Horseshoe Apparatus for Cornhole Platform Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lawn toss games, such as horseshoes and cornhole, require different playing devices and setups, leading to increased setup time and costs, and a need for a system that allows conversion between the two games to share the same field of play.

Innovation Solution

A horseshoe apparatus is designed to be installed in the bag receiving hole of a cornhole apparatus, featuring an outer base with a diameter greater than the hole, an inner base with a depth matching the hole, and a coupling mechanism with a stem to deflect tossed objects, enabling the conversion of a cornhole game to a horseshoe game.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different playing devices are used for horseshoes and cornhole, then each game can be played with its traditional equipment, but setup time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegame functionalityVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cornhole platform is designed to serve dual purposes: functioning as a cornhole target with a hole during cornhole games, and serving as a horseshoe stake platform during horseshoe games. The platform structure includes a recessed area that can accommodate either a cornhole hole or a horseshoe stake, allowing the same physical platform to support both games without requiring separate dedicated structures for each game type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If different playing devices are used for horseshoes and cornhole, then each game maintains its traditional setup, but device costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegame functionalityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the cornhole hole and horseshoe stake into a single integrated platform structure. The recessed area of the platform serves as both the cornhole hole receptacle and the horseshoe stake mounting location, merging two previously separate game components into one unified structure that reduces overall equipment costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a cornhole hole is modified to accept a horseshoe stake, then the same playing field can be used for both games, but the hole structure must accommodate both functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield reusabilityVSAvoidhole structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is segmented into distinct functional zones: an upper playing surface for cornhole bag placement, a recessed area that can accommodate either a cornhole hole or horseshoe stake, and a lower base structure. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while the overall platform provides structural unity and supports both game types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The platform design incorporates dynamic adaptability through its recessed area configuration. The same recessed space can dynamically switch between holding a cornhole hole assembly or a horseshoe stake assembly, allowing the structure to adapt its function based on which game is being played without requiring permanent modification for either game type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11547914B2Systems and methods of converting a cornhole game to a horseshoe game

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 RAUSE THOMAS A

AI summary

Systems and methods of converting a cornhole game to a horseshoe game are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a horseshoe apparatus that is operable to be disposed in a bag receiving hole in an inclined platform of a cornhole apparatus comprises inner and outer bases with each base having upper and lower surfaces. The apparatus further includes a coupling mechanism having first and second ends, wherein the coupling mechanism is coupled to the lower surface of the inner base such that the first end is positioned to extend outside a perimeter of the inner base and the second end is positioned within the perimeter of the inner base. The apparatus also includes a stem disposed through and at a center of the outer base. The stem is operable to deflect or catch an object tossed towards the stem.