Abstract:
In one aspect, an apparatus includes first and second end rails, a flexible rectangular playing surface, and first and second side rails. A first end edge of the surface is connected to the first end rail, and a second end edge of the surface is connected to the second end rail. The first and second side rails are configured for removable attachment to the first and second end rails. A method includes unrolling a flexible rectangular playing surface and attaching first and second side rails. Further, an apparatus comprises a rectangular playing surface, a rectangular raised perimeter border, and a plurality of golf course construction elements, wherein at least some of the elements comprise complementary curves so that the elements fit with each other.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/443,270, filed Feb. 16, 2011 and entitled “Tabletop Miniature Golf Game,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Miniature golf is a game enjoyed by many players who appreciate the whimsy of a golf-like game that requires little skill and yet offers fun challenges. Drawbacks of conventional miniature golf settings include extensive space requirements, as each of the courses or holes is typically permanently installed and scaled so that players may walk on the course. 
     Thus, there is a need for a smaller-scale game apparatus that offers many of the same joys and challenges of miniature golf. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an apparatus comprises first and second end rails, a flexible rectangular playing surface, and first and second side rails. The playing surface has first and second opposite end edges and first and second opposite side edges. The first end edge of the surface is connected to the first end rail, and the second end edge of the surface is connected to the second end rail. The first side rail is configured for removable attachment to the first and second end rails proximate the first side edge of the playing surface; and the second side rail is configured for removable attachment to the first and second end rails proximate the second side edge of the playing surface. 
     In another aspect, a method comprises unrolling a flexible rectangular playing surface from at least one of a first and second end rail to form a flat rectangular playing surface and attaching first and second side rails. The surface has first and second opposite end edges and first and second opposite side edges, wherein the first end edge of the surface is connected to the first end rail, wherein the second end edge of the surface is connected to the second end rail. The method comprises attaching a first side rail to the first and second end rails proximate the first side edge of the playing surface and attaching a second side rail to the first and second end rails proximate the second side edge of the playing surface. 
     In yet another aspect, an apparatus comprises a rectangular playing surface having first and second opposite end edges and first and second opposite side edges, a rectangular raised perimeter border disposed proximate the first and second opposite end edges and the first and second opposite side edges of the playing surface, and a plurality of golf course construction elements, wherein at least some of the elements comprise complementary curves so that the elements fit with each other. 
     This summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosed or claimed subject matter and is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimed subject matter. Specifically, features disclosed herein with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to another. Further, this summary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure or system elements are referred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an exemplary game apparatus as it might be set up during a game. 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of components of an exemplary game apparatus. 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of assembly of an exemplary playing surface of the game apparatus of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     
    
    
     While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of this disclosure. 
     The figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features may be enlarged relative to other features for clarity. Moreover, where terms such as above, below, over, under, top, bottom, side, right, left, etc., are used, it is to be understood that they are used only for ease of understanding the description. It is contemplated that structures may be oriented otherwise. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure is directed to a portable miniature golf game in which the playing surface and game components are scaled to be used on a tabletop or similarly sized area. Moreover, unlike a traditional miniature golf course wherein each course or hole is permanently arranged so that it takes up valuable space even when not in play, the game components of the disclosed apparatus are reconfigurably arranged on the playing surface, so different courses or holes can be constructed serially on a single playing surface, thereby leading to very efficient use of space. Moreover, the game components may be arranged and rearranged in nearly unlimited manners on the playing surface to construct new courses, thereby allowing the players to impose new, surprising, and fun challenges with each construction. 
       FIG. 1  shows game apparatus  10  arranged during an exemplary game. Apparatus  10  includes a flexible rectangular playing surface  12  bounded by raised opposite first and second end rails  14  and raised opposite first and second side rails  16 . One or more players constructs a course or “hole” on playing surface  12  by arranging a selected set of variously shaped course components, including tee zone  18 , ball receptacle  20 , large arch  22   a , small arch  22   b , semi-circle  24 , corners  26 , bridge  28 , long rails  30 , medium rails  32 , and tall pegs  34 . Other available course construction components shown in  FIG. 2  include stream  36 , ramps  38 , short rails  40  and short pegs  42 . Once selected the game components  18 - 42  are arranged on playing surface  12 , one or more players uses a mallet  44  to maneuver the player&#39;s ball  46  from tee zone  18  to ball receptacle  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , in an exemplary embodiment, playing surface  12  is provided with its first and second opposite end edges  13  attached to end rails  14  (such as by the use of adhesive or mechanical fasteners, for example). As shown in  FIG. 2 , playing surface  12  is rolled about one of the end rails  14  for a compact presentation for storage or transport. Each end rail  14  includes dowel pins  48  disposed proximate opposite ends of the end rail  14  that align with bores  50  in opposite ends of side rails  16 . After unrolling playing surface  12 , side rails  16  are removably attached proximate first and second opposite side edges  15  of playing surface  12  by inserting dowel pins  48  into bores  50  in each end of each side rail  16 . While one suitable construction is shown and described, it is to be understood that the mechanical parts may be otherwise provided; for example, pins may be positioned on side rails  16  and complementary bores on end rails  14 . Moreover, other temporary attachment mechanisms known in the art may also be used, such as hook and loop fasteners, latches, dovetail and other common joints, and magnets, for example. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, playing surface  12  has sufficient elasticity to allow for such assembly while presenting a smooth playing surface  12  once assembled. In an exemplary embodiment, playing surface  12  is constructed from a mat material in green to resemble a grass surface. One such material, for example, is available from RPM, Inc. of Savage, Minn. under the trademark DRYMATE®. Desirable properties of playing surface  12  include durability, edges that do not fray, flexibility for rolling, and the propensity to lay flat after being rolled or folded for an extensive period of time, for example. 
     Once assembled as shown in  FIG. 3 , end rails  14  and side rails  16  form a raised perimeter border that surrounds rectangular playing surface  12 . Because end edges  13  of playing surface  12  are permanently attached to end rails  14 , when assembled, playing surface does not slip or shift with respect to the border formed by end rails  14  and side rails  16 . In an exemplary embodiment, end rails  14 , side rails  16 , tee zone  18 , ball receptacle  20 , large arch  22   a , small arch  22   b , semi-circle  24 , corners  26 , bridge  28 , long rails  30 , medium rails  32 , tall pegs  34 , ramps  38 , short rails  40 , short pegs  42 , mallets  44  and balls  46  are constructed of wood or similar material. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, no fastening mechanism is required between the course construction elements  18 - 42  and playing surface  12 . In such an embodiment, each of the course construction elements is of sufficient weight and has a suitable surface to be retained upon playing surface  12  so as to not be dislodged by the action of balls  46  against the course construction elements  18 - 42 . In one embodiment, an anti-slip coating may be provided on a surface of each of the course construction elements  18 - 42 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, tee zone  18  includes a plurality of spaced depressions  52  in which a ball  46  may rest for initial placement at the beginning of play. Ball receptacle  20  includes an inclined upper surface  54  and a relatively large and deep hole  56  into which a ball  46  may drop and be retained. Each of balls  46  may be differently colored or patterned or may be otherwise be visually differentiable so that each player can easily identify and track his or her own ball. Stream  36  simulates a water hazard; it has a curvilinear shape with an elongated central valley  60  surrounded by an inclined rim  58 . 
     Large arch  22   a , small arch  22   b , semicircle  24  and corners  26  are sized in an exemplary embodiment with complementary curves so that they can be formed from a rectangular piece of material, as shown in  FIG. 2 . Specifically, each of two corners  26  has a quarter-circle cut-out  62  sized to fit against the larger curve  64  of large arch  22   a . A smaller curve  66  of large arch  22   a  is sized to fit around the larger curve  68  of small arch  22   b . A smaller curve  70  of small arch  22   b  is sized to fit around the curve  72  of semicircle  24 . In an exemplary embodiment, a length of a long rail  30  is equal to a length of a medium rail  32  added to a length of a short rail  40 . Moreover, each of the pieces  22   a ,  22   b ,  24 ,  26 ,  30 ,  32  and  40  has the same thickness. These features lead to efficiency in manufacturing; materials savings; the ability to compactly and neatly package the pieces; and flexibility in play, as different pieces easily fit together in a variety of configurations. The illustrated and described game components are exemplary and numerous modifications and alternatives are possible. 
     During play, one or more players uses a mallet  44  to propel a ball  46  through a course constructed on playing surface  12 . Such a course starts at tee zone  18 , ends at ball receptacle  20 , and may include any or all of the other course construction elements  22   a - 42 . Other course construction components can also be used. The course construction elements  22   a - 42  can be arranged on playing surface  12  within raised perimeter formed by end rails  14  and side rails  16  in any fashion desired by the players. In an exemplary game, a first player designs a first course or hole using whichever of the course construction elements  22   a - 42  he prefers in any arrangement that he likes. Once all of the players have successfully navigated their respective ball  46  from tee zone  18  to ball receptacle  20 , another player may design a new course by reconfiguring any or all of the course construction elements  22   a - 42  as desired, as well as altering the location and orientations of the tee zone  18  and ball receptacle  20 . Entertainment value is thus obtained by not only maneuvering a ball  46  through the course, but also in designing a unique course for each hole. 
     In a basic game, a course or hole is constructed from tee zone  18 , ball receptacle  20 , and course construction elements  22   a - 42  by one or more players. The players start from the tee zone  18  in turn, each player taking a first shot with his respective ball  46  and mallet  44 . Then, the player whose ball  46  is farthest from the ball receptacle  20  takes the next shot. The player the second farthest from the ball receptacle  20  takes the following shot, etc. (like traditional golf play rules). Play continues until a player sinks his ball  46  into ball receptacle  20 . The first player to sink his ball  46  into ball receptacle  20  wins the hole. If a player&#39;s ball  46  jumps the raised perimeter formed by end rails  14  and side rails  16 , the player is out of the game for that hole. The winner of the hole constructs the next hole by reconfiguring any or all of the course construction elements  22   a - 42  as desired, along with tee zone  18  and ball receptacle  20 . 
     In an advanced game, a course or hole is constructed from course construction elements  22   a - 42  by one or more players. Each player plays the hole by himself and counts the number of shots required to put his ball  46  into ball receptacle  20 . If a player&#39;s ball  46  jumps the raised perimeter, the player must return his ball to the tee zone  18  and continue playing, thereby adding to the total number of shots taken. The player who sinks his ball  46  into the ball receptacle  20  using the fewest number of shots wins. 
     After play, game apparatus  10  may be disassembled by disconnecting bores  50  of side rails  16  from pins  48  of end rails  14 . Then playing surface  12  may be rolled or folded upon one or both of end rails  14  for portability. 
     In the foregoing description, the disclosed game has been described with reference to an embodiment comprising tangible, physical pieces. However, the methods of playing a game according to the present disclosure in all embodiments disclosed above and their equivalents may also be played in virtual or digital environment on equipment such as a video gaming machine, a personal or handheld computer, or on any other machine (e.g., personal digital assistant (PDA), cell phone, etc.) capable of simulating a ball rolling among obstacles. 
     The virtual games can operate in known operating system environments such as Windows, Windows Mobile, Apple, Droid, Unix operating environments, PDA operating environments, video game consoles and other known operating environments. Input entries from players can include audio, device movement or user movement detection, keystrokes, touch screen entry, mouse, stylus and other pointing device entry. Outputs can be displayed to the player on known video displays. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, one or more players interacts with the game via a graphical user interface such as a computer monitor in conjunction with an input device. The game is presented to the players, who can input information such as the type of game desired, the number of players and optionally information such as their names or avatars. A playing area (e.g., rectangular) is presented to the player(s), along with a finite set of course construction elements. The game can be programmed to allow the player to configure a course or hole within the playing area, using any or all of the course construction elements, in two or three dimensions. In one embodiment, the player constructs the course using a computer mouse by clicking on a course construction element, dragging the element to the desired location and orientation on the playing area, and clicking again to release the course construction element. In an exemplary embodiment, the player is presented with options to rotate the element. If construction in three dimensions is permitted, the player is also presented with an option to rotate or otherwise maneuver each element in a direction orthogonal to the playing area. In an exemplary embodiment, the player enters a command or clicks a button to signal that course construction is complete. Software checks for implementation of required elements such as a tee zone and a ball receptacle and alerts the player if correction is needed. 
     Each player is accorded a ball, which he propels or otherwise causes to move by a command received through an interface such as device movement or user movement detection, or via a computer mouse, joystick, or touch-screen entry. The virtual balls can be colored or labeled to help a player keep track of his respective ball. The balls travel along or bounce off the course construction elements in a manner that would be expected according to the laws of physics. Scores are automatically computed by software in accordance with the type of game selected by the player(s). The virtual game can be played in accordance with the instructions set forth above. Moreover, the virtual game can be programmed to allow for other forms of play. 
     Although the subject of this disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, any feature disclosed with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in another embodiment, and vice-versa.