Convertible game table
A convertible game table has a multi-sided and multi-functional table top which is rotatably mounted upon a frame for selective orientation between pool/billiards and ping-pong game playing surfaces. A frame which surrounds the table top houses pool ball pockets and compartments. Rotational pin mounts between the table top and frame have keyed locks to prevent rotation of the table top from one of the horizontal playing positions.
This invention is in the general field of gaming equipment, and more particularly convertibile gaming equipment for playing different types of table games.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe table games of ping-pong and pool (including billiards) each require a special playing surface which is solidly supported off the floor. Given the different nature and requirement of the games, the tables are constructed in dedicated form, which although functional occupies the maximum amount of space if both games are to be available. Another disadvantage of such games is the size and mass of the required tables, which renders them rather permanent and immovable. Ping-pong tables are made to fold, with the fold line concealed directly below the net. A pool or billiards table cannot practicably be made to fold because a fold line would disrupt the playing surface.
These games also require pieces and playing equipment which are preferably kept in close proximity to the table. A number of different type of racks and storage devices have been made for this purpose, but this does not result in self-containment of all of the necessary game equipment with the table.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a novel convertible game table for ping-pong and pool or billiards. The convertible game table of the invention has a stable foundation which supports combined but separate planar table top game playing surfaces. The table top game playing surfaces are surrounded by a frame and are otherwise structurally combined. In one embodiment, a game table top has first and second game playing surfaces for pool and ping-pong respectively surrounded by a frame, and a structural member between them. The game table top is mounted upon a base with one of the game playing surfaces supported in a horizontal upright playing position, and can be selectively repositioned with the other game playing surface in the horizontal upright playing position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
As shown in the form of a first embodiment in
To provide a mounting structure for the bumpers 125 which surround the pool or billiards surface 123, the frame 121 extends vertically beyond the playing surface 123. by this construction, the playing surface 123 is recessed from a top edge 126 or surface of the frame 121. Each of the ball pockets 127 located at the comers and midpoints of the playing surface 123 have an associated receiving compartment 128 as shown, into which the balls 129 travel from the associated pocket 127. Access openings 130 are provided to each of the receiving compartments 128 through which the balls 129 can be retrieved for replacement upon the playing surface 123. Although receiving compartments 128 are illustrated with each of the ball pockets 127, alternative embodiment do not require this arrangement for each ball pocket. In another alternative, the ball pockets 127 may be sized to accommodate more than one ball 129 such that the pockets 127 also serve as ball storage compartments. For storage and retention of the balls 129 in the receiving compartments 128 or pockets 127, each are provided with respective covers 132 and 131 as shown in
An alternate embodiment of the convertible game table 10 of the invention is illustrated in
In any one of the described embodiments, the table top 12 can be constructed as further detailed in
Although the invention is described with reference to particular embodiments, the principles and concepts of the invention are of course executable in other forms not expressly described but nonetheless within the literal and equivalent scope of the claims to the invention.
Claims
1. A convertible game table comprising:
- a table top having parallel and opposed first and second planar game playing surfaces surrounded by a table top frame, the first planar game playing surface configured for the game of ping-pong, and the second planar game playing surface configured for the game of pool, the first and second planar game playing surfaces having a common rectangular shape with aligned longitudinal edges and aligned end width edges;
- a base having a rectangular base frame with parallel longitudinal segments and parallel end width segments, the frame substantially surrounding the frame of the table top, the base further comprising a plurality of supports which elevate the base frame;
- the table top rotationally mounted upon the base frame by pins which extend through the end width edges of the table top frame and through the corresponding end width segments of the base frame, the pins having a rotational shaft about which the table top can be rotated and a keyed lock which prevents rotation of the table top about the pins relative to the base frame.
2. The convertible game table of claim 1 further comprising compartments in the table top for pool balls, each of the compartments associated with each of the pool pockets of the pool game playing surface of the table top, and a cover for each of the compartments and pool pockets.
3. The convertible game table of claim 2 wherein the compartments are located within the frame of the table top.
4. The convertible game table of claim 1 wherein the frame of the table top extends beyond a plane of the pool game playing surface, and extends away from a plane of the ping-pong game playing surface.
5. The convertible game table of claim 4 further comprising bumpers attached to the frame on the pool game playing surface of the table top.
6. The convertible game table of claim 1 further comprising at least one additional fastener between the frame of the table top and the base frame.
7. The convertible game table of claim 1 wherein the pins are removable from the table top frame for detachment of the table top from the base.
8. The convertible game table of claim 1 wherein the first planar game playing surface is spaced from the second planar game playing surface.
9. The convertible game table of claim 8 further comprising a structural member between the first planar game playing surface and the second planar game playing surface.
10. The convertible game table of claim 1 wherein the plurality of supports for the base frame comprise four or more legs.
11. A convertible game table comprising:
- a table top having parallel and opposed first and second planar game playing surfaces surrounded by a table top frame, the first planar game playing surface configured for the game of ping-pong, and the second planar game playing surface configured for the game of pool, the first and second planar game playing surfaces having a common rectangular shape with aligned longitudinal edges and aligned end width edges;
- a base having a rectangular base frame with parallel longitudinal segments and parallel end width segments, the base frame substantially surrounding the table top frame, the base further comprising a plurality of supports which elevate the base frame;
- the table top fitted upon the base frame by contact of one of the first or second game playing surfaces with the base frame, and a grip at each end of the table top for gripping and re-orienting a selected first or second game playing surface of the table top relative to the base frame.
12. The convertible game table of claim 11 further comprising a gripping rod which extends longitudinally though the table top.
13. The convertible game table of claim 11 further comprising pool ball pockets in the second planar game playing surface, and pool ball compartments associated with each of the pool ball pockets.
14. The convertible game table of claim 13 further comprising covers for each of the pool ball pockets and pool ball compartments.
15. The convertible game table of claim 11 wherein the first planar game playing surface is spaced from the second planar game playing surface within the table top frame, and at least one structural member between the first planar game playing surface and the second planar game playing surface.
16. The convertible game table of claim 11 wherein a portion of the base frame is configured to receive a portion of a ping-pong net attached to the ping-pong game playing surface.
17. A convertible game table comprising:
- a table top having parallel and opposed first and second planar game playing surfaces surrounded by a table top frame, the first planar game playing surface configured for the game of ping-pong, and the second planar game playing surface configured for the game of pool, the first and second planar game playing surfaces having a common rectangular shape with aligned longitudinal edges and aligned end width edges;
- a base having supports for the table top and a foundation;
- the table top rotationally mounted to the supports of the base by pins which extend through the end width edges of the table top frame and through the supports, the pins having a rotational shaft about which the table top can be rotated and a keyed lock which prevents rotation of the table top about the pins relative to the base frame.
18. The convertible game table of claim 17 further comprising compartments in the table top for pool balls, each of the compartments associated with each of the pool pockets of the pool game playing surface of the table top, and a cover for each of the compartments and pool pockets.
19. The convertible game table of claim 17 wherein the compartments are located within the frame of the table top.
20. The convertible game table of claim 17 wherein the frame of the table top extends beyond a plane of the pool game playing surface,and extends away from a plane of the ping-pong game playing surface.
21. The convertible game table of claim 17 further comprising bumpers attached to the frame on the pool game playing surface of the table top.
22. The convertible game table of claim 17 wherein the pins are removable from the table top frame for detachment of the table top from the base.
23. The convertible game table of claim 17 wherein the first planar game playing surface is spaced from the second planar game playing surface.
24. The convertible game table of claim 23 further comprising a structural member between the first planar game playing surface and the second planar game playing surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 30, 2005
Publication Date: Jul 5, 2007
Inventor: Charlie Panzica (South Russell, OH)
Application Number: 11/323,669
International Classification: A63D 15/00 (20060101); A63D 15/04 (20060101); A63F 9/00 (20060101);