MODULAR GAME TABLE

Abstract

Described herein are modular game tables configured to have freely removable and connectable insert panels to allow a single game table to be converted to accommodate different games or different configurations as needed. In some embodiments, the interchangeable insert panels can be utilized to convert the game tables between cornhole tables and beer pong tables as needed by users.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/091,231 entitled Modular Game Table, filed on Oct. 13, 2020, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

Related Field

The subject matter of the disclosure relates to modular multi-use surfaces and, more specifically, to convertible tables that may be used as surfaces to play popular social games such as “Beer Pong” and “Cornhole.”

Description of the Related Art

Over the past few decades, certain social games have become increasingly widespread, especially on college campuses. Among these are two particularly popular games known as “Beer Pong” and “Cornhole.”

Beer Pong, also known as Beirut, is a game in which players throw a ping pong ball across a table with the intent of landing the ball in a cup partially filled with liquid (usually beer) on the other end. The game typically consists of opposing teams of two or more players per side with 6 or 10 cups set up in a triangle formation on each side. Each team then takes turns attempting to shoot ping-pong balls into the opposing team's cups. If a ball lands in a cup, the cup is removed from the table. In some versions, the contents of the cup are consumed by the opposing team as the cup is removed. The first team to eliminate all of the opponent's cups is the winner. Beer Pong requires the following equipment to play: two ping pong balls; 12-20 plastic cups; and an elongated surface, often a folding table.

Cornhole (also known as Bean Bag Toss, or simply Bags) is a lawn game in which players take turns throwing bags of corn (or bean bags) at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. A bag in the hole scores 3 points, while one on remaining on the to surface of the platform after the round is over scores 1 point. Cumulative or differential scoring may be used. Play continues until a team or player reaches (or exceeds) the score of 21, with most scoring systems using a win-by-two format. Cornhole requires the following equipment: two sets of bags; two platforms.

Both Beer Pong and Cornhole are often played outdoors, for example, at tailgate parties, at the beach, or in parks. It is therefore often difficult and cumbersome to carry all the equipment necessary to play these games to the desired location, especially given the relatively large size of the surfaces required to play them. This is especially true at gatherings where both games will be played.

Thus, there is a need for a compact, easily portable system that is capable of conversion between distinct gameplay modes, for example, a system that is convertible between a Beer Pong table and a Cornhole set.

Furthermore, another limitation of conventional social game tables is that they exist in a fixed configuration in regard to their setup and design. Therefore, a table with modular components to adjust the design and configuration of the table would be a significant improvement in the art.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are embodiments of modular game tables that have features that can be modified by removing insert panels from the tables and replacing them with other insert panels having different features. For example, one panel might comprise cup holders to help facilitate the playing of beer pong, while another panel might comprise holes to help facilitate the playing of cornhole.

In one embodiment, a modular game table comprises base table frame, comprising at least one receptacle portion configured to receive at least one insert panel, a first insert panel comprising a first configuration, and a second insert panel comprising a second configuration. The table is therefore configured such that it can transition between the first insert panel and its corresponding properties and the second insert panel and its corresponding properties.

These and other further features and advantages of the invention would be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken together with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals designate corresponding parts in the figures, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a modular game table incorporating features of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, including a zoomed-in portion;

FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of another embodiment of a modular game table incorporating features of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows an inverted perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular game table incorporating features of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows an inverted perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular game table incorporating features of the present disclosure; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of embodiments incorporating features of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that devices and methods according to the present disclosure can be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specifically recited details.

Modular game tables incorporating features of the present invention can include a base table frame, including the frame alone, or the frame with table legs and a connectable and removable panel. The panel can include different textures, levels of friction or other physical features, like varying holes or game fields, that can affect the playable conditions of a social game like, for example, cornhole or can convert the table into different game “modes,” for example, “cornhole mode,” or “beer pong mode.” In some embodiments, a replaceable panel can comprise different dimensions and heights. In some embodiments, the replaceable panel can be utilized to convert the game table into another structure, such as a food table, a bar or a cocktail serving table. Alternatively to, or in addition to, the panel having different physical characteristics, the panel can have different designs, for example, logos/names of popular sports teams, a “happy birthday” message, etc. This way a single table can be altered via a modular panel, for example, the panel corresponding to the play space of the table in order to better reflect a particular social event, for example, a game night, or a birthday party.

The replaceable insert panel can be configured to connect to the body of the table frame via the top of the table frame, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, or from the bottom of the table frame, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In some embodiments, the replaceable panel can be configured to slide into a hollow groove in the side of the table frame.

The replaceable panel can be configured to connect and disconnect from the table frame either directly, or through use of an intermediate connector structure. The replaceable panel can connect and disconnect from the table frame utilizing a variety of different connection mechanisms, including, but not limited to: snap-fit connections, friction-fit connections, size-fit connections, male-female connections, screws, nuts and bolts, fasteners, adhesives, hook and loop connections (e.g., Velcro®), slide-into grooves, threaded connections, or any known connection structure or configuration that allows for removable connectivity.

Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples illustrated should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the term “invention,” “device,” “method,” “present invention,” “present device,” or “present method” refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “invention,” “device,” “method,” “present invention,” or “present device,” or “present method” throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).

Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, for example, in 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112.

It is also understood that when an element or feature is referred to as being “on” or “adjacent” to another element or feature, it can be directly on or adjacent the other element or feature or intervening elements or features may also be present. It is also understood that when an element is referred to as being “attached,” “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly attached, connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly attached,” “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

Please note, if used, relative terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom'” “forward,” “reverse,” “clockwise,” “counter-clockwise,” “outer,” “inner,” “above,” “upper,” “lower,” “below,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and similar terms, have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions between various portions of an object.

Although ordinal terms, e.g., first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Thus, a first element or component discussed below could be termed a second element or component without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

The terminology used herein is for 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,” “comprising,” when used herein, 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.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to different views and illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of the regions illustrated herein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

It is understood that when a first element is referred to as being “between” or “interposed between” two or more other elements, the first element can be directly between the two or more other elements or intervening elements may also be present between the two or more other elements. For example, if a first element is “between” or “interposed between” a second and third element, the first element can be directly between the second and third elements with no intervening elements, or the first element can be adjacent to one or more additional elements with the first element and these additional elements all between the second and third elements.

An exemplary modular game table 100 is shown in FIG. 1. The modular game table 100 comprises a base table frame 102, which can further comprise optional leg portions 104, which can be freely retractable so as to fold under the base table frame 102 and can be deployable to an active “in use” position (as shown where the optional leg portions 104 can function as table legs or “stands” configured to elevate the base table frame 102 to a desired height off the ground. The base table frame 102 and the corresponding optional leg portions 104 can comprise any material with suitable structural integrity to function as a game table, including, but not limited to: metal, wood, plastic, glass, various polymers such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) and combinations thereof.

The modular game table can further comprise one or more panel inserts 106 (one shown), which can be freely connectable to and removable from the base table frame 102 utilizing various suitable connection configurations, including, but not limited to, snap-fit connections, friction, fit connections, adhesive-based connections, male-female complimentary portion connections and/or any known connection configuration. The panel inserts 106 can comprise various alternative desirable features, for example, various levels of friction to alter the difficulty of a game, various different holes or features to change the type of game the modular game table 100 is configured to play entirely (for example, beer pong to cornhole), the designs on the panel portion of the game table between various event-themes, holidays or sporting occasions, and other desired interchangeable variants.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the panel insert 106 comprises a perimeter 108 comprising a high-friction material such as rubber or silicone and the panel insert 106 comprises sufficient dimensions such that it will friction fit into a receptacle portion 110 of the base table frame 102 such that the perimeter 108 of the panel insert 106 will press against the walled portions 112 of the receptacle portion 110 and the panel insert 106 will fit snugly therein.

FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the table 100 of FIG. 1, with a zoomed-in view 200 of the walled portions 112, of the receptacle portion 110 of the base table frame 102. As shown in the zoomed-in view 200 of the walled portions 112, the walled portions can comprise multiple layers, rather than just a single layer as in other embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the walled portion 112 comprises three layers: 1) the surface bar frame 202, the support frame 204 and the base frame 206. The surface bar frame comprises a configuration to receive a panel insert, such as the panel insert 106 in FIG. 1 above, for example, by comprising dimensions or features configured to better hold or receive the panel insert. The support frame 204 is configured to provide additional support to the base table frame 102 and/or the receptacle portion 110. In some embodiments the support frame comprises metal, for example, 16 gauge metal. The base frame 206 can comprise a material identical to or similar to the material the base table frame 102 comprises and can act as a sort of transition layer between other portions of the base table frame 102 and the walled portions 112.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a modular game table 300, which comprises a base table frame 302, similar to the base table frame 102 in FIG. 1 above, further comprising leg portions 304, similar to leg portions 104 in FIG. 1 above and panel inserts 306, 308, 310, 312, similar to the panel inserts 106 in FIG. 1 above. The modular game table 300 likewise has four corresponding receptacle portions each similar to the receptacle portion 110 in FIG. 1 above, but are not visible in FIG. 3 as they are covered by the panel inserts 306, 308, 310, 312. Accordingly, the most notable difference between the modular game table 100 in FIG. 1 and the modular game table 300 in FIG. 3 is that the modular game table 300 in FIG. 3 comprises 4 times as many interchangeable panel inserts. Also of note is that the panel insert 312 in FIG. 3 comprises indentations 314, which can function as a component of a particular game, in some embodiments, for example a hole for cornhole, or can comprise cup holders, either for use in beer pong or simply to function as regular cup holders for convenience purposes as participants set down their drinks to utilize the table to play games. Another difference of the modular game table 300 is that the insert panels 306, 308, 310, 312, can be placed into the table receptacle portions from the bottom rather than from the top as with the modular game table 100 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a modular game table 400, which comprises a base table frame 402, similar to the base table frame 102 in FIG. 1 above, further comprising leg portions 404, similar to leg portions 104 in FIG. 1 above and panel insert 406, similar to the panel inserts 106 in FIG above. The modular game table 400 of FIG. 4 further comprises locking tabs 408 at each corner to further help secure the panel insert 406 into its respective receptacle portion (not shown as it is covered by the panel insert 406) of the base table frame 402. The locking tabs 408 can comprise a structure that can simply change configuration to hold the insert panel 406 more securely in place such as a tab or living hinge, and/or can comprise any known locking of securing configuration.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a modular game table 500, similar to the modular game table 300 in FIG. 3 above. The modular game table 500 comprises a base table frame 502, similar to the base table frame 302 in FIG. 3 above. Base table frame 502 further comprises leg portions 504, similar to leg portions 304 in FIG. 3 above and panel inserts 506, 508, 510, 512, similar to the panel inserts 306, 308, 310, 312 in FIG. 3 above. The modular game table 500 likewise has four corresponding receptacle portions each similar to the receptacle portion 110 in FIG. 1 above, but, like with FIG. 3 above, are not visible in FIG. 5 as they are covered by the panel inserts 506, 508, 510, 512. Accordingly, the most notable difference between the modular game table 500 in FIG. 5 and the modular game table 300 in FIG. 3, is that the insert panels 506, 508, 510, 512 in the modular game table 500 in FIG. 5 are connected to the base table frame 502 from the top rather than from the bottom as is the case with modular table game 300 in FIG. 3 above.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred configurations thereof, other versions are possible. Embodiments of the present invention can comprise any combination of compatible features shown in the various figures, and these embodiments should not be limited to those expressly illustrated and discussed. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited to the versions described above.

The foregoing is intended to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in any future appended claims, wherein no portion of the disclosure is intended, expressly or implicitly, to be dedicated to the public domain if not set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A modular game table comprising:

a base table frame comprising at least one receptacle portion configured to receive at least one insert panel;

a first insert panel comprising a first configuration; and

a second insert panel comprising a second configuration.