Object Launching System and Method

Abstract

Some embodiments relate to a base unit for use in a game. The base unit includes a lower panel extending from a front region of the base unit towards an inner region of the base unit, wherein the lower panel has a scoring region associated therewith. The base unit also includes an upper panel extending from a rear region of the base unit towards the inner region of the base unit, wherein the upper panel has a launching assembly coupled thereto. A sidewall extends upwardly from a lower sidewall region to an upper sidewall region, wherein the lower sidewall region abuts the lower panel at the inner region and wherein the upper sidewall region abuts the upper panel at the inner region. Other embodiments are also provided.

1 . A base unit for use in a game, the base unit comprising:
 a lower panel extending from a front region of the base unit towards an inner region of the base unit, wherein the lower panel has a scoring region associated therewith;   an upper panel extending from a rear region of the base unit towards the inner region of the base unit, wherein the upper panel has a launching assembly coupled thereto; and   a sidewall extending upwardly from a lower sidewall region to an upper sidewall region, wherein the lower sidewall region abuts the lower panel at the inner region and wherein the upper sidewall region abuts the upper panel at the inner region.   
     
     
         2 . The base unit of  claim 1 :
 wherein the upper panel includes an elongate slot defined therein, and   wherein the launching assembly comprises an object holder having a coupling member that slideably engages the elongate slot.   
     
     
         3 . The base unit of  claim 1 , wherein the scoring region comprises at least one aperture. 
     
     
         4 . The base unit of  claim 1 , wherein the upper panel is inclined at a first angle relative to a lower surface of the base unit. 
     
     
         5 . The base unit of  claim 4 , wherein the lower panel is declined at a second angle relative to the lower surface of the base unit. 
     
     
         6 . The base unit of  claim 4 , wherein the lower panel includes a face plate on which the scoring region is provided, wherein the lower panel is configured to interchangeably accept other face plates having other scoring regions. 
     
     
         7 . The base unit of  claim 4 , wherein the lower panel includes a face plate on which the scoring region is provided, wherein the face plate rests on a ledge recessed with regards to an outer surface of the lower panel. 
     
     
         8 . The base unit of  claim 1 , wherein the launching assembly further comprises pivot point about which the launching assembly can rotate. 
     
     
         9 . The base unit of  claim 1 , wherein the launching assembly comprises a slide. 
     
     
         10 . The base unit of  claim 1 , wherein the launching assembly comprises a catapult. 
     
     
         11 . The base unit of  claim 1 , wherein the launching assembly comprises a torsion hammer. 
     
     
         12 . The base unit of  claim 1 , wherein the launching assembly comprises a spring. 
     
     
         13 . The base unit of  claim 1 , wherein the launching assembly comprises a pendulum. 
     
     
         14 . The base unit of  claim 1 , wherein the launching assembly comprises a rubber band. 
     
     
         15 . The base unit of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a distance measuring element adapted to determine when the base unit is a predetermined distance from another object.   
     
     
         16 . The base unit of  claim 15 , where the distance measuring element comprises: a string, chain, or other flexible or foldable element coupled to the base unit and exhibiting the predetermined distance. 
     
     
         17 . A game system, comprising:
 a first base unit having a scoring region associated therewith; and   a second base unit having a launching assembly configured to launch an object towards the scoring region of the first base unit.   
     
     
         18 . The game system of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 a rotatable scoring assembly having first and second scoring regions corresponding to the first and second base units, respectively.   
     
     
         19 . The game system of  claim 17 , wherein the first base unit comprises:
 a lower panel extending from a front region of the first base unit towards an inner region of the first base unit, wherein the scoring region is disposed on the lower panel;   an upper panel extending from a rear region of the first base unit towards the inner region of the first base unit, wherein the upper panel has a launching assembly coupled thereto; and   a sidewall extending upwardly from a lower sidewall region to an upper sidewall region, wherein the lower sidewall region abuts the lower panel at the inner region and wherein the upper sidewall region abuts the upper panel at the inner region.   
     
     
         20 . The game system of  claim 19 :
 wherein the upper panel of the first base unit includes an elongate slot defined therein, and   wherein the launching assembly of the first base unit comprises an object holder having a coupling member that slideably engages the elongate slot.