Multi-Game Table with Integrated Miniature Golf Course Underneath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional game tables are limited in their structural configuration, allowing only one type of game to be played, occupying excessive floor space and lacking versatility, making it difficult to modify or combine games for creative play.
Innovation Solution
A multi-game table apparatus that integrates a table game surface and a miniature golf course underneath, utilizing the table's existing structure to reduce footprint and enable simultaneous play of two games, with features like cross support beams as golf hole elements and a ball delivery system for interactive gameplay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional single-game table configuration is used, then the table structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the table can only play one type of game and occupies excessive floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a table game surface with a miniature golf course underneath the same table structure. The table legs and cross support beams serve dual purposes: supporting the table game surface above while simultaneously forming structural elements and obstacles for the miniature golf course below. This merging allows two different games to be played on a single apparatus, resolving the contradiction between game variety and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The table structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports the table game surface for players above, provides structural support for the miniature golf course below, and creates obstacles for the golf course using its own support elements. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to serve different games, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple game tables are provided to offer game variety, then users can play different types of games, but the floor space occupation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate games (table game and miniature golf) into a single integrated apparatus. The table game surface and miniature golf course share the same physical space vertically stacked, with the table game above and miniature golf below. This allows users to access two different games from one table footprint, effectively halving the floor space requirement compared to providing separate tables for each game.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension to accommodate multiple games. Instead of placing multiple game tables side-by-side horizontally (which would increase floor space), the invention stacks games vertically - table game surface above, miniature golf course below - thereby maintaining a compact floor footprint while providing game variety through vertical layering.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the table structure is modified to support multiple games, then game versatility improves, but the structural stability and support strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the miniature golf course structure with the table support structure. The table legs and cross support beams that provide structural support for the table game surface simultaneously serve as obstacles and structural elements for the miniature golf course. This merging ensures that the structural elements are optimized for both supporting the table game surface above and forming the golf course below, maintaining strength while enabling game versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a multi-game table apparatus and includes a table, with a surface panel configured for a table game. The apparatus further includes at least two table legs, with a top end and a bottom end. The top end of each table leg is connected to the table. The bottom end of each table leg is configured to contact a floor. The apparatus further includes a cross support beam, with a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to one of the table legs. The second end is connected to another of the table legs. The apparatus further includes a miniature golf course, underneath the table. The miniature golf course includes a miniature golf hole that is configured such that a portion of the cross support beam is an element of the miniature golf hole.