Game table storage

Abstract

A convertible game table that may be easily converted from one gaming configuration to a second gaming configuration. The table may be an attractive piece of furniture in a first configuration, wherein a secondary playing surface is concealed within a compartment located beneath a playing surface. Preferably, the secondary playing surface is made up of a plurality of panels that can be folded or otherwise configured to a size suitable for locating within the compartment. The compartment is provided with a friction reducing element on a lower surface, such as a plurality of rollers. A door is movably affixed to the table body for selectively enclosing the compartment and enhancing the appearance of the game table in the primary configuration. Examples of games available when the table is in a primary configuration include billiards and air hockey. Examples of games available in a secondary configuration include table tennis.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/599,924 entitled GAME TABLE STORAGE filed Aug. 9, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a convertible gaming table. More particularly, the invention relates to a convertible gaming table having compartment for concealing a secondary playing surface when the secondary playing surface is not being used.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Game tables, such as pool tables, air-powered hockey tables and table tennis tables are popular items found in many homes. A problem associated with the above mentioned recreation tables includes the fact that each is large and requires a large amount of space. One solution that attempts to maximize gaming options while minimizing the physical space occupied by various gaming tables is the development of convertible game tables. Convertible game tables allow the user to manipulate the table in some fashion to change from one type of configuration to another, e.g., to change the table to and from one of the following: a table tennis configuration, a bowling configuration, a basketball configuration, a hockey configuration, a foosball configuration, a billiards configuration, and a casino playfield that may be configured for roulette, black jack, poker, craps or other games.

A disadvantage associated with most convertible tables is that the tables are difficult to modify from one configuration to another, e.g. a playing surface must be removed and then replaced by another playing surface. A second disadvantage is that convertible tables tend to be unattractive, since the components required to change from one configuration to another are oftentimes visible.

Therefore, a game table is desired that is attractive and has the appearance of a conventional game table in a primary configuration. It is further desirable that the game table can be reconfigured by removing a secondary playing surface from a concealed location and locating the secondary playing surface on an upper surface of the game table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A convertible game table suitable for use in a primary configuration and a secondary configuration is described herein. The convertible game table has a table body and a playing surface on the table body. The table body preferably includes an upper portion and a base portion. The playing surface facilitates game play in a primary configuration. Examples of games available when the game table is in a primary configuration include billiards and air hockey. Consequently, the upper portion preferably defines rails that surround the playing surface. The upper portion preferably additionally defines receptacles for receiving billiard balls or, in a second embodiment, defines receptacles for receiving an air hockey puck.

A compartment is defined by the table body beneath the playing surface, preferably in the base portion. The compartment may be provided with a friction reducing element on a lower surface, such as a plurality of rollers. Alternatively, a lower surface of the compartment may be formed by a friction reducing element. A door is preferably movably affixed to the table body for selectively enclosing the compartment and enhancing the appearance of the game table in the primary configuration. The table is supported by a plurality of legs.

A secondary playing surface is provided for locating within the compartment. Preferably, the secondary playing surface is made up of a plurality of panels. The secondary playing surface may be foldable or broken down if so desired to a size for locating within the compartment.

To convert the game table from the primary configuration to the secondary configuration, the secondary surface is removed from the compartment and located on an upper surface of the upper portion of the game table. The secondary surface is then unfolded or assembled on the top of the game table. A securement device may be used to secure the secondary playing surface to the game table body. An example of a securement device is a plurality of pins protruding from an underside of the secondary playing surface that are received within receptacles formed on the game table body for securing the secondary surface onto the game table body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the game table of the invention shown in a primary configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the game table of FIG. 1 shown with the secondary surface partially removed from the compartment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the game table of FIG. 1 shown in a secondary configuration with the secondary surface in place on the game table;

FIG. 3a is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the game table of FIG. 3 showing a securement device for securing the secondary surface to the game table;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the game table of the invention shown in a primary configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a convertible game table is designated generally 10. Convertible game table 10 includes a game table body preferably made up of base portion 12 and upper portion 16. Base portion 12 is supported by a plurality of legs 14. An upper portion 16 is located above base portion 12. Upper portion 16 defines a playing surface 18. Playing surface 18 is surrounded by rails such as first end rail 20, second end rail 22, first side rail 24, and second side rail 26. In one embodiment, playing surface 18 may be a portion of a pool table (FIGS. 1 and 2). In the second embodiment, playing surface 18 may be a portion of an air hockey table (FIG. 4). Playing surface 18 may also be adapted for use with other types of game tables as desired.

Receptacles 30 are preferably located on or proximate to upper portion 16. For example, in one embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2) receptacles 30 consist of pockets 32 that are located around the perimeter of playing surface 18. In a second embodiment (FIG. 4), wherein the game table 10 is used as an air hockey table, receptacle 30 consists of scoring receptacles 34 that are formed proximate to first end rail 20 and second end rail 22.

A compartment 40 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is located within base portion 12. Preferably, a friction reducing device is provided on the floor or is placed to form a floor of compartment 40. An example of a friction reducing element is a plurality of rollers 42 (FIG. 1). Rollers 42 are located within compartment 40 or define a floor of compartment 40 and define a supporting surface. A door 44 is movably affixed to base portion 12 and is used to selectively enclose compartment 40.

A secondary playing surface 50 (FIGS. 1-3) is provided. Secondary playing surface 50 may be made up of a plurality of panels 52 (FIGS. 1-2) that are affixed together, e.g., with hinges. Alternatively, playing surface 50 may be made up of a plurality of panels that may be placed to form a secondary playing surface 50. Secondary playing surface 50 may be foldable to a size that may be located within compartment 40 or secondary playing surface 50 may be disassembled to individual panels sized to be located within compartment 40. Other configurations for secondary playing systems are also possible including individual unconnected panels, a single foldable member, or other configurations. One or more securement devices 54 (FIG. 3a) may be provided on a lower surface of secondary playing surface 50. Securement devices 54 are adapted to engage game table 10 for securing secondary playing surface 50 thereon. In one embodiment, a plurality of pins 56 protrude from lower surface 58 of secondary playing surface 50 (FIGS. 1-3). Pins 56 (FIG. 3) preferably abut an inner surface defined by at least one of a first end rail 20, second end rail 22, first side rail 24, and second side rail 26 or a corner defined by an intersection of rails 20, 22, 24, and 26 to prevent secondary playing surface 50 from sliding with respect to upper portion 16 when secondary playing surface is located thereon. Other devices may also be used for securement device 54 including a reversal of the pin and orifice relationship, use of slots, grooves, hook and loop fasteners and other suitable devices. An example use for secondary playing surface 50 is for use as a table tennis surface, as shown in FIG. 3.

In use, convertible game table 10 may be configured for playing pool, air hockey, or other games depending upon the embodiment of the invention. Regardless of the embodiment, convertible game 10 presents an attractive gaming table having the appearance of a typical gaming table. In a primary configuration, secondary playing surface 50 is concealed within compartment 40 and hidden from view with door 44. When the convertible game table 10 is desired to be used in a secondary configuration, door 44 may be opened and secondary playing surface 50 may be easily removed. Preferably, rollers 42 assist in easy removal of secondary playing surface 50 from compartment 40. After removal of secondary playing surface 50 from compartment 40, secondary playing surface 50 may be located on an upper surface of upper portion 16 of convertible game table 10. Panels 52 of secondary playing surface 50 may then be unfolded to form a surface suitable for playing table tennis or other games as desired. Upon completion of play, secondary playing surface 50 may be easily folded or disassembled to a compact size and stored in compartment 40. By providing compartment 40 within base portion 12, convertible game table 10 provides a variety of gaming options.

Advantages of the convertible game table 10 include the ability to easily convert from one gaming configuration to a second gaming configuration. Additionally, particularly in the case of a billiard table, the convertible game table 10 may be retained as an attractive piece of furniture in a first configuration by concealing the secondary playing surface 50 within compartment 40.

Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A convertible game table comprising:

a table body;

a playing surface on said table body;

a compartment defined by said table body, said compartment beneath said playing surface;

a secondary playing surface comprised of a plurality of panels, said secondary playing surface configurable to a size for locating within said compartment.

2. The convertible game table according to claim 1 wherein said table body comprises:

an upper portion; and

a base portion; wherein said playing surface is on an upper surface of said upper portion; and said compartment is defined by said base portion.

3. The convertible game table according to claim 1 wherein:

said playing surface is surrounded by a first end rail, a second end rail, a first side rail, and a second side rail.

4. The convertible game table according to claim 1 further comprising:

a plurality of legs supporting said table body.

5. The convertible game table according to claim 1 further comprising:

game receptacles for facilitating game play.

6. The convertible game table according to claim 5 wherein:

said game receptacles are selected from a group consisting of pockets defined around a perimeter of said playing surface, and scoring receptacles formed proximate said first end rail and said second end rail.

7. The convertible game table according to claim 1 further comprising:

friction reducing elements forming a lower surface of said compartment.

8. The convertible game table according to claim 7 wherein said friction reducing elements comprise a plurality of rollers in said compartment, said rollers defining a supporting surface for said compartment.

9. The convertible game table according to claim 1 further comprising:

a door movably affixed to table body, said door for selectively enclosing said compartment.

10. The convertible game table according to claim 1 further comprising:

a securement device having at least a portion on an underside of said secondary playing surface, said securement device for preventing said secondary playing surface from moving when located on an upper surface of said game table body.

11. The convertible game table according to claim 10 wherein said securement device comprises:

a plurality of pins protruding from a lower surface of said secondary playing surface, said pins for engaging by at least one of said first end rail, said second end rail, said first side rail, and said second side rail.

12. The convertible game table according to claim 11 wherein:

said plurality of pins engaging an inner surface of at least one of said first end rail, said second end rail, said first side rail, and said second side rail.