Game table deployment and stowage apparatus
A game table deployment system comprises a housing adapted to be mounted to a ceiling of a room, the housing including an opening facing downward into the room, a lift mechanism contained in the housing, and a game table operatively coupled to the lift mechanism. The game table is movable by operation of the lift mechanism between a stowed position in which the game table is substantially contained within the opening of the housing and a deployed position in which the game table is deployed for use within the room. The housing may include at least one door adapted to at least partially enclose the opening. The door may further include at least one electric light oriented to provide light onto the game table below when in the deployed position and the at least one door is opened. The lift mechanism may further comprise a motor and a plurality of cables operatively driven by the motor, the game table being coupled to respective ends of the plurality of cables. The plurality of cables may further comprise fasteners enabling selective coupling to and uncoupling from engagement with the game table. The game table may further comprise at least one folding leg. The game table may be a pool table, a ping pong table, a foosball table, a card table, a gaming table, and the like.
This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to provisional application Ser. No. 60/620,089, filed on Oct. 18, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to game tables, or more particularly, to an apparatus for deploying and stowing a game table in a storage area located above a living space.
2. Description of Related Art
People of all ages enjoy playing games such as for pool, billiards, air hockey, ping pong, foosball, and assorted card games. In most cases, these games are played in commercial establishments, such as arcades, bars, recreational centers, and the like, because the size of the specialized game tables renders them generally impractical to play at all but the largest homes. Given the limited size of the average home, most homeowners either do not have sufficient space or are unwilling to devote precious living space necessary to accommodate such a game table. Some types of game tables are foldable, particularly ping pong tables, to permit them to be folded and stowed after use and thereby avoid permanent dedication of home space for the game table. But, most other game tables, such as for pool, billiards, and air hockey, cannot be easily stowed. To satisfy consumers' demand for home game tables, miniaturized versions of these game tables are known in the art. A significant drawback of these miniaturized game tables is that the quality of play is substantially less than that experienced with a full-sized (up to regulation size) table. As a result, a home game room with a full-sized game table remains a luxury item that is out of reach for most homeowners.
Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a home game table that can be easily stowed to eliminate the need for dedicated game space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention satisfies the need for a home game table that can be easily stowed and deployed within a room, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated game space.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a game table deployment system comprises a housing adapted to be mounted to a ceiling of a room, the housing including an opening facing downward into the room, a lift mechanism contained in the housing, and a game table operatively coupled to the lift mechanism. The game table is movable by operation of the lift mechanism between a stowed position in which the game table is substantially contained within the opening of the housing and a deployed position in which the game table is deployed for use within the room. The housing may include at least one door adapted to at least partially enclose the opening. The door may further include at least one electric light oriented to provide light onto the game table below when in the deployed position and the at least one door is opened. The lift mechanism may further comprise a motor and a plurality of cables operatively driven by the motor, the game table being coupled to respective ends of the plurality of cables. The plurality of cables may further comprise fasteners enabling selective coupling to and uncoupling from engagement with the game table. The game table may further comprise at least one folding leg. The game table may be a pool table, a ping pong table, a foosball table, a card table, a gaming table, and the like.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a game table deployment system comprises a housing adapted to be coupled to a ceiling, the housing further containing a lift mechanism, and a game table provided in the housing, the game table and housing being movable by operation of the lift mechanism between a stowed position in which the housing is in direct contact with the ceiling and a deployed position in which the housing is lowered into the room, the game table thereby being available for use within the room. The housing may further include at least one electric light oriented to provide light onto the room when in the stowed position. The lift mechanism may further comprises a motor and a plurality of cables operatively driven by the motor, respective ends of the plurality of cables being coupled to the ceiling. The plurality of cables may further comprise fasteners enabling selective coupling to and uncoupling from engagement with the ceiling. The housing may further comprise at least one folding leg. The game table may be a pool table, a ping pong table, a foosball table, a card table, a gaming table, and the like.
A more complete understanding of the game table apparatus will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages and objects thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings, which will first be described briefly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention satisfies the need for a full-size home game table that can be easily stowed to eliminate the need for dedicated game space. In the detailed description that follows, like element numerals are used to describe like elements illustrated in one or more figures.
More particularly, the invention provides a deployable game table that can be stowed in a ceiling enclosure. When not in use, the game table remains hidden from view within the ceiling enclosure. The ceiling enclosure may double as a light fixture that provides overhead lighting for a living space. Then, when it is desired to use the game table, the ceiling enclosure opens to permit vertical deployment of the game table, which descends from the ceiling by use of a drive system having a plurality of lift cables. The game table may be raised by withdrawing the lift cables, and lowered by paying out the lift cables. The game table may further include foldable legs that permit the game table to stand in an upright position to enable full enjoyment of the game table while in the fully deployed position. The game table may further include hidden racks for storing game play implements, such as pool cues, balls and racks.
Referring first to
When it is desired to deploy the game table 10 for use, the doors 24, 26 are fully opened and a drive mechanism is used to deploy the game table through the opening in the housing 22 formed by the open doors. The drive mechanism includes a drive motor 32 operatively connected to a cable spool 34 using a suitable belt, chain or gear connection. The cable spool 34 carries plural lengths of wound cable that are driven to rotation by the drive motor 32. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cable spool 34 carries four separate cables that extend from the cable spool 34 to respective corners of the game table 10. As shown in
The game table 10 further comprises a playing surface 12 on which a game is played. It is anticipated that the game table 10 have a generally rectangular shape and configuration for playing known games such as pool, billiards, foosball, and air hockey, but may additionally have other shapes suitable for other uses including various games of chance such as blackjack, roulette, craps, and the like. The playing surface 12 may be permanently affixed to the game table 10, or in the alternative, the game table may be adapted to receive a number of different playing surfaces. This way, a single unit could be selectively transformed to provide different types of games.
The game table 10 further includes folded legs 14, 16 affixed to the bottom surface of the game table using respective hinges 15, 17. The game table 10 may further includes guide surfaces 11, 13 coupled to sides of the game table and that are oriented to engage corresponding guide surfaces 21, 23 of doors 24, 26 to facilitate guiding of the game table into the stowed position as it is raised in the ceiling enclosure. The guide surfaces 11, 13 may be removable so as to not interfere with game play. The game table 10 may further include suitable connectors 18, 19 for engaging mating elements 41, 42 arranged at the ends of the cables 36, 38. The connectors 18, 19 allow the cables 26, 38 to be disengaged from the game table 10 after deployment so that the cables do not interfere with the use and enjoyment of the game table.
Alternatively, the linkages 46, 48 may comprise a unitary rigid structure that is mounted at one end to a slide disposed in a linear track. The door 26 would opened with the slide located substantially at one end of the track, and closed with the slide located substantially at the other end of the track. As before, the actuator 44 may be automatically or manually operated.
A gap may be provided between the doors 24, 26 to enable a tool 80 to be inserted to apply pressure to the linkage 72 and open the doors. As shown in greater detail in
Unlike the preceding embodiments, the drive mechanism to raise and lower the game table is integrated into the game table as opposed to being in a housing that remains mounted to the ceiling. The drive mechanism includes a drive motor 132 operatively connected to a cable spool 134 using a suitable belt, chain or gear connection. The cable spool 134 carries plural lengths of wound cable that are driven to rotation by the drive motor 132. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cable spool 134 carries four separate cables that extend from the cable spool 134 to respective corners of the game table 112. As shown in
As in the preceding embodiment, the drive mechanism to raise and lower the game table is integrated into the game table as opposed to remaining with the housing mounted to the ceiling. The drive mechanism includes a drive motor (not shown) operatively connected to a cable spool 234 using a suitable belt, chain or gear connection. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cable spool 234 carries four separate cables that extend from the cable spool 234 to respective corners of the game table 212. As shown in
A light panel 228 is affixed to the surface of the leg 224 that is operable when the leg is folded and the game table 212 raised to the stowed position adjacent the ceiling. This way, the stowed game table 212 provides the appearance of a ceiling mounted light fixture when stowed. Decorative cover 248 may be used to cover the adjustable foot 226 of the legs while folded. The decorative cover 248 may be slidable with respect to the leg 224 so that it covers the foot 226 when folded and can be moved out of the way when the leg is unfolded. Louver 220 may also be used as a decorative feature to hide the hinge mechanism when the legs are folded.
A cover is carried by a pair of roller spools 352, 354. A length of cover material, such as a fabric, vinyl, or like material, is wound onto each spool 353, 354. As shown in
Having thus described a preferred embodiment of a home game table deployment and stowage apparatus, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain advantages of the described system have been achieved. It should also be appreciated that various modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments thereof may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The invention is defined solely by the following claims.
Claims
1. A game table deployment system, comprising:
- a housing adapted to be mounted to a ceiling of a room, the housing including an opening facing downward into the room;
- a lift mechanism contained in the housing; and
- a game table operatively coupled to the lift mechanism, the game table being movable by operation of the lift mechanism between a stowed position in which the game table is substantially contained within the opening of the housing and a deployed position in which the game table is deployed for use within the room.
2. The game table deployment system of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises at least one door adapted to at least partially enclose the opening.
3. The game table deployment system of claim 2, wherein the at least one door further comprises at least one electric light oriented to provide light onto the game table below when in the deployed position and the at least one door is opened.
4. The game table deployment system of claim 1, wherein the lift mechanism further comprises a motor and a plurality of cables operatively driven by the motor, the game table being coupled to respective ends of the plurality of cables.
5. The game table deployment system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of cables further comprise fasteners enabling selective coupling to and uncoupling from engagement with the game table.
6. The game table deployment system of claim 1, wherein the game table further comprises at least one folding leg.
7. The game table deployment system of claim 1, wherein the game table further comprises a pool table.
8. The game table deployment system of claim 1, wherein the game table further comprises a ping pong table.
9. The game table deployment system of claim 1, wherein the game table further comprises a foosball table.
10. The game table deployment system of claim 1, wherein the game table further comprises a card table.
11. The game table deployment system of claim 1, wherein the game table further comprises a gaming table.
12. A game table deployment system, comprising:
- a housing adapted to be coupled to a ceiling, the housing further containing a lift mechanism; and
- a game table provided in the housing, the game table and housing being movable by operation of the lift mechanism between a stowed position in which the housing is in direct contact with the ceiling and a deployed position in which the housing is lowered into the room, the game table thereby being available for use within the room.
13. The game table deployment system of claim 12, wherein the housing includes at least one electric light oriented to provide light onto the room when in the stowed position.
14. The game table deployment system of claim 12, wherein the lift mechanism further comprises a motor and a plurality of cables operatively driven by the motor, respective ends of the plurality of cables being coupled to the ceiling.
15. The game table deployment system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of cables further comprise fasteners enabling selective coupling to and uncoupling from engagement with the ceiling.
16. The game table deployment system of claim 12, wherein the housing further comprises at least one folding leg.
17. The game table deployment system of claim 12, wherein the game table further comprises a pool table.
18. The game table deployment system of claim 12, wherein the game table further comprises a ping pong table.
19. The game table deployment system of claim 12, wherein the game table further comprises a foosball table.
20. The game table deployment system of claim 12, wherein the game table further comprises a card table.
21. The game table deployment system of claim 12, wherein the game table further comprises a gaming table.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 18, 2005
Publication Date: Apr 20, 2006
Inventors: Brian Berliner (Palos Verdes Estates, CA), Jay Penn (Redondo Beach, CA), George Kaszas (Redondo Beach, CA)
Application Number: 11/253,402
International Classification: A63D 15/00 (20060101);