Retractable Foosball Table with Pivoting Tray
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foosball tables are bulky and difficult to convert into other uses due to protruding miniatures and handles, making them unsuitable for space-efficient storage or use as a dining table.
Innovation Solution
A retractable foosball table design that allows the game unit to be positioned below a pivoting tray, enabling conversion into a flat surface when not in use, with a skirt for aesthetic and space-saving purposes, and locking mechanisms for secure transition between playing and retracted positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the foosball table is designed with protruding miniatures and handles for gameplay, then the game functionality is improved, but the space efficiency and ability to convert into other uses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a retractable mechanism that allows the game unit to dynamically change its configuration between playing position (with protruding handles and miniatures) and retracted position (flush with table surface), enabling the table to adapt between game functionality and space-efficient storage or alternative uses
Solution Approach 2:
The game unit is divided into separable components (handles, miniatures, bars) that can be independently retracted into the table enclosure, allowing each element to be stored within the table body when not in use, thus reducing the overall volume occupied by the game unit
2Ease of operation
If the foosball table is designed with protruding handles and miniatures, then the gameplay functionality is improved, but the aesthetic appearance and space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handles and miniatures are designed to be retractable, allowing them to be positioned inside the table enclosure when not in use, creating a clean, flush surface that improves aesthetic appearance while maintaining full gameplay functionality when extended
3Ease of operation
If the foosball table is designed with standard enclosure height, then the gameplay comfort is improved, but the ability to use as a dining table or cover with tray deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The table design incorporates a retractable mechanism that allows the game unit to be positioned below the table surface when not in use, creating a flat, level surface suitable for dining or other activities, while maintaining standard enclosure height for comfortable gameplay when in use
Solution Approach 2:
The table is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be used as a foosball table during gameplay, and when the game unit is retracted, the same surface can be used as a dining table or for other purposes, maximizing the utility of the furniture piece
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the foosball table to be compactly stored and easily converted into a functional dining or gaming surface, addressing space constraints and aesthetic considerations.
Implementation Method 1
a retractable foosball able to rest on a ground where there is a gravitational force, having the characteristics which are defined in particular in appended claim 1
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The present invention relates to retractable foosball tables. The foosball table according to the invention comprises a foosball unit 10 including a parallelepiped enclosure 11 with a base 12 and walls 13 bordering the base, at least one rod 14 mounted to rotate by passing through two walls 13, the axis 14-1 of the rod defining a direction Di, a handle 15 integral with the rod and located outside the enclosure 11, a figure 16 on the rod 14; the unit being entirely contained, in its minimum compact form, within a cylindrical volume Vo;a rectangular tray 20, means for securing the base 12 with a face 22 of the tray 20, a frame 30 with a central opening 31, the section 32 of the opening 31 being equal to the section of the tray 30, footing means 40 associated with the frame 30, and means for moving the assembly "unit 10/tray 20" so that it can take two positions relative to the frame: a position in which the tray 20 is in the opening 31 of the frame 30 and in its plane, the game unit 10 being located below the tray, and a position in which the game unit 10 is above the tray 20.;