Bumper Golf Game System with Modular Obstacles and Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bumper pool and putting games do not effectively combine the elements of skill, challenge, and fun in a portable and easily constructed format that can be played on various surfaces, lacking a unified system that integrates obstacles and competitive gameplay.
Innovation Solution
A bumper golf game system featuring a flexible putting mat with embedded obstacles and side rails, allowing players to use golf putters and balls, with the objective of putting balls into recessed goals on the opposite side of the playing surface, incorporating color-coded obstacles and visual indications for gameplay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bumper pool and putting games are played separately, then each game can be played with simple equipment, but the games do not effectively combine skill, challenge, and fun in a unified system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bumper pool and putting games into a single unified system. The playing surface includes both bumper obstacles and putting greens, allowing players to use both cue sticks and putters. The goals are positioned to receive balls from both game types, creating an integrated gameplay experience that merges the skills of bumper pool and putting into one cohesive game system.
Solution Approach 2:
The playing surface is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both bumper pool and putting games. The same surface serves as both a bumper pool table and a putting green, with obstacles that function in both game contexts. The goals can be used for both cue ball and golf ball, making the system universal for multiple game types without requiring separate equipment sets.
2Ease of manufacture
If a permanent fixed installation is used, then the game structure is stable and durable, but the game is not portable and difficult to construct
Solution Approach 1:
The playing surface is divided into modular segments that can be assembled and disassembled. The bumper obstacles and putting green elements are separate components that can be independently positioned on the surface. This segmentation allows the game to be easily constructed and reconstructed without requiring permanent installation, while maintaining structural stability during play through proper assembly of the modular components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If obstacles are fixed in the playing surface, then the game challenge is consistent, but the portability and ease of relocation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacles are designed to be dynamically positionable rather than permanently fixed. The bumper obstacles can be moved to different positions on the playing surface, allowing the game configuration to be adjusted between plays or events. This dynamic positioning maintains gameplay consistency through proper setup while enabling portability and adaptability when the game needs to be relocated or reconfigured.
Data Source
AI summary
A bumper golf game system, and related methods, are disclosed. The system includes a flexible putting mat including inner and outer surfaces, first and second goal recesses extending at least partially through the mat, an array of a plurality of central obstacle recesses extending at least partially through the mat positioned generally between the first and second goal recesses, a pair of first goal obstacle recesses extending at least partially through the mat flanking the first goal recess, and a pair of second goal obstacle recesses extending at least partially through the mat flanking the second goal recess. The system also includes a plurality of obstacles configured to mount within the obstacle recesses and extend past the inner surface of the mat. The system further includes a plurality of rails configured to interconnect and extend over the inner surface of the mat to bound a portion thereof.