Folding table

Abstract

A foldable game surface includes a first and a second support structure disposed proximate each other along at least one common edge. An elastomeric layer, preferably neoprene or the like, is disposed along substantially an entire top surface of the support structures such that the elastomeric layer hingedly connects the support structures. A woven material, preferably polyester or the like, is secured along a top surface of the elastomeric layer. The woven material defines a playing surface having a first and a second playing region substantially corresponding to support structures, respectively. In a first position, the playing surface is substantially planar without any fold lines. In a second position, the first and second playing regions are collapsible along the common edge of the support structures such that the playing surface may be folded. The foldable game surface may also include molding permanently secured along an outer perimeter of the playing surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to folding tables and more particularly, relates to folding tables having no visible seams on the top surface and having a permanent, foldable molding.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Game tables are well known. In recent times, poker (and in particular, Texas Holdem) has become increasingly popular again. While it is possible to play poker and other card or dice games at casinos, it is becoming increasingly popular for people to have “poker/games nights” or “poker get-togethers” at their houses rather than at casinos.

One reason for the increase of people playing poker/games at their residence is due to convenience. Many people do not live nearby a casino. Consequently, it is often very inconvenient for many people to play poker/games. In fact, gambling is illegible in many areas of he country, and as a result many people are forced to travel to other states in order to go to a casino.

Another reason for the increase of people playing poker/games at their residence is that the poker/game can be played without having to wager money. To play poker/games within a casino requires the player to wager a certain amount of money. While it is possible to actually win money in poker/games, the vast majority of players ultimately end up losing their money. To further compound the risk, many casinos even have a minimum wager amount that each player must meet for every hand. This is particularly problematic for players just starting to learn the game. As a result, there is a need for a poker/game table that individuals can use at their residences.

Traditional, full-size poker/game tables, however, are large (for example, 82″×42″×30″), heavy (weighing 70 pounds or more), and bulky. Consequently, it is impractical to transport a traditional full-size poker/game table. Additionally, because of their size, many people do not have the necessary room within their residence to leave a traditional full-size poker/game table assembled permanently.

While it is possible to disassemble many traditional, full-size poker/game tables, this is a complicated, difficult, and time-consuming endeavor. Moreover, one must still have the space available to store the parts of the table.

In an attempt to fill the void left by traditional, full-size poker/game tables, foldable poker tables have been developed. There are two general types of foldable game tables. The first type includes a traditional, full-size playing surface with folding legs. While this first type of folding gaming tables reduces the overall size of the gaming table while retaining the overall feel and appearance of a traditional, full-size gaming table, they are still very heavy, large, and difficult to transport.

The second, known type of foldable game tables are designed to be laid-out on top of an existing table and do not include legs. As will be described below, while these known foldable tables are easily manageable and compact, they suffer from several disadvantages.

One disadvantage of the second type of foldable game tables is that the playing surface has a seam where the table folds. The known foldable tables have heretofore been made from a single piece of paper/pressboard-like material which is creased (generally down the middle), thereby allowing the foldable table to be folded in half.

While this design is light-weight and allows the table to be compactly folded, the crease yields an uneven, bumpy playing surface. A significant disadvantage of the uneven, bumpy playing surface is that it can cause cards to sit uneven, and in some cases, even allow other players to actually see the card's value as the cards lay on the playing surface. Additionally, as the cards are dealt across the playing surface, the uneven, bumpy playing surface can also cause cards to flip-over, become visible to other players, or even be dealt to the wrong player.

A further disadvantage of the known foldable tables is that they have a poor aesthetic appearance, thus detracting from the overall experience. It is common for many people to try to replicate both the feel and appearance of a casino atmosphere while playing. Traditional, full-size poker/gaming tables generally have a felt-like fabric on the playing surface. This surface has a pleasant appearance, has a soft texture, is scratch/scuff resistant, and is the generally accepted standard for poker/gaming tables.

The known foldable tables, however, have a glossy, generally photo-like hard printed playing surface not unlike that of a traditional foldable checker/chess board. Unlike a traditional, full-size poker/gaming table, the glossy, generally photo-like hard printed playing surface of the known foldable tables is easily scratched/scuffed, has a hard, slippery textures, and is simply undesirable. Moreover, as discussed above, the known foldable tables have an uneven, bumpy playing surface, further detracting from the aesthetic appearance of the foldable table. Additionally, the hard surface alters the way that dice and other gaming pieces move across the table.

Yet another problem with the known foldable poker/game tables is that they do not have a molding around the edge. Traditional, full-size poker/game tables have a molding or “bumper” along the out edge of the table. This molding acts a backing for stacking chips and the like. Additionally, the molding also acts as a cushion for a player to lean against.

The known foldable tables lack this molding. One reason for is the difficulty in designing a molding that is foldable. While it is possible to add or mount the molding after the foldable table has been laid-out, this is time consuming and also requires the molding to be separately stored while not in use and transported.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a foldable poker/game table. The foldable table should preferably not have any visible seams, and should have a playing surface that is generally flat. Additionally, the foldable table should preferably have a felt-like fabric similar to traditional full-size poker tables and should have an overall appearance and feel similar to that of a traditional full-size poker/game table. Moreover, the foldable table should preferably have an integral molding.

SUMMARY

The present invention features a foldable game surface comprising a first support structure hingedly connected to at least a second support along at least one common edge. The support structure preferably includes a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, paper, wood, and metal. An elastomeric layer, preferably a material that is stretchable in at least one direction such as neoprene, is secured to substantially an entire top surface of the first and at least the second support structures such that the first layer spans a region disposed between the first and at least the second support structures along the common edge. A layer of woven material, preferably polyester, is secured to a top surface of the elastomeric layer and defines a playing surface. The foldable game surface includes an expanded position whereby substantially the entire playing surface is substantially planar and a collapsed position whereby the playing surface is folded along the common edge of the first and the second support.

The first and the second support structures optionally each include a molding disposed about an outer perimeter of the foldable game surface having a top surface which preferably raised above the playing surface of the foldable game surface. In the preferred embodiment, the molding includes a first and a second molding portion disposed about an outer perimeter of the first and the second support structures, respectively. The molding further includes a flexible bridge disposed proximate a top surface of the first and the second molding portions and connects the first and the second molding portions proximate the region between the first and at least the second support structures.

The foldable game surface preferably includes at least one hinge mechanism pivotally securing the first and the second support structures. The hinge preferably includes a first and a second mounting plate adapted to be secured to a longitudinal face of the first and at least the second support structures. A first and a second leg are preferably disposed substantially perpendicular to the first and the second mounting plate. A pivot hingedly connects the first and the second leg.

It is important to note that the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated objects or features of the invention. It is also important to note that the present invention is not limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the foldable playing surface according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2a is a sectional view of the folding playing surface shown in FIG. 1 shown in an expanded position;

FIG. 2b is a sectional view of the folding playing surface shown in FIG. 1 shown in a partially collapsed position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hinge arrangement shown in combination with the folding playing surface shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4a is a sectional view of the hinge arrangement and a bridge section shown in FIG. 1 along the lines IVA;

FIG. 4b is a sectional view of the hinge arrangement and a bridge section shown in FIG. 4a in a partially collapsed position; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hinge arrangement shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A gaming table 10, FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is easily folded into a first 12′ and at least a second section 12″ and includes a top or playing surface 14 having generally all the attributes of a traditional, full-size gaming table as will be explained in great detailed hereinbelow. While the gaming table 10 will be described having a first and a second section 12, this is for exemplary purposes only and is not a limitation of the present invention. One of ordinary skill in the art will easily be able to determine any modifications necessary to fold the gaming table 10 into three or more sections 12.

Because the gaming table 10 may be folded into two or more sections 12 and does not require large, heavy, bulky legs, the gaming table 10 according to the present invention may have dimensions similar to that of a traditional, full-size gaming table while still being easily stored and transported by a single person. Additionally, as will be described in great detailed hereinbelow, the playing or top surface 14 of the gaming table 10 has an overall feel and appearance of that of a traditional, full-size gaming table, and in particular does not include any seam lines or the like.

While the gaming table 10 may include virtually any shape known to those skilled in the art, in the preferred embodiment the game table 10 includes a generally oval-shape suitable for “Texas Holdem” style poker, preferably having dimensions of approximately 82″×42″. Alternatively, the gaming table 10 may include a generally circular shape or a shape having a multifaceted perimeter such as a pentagon, octagon, hexagon, etc. Moreover, the gaming table 10 may be used with other types of games such as, but not limited to, roulette, craps, dominos, or the like.

The gaming table 10 preferably includes one or more hinge or fold regions 18. The hinge or fold regions 18 allow the gaming table 10, and in particular the playing surface 14, to be compactly folded into two or more sections 12. Additionally, the change or fold regions 18 allow the gaming table 10, and particular the playing surface 14, to lay substantially perfectly smoothly without any noticeable seams while in use.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 2, according to one embodiment the top or playing surface 14 preferably includes a top or woven layer 20, a base or elastomeric layer 22, a first 24′ and at least a second support layer 24″, and hinge or folding region 18. The top layer 20 preferably includes a woven material such as a felt or felt-like fabric/material (for example, but not limited to, woven polyester) . The top layer 20 provides a textured surface having identical or similar frictional properties and an overall feel and appearance as the playing surface of a traditional, full-sized gaming table.

The top layer 20 of the gaming table 10 is capable of being folded without creating any lasting wrinkles, seams, or visual imperfections. For exemplary purposes only, the top layer 20 includes a two-way stretchable polyester/spandex material having a thickness of approximately 1/32 inch. Alternatively, the top layer 20 may include traditional wool or cotton felt, synthetic felt, vinyl chloride, or leather or synthetic leather-like material. It is important to note that the top layer 20 according to the present invention gives the game table 10 the overall feel, appearance, and frictional properties of the playing surface of a traditional, full-sized gaming table.

The top layer 20 is adhered, bonded, mounted or otherwise secured to the base or elastomeric layer 22. The base layer 22 preferably includes a resilient, stretchable material, preferably a neoprene-like material, though other materials such as, but not limited to, natural and synthetic rubbers, foams, and like may be used. The base layer 22 provides the desired cushioning characteristics of a traditional, full-size gaming table, while also allowing the playing surface 14 of the gaming table 10 to bend and stretch in the fold regions 18 thereby allowing the gaming table 10 to be folded into two more sections 12.

As can be clearly seen in FIG. 2B, the bottom region 32 of the base layer 22 is stretched when the gaming table 10 is in the folded position. The resilient nature of the base layer 22, however, allows the playing surface 14 to return to its original shape and contour when the gaming table 10 is in the extended, playing position as shown in FIG. 2A. In contrast to the known, prior art folding tables, the top surface of the playing surface 14 of the present invention 10 does not have any visible seams.

The gaming table 10 also preferably includes two or more support layers/structures 24 adhered, bonded, mounted or otherwise secured to the bottom region 32 of the base layer 22. The support layers 24 are preferably disposed on either side of the hinge region 18 along a common edge 61 and are preferably constructed from a generally rigid, lightweight material such as, but not limited to, plastics (for example, but not limited to, PVC, ABS, HDPE or LDPE, etc.), wood, paper, metal, composites, pressboard, or the like. The support layers 24 increase the overall rigidity and strength of the gaming table 10 and also aid in maintaining the overall shape and feel of the gaming table 10. Because the gaming table 10 is placed on an existing table, the support layers 24 (and the gaming table 10) can be design from lightweight materials without reducing the overall rigidity or feel of the gaming table 10.

In practice, the gaming table 10 is simply unfolded and placed on top of an existing table while in use. The combination of the top layer 20, base layer 22, and support layers 24 gives the foldable table 10, according to the present invention, an overall feel and appearance similar to, if not identical to, that of a traditional, full-sized gaming table. When not in use, the gaming table 10 can be easily folded along the hinge region 18, and thus is easily stored and transported by a single person without the need for tools. Additionally, the lightweight design and construction of the gaming table 10 further facilitates the storage and transportation of the gaming table 10 by a single person.

According to another embodiment, the gaming table 10 preferably includes a molding 16, FIGS. 1 and 3-4, disposed about the perimeter of the playing surface 14. In contrast to known designs, the molding 16 according to the present invention may be permanently secured, molded, or otherwise attached to the playing surface 14, while still allowing the gaming table 10 to be folded. To accomplish this, the molding 16 is constructed in two more sections 16′, 16″ disposed in close proximity to each other about the fold region 18.

In the exemplary embodiment, the molding 16, FIGS. 4, preferably includes a bridge section 34 disposed between the first 16′ a second 16″ molding sections. The bridge section 34 is constructed from a resilient, generally flexible material and spans the gap 36 between the first 16′ and second 16″ molding sections, thereby giving the molding 16 a generally continuous, one interrupted outer surface similar to that of a traditional, full-sized gaming table when in the expended position shown in FIG. 4A. Referring specifically to FIG. 4B, the bridge section 34 stretches and/or expands/bends into the gap 36 between the molding sections 16 when the gaming table 10 is disclosed in the collapse, folded position.

According to a further embodiment, the gaming table 10 optionally includes one or more hinges 11, FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 5. The hinges 11 aid in strengthening the gaming table 10, especially when in the folded or collapsed position, and reduce the stress transmitted through the playing surface 14 by creating a structural connection between the support layers 24.

According to the preferred embodiment, the gaming table 10 includes a first 11′ and a second 11″ hinge disposed about the folding region 18 proximate the molding 16. The hinge 11 may be attached or otherwise secured to the molding 16 and/or the support layers 24. The hinge 11 may include virtually any other hinge design known to those skilled in the art such as, but not limited to, a strip hinge or the like. Referring specifically to FIG. 4, the hinge 11 is preferably disposed within a cavity 38 inside the molding 16 such that the gaming table 10 sits level on the support surface.

In the exemplary embodiment, the hinge 11 includes a first and a second leg 28 pivotally disposed about a pivot 26. Each leg 28 also preferably includes a mounting plate 30, preferably disposed at approximately a 90° angle relative to the leg 28. Having the pivot 26 located on the top portion on the legs 28 between the molding sections 16 places the pivot 26 in close proximity to the top surface 40 of the molding 16, thus allowing the gaming table 10 to be folded inwards in the direction of arrow A (FIG. 4) without having to remove the molding 16 and without compressing the molding 16. Folding the gaming table 10 inwards in the direction of arrow A is beneficial because the playing surface 14 is protected from damage and dirt and the support layers 24 also protect the outside of the gaming table 10 while in the collapsed position.

As mentioned above, the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated or implied object or feature of the invention and should not be limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as is suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the claims when interpreted in accordance with breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A foldable game surface comprising:

a first support hingedly connected to at least a second support along at least one common edge;

an elastomeric layer secured to substantially an entire top surface of said first and at least said second support such that said first layer spans a region disposed between said first and at least said second support along said common edge; and

a first layer secured to a top surface of said elastomeric layer, said first layer defining a playing surface of said foldable game surface, wherein said foldable game surface includes an expanded position whereby substantially said entire playing surface is substantially planar, and wherein said foldable game surface includes a collapsed position whereby said playing surface is folded along said common edge of said first and said second support.

2. The foldable game surface as claimed in claim 1 wherein said elastomeric layer is stretchable in at least one direction.

3. The foldable game surface as claimed in claim 2 wherein said elastomeric layer includes neoprene.

4. The foldable game surface as claimed in claim 3 wherein said first layer includes a woven material.

5. The foldable game surface as claimed in claim 4 wherein said woven material includes polyester.

6. The foldable game surface as claimed in claim 5 wherein said first and at least said second support layer includes include a first and at least a second plastic support layer.

7. The foldable game surface as claimed in claim 1 further including at least one hinge, said at least one hinge pivotally securing said first and at least said second support.

8. The foldable game surface as claimed in claim 7 wherein said hinge includes:

a first and a second mounting plate adapted to be secured to a longitudinal face of said first and at least said second support;

a first and a second leg disposed substantially perpendicular to said first and said second mounting plate; and

a pivot disposed between said first and said second leg, said pivot hingedly connecting said first and said second leg.

9. The foldable game surface as claimed in claim 7 wherein said first and at least said second support each include a molding permanently secured about an outer perimeter of said foldable game surface.

10. The foldable game surface as claimed in claim 9 wherein said molding includes a first and a second molding portion disposed about an outer perimeter of said first and at least said second support, respectively, wherein said molding further includes a flexible bridge disposed proximate a top surface of said first and said second molding portions, said flexible bridge connecting said first and said second molding portions proximate said region between said first and at least said second support.

11. A poker game surface comprising:

a first and at least a second support substrate disposed proximate each other along at least one common edge;

an elastomeric layer hingedly connecting said first and at least said second support substrate and disposed substantially about an upper surface of said first and at least said second support substrate, said elastomeric layer including a resilient material stretchable in at least one direction; and

a woven material secured to an upper surface of said elastomeric layer, said woven material defining a playing surface having a first and at least a second playing region, whereby in a first position said first and at least said second playing region are substantially planar and in a second position said playing surface is collapsible along said common edge of said first and at least said second support substrate.

12. The poker game surface as claimed in claim 11 wherein said elastomeric layer includes neoprene.

13. The poker game surface as claimed in claim 12 wherein said woven material includes polyester.

14. The poker game surface as claimed in claim 12 wherein said first and at least said second support substrate are selected from the group consisting of plastic, wood, metal, and paper.

15. The poker game surface as claimed in claim 14 further including at least one hinge pivotally securing said first and at least said second support substrate, said hinge including:

a first and a second mounting plate adapted to be secured to a longitudinal face of said first and at least said second support substrate;

a first and a second leg disposed substantially perpendicular to said first and said second mounting plate; and

a pivot disposed between said first and said second leg, said pivot hingedly connecting said first and said second leg.

16. The poker game surface as claimed in claim 15 further including a molding permanently disposed about an outer perimeter of said playing surface.

17. The poker game surface as claimed in claim 16 wherein said molding includes a first and a second molding portion disposed about an outer perimeter of said first and at least said playing region along said outer perimeter of said playing surface, respectively, wherein said molding further includes a flexible bridge disposed proximate a top surface of said first and said second molding portions.

18. A playing surface comprising:

a first and at least a second support structure disposed proximate each other along at least one common edge of first and at least said second support structures;

an elastomeric layer disposed along substantially an entire top surface of said first and at least said second support structures and hingedly connecting said first and at least said second support structures; and

a woven material disposed along a top surface of said elastomeric layer, said woven material defining a playing surface having a first and at least a second playing region substantially corresponding to said first and at least said second support substrates, whereby in a first position, said playing surface is substantially planar and in a second position, said first and at least said second playing region is collapsible along said common edge of said first and at least said second support structures.

19. The playing surface as claimed in claim 18 wherein said elastomeric layer includes a neoprene material.

20. The playing surface as claimed in claim 19 wherein said woven material includes polyester.