Game Stick with Ball Channel for Throwing and Putting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf, as a sport, is becoming less appealing to younger generations due to its perceived slowness, high cost, and requirement for extensive skill and time, leading to a decline in participation and financial struggles for local golf courses.
Innovation Solution
A new athletic sport that uses a game stick with a channel to throw and push a ball, allowing for a more dynamic and accessible gameplay experience, potentially played on existing or dedicated courses, emphasizing quick learning, lower costs, and increased activity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional golf is played, then the game can be enjoyed by adults, but it becomes too slow and time-consuming for younger generations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the game by replacing the traditional golf club and ball system with a lacrosse-style stick and ball system. This allows the ball to be thrown and carried through the air rather than struck, fundamentally altering the speed and time characteristics of the game while maintaining the core objective of getting the ball from point A to point B.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical striking system of traditional golf with a throwing mechanism. Instead of using a club head to strike the ball, players use their hands to throw the ball through the lacrosse stick, replacing the complex mechanical swing and impact system with a more direct throwing motion that is faster and easier to learn.
2Reliability
If traditional golf equipment and lessons are required, then proper gameplay can be maintained, but the cost becomes prohibitive for younger players
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the game universally accessible by using equipment that is already familiar to younger generations through other sports like lacrosse. The stick and ball combination can be used for multiple functions (throwing, carrying, catching) and doesn't require specialized expensive equipment or certified instructors, making the game accessible to anyone regardless of socioeconomic status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive equipment that can be easily replaced if needed. The lacrosse-style stick and ball are much cheaper than traditional golf clubs and can be purchased at any sporting goods store, eliminating the need for expensive specialized equipment and professional instruction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional golf rules and procedures are followed, then standard gameplay is maintained, but the game becomes too complex and difficult to learn quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex traditional golf rules into simpler components by adopting basic throwing and catching rules that are already familiar to younger players from other sports. The game is divided into simple objectives (throw the ball, get it to the target) without complex stroke counting, penalty systems, or procedural requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a homogeneous gameplay experience by using equipment and rules that are consistent with other sports already played by younger generations. The throwing and catching mechanics are uniform and predictable, eliminating the variability and complexity of traditional golf strokes and procedures.
4Reliability
If golf courses maintain traditional facilities and services, then existing golfers are satisfied, but the courses struggle financially with declining participation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability to golf courses by allowing them to host multiple types of games on the same facilities. Courses can switch between traditional golf and the new throwing game based on demand, time of day, or target demographic, maximizing facility utilization and revenue potential while maintaining satisfaction for both traditional and new players.
Data Source
AI summary
A game stick and game are disclosed. The game stick includes a shaft with a head at one end. A channel wide enough for a game ball is defined in the head. The ball is placed in the channel and when the game stick is swung, the ball rides along the channel and is released therefrom to fly through the air. The head may be adjustable to affect the way in which the ball is thrown. The game is similar to golf except that instead of hitting the ball, the ball is thrown toward a target location at the end of a fairway. When the target location is reached, the game stick may be used as a putter to push or putt the ball to sink it into a sunken cup in the ground.