Modular Outdoor Game Board with Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of outdoor games that combine the challenges and benefits of horseshoes, cornhole, and washer toss in a single game, due to space and resource constraints, limiting access to these popular games during outdoor occasions.
Innovation Solution
A modular outdoor game system comprising two identical game assemblies with scoring regions and a locking mechanism, allowing players to score points by tossing a device into variously valued areas, which can be easily set up and secured together to create a comprehensive gaming experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate games (horseshoes, cornhole, washer toss) are provided, then game variety and entertainment value are improved, but space requirements and resource constraints worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate outdoor games (horseshoes, cornhole, and washer toss) into a single integrated game structure. The unified board includes all three game types with their respective playing areas, scoring regions, and functional elements consolidated into one apparatus, eliminating the need for multiple separate game setups and reducing overall space requirements while maintaining full game variety
Solution Approach 2:
The game board is designed as a multi-functional universal structure that accommodates three different games simultaneously. Each game type has its designated playing area and scoring mechanism integrated into the same board, allowing the single apparatus to serve multiple game purposes and providing diverse entertainment options without requiring additional equipment or space
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single unified game is created, then space efficiency and resource utilization are improved, but game complexity and rule complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The unified game board is segmented into distinct sections for each game type (horseshoes, cornhole, washer toss), with clear visual and physical boundaries separating the playing areas. This segmentation allows each game to function independently with its own rules and mechanics, reducing the perceived complexity by organizing the unified structure into manageable, recognizable game zones
3Ease of operation
If modular design with locking mechanism is used, then ease of setup and portability are improved, but device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The game structure is divided into modular components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The locking mechanism connects these segments together to form the complete game board, enabling quick setup and breakdown while maintaining structural integrity during play. This modular approach simplifies transportation and storage while providing a stable playing surface when assembled
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor game comprises a pair of game assemblies each having a pair of hinged legs, a plurality of scoring devices and a plurality of cuboid cubby holes disposed upon a first face. There is at least one (1) open cubby hole. Each cubby hole has a point value denoted above a back wall of each cubby hole. The open cubby hole is assigned a point value. A score is generated when at least one (1) scoring device is pitched into or through one (1) cubby hole. Along the front edge on both the top and bottom is a hasp enabling the assemblies to be joined to another board.