Rotatable game apparatus

Abstract

A rotatable game assembly is provided that includes a plurality of game modules or surfaces for playing games such as billiards, foosball, and hockey. The game assembly is rotatably supported by two spaced apart, upright supports and rotated to advance a selected game module into the active game orientation. A retaining member is provided to retain or lock the selected module in the active playing orientation. The game assembly may include two, three, or four different game surfaces that are each advanced into the active game orientation by rotation. Additionally the game assembly may include a game surface that is pivotally supported by one of the support members, which pivots between an open and closed orientation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to structures and apparatuses for use in playing games. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a game table that may be used to play more than one table game. Specifically, the present invention concerns a rotatable, multi-sided game table that may rotated between or among various table games.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Games have been an integral part of life for thousands of years. In many ancient cultures around the world, humankind's gregarious and social nature motivated the pursuit of many leisure activities that attracted the participation of both men and women. Many of these leisure activities involved competition relating to sports and exercise activities. Perhaps the best known of all ancient games is the Olympic Games, which derived from a Greek religious festival held in Olympia, Greece every four years. In modern times, the Olympic Games have not only achieved a valued form of social interaction among the participants, but also promote an understanding and friendship among the participating nations worldwide

As in the past, games continue to provide an excellent forum for stimulating social interaction, and perhaps most importantly, as a source of fun. During large social occasions such as weddings and parties, games create a means for inspiring interaction among the guests, adding more life to the party and keeping them entertained so as to prevent boredom. Even in smaller settings, such as the kitchen table, games provide an opportunity for many families and friends to spend quality time with each other, in addition to a welcome relief from the monotony of watching television shows, movies, and video games. Modern day technology has even added a new dimension to the overall scheme of social interaction. For example, the Internet now serves as a new forum for online multiplayer games, permitting interaction with other players who very likely are participating from computers located all around the world.

Today, games exist in a large variety of categories including card games, board games, multi-player games, single-player games, arcade games, computer games, and the like. One popular category of games includes table games, such as billiards, hockey, foosball and the like. Typically table games are configured as conventional tables, having four legs while the tabletop serves as the playing surface and usually are constructed such that only one game may be played per table. In order to achieve variety, one would need to purchase several tables in order to have the ability to play different games. Such a result is expensive and requires an impractical amount of floor space to be devoted for recreational purposes, especially for the common homeowner. Accordingly, a need exists in the art for a new and improved game apparatus that offers a space efficient structure for playing a variety of different table games. The present invention is directed to meeting these needs.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and useful game table for use in playing table games.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a game table that offers the user a choice among two or more games.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a game table that may be rotated between or among two or more table games.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a game table that may be used in an indoor area and that makes efficient use of space.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a game table that can be played by persons of varying degrees of skill.

According to the present invention, then, a game table for playing games is contemplated comprising a first upright support, a second upright support and a rotatable game playing assembly adapted to be interposed between and rotatably supported by the first and second upright supports. The game assembly includes a first play area having a first game surface or module for use in playing a game of a first type and a second play area having a second game surface or module adapted for use in playing a game of a second type. The rotatable game playing assembly may be rotated between first and second play orientations to selectively place a chosen game surface into the active game playing orientation. A retaining member, such as a threaded bolt, may be used to retain the chosen game surface in the active game playing orientation. The retaining member may be moved between a locked state to prevent rotation and an unlocked state to permit rotation of the game playing assembly.

The game table may further include a third game surface or module associated with a game of a third type having a third game surface whereby the game playing assembly may be rotated to orient the third game surface in the active game playing position. All three game surfaces may be oriented at acute angles to one another such that the rotatable game assembly has a cross-section generally configured as a triangle.

The game table could further include a fourth game surface or game module associated with a game of a second type whereby the rotatable game assembly may be rotated to place the game type into the active game playing orientation. Further, the four game surfaces could be oriented approximately perpendicularly with respect to one another so that the rotatable game assembly has a cross-section generally configured in the shape of a square.

The first, second, third, and fourth game types may be selected from the group consisting of billiards, hockey, foosball, bumper pool, air hockey, soccer, shuffleboard, table tennis, and casino games.

The game table may more particularly include a first and second upright supports that are adapted to rotatably be supported relative to the upright supports. Game modules may be supported between the first and second support members whereby the first and second support members are adapted for common rotation about a longitudinally extending rotation axis thereby to advance a selected game type into the active game playing position. Further, one of the game modules may be adapted to pivot relative to one of the first and second support members and include an upper game panel for playing a game and an oppositely facing lower game panel for playing a different game. The game module may pivot between a closed orientation and an open orientation to place a selected game type in the active game playing position. The game module may be held in the closed position with a retaining member such as a spring biased latch. Games contemplated for the lower game panel include basketball and darts.

The game modules may include spaced apart sidewalls extending upwardly from a respective game surface. These modules may then be secured to the end panels, a portion of which may provide endwalls such that the end panels, together with the sidewalls, define an enclosure about the game surface.

The game table may also include leveling members disposed on the upright supports adapted to engage the support surface and adjust the upright supports to whereby the selected game module is orientated horizontally with respect to the support surface.

The game table may further include an axle extending longitudinally between the first and second upright supports. The support members or end panels may be supported by the axle for rotation relative to the upright supports. The end panels may be rotated to advance a selected game type into the active game playing orientation.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view of the game apparatus in a first game playing position according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view of the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1(a) in a second playing position;

FIG. 1(c) is a perspective view of the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1(a) in a third playing position;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the game apparatus shown in FIGS. 1(a)-1(c);

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the support structure and an end panel of the game apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a front view in elevation of a table panel;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a plate that serves as a position stop for the alignment of the support structure and the end panel;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a game apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a game apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view of a game apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in the closed position;

FIG. 8(b) is a perspective view of the game apparatus shown in 8(a) in the open position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the game apparatus shown in 8(b) without the basketball game.

FIG. 10 is a side view in elevation of the game module, the end panel, and the spacer board.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the game apparatus shown in FIG. 8(a).

FIG. 12(a) is a side view in elevation of the latch wherein the spring is compressed to permit pivotal movement of the game module.

FIG. 12(b) is a side view in elevation of the latch wherein the spring is relaxed.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the game module shown in FIG. 8(b) without the basketball chute.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the basketball chute.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the game apparatus as shown in FIG. 9 without the basketball game, but with an alternative strut system for supporting the game module vertically.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a game apparatus for use in playing table games. More specifically, the present invention provides a multi-sided game table that may be used to play at least two different types of table games. The game apparatus broadly includes two upright supports spaced longitudinally apart to support a game playing assembly. The game playing assembly may include one or more game modules where each game module is associated with at least one play area for playing at least one type of table game and the play areas. The play areas may be moved or otherwise advanced into an active game playing position, for example, by rotating the game playing assembly and then retaining the assembly from further rotation with a retaining member to keep the chosen game in the active game playing position.

Alternatively, the game playing assembly may include one or more game modules that are adapted to pivot relative to the upright supports. In this configuration, the game module may have a first panel and a second panel oppositely facing the first panel. In the closed position, the first panel could be oriented in the active game playing position and when in the open position, the second panel could be placed in the active game playing position.

In order to understand the unique versatility and efficient use of space made by the game table according to the present invention, reference is first made to FIGS. 1(a)-1(c), which shows a first exemplary embodiment of the game apparatus 10 according to the present invention is shown. Game apparatus 10 includes a support structure 12 and a game playing assembly 20. Game apparatus 10 may be of any suitable dimension, but is preferably 42½″L×33″W×31″H.

Support structure 12 is adapted to be placed on a horizontal support surface and support game playing assembly 20 so that it may be rotated without obstruction. Further, as shown, game playing assembly 20 includes a structural integration of three game modules associated with three different game types shown here as, billiards 2, hockey 4, and foosball 6. As shown, game modules 2, 4, and 6 may be oriented at acute angles to one another such that said game playing assembly 20 has a cross section generally configured in the shape of a triangle. Preferably, game playing assembly is configured, as shown in the figures, such that only one game module is in the active playing position whereby the module is upward facing, while the other two game modules are in the inactive game playing position.

With respect to FIG. 1(a), billiards game 2 is in the active game playing position and is shown to be upwardly facing in a generally horizontal plane with respect to the support surface 1, which could be the ground. When game playing assembly 20 is rotated in the clockwise direction of “X”, hockey game 4 advances into the active game playing position and is upwardly facing. At the same time, billiards game 2 becomes inactive as shown in FIG. 1(b), and is no longer upwardly facing. As shown, hockey game 4 is now disposed in a generally horizontal plane with respect to the support surface. Similarly, if game playing assembly 20 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction of arrow “Y” (as shown in FIG. 1(a)), foosball game 6 enters into the active game playing position and is upwardly facing while billiards game 2 becomes inactive as shown in FIG. 1(c). The present invention further contemplates a game playing assembly 20 that may be rotated 360° in either the X or Y direction. As should be understood, a 360° rotation is dependent upon whether projecting game playing components would interfere with the support structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 1(a) and 1(b), rods 8, as constructed, prevent a full 360° rotation of game playing assembly 20. However, if an alternative game, such as air hockey were used in place of hockey game 4, the table would be able to rotate the full 360°.

Of course, as should be appreciated, the present invention further contemplates a variety of other table games such as bumper pool, air hockey, soccer, shuffleboard, table tennis, casino games including blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, and other table games known in the art. The games themselves, which are form the game table of the present invention, are generally manufactured in accordance with a standard understanding in the art. Accordingly, the game components, such as pool sticks, billiard balls, hockey players, foosball players, balls, goal pieces, and the like are standard game pieces constructed in accordance the standard understanding in the art. However, as should be understood, the sizes of the pieces are subject to adjustment to conform to the dimensions of the gaming apparatus. The configuration of game playing assembly 20, the support structure 12, as well as the structural interrelationship therebetween, on the other hand, are as described herein below.

Turning then to FIG. 2, support structure 12 includes two (2) upright supports 22, which are separated by cross bar 31. Legs 22 and cross bar 31 may be secured together by any conventional means such as nails, screws, bolts, and the like and may be formed of any material suitable to support the weight and size of gaming apparatus 10 such as wood, metal, plastics, combinations thereof.

As shown, upright supports 22 include a foot portion 24 and a leg portion 26. Foot portion 24 is adapted to be placed upon the horizontal support surface and thus is preferably of a size and configuration that will provide adequate means for supporting game playing assembly 20 while in use. Preferably, the bottom surface of foot portion 24, which may come into direct contact with the support surface, is generally flat. Alternatively, foot portion 24 may include leg leveling members 28 to provide additional stabilization to game apparatus 10, and may be used to compensate for an uneven support surface. Accordingly, leg leveling members 28 are operative to adjust the height of upright supports 22 to position the game module in the active game playing position so that it is horizontal to the support surface.

Leg portions 26 are secured to foot portions 24, again, by any conventional means such as nails, screw, bolts, and the like, and extend upwardly therefrom. Leg portions 26 each engage a respective support member 30, shown here as end panels, to form a respective end of game apparatus 10 and also function as an end wall for defining and enclosing a respective game module. In addition, end panels 30 may also include particular elements or features that enable the game to be played. For example, with reference to hockey game 4 shown in FIG. 1(b), end panels 30 complete provide some of the necessary elements that enable the rods 8 to be used and complete the structure of the hockey goals 9. More specifically, apertures 32, formed in end panels 30, receive rods 8, which are used to maneuver the hockey figures about the playing surface. In addition, opening 34, in end panels 30, provide the player with access to the puck after his or her opponent scores a goal. As shown in FIG. 2, opening 34 communicates with receptacle 36, which receives the puck after it travels through goal 9.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the respective game modules, billiards 2, hockey 4, and foosball 6, each are mounted to end panels 30 on their respective inner surface 40 by any suitable means such as nails, bolts, screws, and the like. Preferably, the corners of each of the games include apertures that align with apertures in the corners of each of the end panels so that a bolt or screw may pass through to secure the two components of the game apparatus. For the purposes of illustration, billiards game 2 includes apertures 3 that are adapted to align with apertures 3′ of end panel 30 while, at the same time, apertures 5 of foosball game 6 are adapted to align with apertures 5′ of end panel 30. Accordingly, one corner of end panel 30 is used to secure a respective corner of two different games. Each corner of each table may be secured to an appropriate corner of the end panels in the same manner. As is also contemplated by the present invention, game tables 2, 4, and 6 may be mitered to or even formed as a one piece construction.

Further, since the game modules are mounted to end panels 30, it is contemplated that the game modules have a pair of spaced apart sidewalls extending upwardly from the planar game surface. Once mounted to end panels 30, a portion of each respective end panel 30 may form a respective end wall so as to form an enclosure about the game surface. For example, in the foosball game module 6, sidewalls 54 extend upwardly from game surface 33. Sidewalls 54 could confront end panels 30 to form respective end walls to provide a surround enclosure about game surface 33.

As discussed above, game playing assembly 20 is constructed to rotate. Accordingly, end panels 30 are secured to the support structure in a manner that permits them to rotate. With reference to FIGS. 2-4, end panels 30 include a central aperture 50 that is adapted to receive axle 60 and be supported thereby so as to be rotationally supported relative to the upright supports. End panels 30 rotate relative to the upright supports 22 and preferably about axle 60. End panels are adapted for common rotation with each other. Axle 60 may be formed as a one-piece construction of suitable material, such as metal or wood, but may also formed as two pieces.

Movement of the game playing assembly is retained by a retaining member 70. As shown in FIG. 3, retaining member 70 may be a threaded bolt with a knob to be grasped by the user. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, latch 70 is able to be received by any one of apertures 62, 64, or 66 in end panels 30 and by aperture 68 in upright support 26. When received therein, the table is in the locked state and, when removed, the table is unlocked and released for rotation. Although not shown, it is preferred that both end panels 30 be provided with identical latches, however, as should be understood, game playing assembly 20 could be locked and unlocked with the use of one latch if desired. Further, the present invention contemplates the use of alternative latches that function to lock and release the game table are also contemplated, such as a spring-loaded latch.

With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, apertures 62, 64, and 66 may coincide with a respective plate 54, which may serve as a reinforcement for the respective aperture and assist in preventing damage to the surface of the end panel. If desired, one of the plates 54, for example may replaced with plate 58 which is in the form of a position stop. As shown in FIG. 5, plate 58 may further include tab 56, which projects outwardly therefrom such that when the game table is rotated, tab 56 aligns with alongside an edge of upright support 26 to assist in the alignment of one of the apertures 68 and the selected aperture 62, 64, or 66.

The game apparatus of the present invention is not limited to a triangular shaped game playing assembly 20 or a T-shaped support leg. Rather, the present invention contemplates various other game table configurations and support structure configurations. Turning to FIG. 6, game apparatus 110, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, includes a four-sided game playing assembly 120 in use with a support structure 112 and latch mechanism 170 according to the description provided above with reference to FIGS. 2-4. Here, as shown game modules are orientated approximately perpendicularly with respect to one another such that game playing assembly 120 has a cross-section generally configured in the shape of a square.

As shown in FIG. 6, however, four-sided game playing assembly 120 may be used to support a fifth game module 180, which may simply be disposed the surface of the upwardly facing game module, or the game module in the active playing position, rather than secured to end panel 130 in the manner described above. As shown, game module 180 is in the form of a table tennis game, but is not limited as such. Further, if desired, game 180 may also be used to provide a fourth game to the game apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1(a)-1(c).

A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7. Here, game apparatus 210 includes a two-sided game playing assembly 220 and an alternative support structure 212. Similar to the manner described above, game table 220 rotates on axle 260, which is locked or released by latch 270. The game playing assembly 220 is secured to upright support members, such as upright support member 212. Plate 290 is an additional component that is adapted to come in contact with knob 292, which projects outwardly from end panel 230. Together, plate 290 and knob 292 create a position stop for the alignment of latch 270 through the appropriate apertures.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 8-14. As shown, game apparatus 310 shown in FIG. 8(a) is similar to that shown in FIG. 1(a), however, the billiards game 302, which makes up a component of game module 317, is constructed somewhat differently in that it is pivotally supported with respect to the support structure so that it pivots between a closed position, as shown in FIG. 8(a) and an open position to gain access to basketball game 309 as shown in FIG. 8(b).

To better understand the construction of game module 317, reference is made to FIG. 9 where the basketball game component 309 shown in FIG. 8(b) has been removed. Module 317 is constructed to have billiards game 302 as a component thereof and includes a pivoting member (described below) that enables it to move between the open and closed positions. When in the open position, module 317 is upright so as to be generally perpendicular to the support surface 301. Module 317 is supported in the upright position by way of struts 321, which are releasably secured to edge portions of hockey game 304 and foosball game 306 with threaded bolts 371 and to sidewalls 355 of billiards game 302.

Module 317 pivots with respect to one of the upright supports 312 by a pivot member 384 shown in FIG. 10 as a hinge. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, module 317 is coupled to end panel 330 by means of a spacer board 386, which is mounted thereto. Hinge 384 is secured to an end wall of billiards game 302 and to spacer board. Spacer board 386 permits room for module 317 to pivot, while at the same time, allowing sidewalls 355 to be flush therewith when in the closed position as shown in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11, hinges 384 may be secured to an end wall 338, or to module 317 that permits the pivotal movement thereof without interference with the play of the billiards game 302.

Now that the movement of module 317 has been described, reference is again made to FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) wherein retaining member 389 is shown. Retaining member 389 may be in the form of a spring biased latch, such as shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) as known in the art. Latch 389 cooperates with channel 387 formed in the end wall 337 of module 317, which is shown in FIG. 8(a) to retain the game module in the closed position when the basketball game 309 is not in use and further, to permit access to the basketball game when desired.

As shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b), latch 389 includes pin 377, spring 376, and handle 371. When game module 317 is in the closed position, billiards game 302 may be rotated into the active playing position. Pin 377 mates with channel 387 to keep the module closed. The spring is relaxed as shown in FIG. 12(b). However, when access to the basketball game 309 is desired, handle 371 may be grasped and pulled to compress spring 376, as shown in FIG. 12(a), thereby to remove pin 377 from channel 387 and permit the pivotal movement of the game module 317.

Now that the movements of game module 317 have been described, it may now be understood with reference to FIG. 13 that game module 317 is generally made of two oppositely facing panels. Panel 382 serves as the planar game surface for billiards game 302 while panel 372 serves as a planar surface to which a basketball hoop 373 may be mounted by means of screws 375. As may be appreciated then, module 317 includes a first planar game surface 382 and an oppositely facing second planar surface 372. Panels 382 and 372 are preferably secured to module 317 in a way that does not interfere with the play of either game. As should be appreciated, a dart board could be mounted to panel 372 in place of hoop 373.

As shown in FIG. 8(b), basketball game 309 further includes a chute 369 to capture the basketball and prevent it from entering the interior of the game apparatus 310. With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, it may be seen that chute 369 includes sides 397 and that may include fasteners 361 that mate with cooperative fasteners 361′ of the side walls 355 of module 317. Chute 369 also includes fasteners 363 which, although not show, cooperate with fasteners located on the inside of an end panel 330 of apparatus 310 (FIG. 8(b)). Further, fasteners 312 on chute cooperate with fasteners 312′ located on panel 372 while fasteners 319 may cooperate with fasteners located on the interior of end panel 330 (not shown). Cooperating fasteners 312, 361 and 363 may be in the form of hook and loop fasteners, snaps, and the like. In an alternative construction, chute 369 may extend beyond end panel 330 rather than be fastened to the interior of the end panel.

Finally, turning now to FIG. 15, an alternative strut system 421 is shown for holding game module 417 perpendicularly to the support surface. As shown, strut system 421 includes two struts 429 and cross-bar 431. Knobs 471 releasably secure cross bar 431 to module 417 while struts 429 which are secured to edge portions of hockey game 404 and foosball game 406 with bolts 475. When not in use, knobs 471 can be removed, and the strut system 421 may remain secured with bolts 475. The system may hang in the interior of game apparatus 410 to permit closure of module 417.

Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.

Claims

1. A game table for use in playing games, comprising;

(A) a first upright support;

(B) a second upright support longitudinally spaced apart from said first upright support;

(C) a rotatable game playing assembly adapted to be interposed between and rotatably supported by said first and second upright supports, said game assembly including (1) a first play area having a first game surface adapted for use in playing a game of a first type; and (2) a second play area having a second game surface adapted for use in playing a game of a second type that is different from said first type; and (3) wherein said rotatable game playing assembly is adapted to be rotated between first and second play orientations so as to selectively place a respective one of said game surfaces into an active game playing orientation whereby a chosen one of said game types may be played; and

(D) a retaining member adapted to retain the selected one of said game surfaces in the active game playing orientation.

2. A game table according to claim 1 including a third play area having a third game surface adapted for use in playing a game of a third type and wherein said rotatable game playing assembly is adapted to rotate among first, second, and third play orientations so as to selectively place a respective one of said first, second, and third game surfaces into the active game playing orientation whereby a chosen one of said game types may be played.

3. A game table according to claim 2 wherein said first, second, and third game surfaces are oriented at acute angles to one another such that said rotatable game playing assembly has a cross-section generally configured in the shape of a triangle.

4. A game table according to claim 2 including a fourth play area having a fourth game surface adapted for use in playing a game of a fourth type and wherein said rotatable game playing assembly is adapted to rotate among first, second, third, and fourth play orientations so as to selectively place a respective one of said first, second, third, and fourth game surfaces into the active game playing orientation whereby a chosen one of said game types may be played.

5. A game table according to claim 4 wherein said first, second, third, and fourth game surfaces are oriented approximately perpendicularly with respect to one another such that said rotatable game playing assembly has a cross-section generally configured in the shape of a square.

6. A game table according to claim 1 wherein said retaining member is a threaded bolt associated with one of said first and second upright supports and movable between

(A) a locked state to lock said rotatable game assembly against rotation, and

(B) an unlocked state thereby to permit rotation of said rotatable game assembly.

7. A game table according to claim 6 including a position stop disposed on said rotatable game playing assembly and adapted to align with one of said first and second upright supports.

8. A game table according to claim 1 wherein said first and second game types are selected from the group consisting of billiards, hockey, foosball, bumper pool, air hockey, soccer, shuffleboard, table tennis, and casino games.

9. A game table for use in playing games, comprising:

(A) a first upright support;

(B) a second upright support longitudinally spaced apart from said first upright support;

(C) a first support member adapted to be rotatably supported relative to said first upright support;

(D) a second support member adapted to be rotatably supported relative to said second upright support;

(E) a first game module adapted to be supported between said first and second support members for playing a game of a first type;

(F) a second game module adapted to be supported between said first and second support members for playing a game of a second type that is different from said first type wherein said first and second support members are adapted for common rotation about a longitudinally extending rotation axis thereby to advance a selected one of said game modules into an active game playing orientation whereby a chosen one of said game types may be played; and

(G) a retaining member adapted to retain the selected one of said game types in the active game playing orientation.

10. A game table according to claim 9 including a third game module adapted to be supported between said first and second support members for playing a game of a third type and wherein said first and second support members are adapted to advance a selected one of said first, second, and third game modules into the active game playing orientation.

11. A game table according to claim 9 including a third game module adapted to be supported between said first and second support members and adapted to pivot relative to one of said first and second support members.

12. A game table according to claim 11 wherein said first, second and third game modules are oriented at acute angles to one another.

13. A game table according to claim 11 wherein said third game module includes

(A) an upper game panel for playing a game of a third type, and;

(B) an oppositely facing lower game panel for playing a game of a fourth type; and

(C) wherein said third game module is adapted to pivot between a closed orientation whereby said upper game panel may be selectively oriented in the active game playing position and an open orientation whereby said lower game panel may be selectively oriented in the active game playing position.

14. A game table according to claim 13 including a second retaining member adapted to retain said third game module in the closed orientation.

15. A game table according to claim 14 wherein said second retaining member is a latch.

16. A game table according to claim 13 wherein said first, second, and third game types are selected from the group consisting of billiards, hockey, foosball, bumper pool, air hockey, soccer, shuffleboard, table tennis, and casino games.

17. A game table according to claim 13 wherein said fourth game type is basketball or darts.

18. A game table according to claim 9 wherein said first and second support members are respective first and second end panels.

19. A game table according to claim 18 wherein said first and second game modules each include

(A) a planar game surface and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls extending upwardly from said game surface; and

(B) wherein a portion of each said first and second end panels forms a respective end wall which, together with said first and second sidewalls, defines an enclosure about said planar game surface.

20. A game table according to claim 9 wherein each of said first and second upright supports includes a leveling member disposed thereon that is adapted to engage the support surface and operative to adjust said first and second upright supports whereby the selected one of said game modules the active game playing orientation is horizontal relative to the support surface.

21. A game table for use in playing games and adapted to be placed on a horizontal support surface, comprising:

(A) a first upright support;

(B) a second upright support longitudinally spaced apart from said first upright support;

(C) an axle extending longitudinally between said first and second upright supports;

(D) a first support member supported by said axle for rotation relative said first and second upright supports;

(E) a second support member supported by said axle for rotation relative said first and second upright supports;

(F) a first game panel supported interposed between said first and second support members and supported thereby for playing a game of a first type;

(G) a second game panel interposed between said first and second support members and supported thereby for playing a game of a second type that is different from said first type wherein said first and second support members are rotated to advance a selected one of said game panels into an active game playing orientation whereby a chosen one of said game types may be played; and

(H) a first retaining member associated with one of said first and second upright supports to retain the selected one of said game types in the active game playing orientation.

22. A game table according to claim 21 including a second retaining member associated one of said first and second upright supports to retain the selected one of said game types in the active game playing orientation.

23. A game table according to claim 22 wherein both first and second retaining members are in the form of a threaded bolt.

24. A game table according to claim 21 including a third game panel interposed between said first and second support members and supported thereby for playing a game of a third type that is different from said first and second game types, and wherein said first and second support members are rotated to advance said third game panel into the active game playing orientation whereby said third game type may be played.

25. A game table according to claim 24 including a fourth game panel interposed between said first and second support members and supported thereby for playing a game of a fourth type that is different from said first, second, and third game types, and wherein said first and second support members are rotated to advance said fourth game panel into the active game playing orientation whereby said fourth game type may be played.

26. A game table according to claim 25 wherein said first, second, third, and fourth game types are selected from the group consisting of billiards, hockey, foosball, bumper pool, air hockey, soccer, shuffleboard, table tennis, and casino games.

27. A game table for use in playing games, comprising:

(A) a first upright support;

(B) a second upright support longitudinally spaced apart from said first upright support;

(C) a rotatable game playing assembly interposed between and rotatably supported by said first and second upright supports, said game assembly including (1) a first game module for playing a game of a first type, and; (2) a second game module for playing a game of a second type that is different from the first type; and (3) wherein said rotatable game playing assembly is adapted to be rotated between said first and second game modules to selectively orient said first and second modules into an active game playing orientation whereby a chosen one of said game types may be played.

28. A game table according to claim 27 wherein said second game module includes

(A) a first game panel for use in playing said game of said second type; and

(B) a second game panel for oppositely facing said first game panel for playing a game of a third type that is different from said first and said second game types; and

(C) wherein said second game module is adapted to pivot relative to one of said first and second support members between (1) a closed orientation whereby said first game panel may be selectively oriented in the active game playing orientation; and (2) an open orientation whereby said second game panel may be selectively oriented in the active game playing position.

29. A game table according to claim 28 including a latch operative to retain said second module in the closed orientation.

30. A game table according to claim 27 including a third game module for playing a game of a third type that is different from said first and second game types and adapted to be disposed on the selected one of said game modules that is oriented in the active game playing position.

31. A game table according to claim 27 including a third game module for playing a game of a third type that is different from said first and second game types wherein said rotatable game playing assembly is adapted to be rotated among said first, second, and third game modules to advance a selected game type into the active game playing orientation.

32. A game table according to claim 27 including a retaining member to retain the selected game type in the active game playing orientation.

33. A game table for use in playing games, comprising:

(A) a first upright support;

(B) a second upright support longitudinally spaced apart from said first upright support;

(C) a first support member supported by said first upright support;

(D) a second support member supported by said second upright support;

(E) a first game module interposed between said first and second support members and adapted for pivotal movement relative to one of said first and second upright supports, including (1) a first game panel for playing a game of a first type; (2) a second game panel for playing a game of a second type that is different from said first game type; and (3) wherein said first game module may be moved between (a) an open position to orient said first game panel in an active game playing position whereby said first game type may be played; and (b) a closed position closed position to orient said second game panel into the active game playing position that said second game type may be played.

34. A game table according to claim 33 wherein said first and second support members are adapted for common rotation about a longitudinally extending rotation axis.

35. A game table according to claim 34 including a second game module for playing a game of a third type that is different from said first and second game types, wherein said first and second support members are rotated to selectively orient one of said second game type or third game types in the active game playing position.

36. A game table according to claim 35 including a third game module for playing a game of a fourth type that is different from said first, second, and third game types and wherein said first, second, and third game modules are oriented at acute angles to one another such that said first and second support members may be rotated to selective orient one of said second, third, or fourth game types in the active game playing position.