the angled-in fins at the top of the socket 334 is 97% of the diameter of the ball 306. In some examples, the diameter of the angled-in fins at the top of the socket 334 is between 92% and 99% of the diameter of the ball 306. This ball end rotation is achievable because the angled in fins form a retentive force for the ball end, and a force strong enough to deflect one or more of the fins 332 is needed to remove the ball from within the socket of fins is made, usually by a user pulling hard on the staff to extract it from the socket.

[0048] Inside the socket 334, the inner surface is narrower at the top and wider in diameter toward the base 336. In some examples, the inner socket 334 is wider than a diameter of the ball 306 at the bottom of the socket. In some examples, the width of the socket 334 interior at the bottom near the base 336 is 117% of the ball 306 diameter. In some examples, because the socket opening is smaller than the diameter of the ball, it provides resistance to the ball going in or out of the socket, but since the inside of the socket is generally larger than the diameter of the ball, the ball can freely move once inside of the socket, though it is restricted from lateral motion by the inside surface of the socket.

[0049] This ball end rotation is achievable because the angled-in fins 332 form a retentive force for the ball end 306, and a force strong enough to deflect one or more of the fins 332 is needed to remove the ball from within the socket of fins is made, usually by a user pulling hard on the staff to extract it from the socket. Such base foundation socket and fin 332 portion may be made of polymer, plastics, rubber, composites, stainless steel, spring steel, or other materials or combinations of materials that are flexible enough to receive the ball end 306 in the socket 334 but retain it while in use, and still be able to allow the ball end to pop out when pulled hard enough by a user. Some examples may include 3, 6, or 8 fins equally spaced. The fins could be spaced unevenly to bias insertion from one direction. In some examples, fins with a dip 335 of 0.57 inches down, which can be seen as a height of each fin of 0.57 inches. In some examples, a width at the top of each fin is 0.33 inches. In some examples, alternatively or additionally, the dip 335 or height of each fin may be between 0.3 inches and 0.6 inches. In some examples, the fins 332 may be between 0.2 and 0.5 inches wide at a top. In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the fins 332 are tapered from wide where they separate from the next fin to narrow at a top where they are separated more between fins. Either the width of the fins or depth of the dip dimensions could be different to make it easier or harder to insert the staff or increase the durability of the socket.

[0050] In the Example of FIG. 3B, the receiving foundation 334 is part of a component part that is affixed to the puck body 300 with the one or more fin portions 332 disposed on the base 334. In the example of FIG. 3B, the socket section 334 is part of a wider base section plate 336 that is secured to the puck 300 with screws 338. In the example of FIG. 3B, a ring 337 is shown to secure the base socket 334 to the wider base section plate 336. In other examples, the receiver socket section 334 may be attached to the puck 300 by snap fit, screw threads, magnets, or other mechanical component parts to hold them together. FIG. 3B also shows an example staff 302 with ball end 306 being able to be inserted into and removed from 311 the socket assembly by a user pushing or pulling the ball end 306 into or out of the socket assembly. The ball end 306 may be retained in the socket assembly by force of the fins 332 bent or articulated inward and therefore to insert the ball end 306 into the socket, a force is necessary to deflect one or more fins 332 to allow for the ball 306 to fit into the cavity or interior of the socket 334.

[0051] In the example of FIG. 3C, an exploded and cutaway view of the puck 300 is shown. In the example, the socket section 334 is separate from a wider base section plate 336 that is secured to the puck body 300 with screws 338. In the example of FIG. 3C, a ring 337 is shown to secure the base socket 334 to the wider base section plate 336. In other examples, the receiver socket section 334 may be attached to the puck 300 by another way. FIG. 3D shows the same as FIG. 3C, the same component parts, but not cut away. As shown in FIG. 3D, the bottom of the puck 300 may be the base section plate 336. In such examples, the puck may rest on a floor and the base section plate 336 contacts the floor. As the rigors of the forces applied by a user when in use to the pole when secured in the socket may be great and varied, the bottom of the puck 300, at the base section plate 336 may include non-skid materials, be coated in non-skid, and/or otherwise include a layer of material that stops the puck 300 from sliding even when placed on a smooth surface and forces are applied to the puck and/or staff when assembled. Material that may be used on the bottom of the base section plate may be rubber, polymers, plastics, wax paper, wood veneer, aluminum, sheet metal, any of which can be sanded or otherwise polished.

Box Anchor Examples

[0052] The staff as described above in FIGS. 2A-2G may be used in conjunction with any anchor assembly as described herein. Such an anchor assembly may allow for the staff to secure but also pivot and rotate and articulate about the anchor. Such an anchor may be mounted in a box or step box component as described in FIG. 4A-4D Such a box may be 12 inches tall and 24 inches long. Such a box may be 18 inches tall and 30 inches long. Box heights may be any of 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, 8 inches, 10 inches, 16 inches, 20 inches, 30 inches or intermediary dimensions between these measurements. The height of the box can be around 26.5 inches tall and provide support for various exercises. In order to prevent rocking on slightly bumpy floors or due to variations in the flatness of the box left end plate, there are four protruding sections on the edges of the box top and box bottom plates. These protruding sections are as far out toward the corners of this end, and are sized to ensure that they will contact the floor before the box left handle end or either corner molding. In manufacturing, these protruding sections can be sanded simultaneously on a flat plate covered in sandpaper, ensuring the four protruding surfaces wind up coplanar.

[0053] The component parts within the puck as described in FIG. 3A-D may be affixed into a box 400 instead of a smaller diameter puck shape and allow the staff to fit into the box 400 in the same way as in the puck 300. In various examples, one, two, three, or more sockets 401, 403 may be built into a box 400 in various ends or parts of the box for a user to attach and use a staff as described herein.

[0054] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate various views of an example box 400 according to some embodiments. The box as described herein can include multiple pieces integrally formed together to provide both a platform for a user to step on as well as include multiple receiving portions 401, 403 to receive a staff ball end (202 in FIG. 2A) as described herein. The box can also include a handle 440.

[0055] FIG. 4B shows an example of the box 400 with the lid 450 slid into an open position. Such a lid 450 may slide in rails 454 on two edges of the open box 452, 456. In such examples, a tongue and groove system may allow for the lid 450 top slide open and closed and when open reveal a chamber for storage, and when closed be sturdy enough for a user to step on it.

[0056] As shown the socket section 401 and 403 may be arranged into any side of the box 400 including in the sliding lid 450 should there be one. The sockets 401, 403 may be arranged in a middle section of the box side or toward an end of the box. In some embodiments, the socket midpoint is between 3 and 5 inches from the end of the box. In some examples, the socket 401, 403 is 4 inches from the end of the box. The sockets may be arranged in the middle of the short side of the box 400 and toward the end of one long side of the box. They may be centered and as close to the edges as the design can allow while being further inside than any stability feet so the box does not tip when force is applied from the staff. There could be multiple sockets, or sockets located anywhere on the box.

[0057] FIG. 4C shows an exploded view of one box side with the same socket assembly as was located in the puck in FIGS. 3A-D but this embodiment in the box side 400. In the example of FIG. 4C, the screws 438 hold the base plate 436 to the ring 437 and the box side 400 thereby securing the socket assembly 434 to the box side 400 and allowing the socket to sit below the hole 430.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4C, the box side socket assembly can 434 can be arranged on one side of the box 400 and two corner moldings 440 may be used to secure and support the box side 400 to the other sides of the box to withstand weight of a user who may step on the box. The corner moldings 440 can be shaped with grooves sized according to the side plate thickness and provide a place to drive screws through the side plate into the corner moldings.

[0059] FIG. 4D shows a cutaway view of an example box 400 where a handle 460 may be stowed inside the box 400 and pulled out when needed but retracted when not needed. In the example, the handle 460 is a U-shaped plastic component that slides in and out of two slots 462 cut into the inside of the box 400. Stoppers at the end of the ends of the U-shaped handle 460 stop the handle from falling out and keep the handle 460 within the slots 462 while sliding. In some examples, the stoppers may be knots in the handle material.

CONCLUSION

[0060] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of including, but not limited to. Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words herein, hereunder, above, below, and words of similar import refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the word or is used in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list.

[0061] Although certain presently preferred implementations of the invention have been specifically described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that variations and modifications of the various implementations shown and described herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only to the extent required by the applicable rules of law.

[0062] The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.