MODULAR GAMING TABLE

Abstract

The present invention provides a modular gaming table comprising: (a) a modular table top comprising a main table surface having a top side and a bottom side; (b) at least one personal player area module receiving area; (c) at least one personal player area module insertably integral with the table top, the personal player area module having a top module side and a bottom module side, the top module side being about approximately flush with the table top surface in the horizontal plane; (d) a subsurface having a top side and a bottom side, wherein the subsurface top side is attachable to the main table surface bottom side; (e) a surface-subsurface attachment means; (f) a trim ring positioned approximately around the outer perimeter of the table top in the horizontal plane; (g) personal player area module attachment means. According to a preferred embodiment, the personal player area module is slidably insertable into the tabletop.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60/822,949 filed 21 Aug. 2006, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention involves the field of gaming tables in general and specifically relates to a method and device for fashioning and assembling a modular gaming table.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming tables are well known in the art, being designed to specifically accommodate particular gaming activities. Such gaming tables are commonplace in casinos and such establishments that provide wagering games such as poker, blackjack, craps, baccarat and roulette. The gaming tables are constructed so as to provide a playing surface and a betting surface and to accommodate a number of players and an individual to facilitate the game, such as a dealer. The table surface often provides information, symbols or instructions critical for facilitating operation of the game. The surfaces are often fabric covered, commonly in felt. The table surface may be elaborate and often must be maintained in pristine condition. However, it is well recognized that time and wear and tear often degrade the surface of the table, requiring the table to be taken out of use for a period of repair and maintenance. Indeed, it is often the activities of the players that mar the table surface, by spilling drinks, dropping tobacco ashes and by general use. Moreover, even in jurisdictions where indoor smoking has been prohibited, casinos have secured exceptions, making it desirable to eliminate second-hand smoke from smoking players. Thus, it is desirable to have a table that can be quickly maintained in order to minimize table “down-time.” Moreover, it is desirable to have a table that can approximate a “smoke-free” environment while accommodating the smoking patron. The prior art has failed to provide such a table. The present invention solves this long-standing problem and provides such a table, which takes advantage of a modular approach, providing a personal player area, which is a replaceable module, without the need for elaborate tools and lengthy repairs. In addition to being easily maintained and repaired, the provided table is easily and readily reconfigured for multiple wagering games. The table of the present invention provides a main finished table surface (or field of play) itself typically comprised of three parts: (a) a Dealer area; .(b) a main table surface area; and (c) at least one personal player surface area. In the prior art, such components are typically replaced at the same time because the entire field of play on any one table offering a wagering game is comprised of a single unit, such as a single piece of felt or fabric on any single existing table. Thus, the replacement of such a table surface, poses a problem in that the entire table is unusable during the period of replacement and maintenance of any of the constituent parts.

The present invention solves this problem by providing a plurality of modules that can be easily removed and reinserted into the table for rapid repair and maintenance in the event of spills, burns or other damage or reconfiguration or maintenance requirements. Each module can be removed independently of any others, thereby economizing repair/maintenance issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a modular gaming table comprising: (a) a modular table top comprising a main table surface having a top side and a bottom side; (b) at least one personal player area module receiving area; (c) at least one personal player area module insertably integral with the table top, the personal player area module having a top module side and a bottom module side, the top module side being about approximately flush with the table top surface in the horizontal plane; (d) a sub-surface having a top side and a bottom side, wherein the subsurface top side is attachable to the main table surface bottom side; (e) a surface-subsurface attachment means; (f) a trim ring positioned approximately around the outer perimeter of the table top in the horizontal plane; (g) personal player area module attachment means.

According to an embodiment of this invention, the device comprises at least one replaceable component. It is expressly understood that such components may include a felt cover, a chip tray, a card box, a shuffle machine, a card dispenser, other variable components, and a pedestal base. According to another embodiment of this invention, the device comprises an air filtration device. According to another embodiment of this invention, the device comprises a plurality of cup holders. According to a preferred embodiment, a module integrates a drainage system capable of removing spills or beverage condensate. According to still another embodiment of this invention, the device comprises a spill well and drainage system. According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises interchangeable modules.

Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the long-standing problem of the need for a gaming table device capable of providing a means for rapid modular interchange components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the gaming table main table surface.

FIG. 2 shows the gaming table sub-surface.

FIG. 3 shows the gaming table personal player area.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the gaming table.

FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the trim and air ring.

FIG. 6 shows a cut away in situ view of the trim ring, air ring.

FIG. 7 shows the drink well system. FIG. 7A shows the drink well trim module in position on the table. FIG. 7B shows the drink well trim module with the drink well trim module down tubes as a separated module.

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the gaming table.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a modular gaming table comprising: (a) a modular table top comprising a main table surface having a top side and a bottom side; (b) at least one personal player area module receiving area; (c) at least one personal player area module insertably integral with the table top, the personal player area module having a top module side and a bottom module side, the top module side being about approximately flush with the table top surface in the horizontal plane; (d) a subsurface having a top side and a bottom side, wherein the subsurface top side is attachable to the main table surface bottom side; (e) a surface-subsurface attachment means; (f) a trim ring positioned approximately around the outer perimeter of the table top in the horizontal plane; (g) personal player area module attachment means. According to a preferred embodiment, the personal player area module is slidably insertable into the tabletop.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tabletop further comprises a dealer area. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the tabletop further comprises a plurality of personal player area module apertures. According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the tabletop further comprises a plurality of drink well system collection openings. According to yet still another embodiment of the present invention, the tabletop further comprises a plurality of air purification module openings. Still further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the tabletop further comprises padding. Yet further still, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the tabletop further comprises a fabric cover. According to one embodiment of this invention, the fabric cover is felt. It is specifically understood by the invention, that the fabric may be any porous material such as cloth, natural fiber, synthetic fiber, wood, cork, and plastic. According to another embodiment of this invention, the modular tabletop is non porous such as stone, marble or a synthetic version thereof. It is also understood that the fabric cover may be a semi-porous material.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the provided modular gaming table further comprises an air ventilation system. Such a ventilation system is for the purpose of providing fresh air to the users such as the players and the operator or dealer. As is noted in the prior art, smoking is commonplace at establishments having gaming tables. Accordingly, smoke can be an irritant to the players, operators and dealers as well as a contributor to the general degradation and wear and tear on the gaming table and surrounding environs, leading to a situation requiring more frequent maintenance of the gaming table. Accordingly, the present invention provides a gaming table with the disclosed ventilation system. Still another embodiment of this invention provides that each drop tube comprises a cylinder having a top end connected to the air ring and a bottom end connected to the air purification means. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, each exhaust vent comprises an enclosed tube having a top end connected to the air purification means and a bottom end venting to the atmosphere.

According to still another embodiment of this invention, the modular gaming table further comprises a liquid drainage system. As is noted in the prior art, the drinking of beverages is commonplace at establishments having gaming tables. It is also common for players to have liquid drinks at the gaming table. Accordingly, whether mere condensation or by an accidental spill the game and the game table can be degraded by the presence of the liquid drinks at the gaming table leading to a situation requiring more frequent maintenance of the gaming table. Accordingly, the present invention provides a gaming table with an integral liquid drainage system.

According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, each drink well system collection down tube comprises an enclosed tube having a top end connected to the drink well collection system opening and a bottom end connection to the reservoir receptacle.

Further still, another embodiment of the present invention provides the modular gaming table further comprising a pedestal. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the pedestal further comprises a pedestal sub base.

Still another preferred embodiment of the invention further comprises at least one cup holder module. Another preferred embodiment of the invention further comprises at least one chip holder module. Yet still another preferred embodiment of the invention further comprises at least one card module.

According to still a further embodiment of the present invention, the air ventilation system further comprises: (a) an air ring; (b) a plurality of drop tubes; (c) a plurality of exhaust vents; and (d) an air purifier means. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the air ventilation system further comprises a filter. According to another preferred embodiment of this invention, the air purification means further comprises a vacuum motor.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the liquid drainage system further comprises: (a) a plurality of drink well system collection down tubes connected to the drink well collection system openings; and (b) a reservoir receptacle attached to the bottom of the subsurface, wherein the drink well system collection down tubes feed into the reservoir receptacle.

According to an even further embodiment of the present invention, the card module comprises a shuffle machine. According to yet another embodiment of this invention, the card module comprises a card dispenser. Yet still another embodiment of this invention is wherein the card module further comprises a card drop slot. According to still another embodiment, the chip holder module comprises a shuffle machine.

The present invention also provides each individual modular component and contemplates methods for insertion and removal of the modules.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows main table surface 100 comprising a plurality of personal player areas 103, each personal player area 103 being a separate modular component, independently replaceable from that of any other part of the main finished table surface (or field of play) area. Each personal player area 103 is attachable from the underside of the sub surface I 200 portion of the main table 100. (See also, FIGS. 2 and 4). The attaching hardware 411 that attaches each personal player area 103 is inaccessible to an individual player sitting in front or adjacent to any personal player area 103.

FIG. 1 also shows the dealer area 101 of the main finished table 100 surface, the dealer area 101 being a separate modular component, independently replaceable from that of any other part of the main finished table surface (or field of play) area. The attaching hardware 411 that attaches the dealer area 101 is inaccessible to an individual sitting in front or adjacent to any personal player area 103 or to the dealer area 101. FIG. 1, also shows the main table surface area 102, being a separate modular component, independently replaceable from that of any other part of the main finished table surface (or field of play) area. The attaching hardware 411 that attaches the main table surface area 102 is inaccessible to an individual sitting in front or adjacent to any personal player area 103 or to the dealer area 101 or the main table surface area 102.

The main table surface area may be comprised of felt, fabric, stone, wood, metal, plastic, glass, tile, and any and all natural and man-made material.

The embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 also shows the arm rail trim ring 105; the air purification trim ring 104; and a drink well trim module 106. It is specifically contemplated by the present invention that each such component—the arm rail trim ring 105; the air purification trim ring 104; and the drink well trim module 106 each are a separate modular component, independently replaceable from that of any other part of the main finished table surface (or field of play) area. The attaching hardware 411 for each modular component is inaccessible to an individual sitting in front or adjacent to the component or any personal player area 103 or dealer area 101.

The replaceable arm rail trim ring 105 is semi-attached, semi permanent item that can only be replaced if the table is unoccupied at the time of replacement.

Each modular component of the invention is supported by a planar surface, sub-surface 1) 200 as shown in FIG. 2. Sub-surface 1 200 surfaces are constructed of impervious material. Sub-surface 1 200 further comprises at least one aperture 207, for placement of all necessary portions of any replaceable part of the main table surface area (or field of play). According to one embodiment of the invention, sub-surface 1 200 further comprises at least one channel cut out 208 capable of transmitting there through an air purification system drop tube 617.

FIG. 2 also shows a plurality of applied cleats 209. Each applied cleat 209 is attached to the underside of the subsurface 1 200 portion of the main table. The applied cleat is inserted into the pedestal portion of the completed table. Each applied cleat 209 further comprises attaching hardware 411 on the bottom side of the applied cleat 209. Sub-surface 1 200 is out of the visible view of any or all players seated in front or around all such tables. All modularly replaceable components are positioned in a parallel flat plane on the sub-surface 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a cross-section of the personal player area 103 with the attaching hardware 411 to the underside of the sub-surface 1 200. Sub-surface 1 200 further comprises at least one aperture 307 for the cleat of a personal player area 103 to pass there through. The personal player area 103 has attached an applied cleat 209. The attaching hardware 411 is attached to the bottom side of the personal player area 103 with the cleat facilitating the sliding there through of the attaching hardware 411 to stably hold in position, the personal player area 103, which is then securely held to the subsurface 1 200 portion of the table.

FIG. 4 shows the air purification system according to a preferred embodiment (see also FIG. 6), including the air ring trim ring 104. The air purifier 615 is shown according to this embodiment, in FIG. 6 together with related components. At least one powered air purification unit 615 (see also FIG. 6) is deposited within the pedestal 410. A plurality of replaceable air purification system drop tubes 617 are each attached at one end to the bottom side of the air purification trim ring 104, itself positioned on the main finished table surface 102 (see also FIG. 1). The other end of each air purification system drop tube is attached to the intake opening of an intake manifold 616, the manifold itself being attached at the air purifier end to an air purifier 615, which itself comprises a power unit proximate to the manifold intake. Purified air is returned to the room via an exhaust vent 621 of the power unit. According to one embodiment of this invention, the air circulates past the dealer from the underside of the table and into the main pit area of the table gaming area. The air purification system 615 acts to remove particulate matter from the air including but not limited to smoke and dust. According to an embodiment of this invention the air purification system may further comprise a filter. It is expressly understood that the present invention contemplates that the filter is a replaceable modular component.

The air purification trim ring 104, shown in FIG. 1 on the main finished table surface functions to collect and remove air particulate around the main finished table surfaces while still maintaining the use of any replaceable ashtray that may he present at each personal player area 103. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the air purification trim ring 104 has a thickness opening that of no more than the dimension of a standard quarter or gaming chip for the length of the air trim ring 104 on the main finished table surface. As shown in FIG. 6, according to one embodiment of the invention, the air intake manifold 616 is constructed in a slight triangular design. Liquid spills into the air trim ring 104 can thereby be simply resolved because the manifold 616 also acts as a drain reservoir with a drainage hole located at the bottom of the triangular manifold 616. A replaceable retention receptacle may be positioned so as to by gravity collect any such spills.

FIG. 5, shows a cross section of the arm trim ring 105 showing the arm trim ring padding 422 and the trim ring fabric surface 421 together with the air trim ring 104 in a preferred embodiment, in relation to the subsurface 1 200 and the trim ring subsurface 521 and the personal player area 103. The air trim ring 104 is attached to the top side of the sub-surface 1 200 portion of the table. The air trim ring 104 is attached to the air purifier 615 by a plurality of air purification system down tubes 617 each of which pass through an aperture 207 in the sub-surface 1 200.

FIG. 6, shows a preferred embodiment wherein the air purifier 615 in relation to the pedestal 610. Each drop tube 617 passes through a sub-surface I 200 aperture 307 and down the pedestal 610 to the intake manifold 616. Air is returns to the room through an exhaust vent 621 positioned located on the air purifier 615 on the bottom side of subsurface I 200.

FIG. 7 shows the drink well trim module 106 of a preferred embodiment of the invention. The bottom side of the drink well trim module 106 is attached to the top side of sub surface I 200. The bottom side of each drink well trim module 106 is attached to the top end of a drink well trim module down tube 719. The bottom end of each drink well trim module down tube 719 terminates in a replaceable reservoir receptacle 718.

FIG. 8, shows a pedestal sub-base 814 according to a preferred embodiment. It is specifically understood that the invention contemplates a variety of pedestal sub-base designs, which are well known in the art. The invention also provides a foot rail portion of the main pedestal 810. Each sub base pedestal 814 portion of the main pedestal 810 is replaceable as needed due to wear of the sub base pedestal 814.

FIG. 8 also shows the attaching hardware 411 in relation to the overall table assembly. (See also FIG. 3). FIG. 8 also shows a preferred locking mechanism for the pedestal 810 in relation to the pedestal sub base 814. According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the, pedestal 810 is attached to the pedestal sub base by the use of a slide pin through at least one aperture in the pedestal sub base 814 as well as attached to sub surface I with attachment means 411. FIG. 8 further shows the applied cleats 409 on the bottom side of sub surface I 200. Sub-surface I 200 applied cleat 409 fits into the to end of the pedestal 810 and is held in place with attaching means 411 such as with the use of a slide pin through an aperture on the top side of the pedestal 810. It is expressly understood that this embodiment is exemplary in showing the relation of the table components. For example, according to another embodiment each dealer areas 101 further comprises at least one chip tray module. According to still another embodiment, the invention further comprises a card discard tray module, a card drop box, a game kiosk, a wagering display, a card shoe and a card shuffle machine.

Throughout this application, various publications and patents and patent applications are referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art

This invention may be embodied in other forms or carried out in other ways without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present disclosure is therefore to be considered as in all respects illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended Claims, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A modular gaming table comprising:

a. a table top comprising: i. a main table surface comprising: 1. a top side; 2. a bottom side; 3. a plurality of personal player area module receiving areas; 4. a plurality of personal player area modules; 5. a Trim ring; 6. an air ring; 7. a dealer area; 8. a plurality of personal player area module apertures; 9. a plurality of drink well system collection openings; 10. a plurality of air purification module openings; 11. padding; 12. fabric cover ii. a sub-surface comprising: 1. a top side; 2. a bottom side; 3. a plurality of personal player area; module subsurface apertures; 4. a plurality of drink well system collection subsurface openings; 5. a plurality of air purification system subsurface openings; iii. surface-subsurface attachment means; iv. personal player area module attachment means; v. an air ventilation system comprising; 1. an air ring; 2. a plurality of drop tubes; 3. a plurality of exhaust vents; 4. an air purifier means; vi. a liquid drainage system comprising; 1. a plurality of drink well system collection down tubes connected to the drink well collection system openings; 2. a reservoir receptacle attached to the bottom of the subsurface, wherein the drink well system collection down tubes feed into the reservoir receptacle.

b. a pedestal comprising a plurality of legs, wherein the legs are attached to the bottom of the subsurface by an pedestal attachment means.

2. The gaming table of claim 1, wherein the pedestal is further comprising a pedestal subbase.

3. The gaming table of claim 1, further comprising at least one cup holder module.

4. The gaming table of claim 1, further comprising at least one chip holder module.

5. The gaming table of claim 1, further comprising at least one card module.

6. The gaming table of claim 1, wherein the air ventilation system further comprises a filter.

7. The gaming table of claim 5, wherein the card module comprises a shuffle machine.

8. The gaming table of claim 5, wherein the card module comprises a card dispenser.

9. The gaming table of claim 5, wherein the card module further comprises a card drop slot.

10. The gaming table of claim 4, wherein the chip holder module is comprises a shuffle machine.

11. The gaming table of claim 1, wherein the air purification means further comprises a vacuum motor.

12. The gaming table of claim 11, wherein each drop tube comprises a cylinder having a top end connected to the air ring and a bottom end connected to the air purification means.

13. The gaming table of claim 11, wherein each exhaust vent comprises an enclosed tube having a top end connected to the air purification means and a bottom end venting to the atmosphere.

14. The gaming table of claim 1, wherein each drink well system collection down tube comprises an enclosed tube having a top end connected to the drink well collection system opening and a bottom end connection to the reservoir receptacle.

15. The gaming table of claim 1, wherein the fabric cover is felt.

16. The gaming table of claim 1, wherein the personal player area module is slidably insertable into the table top.

17. The personal player area module of claim 1.

18. The dealer area module of claim 1.

19. The ventilation module of claim 1.

20. The drink spill module of claim 1.

21. The card module of claim 1.