Game Table Assembly And Method Utilizing
Game table (10) includes four upstanding legs (12) that mount a plurality of construction panels referred to as side panels or end panels. First end panels (14) and first side panels (16) extend between pairs of adjacent legs (12) to surround and define a play area (17). End brace (19) and side brace (20) help to stabilize the game table. Each leg (12) includes a pair of arcuate webs (64, 65) having a C-shaped slideway (66, 67) at opposite leg edge portions (68, 69) oriented at an angle with respect to one another. Floor (15) is supported by the upper edges of second end panels (24) and second side panels (26) to provide the playing surface for game table (10). End panels (14) and side panels (16) are then mounted to legs (12) by inserting respective ribs (75) of panel sections (34, 35, 46, 47) in slideways (66, 67).
The present invention generally relates to structures and apparatus for use in playing games. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a game table that utilizes interlocking stackable frame members for the assembly thereof. The present invention also concerns game table assemblies that can be used for multiple different table games that are easily converted from one to another. This invention also concerns the methods embodied in such assemblies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThroughout recorded history, the gregarious and social nature of humans have been evidenced in many and varied leisure activities. Among such activities has been the development of a variety of games. Many of these games pit the player's abilities against each other as a test of physical prowess, physical dexterity, intelligence and/or luck.
For example, physical prowess skills, such as running, jumping, throwing, wrestling and the like, were organized at the Olympic games where individual participants vied against each other for prizes and recognition. The Olympic tradition has continued until the present time. Likewise, various teams have been organized such that these teams compete with each other in contests or “meets” for an overall team score based on the performance of the members of the team. These meets include such activities as track and field, swimming, gymnastics, etc. Also, modern times have seen the advent of team sports, such as basketball, football, soccer, lacrosse and a host of others, wherein victory is also determined by the interactive physical abilities of the team members.
In addition to these physical games, other games have been developed which test more the physical dexterity of the participants. Examples of these games may be exemplified by games such tennis, table tennis, billiards, to name a few. In more modern times games of dexterity such pinball, darts and a host of electronic and video games test player's physical dexterity either one against the other or against computer controlled adversaries.
Still further, other games test the player's mental abilities. These games, such as chess and checkers, rely solely upon the participants' mental skills of strategy. Still other games integrate both mental ability and chance. These include, for example, a plethora of card games and dice games to name a few.
Regardless of the skill tested, games continue to provide an excellent form for stimulating social interaction and entertainment. As noted above, one popular category of games include table games, such as billiards, hockey, foosball and the like. Typically table games configured as conventional tables, having four legs with the table top serving as a playing surface. Many of these games, such as table hockey, foosball and others are sold in an unassembled state and require complex assembly by the purchaser. Many of these games utilize control rods that are to be manipulated by players to control the movement of strikers which are often configured as small models of human players. During the assembly of such games, the intricate parts of these control rods cannot be inserted into the table assembly and cannot therefore be pre-assembled for convenience of the purchaser. Moreover, these game assemblies are constructed such that only one game may be played per table. Since many homes have limited space for such table games, it is difficult for families to have a variety of self-standing table games for varied entertainment activities. While some game tables are provided to allow multiple games to be played, such assemblies may be more expensive than many consumers can afford.
Thus, there is a need for gaming tables that are simple in construction and are easy to assemble. There is also a need for simplified gaming table assemblies that can be reconfigured and converted into different games. The present invention is directed to meeting such needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is an object of the present invention to provide a new and useful game table that is simple in construction and easy to assemble.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a gaming table assembly wherein certain components thereof can be pre-assembled to reduce the difficulties of assembly to the ultimate user.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a game table assembly that can be converted to allow the play of multiple different games.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide game table assembly methods embodied in the structures described herein.
According to the present invention, then, a game table is provided that is adapted to be placed on the support surface. In one form of the invention, the game table includes a plurality of elongated legs which each have a longitudinal axis. Each leg includes a first end adapted to engage a support surface and a second end opposite the first end. A plurality of side panels (which may be either side panels or end panels) are each adapted to extend between a pair of adjacent legs when in an assembled state. Each side panel has a top edge, a bottom edge and opposite end edges. Moreover, each side panel includes an end profile on each of its end edges with the end profiles being operative to slideably engage respective one of the legs for slidable movement there along. This allows each side panel to be positioned at a selected location along the respective pair of legs so that the side panels, when in the assembled state, define a play area. Positioning elements are then associated with each leg, and the positioning elements are operative to position at least some of the side panels at selected locations along the respective legs. At least one floor panel is adapted to extend across the play area and to be supported by at least some of the side panels. The floor panel is operative to define a game floor.
In one embodiment, each of the legs is arcuate in cross section so as to have opposite longitudinally extending leg edge portions oriented at an angle with respect to one another. Each end portion has a longitudinally extending slideway form therein. Each end profile then includes a rib sized and adapted for mated engagement with the slideway. In the exemplary embodiment, the leg edge portions are oriented at an angle of about 90° with respect to one another. Here, also, each positioning element is defined by a rod of selected length and sized for mated engagement with the slideway. Each leg can also include a foot member disposed at the first end thereof. The foot member may include a level adjuster associated therewith. An end cap may disposed at the second end of each leg.
In another embodiment, each of the legs is formed by a pair of elongated tubular sections joined by a web. Each end profile then includes a slide bracket having a C-shaped portion sized and adapted to mateably engage a respective tubular section. The positioning elements in this embodiment are defined by positioning brackets that are securable to the legs at selected locations therealong.
Here, also, a plurality of play rod assemblies may be provided. At least some of the side panels are formed by a pair of cooperative panel sections which have confronting edges with cut outs that register with one another to define openings adapted to receive and support respective ones of the play rod assemblies. At least some of the side panels may have goal openings formed therein, and a ball collector may be associated with each goal opening. The play rod assemblies may be selected from a group consisting of table hockey rod assemblies and table soccer rod assemblies.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a game table is provided and includes a plurality of side panels again each having a top edge, a bottom edge and opposite end edges. Here, at least some of the side panels are formed by pairs of cooperative panel sections which have confronting edges with cut-outs that register with one another to define openings. A floor panel again extends across the play area to define a game floor. A plurality of play rod assemblies are adapted to be received and supported by respective ones of the openings on the confronting edges of the cooperative panel sections. These side panels are adapted to be assembled in an assembled state to surround a play area. With further detail, the side panels of the game table may include a first set of opposed side panels and a second set of opposed side panels with the first and second sets being adapted for configuring two different games. At least two floor panels may then be provided for configuring the different games. A game assembly may also be included with this game assembly being adapted to be supported by the side panels so that the game assembly is in the play area. The game assembly may be selected from a group consisting of table tennis, billiards, basketball, roulette, baseball, football, softball, darts, bowling, chess, checkers, table tennis, craps, poker, Black Jack and other card games, bingo, hockey, soccer, dice games, video games.
To further stabilize the game table, a plurality of brace members may be provided with each brace member being adapted to extend between a pair of adjacent legs. The brace members may include brace end profiles on opposite end portions with the end profiles being operative to slidably engage a respective leg. Such profiles may either be a bar or a C-shaped bracket, for example, depending upon the leg construction. The brace members may support an optional shelf.
The present invention is also directed to a method of configuring a game table. Broadly, the method includes the step of interconnecting a plurality of side panels in an assembled state to surround the play area wherein each side panel has a top edge, a bottom edge and opposite end edges. Here, at least some of the side panels are formed by pairs of cooperative panel sections having confronting edges with cut outs that register with one another to define openings. The method then includes the step of supporting a floor panel across the play area to define a game floor and positioning a plurality of pre-assembled play rod assemblies in respective ones of the openings.
The method according to the invention may also include a first set of opposed side panels and a second set of opposed side panels. Here, the first and second sets of side panels are adapted to configure two different games. The step of interconnecting a plurality side panels then includes the step of selecting one of the first and second sets of opposed side panels to be assembled and a step of storing the other one of said first and second sets of opposed side panels. In the method, the preassembled play rod assemblies may be selected from a group consisting of table hockey rod assemblies and table soccer rod assemblies.
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
The present invention broadly concerns game tables and methods of construction therefore. More specifically, the present invention concerns a game table that allows pre-assembly of certain parts so as to simplify the complete assembly thereof. In addition, the invention concerns a game table that may be converted among several games in an easy and convenient manner whereby a consumer may have multiple games in a confined space. In so doing, the present invention utilizes a simplified construction for multiple game tables.
With reference to
While the construction of game table 10 may be seen with particularity with reference to
With reference to
A representative end cap 23 is illustrated in
The structure of the various side panels and end panels are illustrated further in
End panels 14 and side panels 16 are illustrated in greater detail in
Each play rod assembly 54, as is shown in
To understand the assembly of game table 10, reference may again be made to
The game configured for play is next assembled. Here, floor 15 is supported on the upper edges of second end panels 24 and second side panels 26 to provide the playing surface for game table 10. End panels 14 and side panels 16 are then mounted to legs 12 by inserting the respective ribs 75 of panel sections 34, 35, 46 and 47 in slideways 66 and 67. Rod assemblies 54 are positioned before mounting side panel sections 46. Thereafter, end caps 23 may be inserted on each upper end of leg 12 to retain first end panels 14 and side panel sections 46 in position, and ball collectors 28 may be hung in position.
In the above description, it should be appreciated that play rod assemblies 54 can be pre-assembled thereby avoiding the needs for detailed assembly by the user. By splitting first side panels 16 into side panel sections 46 and 47, these rod assemblies can simply be dropped into position at the desired location wherein they extend transversely across the playing field defined by a floor panel 15. After play rod assemblies 54 are placed in cutouts 50, then, the mounting of side panel section 46 on the respective legs 12 captures the end portions of the rod assemblies.
With reference now to
To assemble this second configuration, rods 104 are inserted through play rod assemblies 110 without strikers mounting thereon have their inner ends inserted through slots 112 after which strikers 108 are mounted. After end panels 24 are placed in position, floor 18 and the assembled play rod assemblies 110 are mounted and supported thereon with rods 104 positioned in respective portion of cutouts 98.
Turning now to
With reference now to
Turning to
Turning to
In assembly, upright actuator rods 340 of a representative play rod assembly 301 is inserted through a respective slot formed in hockey floor 306 after which striker 308 is mounted thereon. However, as is illustrated in
While the above construction of game tables has been described with respect to foosball and table hockey, it should be understood that a wide variety of games are contemplated by the present invention. The present invention has particular applicability where such games require the mounting of play rod assemblies between either the sides or ends of the game table. Providing a separation line between panel sections that form the seats for the rotatable rods, assembly and disassembly can be easily accomplished without requiring the complete break down and re-assembly of the play rod assemblies.
Moreover, as noted above, the game table may also support play surfaces such as table tennis, billiards and the like, and it should be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to just the particular games described. Further, it should be appreciated, that, where the game table provides the ability to convert among several games, the unused game structures, if properly dimensioned, may be stored for example in the interior of the lower storage compartment.
The present invention is also directed to method of configuring a game table. This method may include any of the steps inherent in the above-described structuce and assembly of the game tables. Broadly, the method includes the step of interconnected a plurality of side panels in an assembled state to surround the play area wherein each side panel has a top edge, a bottom edge and opposite end edges. Here, at least some of the side panels are formed by pairs of cooperative panel sections having confronting edges with cut outs that register with one another to define openings. The method then includes the step of supporting a floor panel across the play area to define a game floor and positioning a plurality of pre-assembled play rod assemblies in respective ones of the openings.
The method according to the invention may also include a first set of opposed side panels and a second set of opposed side panels. Here, the first and second sets of side panels are adapted to configure two different games. The step of interconnecting a plurality side panels then includes the step of selecting one of the first and second sets of opposed side panels to be assembled and a step of storing the other one of said first and second sets of opposed side panels. In the method, the preassembled play rod assemblies may be selected from a group consisting of table hockey rod assembles and table soccer rod assembles.
Finally, with reference to
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.
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 adapted to be placed on a support surface, comprising:
- (A) a plurality of elongated legs each having a longitudinal axis and each including a first end adapted to engage the support surface and a second end opposite said first end;
- (B) a plurality of side panels each adapted to extend between a pair of adjacent said legs when in an assembled state and each having a top edge, a bottom edge and opposite end edges, each said side panel including an end profile on each of its said end edges with said end profiles operative to slideably engage a respective one of said legs for slideably movement therealong whereby each side panel may be positioned at a selected location along said respective pair of said legs, said side panels when in the assembled state defining a play area;
- (C) positioning elements associated with each said leg and operative to position at least some of said side panels at selected locations along respective ones of said legs; and
- (D) at least one floor panel adapted to extend across the play area and be supported by at least some of said side panels, said floor panel operative to define a game floor.
2. A game table according to claim 1 wherein each of said legs is arcuate in cross-section so as to have opposite longitudinally extending leg edge portions oriented at an angle with respect to one another, each end portion having a longitudinally extending slideway formed therein, each said end profile including a rib sized and adapted for mated engagement with the slideway.
3. A game table according to claim 2 wherein each positioning element is defined by a rod of selected length and sized for mated engagement with the slideway.
4. A game table according to claim 1 wherein each said leg includes an foot member disposed at the first end thereof, said foot member including a level adjuster associated therewith.
5. A game table according to claim 1 wherein each said leg includes an end cap disposed at the second end thereof.
6. A game table according to claim 1 wherein each of said legs is formed by a pair of elongated tubular sections joined by a web, each said end profile including a slide bracket having a C-shaped portion sized and adapted to mateably engage a respective said tubular section.
7. A game table according to claim 6 wherein each positioning element is defined by a positioning bracket that is securable to a respective said leg at selected locations therealong.
8. A game table according to claim 1 including a plurality of play rod assemblies and wherein at least some of said side panels are formed by a pair of cooperative panel section having confronting edges with cut-outs that register with one another to define openings adapted to receive and support respective ones of said play rod assemblies.
9. A game table according to claim 8 wherein said play rod assemblies are selected from a group consisting of table hockey rod assemblies and table soccer rod assemblies.
10. A game table according to claim 1 wherein at least some of said side panels have goal opening formed therein.
11. A game table according to claim 10 including a ball collector associated with each goal opening.
12. A game table according to claim 1 wherein said side panels include a first set of opposed side panels and a second set of opposed side panels, said first and second sets adapted for configuring two different games.
13. A game table according to claim 1 including at least two floor panels adapted for configuring two different games.
14. A game table according to claim 1 including a plurality of brace members each adapted to extend between a pair of adjacent said legs.
15. A game table according to claim 14 including a shelf supported by said brace members.
16. A game table according to claim 1 including a game assembly adapted to be supported by said side panels in the play area.
17. A game table according to claim 16 wherein said game assembly is selected from a group consisting of table tennis, billiards, basketball, roulette, baseball, football, softball, darts, bowling, chess, checkers, table tennis, craps, poker, card games, bingo, hockey, soccer, dice games, video games.
18. A game table adapted to be placed on a support surface, comprising:
- (A) a plurality of elongated legs each having a longitudinal axis and each including a first end adapted to engage the support surface and a second end opposite said first end;
- (B) a plurality of side panels each adapted to extend between a pair of adjacent said legs when in an assembled state to define a play area, each said side panel having a top edge, a bottom edge and opposite end edges, each said side panel including an end profile on each of said end edges with said end profiles operative to slideably engage a respective one of said legs for slideably movement therealong whereby each side panel may be positioned at a selected location along said respective pair of said legs, said plurality of side panels including: (1) a first set of opposed side panels adapted for configuring a game of a first type, the side panels in said first set each formed by first pairs of cooperative panel sections having confronting edges with cut-outs that register with one another to define first openings and (2) a second set of opposed side panels adapted for configuring a game of a second type different from the first type, the side panels in said second set each formed by second pairs of cooperative panel sections having confronting edges with cut-outs that register with one another to define second openings;
- (C) positioning elements associated with each said leg and operative to position at least some of said side panels at selected locations along respective ones of said legs;
- (D) a first floor panel adapted to extend across the play area and be supported by at least some of said side panels for configuring the game of the first type and a second floor panel adapted to extend across the play area and be supported by at least some of said side panels for configuring the game of the second type; and
- (E) a first set of play rod assemblies adapted to be received in and supported by the first openings for playing the game of the first type and a second set of play rod assemblies adapted to be received in and supported by the second openings for playing the game of the second type.
19. A game table according to claim 18 wherein each of said legs is arcuate in cross-section so as to have opposite longitudinally extending leg edge portions oriented at an angle with respect to one another, each end portion having a longitudinally extending slideway formed therein, each said end profile including a rib sized and adapted for mated engagement with the slideway.
20. A game table according to claim 19 wherein each positioning element is defined by a rod of selected length and sized for mated engagement with the slideway.
21. A game table according to claim 18 wherein each said leg includes an foot member disposed at the first end thereof, said foot member including a level adjuster associated therewith.
22. A game table according to claim 18 wherein each said leg includes an end cap disposed at the second end thereof.
23. A game table according to claim 18 wherein each of said legs is formed by a pair of elongated tubular sections joined by a web, each said end profile including a slide bracket having a C-shaped portion sized and adapted to mateably engage a respective said tubular section.
24. A game table according to claim 23 wherein each positioning element is defined by a positioning bracket that is securable to a respective said leg at selected locations therealong.
25. A game table according to claim 18 wherein said first set of play rod assemblies are table soccer rod assemblies and wherein said second set of play rod assemblies are table hockey rod assemblies.
26. A game table according to claim 18 wherein at least some of said side panels have goal opening formed therein.
27. A game table according to claim 26 including a ball collector associated with each goal opening.
28. A game table according to claim 18 including a plurality of brace members each adapted to extend between a pair of adjacent said legs.
29. A game table according to claim 28 including a shelf supported by said brace members.
30. A game table according to claim 1 including a game assembly adapted to be supported by said side panels in the play area.
31. A game table according to claim 30 wherein said game assembly is selected from a group consisting of table tennis, billiards, basketball, roulette, baseball, football, softball, darts, bowling, chess, checkers, table tennis, craps, poker, card games, bingo, hockey, soccer, dice games, video games.
32. A game table adapted to be placed on a support surface, comprising:
- (A) a plurality of side panels each having a top edge, a bottom edge and opposite end edges, said side panels adapted to be assembled in an assembled state to surround a play area, at least some of said side panels being formed by pairs of cooperative panel sections having confronting edges with cut-outs that register with one another to define openings;
- (B) a floor panel adapted to extend across the play area and be supported by at least some of said side panels, said floor panel operative to define a game floor; and
- (C) a plurality of play rod assemblies adapted to be received in and supported by respective ones of the openings.
33. A game table according to claim 32 including a plurality of elongated legs each having a longitudinal axis and each including a first end adapted to engage the support surface and a second end opposite said first end, said side panels and said floor panel being supported by said legs.
34. A game table according to claim 32 wherein said play rod assemblies are selected from a group consisting of table hockey rod assemblies and table soccer rod assemblies.
35. A game table according to claim 32 wherein at least some of said side panels have goal opening formed therein.
36. A game table according to claim 35 including a ball collector associated with each goal opening.
37. A method of configuring a game table, comprising:
- (A) interconnecting a plurality of side panels in an assembled state to surround a play area wherein each said side panel has a top edge, a bottom edge and opposite end edges and wherein at least some of said side panels are formed by pairs of cooperative panel sections having confronting edges with cut-outs that register with one another to define openings;
- (B) supporting a floor panel across the play area to define a game floor; and
- (C) positioning a plurality of pre-assembled play rod assemblies in respective ones of the openings.
38. A method according to claim 37 wherein said side panels include a first set of opposed side panels and a second set of opposed side panels, said first and second sets adapted for configuring two different games, the step of interconnecting a plurality of side panels including a step of selecting one said first and second sets of opposed side panels to be assembled and a step of storing the other one of said first and second sets of opposed side panels.
39. A method according to claim 37 wherein said play rod assemblies are selected from a group consisting of table hockey rod assemblies and table soccer rod assemblies.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 6, 2004
Publication Date: Sep 20, 2007
Inventor: Ronald Padilla (Lakewood, CO)
Application Number: 10/575,189
International Classification: A63F 11/00 (20060101);