COLLAPSIBLE PONG GAMING TABLE

Abstract

A collapsible pong gaming table includes an elongated fabric table body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side. The table also includes a plurality of elongated channels located about the periphery of the table body, and a plurality of cup holders that are arranged symmetrically along a longitudinal axis of the table body. A plurality of collapsible support members are removably inserted throughout the channels, and are connected to collapsible legs.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to game tables, and more specifically to a fully portable and collapsible table for playing beer pong.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

The game of “Beer Pong” is a popular game among young adults, particularly in bars and on college campuses. The game is typically played on a hard table top, such as a ping pong table with the center net removed, and an array of drinking cups are placed along each end of the table top. Each cup is filled with beer or, for younger players, soda. The game is played wherein players on one side of the table attempt to throw or bounce a ping pong ball into one of the cups in the array on the other side of the table. If the ball lands in a cup, one of the players on that side of the table must drink the beer/soda that is in that cup, and remove the cup from play.

Previous attempts have been made to standardize the set-up of the cups into which the ping pong ball is being tossed. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0029747 discloses a triangular holder, which functions to align the target cups at each end of a regular hard surface table. Although useful, the device is limited to the ability of a user to properly align each holder relative to the dimensions of the table, or one team may gain an unfair advantage.

Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 7,325,807 is directed to a hard surface table top, that includes integrated markings and/or grooves for ensuring proper placement of cups and the like. Although this device can be used in fixed locations having an existing table or other surface onto which the device can be placed, it is not practical for use in outdoor environments such as tailgating, the beach, or outdoor picnics, for example, where the ability to quickly and easily transport, setup and takedown equipment is important, as well as the ability to withstand long term exposure to the elements. Moreover, none of the known devices for playing beer pong provide a surface which can be thoroughly cleaned or washed, without requiring a user to manually scrub the table.

Accordingly, the need exists for a fully portable and collapsible pong gaming table that does not suffer from the drawbacks of the above noted devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a collapsible pong gaming table. One embodiment of the present invention can include a main table body that is constructed from machine washable fabric material. The main body can include a plurality of integrated cup holders that are arranged at opposite ends of the table in generally opposing triangular shapes. The table body can be supported by a plurality of quick connect support tubes that can be serially connected and secured within channels located about the periphery of the table body. Four collapsible legs can engage the table corners in order provide a suitable table height for game play.

In another embodiment, the cup holders are integrally formed into the table surface and can be constructed from mesh fabric for allowing liquids to pass therethrough.

This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded parts view of a pong gaming table in a collapsed orientation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the table body of the pong gaming table, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the table body of the pong gaming table, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a support member of the pong gaming table, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is front view of a collapsible leg of the pong gaming table, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a corner connector of the pong gaming table, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the pong gaming table in an assembled orientation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

Identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 2.

FIG. 1 is an exploded parts view of a collapsible pong gaming table 10 in a fully collapsed orientation, that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. As shown, the table 10, in accordance with one embodiment, can include a fabric table body 20, a plurality of interlocking support members 40, a plurality of collapsible legs 50, a plurality of corner connectors 60 and a carrying bag 15.

The carrying bag 15 can function to receive and store each of the table components 20-60, when disassembled. The bag 15 can preferably be constructed from nylon fabric and can include a handle 15b, and drawstring 15a or other such mechanism for securely closing and tightening the bag opening.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate one embodiment of the table body 20 in an expanded position. As shown, the table body can include an elongated generally rectangular shape having a top surface 21, a bottom surface 22, first end 23, a second end 24, a first side 25, a second side 26, and a longitudinal axis X, extending between the first and second ends.

In one embodiment, the top surface 21 and the bottom surface 22 can be constructed from individual solid sheets of machine washable nylon fabric, for example, that are joined together via seam connectors 27, along each of the ends 23 and 24, and each of the sides 25 and 26, forming channels 23a, 24a, 25a and 26a, respectively. Each of these channels including an opening 28 along each end for receiving the support members 40, described below.

As described herein, the seam connectors 27 can preferably include industrial grade stitches, however any number of other known devices and methods for securing two or more pieces of material together can be utilized. Several nonlimiting examples including, liquid seams, hem tape and heat sealing, for example.

In the preferred embodiment, the table body 20 can include a length (e.g., distance between ends 23 and 24) of approximately 8 feet, and a width (e.g., distance between sides 25 and 26) of approximately 2 feet. Of course, any number of other shapes and dimensions are also contemplated. Although described above as utilizing nylon fabric, the table body 20 can also be constructed from any number of other lightweight, durable synthetic polymers, that are safe for use in residential washing machines and dryers.

A plurality of cup holders 30 can be disposed along the main body at locations adjacent to the first end 23 and the second end 24. In the preferred embodiment, the cup holders 30 can be arranged symmetrically along the longitudinal axis forming a generally triangular shape at each end. In addition to the symmetrically arranged cup holders 30, the main body can also include one or more rinse cup holders 31 which can be located adjacent to the first and second sides 25 and 26.

Each of the cup holders 30 and 31 can preferably be constructed from a sturdy porous material such as nylon mesh, for example that is sewn onto the main body. As shown best in FIG. 3, each of the cup holders can form pockets having a top surface that is generally flush with the top surface of the main body 21, and a bottom end that extends below the bottom surface of the main body 22, in order to securely align and position drinking cups (such as conventional 18-US-fluid ounce disposable plastic cups, for example) onto the table in the illustrated configuration. In the preferred embodiment, each of the cup holders 30 and 31 can include a diameter of approximately 2¾ inches; however, any number of other sizes are also contemplated. Although described above as using nylon mesh, any number of other porous materials which do not collect liquids and that are safe for machine washing and drying can also be utilized.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a collapsible interlocking support member 40 for use with the table 10. In one embodiment, the table 10 can include ten individual support members 40, which can be joined together and positioned within the channels 23a, 24a, 25a and 26a, in order to form the frame of the table. As such, each member 40 can include a pair of identically sized tubular frame segments 41 and 42 that are connected via an elastic cord 44, in order to allow the segments to be quickly and easily aligned. Each support member further including one or more in-line couplers 43 for joining the tubular segments and/or adjacent support members together in a serial configuration.

In the preferred embodiment, each tubular segment can be constructed from lightweight PVC pipes, having a diameter of approximately 1 inch and a length of approximately 12 inches. As such, each assembled support member can include an overall length of approximately 24 inches. Of course, other embodiments having more or less individual segments with varying dimensions, lengths, diameters and/or construction materials are also contemplated.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of one of the collapsible legs 50 for use with the table 10. In one embodiment, the table 10 can include four individual legs which can be joined with the support members 40 via a corner connector 60 described below. As shown, each leg 50 can preferably include three tubular leg segments 51, 52 and 53 that are also connected via elastic cords 44, in order to allow the segments to be quickly and easily aligned. The legs also including in-line couplers 43 for joining the tubular leg segments together in a serial configuration. An enlarged and generally flat base section 55 can be provided along the bottom edge of leg segment 51, in order to provide enhanced stability when the table is fully assembled.

In the preferred embodiment, each tubular leg segment can be constructed from lightweight PVC pipes, having a 1 inch diameter. Tubular leg segments 51 and 53 can each include a length of approximately 12 inches, and tubular leg segment 52 can include a length of approximately 10 inches. As such, each assembled leg 50 can include an overall length of approximately 28 inches. Of course, other embodiments having more or less individual segments with varying dimensions, lengths and/or construction materials are also contemplated.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a corner connector 60 for use with the table 10. In one embodiment, the table 10 can include four corner connectors for engaging the support members 40 and table legs 50 described above. As shown, each connector 60 can include a main body 61 having a pair of generally horizontally oriented openings 62 and 63 and a generally vertically oriented opening 64, each of said openings being offset by an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to one another. In the preferred embodiment, the corner connector can include a commercially available 90 degree PVC elbow.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the collapsible pong table 10 in a fully assembled orientation. As shown, four corner connectors can be positioned adjacent to the opening 28 of each channel 23a, 24a, 25a and 26a. Channels 25a and 26a can each include three assembled support members that are serially connected to each other, and to a corner connector 60 at each end. Likewise, channels 23a and 24a can each include two assembled support members that are serially connected to each other, and to the other end of the corner connector 60 at each end. Finally, each of the four assembled leg members 50 can be connected to the vertical opening of each corner connector 60.

In operation, the collapsible pong game table 10 can be quickly and easily setup and collapsed within minutes. The lightweight and weather resistant materials function to allow the game to be played in outdoor environments (but not limited to outdoor environments), without fear of damaging the table. After players have finished playing the game, or after a particularly bad beer spill, the entire table can be simply rinsed off with a garden hose, or other water. Moreover, the entire table surface 20 can be fully and completely laundered in a conventional washing machine after use, in order to ensure no residual spills remain on the table. Such a feature eliminating the unpleasant odors which are found on traditional beer pong tables after initial use.

As described herein, one or more elements of the collapsible table 10 can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individual elements such as the table surface 20 and pockets 30, the support members 40 legs 50 and/or corner connectors 60, including all subcomponents, for example, may be formed together as various continuous elements, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular pieces of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A collapsible pong gaming table, comprising:

an elongated generally rectangular table body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side;

a plurality of elongated channels that are disposed along an outer periphery of each of said first end, second end, first side and second side;

a plurality of cup holders that are arranged symmetrically along a longitudinal axis of the table body, said plurality of cup holders forming a first triangular shape that is located adjacent to the first end of the table body, and a second triangular shape that is located adjacent to the second end of the table body;

a plurality of support members having a shape and dimension suitable for positioning within each of the elongated channels; and

a plurality of legs that are configured to engage each of the table body and at least one support member.

2. The table of claim 1, wherein said table body is constructed from at least one sheet of machine washable fabric.

3. The table of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of elongated channels are integrally formed within the at least one sheet of machine washable fabric, via seam connectors.

4. The table of claim 1, wherein each of the cup holders are constructed from a porous material that functions to allow liquids to flow therethrough.

5. The table of claim 1, wherein each of the cup holders includes a top surface that is generally flush with the top surface of the table body, and a bottom end that extends beyond the bottom surface of the table body.

6. The table of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of support members include a first and second frame segment that are connected by an elastic cord.

7. The table of claim 6, wherein each of the first and second frame members includes an identical size.

8. The table of claim 6, wherein each of the first and second frame members includes a size that is not identical.

9. The table of claim 1, wherein the plurality of support members consists of ten individual support members, each having an identically sized first and second frame segment.

10. The table of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of legs include a first leg segment, a second leg segment and a third leg segment that are each connected via a pair of elastic cords.

11. The table of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first, second and third leg segments include a size that is different from another of the leg segments.

12. The table of claim 1, wherein the plurality of legs consists of four individual legs.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of corner connectors, each of said connectors being configured to engage and align two support members in a horizontal configuration, and a single leg in a vertical configuration.

14. The table of claim 1, further comprising:

a carrying bag, said bag functioning to receive and store each of the table body, support members and legs, when the table is in a collapsed orientation.

15. A collapsible pong gaming table, comprising:

an elongated generally rectangular table body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, and a plurality of table body corners,

wherein said table surface is constructed from at least one sheet of machine washable fabric;

a plurality of cup holders that are arranged symmetrically along a longitudinal axis of the table body, said plurality of cup holders forming a first triangular shape that is located adjacent to the first end of the table body, and a second triangular shape that is located adjacent to the second end of the table body;

a plurality of elongated channels that are disposed along an outer periphery of each of the first end, second end, first side and second side;

a plurality of support members that are disposed within each of the elongated channels;

a plurality of collapsible legs that are configured to engage each of the table body and at least one support member

a plurality of corner connectors that positioned along each of the plurality of table body corners, each of said corner connectors being in communication with two of the plurality of support members, and one of the plurality of collapsible legs, said corner connectors further functioning to position each of the support members at a generally horizontal angle, and each of the collapsible legs at a generally vertical angle.

16. The table of claim 15, wherein each of the cup holders are constructed from a porous material that functions to allow liquids to flow therethrough.

17. The table of claim 15, wherein each of the cup holders includes a top surface that is generally flush with the top surface of the table body, and a bottom end that extends beyond the bottom surface of the table body.

18. The table of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of support members include a first and second frame segment that are connected by an elastic cord.

19. The table of claim 15, wherein the plurality of support members consists of ten individual support members, each having an identically sized first and second frame segment.

20. The table of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of collapsible legs include a first leg segment, a second leg segment and a third leg segment that are each connected via a pair of elastic cords.