GAME EQUIPMENT AND A SEAT FOR A GAME TABLE

Abstract

A game equipment and seat for a game table. The game table includes a table top structure and a first and second table side wall structure extending downwards from the table top structure arranged to form a channel-like game space having a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends of the channel-like game space. The game equipment includes a first seat arranged in connection with the first opening and a second seat arranged in connection with the second opening. The first seat is supported in vertical direction to first and second table support legs at the first opening and the second seat is supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support legs at the second opening.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a game equipment and more particularly to a game equipment according to preamble of Claim 1. The present invention further relates to a seat and more particularly to a seat according to preamble of Claim 13.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a number of indoor game equipment for exercise by playing ball games or the like. During use and playing the game equipment is usually subjected to forces caused by the movement of the players and the ball. The forces may be sudden and intense. This causes requirements for the game equipment as the forces may cause the game equipment to move and be displaced during use and playing. In the prior art game equipment, this undesirable displacement of the game equipment is prevented by attaching or locking the game equipment to floor or base on which it stands. Further in some prior art embodiments, the undesirable movement and displacement is prevented by manufacturing the structures of the game equipment from heavy materials and with great material thickness for providing a massive and rigid structure.

Locking or attaching the game equipment to floor is often difficult and requires additional elements to the game equipment. Further, the locking and securing subjects the structures of the game equipment to stresses, bending and breakage due the forces subjected to the game equipment. Thus, the material strength of the game equipment needs to be increased to withstands the forces. Further, of the securing the game equipment to floor is impossible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide is to game equipment and a seat for game table so as to overcome or at least alleviate the prior art disadvantages.

The objects of the invention are achieved by a game equipment which is characterized by what is stated in the independent Claim 1. The objects of the invention are achieved by a seat which is characterized by what is stated in the independent Claim 13.

The game equipment according to Claims 1 to 12, may comprise a seat according to the Claims 13 to 19.

The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of providing game equipment for exercise by playing a ball game with legs. The game equipment comprises a game table comprising a table top structure with a see-through table top surface, the table top structure having a first table top end and a second table top end and a first table top side and a second table top side. The first and second table top sides extend between the first and second table top ends. The game equipment further comprises a first table side wall structure extending downwards from the table top structure and a second table side wall structure extending downwards from the table top structure. The first and second table side wall structures being arranged to form a channel-like game space together with the table top structure. The channel-like game space comprises a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends of the channel-like game space. The game table comprises a first and second table support legs in connection with the first opening and a first and second table support legs in connection with the second opening for providing standing support for the game table. The game equipment further comprises a first seat arranged in connection with the first opening of the channel-like game space and a second seat arranged in connection with the second opening of the channel-like game space.

According to the present invention, the first seat is supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support legs at the first opening such that the weight of the first seat is transferred at least partly to the first and second table support legs at the first opening, and the second seat is supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support legs at the second opening such that the weight of the second seat is transferred at least partly to the first and second table support legs at the second opening.

Therefore, body weight of a player sitting on the seat may be transferred at least partly to the support legs of the game table such that the game table is pressed against a floor with the body weight of the player. The game table is thus prevented from displacing during playing and the structure of the game table becomes more rigid. Further, lighter or less material may be used for the game table.

In the context of this application support in vertical direction means that force or weight is transferred in the direction of gravity. Thus, the game table or the support legs of the game table carry or bear at least part of the weight of the seat and the layer when the player sits on the seat.

In one embodiment, the first and second seats comprise a seat top structure arranged to form a seating surface, and a first seat support leg and a second seat support leg for providing standing support for the seat. The first seat support leg being supported in vertical direction to the first table support leg and the second seat support leg being supported in vertical direction to the second table support leg.

In one embodiment, the first and second seats comprise a seat top structure arranged to form a seating surface, and a first seat support leg and a second seat support leg for providing standing support for the seat. The seat top structure or the first and second seat support legs being supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support legs.

Thus, the weight may be transferred from the seat support legs to the table support legs. Thus, body weight of the player is arranged to be transferred via the seat support legs to the table support legs.

In one embodiment, the first and second seats comprise a first seat front support leg and second seat front support leg connected to the seat top structure, and a first seat back support leg and second seat back support leg connected to the seat top structure. The first seat front support leg is supported in vertical direction to the first table support leg and the second seat front support leg is supported in vertical direction to the second table support leg.

Therefore, the weight may be transferred from the seat to the support legs of the game table close to the support table and in vertical direction from the seat.

In one embodiment, the first seat is fixedly supported to the first and second table support legs at the first opening, and the second seat is fixedly supported to the first and second table support legs at the second opening. Accordingly, seat is permanently fixed to the support legs of the game table such that weight of the seat is transferred in vertical direction to the support legs of the game table.

In another embodiment, the first seat is removably supported to the first and second table support legs at the first opening, and the second seat is removably supported to the first and second table support legs at the second opening. Accordingly, seat is detachably fixed to the support legs of the game table such that weight of the seat is transferred in vertical direction to the support legs of the game table.

In one embodiment, the first table support leg and the second table support leg are provided with a common table support element extending between the first and second table support legs, the common table support element being arranged to support the seat in vertical direction. The seat may be supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support elements.

In one embodiment, the first table support leg is provided with a first table support element and the second table support leg is provided with a second table support element, the first and second table support elements being arranged to support the seat in vertical direction. The seat may be supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support elements.

In another embodiment, the seat is provided with a common seat support element or with a first seat support element and with a second seat support element. The common seat support element or the first seat support element and the second seat support element are supported in vertical direction. To the common table support element such that the seat is supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support legs of the game table. The seat may be supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support elements.

In another embodiment, the first table support leg is provided with a first table support element and the second table support leg is provided with a second table support element. Further, the seat is provided with a first seat support element and with a second seat support element. The first seat support element is supported in vertical direction to the first table support element and the second seat support element is supported in vertical direction to the second table support element such that the seat is supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support legs of the game table.

The game table and the seat are arranged to be connected and supported to each other in vertical direction with the table support elements and seat support elements.

The first and second table support elements comprise a support surface extending transversely or preferably perpendicularly to the vertical direction for transferring the weight in vertical direction.

The first and second seat support elements comprise a support surface extending transversely or preferably perpendicularly to the vertical direction for transferring the weight in vertical direction.

In one embodiment, the first and second table support legs have a table support leg length from the table top structure to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second table support legs, and the first and second table support elements or the common table support element are arranged at a first table support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second table support legs. Thus, the first and second table support elements are arranged between the table top structure to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second table support legs providing increased rigidity to the first and second table support legs.

In another embodiment, the first and second table support legs have a table support leg length from the table top structure to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second table support legs, and the first and second table support elements or the common table support element are arranged at first table support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second table support legs. The first table support distance being between 25 to 75 % of the table support leg length, preferably between 35 to 60 % of the table support leg length, and more preferably between 45 to 55 % of the table support leg length. Arranging the first and second table support elements in middle part of the table support leg length between the table top structure to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second table support legs provides advantageous rigidity to the first and second table support legs.

In one embodiment, the first seat support leg of the seat is provided with the first seat support element, and the second seat support leg is provided with the second seat support element. The first seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the first table support leg of the game table by the first seat support element and the first table support element and the second seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the second table support leg of the game table by the second seat support element and the second table support element.

In another embodiment, the first front seat support leg of the seat is provided with the first seat support element, and the second front seat support leg is provided with the second seat support element. The first front seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the first table support leg of the game table by the first seat support element and the first table support element, and the second front seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the second table support leg of the game table by the second seat support element and the second table support element.

In one embodiment, the first and second seat support legs have a seat support leg length from the seat top structure to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second seat support legs. The first and second seat support elements are arranged at a first seat support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second seat support legs.

In another embodiment, the first and second seat front support legs have a seat support leg length from the seat top structure to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second seat front support legs. The first and second seat support elements are arranged at first seat support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second seat front support legs.

Accordingly, the first and second seat support elements are arranged at a distance from the bottom end of the seat support legs.

In one embodiment, the first table support distance is greater than the first seat support distance such that the weight of the seat is transferred at least partly to the first and second table support legs of the game table. Accordingly, the seat support legs or the seat front support legs rest against the table support legs. Thus, weight is effectively transferred from the seat to the table support legs.

In one embodiment, the first table support leg is provided with a third table support element and the second table support leg is provided with a fourth table support element. The third and fourth table support elements being arranged at a second first table support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second table support legs and to support the seat in vertical direction, the second first table support distance is smaller than the first table support distance.

In another embodiment, the first table support leg is provided with a third table support element and the second table support leg is provided with a fourth table support element. The seat is provided with a third seat support element and with a fourth seat support element. The third seat support element is supported in vertical direction to the third table support element and the fourth seat support element is supported in vertical direction to the fourth table support element such that the seat is supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support legs of the game table. The third and fourth table support elements being arranged at a second first table support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second table support legs. The second first table support distance is smaller than the first table support distance.

In a further embodiment, the first seat support leg of the seat is provided with the third seat support element and the second seat support leg is provided with the fourth seat support element. The first seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the first table support leg of the game table by the first seat support element and the first table support element and by the third seat support element and the third table support element. The second seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the second table support leg of the game table by the second seat support element and the second table support element and by the fourth seat support element and the fourth table support element. The third and fourth seat support elements are arranged at a second seat support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second seat support legs. The second seat support distance being smaller than the first seat support distance.

In a further embodiment, the first seat support leg of the seat is provided with the third seat support element and the second seat support leg is provided with the fourth seat support element. The first seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the first table support leg of the game table by the common table support element and the common seat support element, and by the third seat support element and the third table support element. The second seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the second table support leg of the game table by the common table support element and the common seat support element, and by the fourth seat support element and the fourth table support element. The third and fourth seat support elements are arranged at a second seat support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second seat support legs. The second seat support distance being smaller than the first seat support distance.

In a yet further embodiment, the first front seat support leg of the seat is provided with the third seat support element, and the second front seat support leg is provided with the fourth seat support element. The third and fourth seat support elements are arranged at a second seat support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second seat front support legs. The second seat support distance is smaller than the first seat support distance. The first front seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the first table support leg of the game table by the first seat support element and the first table support element and by the third seat support element and the fourth table support element. The second front seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the second table support leg of the game table by the second seat support element and the second table support element the fourth seat support element and the fourth table support element.

Accordingly, the seat may be supported in vertical to the table support legs at two heights providing additional rigidity and stability for the game table.

The third and fourth table support elements comprise a support surface extending transversely or preferably perpendicularly to the vertical direction for transferring the weight in vertical direction.

The third and fourth seat support elements comprise a support surface extending transversely or preferably perpendicularly to the vertical direction for transferring the weight in vertical direction.

In one embodiment, second table support distance is greater than the second seat support distance such that the weight of the seat is transferred at least partly to the first and second table support legs of the game table.

In another embodiment, the second table support distance is greater than the second seat support distance, and the difference between the first table support distance and the first seat support distance corresponds the difference between the second table support distance and the second seat support distance. Thus, the weight is arranged to be transferred from the seat to the game table with both the upper and lower support elements of the game table and the seat.

The present invention further relates to a seat for a game table. The seat comprises a seat top structure arranged to form a seating surface, the seat top structure having a first seat top end and a second seat top end and a first seat top side and a second seat top side. The first and second seat top sides extend between the first and second seat top ends. The seat further comprises a first seat side wall extending downwards from the seat top structure, a second seat side wall extending downwards from the seat top structure and a seat back wall extending downwards from the seat top structure. The first and second seat side walls being arranged to form a goal space together with the seat top structure and the seat back wall. The goal space comprises a goal opening at the first seat top end.

According to the present invention, the seat comprises one or more seat support elements arranged to support the seat in vertical direction to an external structure.

In one embodiment, the seat comprises a first seat support leg and a second seat support leg for providing standing support for the seat. The first seat support leg of the seat is provided with a first seat support element and the second seat support leg is provided with a second seat support element arranged to support the seat in vertical direction to the external structure such that weight of the seat is transferred at least partly to the external structure.

In an alternative embodiment, the seat comprises a first seat support leg and a second seat support leg for providing standing support for the seat, and a common support element arranged to support the seat in vertical direction to the external structure such that weight of the seat is transferred at least partly to the external structure.

Accordingly, the seat is arranged to be supported in vertical direction to a game table for transferring weight of the seat to the game table in vertical direction. Thus, the external structure is preferably the game table.

In one embodiment, the seat comprises a first seat front support leg and second seat front support leg connected to the seat top structure, and a first seat back support leg and second seat back support leg connected to the seat top structure. The first front seat support leg of the seat is provided with the first seat support element and the second front seat support leg is provided with the second seat support element.

In one embodiment, the first and second seat support legs have a seat support leg length from the seat top structure to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second seat support legs. The first and second seat support elements are arranged at a first seat support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second seat support legs. The first seat support distance being at least 75 % of the seat support leg length. Thus, the first and second seat support elements are provided to upper part of the first and second seat support legs for transferring weight of a player to the game table close the seat top structure.

In another embodiment, the first and second seat front support legs have a seat support leg length from the seat top structure to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second seat front support legs. The first and second seat support elements are arranged at first seat support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second seat front support legs. The first seat support distance is at least 75 % of the seat support leg length.

In a further embodiment, the first and second seat front support legs have a seat support leg length from the seat top structure to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second seat front support legs. The common seat support element is arranged at first seat support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second seat front support legs. The first seat support distance is at least 75 % of the seat support leg length.

In one embodiment, the first seat support leg of the seat is provided with a third seat support element, and the second seat support leg is provided with a fourth seat support element. The third and fourth seat support elements are arranged at a second seat support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second seat support legs. The second seat support distance is smaller than the first seat support distance.

In another embodiment, the first front seat support leg of the seat is provided with a third seat support element, and the second front seat support leg is provided with a fourth seat support element. The third and fourth seat support elements are arranged at a second seat support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second seat front support legs. The second seat support distance is smaller than the first seat support distance.

In one embodiment, the first seat front support leg is provided with a first front hinge for folding the first front support leg in relation to the seat top structure, and the second seat front support leg is provided with a second front hinge for folding the second front support leg in relation to the seat top structure.

In another embodiment, the first seat front support leg is provided with a first front hinge for folding the first front support leg in relation to the seat top structure. The first front hinge is arranged at the first seat support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second seat front support legs. The second seat front support leg is provided with a second front hinge for folding the second front support leg in relation to the seat top structure the second front hinge is arranged at the first seat support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second seat front support legs.

The front hinges enable folding the seat top structure in relation to the seat front support legs for setting the seat to a folded position . Further, the seat is arranged to be folded at the support location providing easy folding support for the folding movement.

In one embodiment, the first seat back support leg is provided with a first back hinge for folding the first back support leg in relation to the seat top structure, and the second seat back support leg is provided with a second back hinge for folding the second back support leg in relation to the seat top structure.

In another embodiment, the first seat back support leg is provided with a first back hinge for folding the first back support leg in relation to the seat top structure. The first back hinge is arranged at the first seat support distance from bottom surface of the first and second seat back support legs. The second seat back support leg is provided with a second back hinge for folding the second back support leg in relation to the seat top structure the second back hinge is arranged at the first seat support distance from the bottom surface of the first and second seat back support legs.

The back hinges further enable folding the seat top structure in relation to the seat front support legs for setting the seat to a fully folded position.

An advantage of the invention is that that supporting the seats to the game table in vertical direction such that weight of the seat is transferred at least partly to the table support legs. The weight of the player is utilized for stabilizing the game table and keeping the game table in place. Accordingly, when the player sits on the seat the weight of the player is also at least partly transferred to the support legs of the game table. Thus, the game table is pressed against the floor with the weight of player decreasing the movement and displacement of the game table and game equipment during playing due to forces caused by the movement of the players and the ball. Usually players with greater weight produce also greater forces during playing. Therefore, the support force transferred from the seat to the game table or support legs of the game adapts to different players.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which

FIG. 1 shows schematically one embodiment of a game table of game equipment;

FIG. 2 shows schematically one embodiment of a seat of the game equipment;

FIG. 3 shows schematically one embodiment of a game table of game equipment according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows schematically one embodiment of a seat of the game equipment according to the present invention to be used together with the game table of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows schematically another embodiment of a game table of game equipment according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows schematically another embodiment of a seat of the game equipment according to the present invention to be used together with the game table of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7 to 10 show schematically yet another embodiment of a seat of the game equipment according to the present invention to be used together with the game table of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 11 and 12 show schematically the game equipment in which the seats are supported to the game table according to the present invention;

FIGS. 13 and 14 shows schematically a further embodiment of a game table of game equipment according to the present invention;

FIGS. 15 and 16 shows schematically a further embodiment of a game table of game equipment according to the present invention;

FIGS. 17 and 18 show schematically the seat of FIGS. 15 and 16 supported to the game table of FIGS. 13 and 14;

FIGS. 19 and 20 shows schematically a further embodiment of a game table of game equipment according to the present invention;

FIGS. 21 and 22 shows schematically a further embodiment of a seat of the game equipment according to the present invention to be used together with the game table of FIGS. 19 and 20;

FIGS. 23 to 25 show schematically the seat of FIGS. 21 and 22 supported to the game table of FIGS. 19 and 20;

FIGS. 26 and 27 shows schematically a further embodiment of a game table and seat according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a game table 2 according to the present invention. The game table 2 comprises table top structure 20 and first table side wall structure 30 and a second table side wall structure 32. The table top structure 20 forms the table top and the first and second side wall structures 30, 32 form side walls for the game table 2 and also the standing supports for the game table 2.

The table top structure 20 comprises a first table top end 27 and a second table top end 29, and a first table top side 24 and a second table top side 26. The first and second table top sides 24, 26 extend between the first and second table top ends 27, 29. The first and second table side wall structures 30, 32 extend downwards from the first and second table top sides 24, 26, respectively.

The table top structure 20 comprises a see-through table top surface. The table top surface may be provided with one or more see-through openings between the first and second table top ends 27, 29 and between the first and second table top sides 24, 26. Alternatively, the table top surface may be provided with one or more table top walls 21, 22. The table top walls 21, 22 may be supported to the table top sides 24, 26 and/or top table top ends 27, 29. However, it should be noted that the whole table top structure 20 may be formed with one or more table top walls such that the one or more table top walls form the first and second table top sides and first and second table top ends.

The first and second table side wall structures 30, 32 provide table side walls and standing supports for the game table 2 for supporting the game table 2 on a floor or ground. The first and second table side wall structures 30, 32 are arranged to form a channel-like game space 100 together with the table top structure 20. The game space 100 is the inner space of the game table 2. The channel-like game space 100 is defined on the bottom by the floor of the ground or a special bottom structure of the game table 2. The channel-like game space 100 has a first opening 102 and a second opening 104 at opposite ends of the channel-like game space 100, or at the opposite ends 27, 29 to the table top structure 20. The first and second openings 102, 104 extending in substantially vertical direction. Furthermore, the table top surface or table top wall(s) 21, 22 extend in substantially horizontal direction and the table side walls 30, 32 extend substantially in vertical direction. The first and second table side wall structures 30, 32 of the first and second table side walls are arranged spaced apart and opposite to each other, preferably substantially parallel.

The table top wall(s) may be provided by a solid table top wall 21, 22 made of transparent material and arranged to form top wall surface of the game space 100 and the see-through table top surface into the game space 100 from above the table top structure 20. The transparent table top walls 21, 22 may be made of any suitable material enabling transparency such that the player may see into the game space 100 through the solid table top wall.

Alternatively, the table top wall(s) may be provided by a net-like table top wall having plurality of net apertures and arranged to form top wall surface of the game space 100 and the see-through table top surface into the game space 100 from above the table top structure 20. In this embodiment the net apertures provide the see-through feature into the game space 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game table 2 comprises a first table end frame 10 provided in connection with the table top structure 20 or connected to the table top structure 20 at the first table top end 27. The game table 2 further comprises a second table end frame 11 provided in connection with the table top structure 20 or connected to the table top structure 20. The first table end frame 10 is provided in connection with the first table top end 27 or connected to the first table top end 27. Similarly, the second table end frame 11 is provided in connection with the second table top end 29 or connected to the second table top end 29.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first and second table end frames 10, 11 have a circumferential or O-shaped form defining the first opening 102 of the game space 100 and the second opening 104 of the game space 100, respectively. Circumferential form means that the first and second end frames form a loop, as shown in FIG. 1.

The first and second circumferential table end frames 10, 11 have a substantially square or rectangular shape. Accordingly, the circumferential table end frame 10, 11 comprises table upper frame part 16, a table lower frame part 18 and two opposite table side frame parts 12, 14 extending between the table upper and lower frame parts 16, 18. The table end frames 10, 11 may be made of wood, plastic or metal, such as aluminium, or any other suitable rigid material. The table end frames 10, 11 may be made from one or more bar or beam or profile elements.

The table top structure 20 further comprises table top side supports 24, 26 forming the table top sides 24, 26. The table top side supports 24, 26 extend between the table top ends 27, 29 or between the table end frames 10, 11. As shown in FIG. 1 the first and second table top side supports 24, 26 are connected or attached to the table end frames 10, 11. Therefore, the table end frames 10, 11 and the first and second table top side supports 24, 26 together form the game table frame, which is the support frame of the game table 2.

The first and second end frames 10, 11 may form part of the table top structure 20 and the first and second table side wall structure 30, 32, as shown in FIG. 1.

The upper frame parts 16 may form part of the table top structure 20, and especially form table top end supports such that the upper frame parts 16 also form the first and second table top ends 27, 29, respectively.

The table top wall(s) 21, 22 may be supported or attached to the table top side supports 24, 26 or to the table top end supports 16, meaning the upper frame parts 16. Alternatively, the table top wall(s) 21, 22 may be supported or attached to the table top side supports 24, 26 and to the table top end supports 16, meaning the upper frame parts 16. The table top side supports 24, 26 extend substantially in horizontal direction. The table top side supports 24, 26 may be made from one or more bar or beam elements.

The table side frame parts 12, 14 may form part of the table side wall structure 30, 32 and also support legs of the game table for providing standing support for the game table 2. The table side frame parts 12, 14 extend downwards from the table top structure 20 and the from the table upper frame part 16.

The first and second table side wall structure 30, 32 further comprises first and second table side wall 30, 32 forming the side walls of the channel-like game space 100. The first and second table side wall 30, 32 may be a solid table side walls made of transparent or non-transparent material and arranged to form table side wall surface of the game space 100. Alternatively, the first and second table side wall 30, 32 may be net-like table side walls having plurality of net apertures and arranged to form table side wall surface of the game space 100, as shown in FIG. 1.

The first and second table side walls 30, 32 may be made of rigid material, flexible material, or elastic material. The first and second table side walls 30, 32 may be supported or attached to the table side frame parts 12, 14 or to the table top side supports 24, 26. Alternatively, the first and second table side walls 30, 32 may be supported or attached to the table side frame parts 12, 14 and to the table top side supports 24, 26.

The first and second table side walls 30, 32 are preferably formed from flexible or elastic such that players do not hurt legs during playing and further ball may bounce from the first and second table side walls 30, 32 in smooth manner.

Preferably, the first and second table side walls 30, 32 are made of flexible and elastic material. Further preferably, the first and second table side walls 30, 32 are made of flexible and elastic transparent or see-through material such as elastic and flexible net-material.

The game table 2 may also comprise a table bottom structure 90. The table bottom structure 90 may comprise a bottom wall which may be for example a mat or plate forming the game surface inside the game table 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game table 2 comprises the circumferential first and second table end frames 10, 11. However, it should be noted that the first and second table end frame 10, 11 may also be provided as U-shaped or C-shaped frames such that the table upper frame part 16 or the table lower frame part 18 may be omitted. In a yet alternative embodiment, the game table 2 or the first and second table side wall structure 30, 32 comprise separate table support legs (not shown) extending from the table top structure 20 downwards. In this embodiment, a table support leg may be provided in connection with the first and second table top end 27, 29 such that the support legs define the first and second opening 102, 104 with the first and second table top ends 27, 29, respectively.

Furthermore, the table top structure 20 may also be formed only by one or more table top walls 21, 22.

Additionally, the first and second table side wall structures 30, 32 may also be formed only by one or more table side walls. These alternative structural variations may be combined in any suitable manner in order to form the game table 2 having the channel-like game space 100.

Accordingly, in the present invention in general the first and second table top ends 27, 29 are provided with a first table support legs 12, 12' and a second table support legs 14, 14' directly or indirectly connected to the table top structure 20. The first and second table support legs 12, 14 extend, meaning extend downwards, from the table top structure 20 and are arranged to provide standing supports for the game table 2. The first and second table support legs 12, 14 are provided to opposite ends of the game table 2 and upright standing supports for the game table 2.

The first and second table support legs 12, 14 may be part of the table end frames 10, 11. Alternatively, the first and second table support legs 12, 14 may be separate support legs.

The first table side wall structure 30 comprises a first table support leg 12 at the first table top end 27 and another first table support leg 12 ' at the second table top end 29. The second table side wall structure 32 comprises a second table support leg 14 at the first table top end 27 and another second table support leg 14 ' at the second table top end 29, as shown in FIG. 1.

Further, in preferred embodiment, the first table support leg 12 and the second table support leg 14 are provided to the first table top end 27 and arranged to define at least partly the first opening 102. The first table support leg 12 and the second table support leg 14 are arranged to define the vertical or upright edges of the first opening 102.

Similarly, the other first table support leg 12' and the other second table support leg 14' are provided to the second table top end 29 and arranged to define at least partly the second opening 104. The other first table support leg 12' and the other second table support leg 14' are arranged to define the vertical or upright edges of the second opening 104.

The first and second table support legs 12, 12', 14, 14' at each end of the game table 2 are preferable arranged to define at least partly the first opening 102 and the second opening 104. Thus, the first and second table support legs 12, 12', 14, 14' are respectively arranged to the opposite ends of the game table 2, and also at opposite table top ends 27, 29 of the table top structure 20. Further, the first and second table support legs 12, 12', 14, 14' are arranged to provide side frame parts of the first opening 102 and the second opening 104, respectively at both ends to the game table 2.

The table lower frame part 18 may form bottom surface for the first and second table support legs 12, 12', 14, 14'. Alternatively, the table support legs 12, 12', 14, 14' are separate support legs each of which comprises a distal bottom surface.

Further, the first and second table support legs 12, 12', 14, 14' are also preferably connected to the first and second table side wall structure 30, 32 or the first and second side walls 30, 32 are supported to the first and second table support legs 12, 12', 14, 14'.

FIG. 2 shows a seat 4 to be used with the game table 2 for forming the game equipment. The seat 4 comprises a seat top structure 70 arranged to form a seating surface. The seat top structure 70 has a first seat top end 74 and a second seat top end 76 and a first seat top side 71 and a second seat top side 73. The first and second seat top sides 71, 73 extending between the first and second seat top ends 74, 76. The seat 4 further comprises a first seat side wall 82 extending downwards from the seat top structure 70, a second seat side wall 84 extending downwards from the seat top structure 70 and a seat back wall 80 extending downwards from the seat top structure 70. The first and second seat side walls 82, 84 are arranged to form a goal space 110 together with the seat top structure 20 and the seat back wall 80.

The first and second seat side walls 82, 84 are arranged to extend downwards from the seat top structure 70 at the first and second seat top sides 71, 73 or in the vicinity thereof, respectively. The seat back wall 80 is arranged to extend downwards from the seat top structure 70 at the second seat top end 76 or in the vicinity thereof. The first and second seat side walls 82, 84 and the first seat top end 74 of the seat top structure 70 define a goal opening 112 into the goal space 110 at the seat top end 74, as shown in FIG. 2. The goal space 110 is the inner space of the seat 4. The goal space 110 is defined on the bottom by the floor of the ground or a special bottom structure of the seat 4. The goal opening 112 extends in substantially vertical direction. Furthermore, the seat top surface or seat top wall 70 extend in substantially horizontal direction and the seat side walls 82, 84 extend substantially in vertical direction. The first and second seat side wall structures 82, 84 may provide seat sides walls and standing supports for the seat 4 on a floor or ground.

The seat top structure 70 comprises top wall forming the seat surface on which the player may sit. The seat top wall may be supported to the seat top sides 71, 73 and/or the seat top ends 74, 76. However, it should be noted that the whole seat top structure 70 may be formed with one or more seat top walls such that the one or more seat top walls form the first and second seat top sides and the first and second table top ends.

The first and second seat side walls 82, 34 and the seat back wall 80 may comprise solid seat side walls made of transparent or non-transparent material and arranged to form seat side wall surfaces of the goal space 110. Alternatively, the first and second seat side walls 82, 84 and the seat back wall 80 may be net-like seat side walls having plurality of net apertures and arranged to form seat side wall surfaces of the goal space 110, as shown in FIG. 2. The first and second seat side walls 82, 84 and the seat back wall 80 may be made of rigid material, flexible material, or elastic material.

As shown in FIG. 2, the seat 4 comprises a first seat side frame 60 provided in connection with the seat top structure 70 or connected to the seat top structure 70 at the first seat top side 71. The seat 4 further comprises a second seat side frame 61 provided in connection with the seat top structure 70 or connected to the seat top structure 70 at the second seat top side 73. The first seat side frame 60 is provided in connection with the first seat top side 71 or connected to the first seat top side 71. Similarly, the second seat side frame 61 is provided in connection with the second seat top side 73 or connected to the second seat top end 73.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the first and second seat end frames 60, 61 have a circumferential form such that the seat side walls 82, 84 are respectively provided inside the first and second seat side frames 60, 61 and connected thereto. Circumferential form means that the first and second seat side frames 60, 61 form a loop, as shown in FIG. 2. The seat back wall 80 is also connected or supported to the first and second seat side frames 60, 61 and between them. The seat back wall 80 may also be connected and supported to the seat top structure 70.

The first and second circumferential seat side frames 60, 61 have a substantially square or rectangular shape. Accordingly, the circumferential seat side frame 60, 61 comprises seat upper frame part 66, a seat lower frame part 68 and two opposite seat side frame parts 62, 64 extending between the seat upper and lower frame parts 66, 68. The seat side frames 60, 61 may be made of wood, plastic or metal, such as aluminium, or any other suitable rigid material. The seat side frames 60, 61 may be made from one or more bar or beam elements.

The seat top structure 70 further comprises seat top front and back supports 74, 76, or seat top end supports, forming the seat top ends 74, 76. The seat top end supports 74, 76 extend between the seat top sides 71, 73 or between the seat side frames 60, 61. As shown in FIG. 2 the first and second seat top end supports 74, 76 are connected or attached to the seat side frames 60, 61. Therefore, the seat side frames 60, 61 and the first and second seat top end supports 74, 76 together form the seat frame, which is the support frame of the seat 4.

The first and second seat side frames 60, 61 may form part of the seat top structure 70 and the first and second seat side walls 82, 84, as shown in FIG. 2.

The seat upper frame parts 66 may form part of the seat top structure 70, and especially form seat top side supports such that the seat upper frame parts 66 also form the first and second seat top sides 71, 73, respectively.

The seat top wall 70 may be supported or attached to the seat top end supports 74, 76 or to the seat top side supports, meaning the seat upper frame parts 66. Alternatively, the seat top wall 70 may be supported or attached to the seat top end supports 74, 76 and to the seat top side supports, meaning the upper seat frame parts 66. The seat top end supports 74, 76 extend substantially in horizontal direction. The seat end supports 74, 76 may be made from one or more bar or beam elements.

The seat side frame parts 62, 64 may form part of the seat side wall 82, 84 and also support legs of the seat 4 for providing standing support for the seat 4. The seat side frame parts 62, 64 extend downwards from the seat top structure 70 and from the upper seat frame part 76.

The first seat side frame part 62 of the first seat side frame 60 forms a first front support leg and the second seat side frame part 64 of the first seat side frame 60 forms a first back support leg. Similarly, a second seat side frame part 65 of the second seat side frame 61 forms a second front support leg and a second seat side frame part 67 of the second seat side frame 61 forms a second back support leg.

The first and second front side frame parts 62, 65 are provided to or in connection with the goal opening 112 and/or with the first seat top end 74 in the front side of the seat 4. Similarly, the first and second back side frame parts 64, 67 are provided to or in connection with the seat back wall 80 and/or with the second seat top end 76 in the front side of the seat 4.

As shown in FIG. 2, the seat 4 comprises the circumferential first and second seat side frames 60, 61. However, it should be noted that the first and second seat side frames 60, 61 may also be provided as U-shaped or C-shaped frames such that the upper seat frame part 66 or the lower seat frame part 68 may be omitted.

In a yet alternative embodiment, the seat 4 or the first and second seat side walls 82, 84 comprise separate seat support legs (not shown) extending from the seat top structure 70 downwards. In this embodiment, a support leg may be provided in connection with the first and second seat top sides 71, 73 such that the support legs define the goal opening 112 with the first seat top end 74.

Furthermore, the seat top structure 70 may also be formed only by one or more seat top wall.

Additionally, the first and second seat side walls 82, 84 may also be formed only by one or more seat side walls 82, 84, without the frames 60, 61 or supports. These alternative structural variations may be combined in any suitable manner in order to form the seat 4.

The first and second seat side walls 82, 84 and the seat back wall 80 may be supported or attached to the side seat frame parts 62, 64 or to the seat top end supports 74, 76. Alternatively, the first and second seat side walls 82, 84 may be supported or attached to the side seat frame parts 62, 64 and to the seat top end supports 74, 76.

The seat lower frame part 68 may form bottom surface for the first and second seat support legs 60, 61, 64, 65, 67. Alternatively, the seat support legs 60, 61, 64, 65, 67 are separate support legs each of which comprises a distal bottom surface.

Accordingly, in the present invention in general the seat 4 comprises a first seat front support leg 62 and second seat front support leg 65. The first and second front support legs 62, 65 are directly or indirectly connected to the seat top structure 70. The first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 extend, meaning extend downwards, from the seat top structure 70 and are arranged to provide standing supports for the seat 4. The first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 are provided to opposite the first and second seat top sides 71, 73 of the seat top structure 70.

Alternatively or additionally, the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 are connected to directly or indirectly to the first seat top end support 74.

The first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 may be part of the seat side frames 60, 61. Alternatively, the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 may be separate support legs.

The first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 at opposite side ends of the seat or the seat top structure are preferably arranged to define at least partly the goal opening 112. The goal opening 112 may be arranged to be formed by the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 and the first seat top end support 74.

In general, the seat 4 further comprises a first seat back support leg 64 and second seat back support leg 67. The first and second back support legs 64, 67 are directly or indirectly connected to the seat top structure 70. The first and second seat back support legs 64, 67 extend, meaning extend downwards, from the seat top structure 70 and are arranged to provide standing supports for the seat 4. The first and second seat back support legs 64, 67 are provided to opposite the first and second seat top sides 71, 73 of the seat top structure 70.

Alternatively or additionally, the first and second seat back support legs 64, 67 are connected to directly or indirectly to the first seat top end support 74.

The first and second seat back support legs 64, 67 may be part of the seat side frames 60, 61. Alternatively, the first and second seat front support legs 64, 67 may be separate support legs.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 as well as the first and second seat back support legs 64, 67 are arranged at the outer corners of the seat 4 and the seat top structure 70, which makes the seat more stable.

The first and second seat side walls 82, 84 are supported stand connected to the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 and the first and second seat back support legs 64, 67, respectively.

Therefore, the first and second seat side frames 60, 61 may form the first and second support legs of the seat 4 or the support legs of the seat 4.

Alternatively, the first and second seat front support legs 62, 64 may form the first and second support legs of the seat 4 or the support legs of the seat 4.

Further alternatively, the first and second seat front support legs 62, 64 together with the first and second seat back support legs may form the support legs of the seat 4.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the game table 2 according to the present invention. The game table 2 corresponds the game table of FIG. 1. The first table support leg 12 in connection with the first opening 102 is provided with a first table support element 200 and the second table support leg is provided with a second table support element 202. The first and second table support elements 200, 202 are arranged to support the seat 4, 5 in vertical direction.

The first and second table support legs 12', 14' are preferably provided with similar first and second table support elements 200, 202 in connection with the second opening 104.

Accordingly, the first and second table support elements 200, 202 comprise a support surface extending transversely or preferably perpendicularly to the vertical direction for transferring the weight in vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first and second table support elements 200, 202 are arranged to end faces of the first and second table support leg 12, 14, 12', 14'. The end face faces away from the game table 2 and the game space 100.

Alternatively, the first and second table support elements 200, 202 may be arranged to side faces, inner side faces or outer side faces, of the first and second table support leg 12, 14, 12', 14' opposite and towards each other or away from each other, respectively. The present invention is not restricted to direction of the first and second table support elements 200, 202.

The first and second table support elements 200, 202 are arranged to the first and second table support legs 12, 14, 12', 14' between the table top structure and the distal bottom ends or surfaces of the first and second table support legs 12, 14, 12', 14'. Preferably, first and second table support elements 200, 202 are arranged in middle part of the first and second table support legs 12, 14, 12', 14' between the table top structure and the distal bottom ends or surfaces of the first and second table support legs 12, 14, 12', 14'. The distal bottom ends or surfaces of the first and second table support legs 12, 14, 12', 14' are to be placed against the floor.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the seat 4 for a game table according to the present invention. The seat 4 corresponds the game table of FIG. 3. The first seat support leg 60, or the first seat front support leg 62 is provided with a first seat support element 300 and the second seat support leg 61, or the second seat front support leg 65 is provided with a second seat support element 302. The first and second seat support elements 300, 302 are arranged to support the seat 4 in vertical direction to the game table 2.

Accordingly, the first and second seat support elements 300, 302 comprise a support surface extending transversely or preferably perpendicularly to the vertical direction for transferring the weight in vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first and second seat support elements 300, 302 are arranged to outer side faces of the first and second seat support legs 60, 61, or the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65. Thus, the first and second seat support elements 300, 302 are arranged to face away from each other.

Alternatively, the first and second seat support elements 300, 302 may be arranged to inner side faces or to front end faces of the first and second seat support leg 60, 61, 62, 65. The present invention is not restricted to direction of the first and second seat support elements 300, 302.

The first and second seat support elements 300, 302 are arranged to the first and second seat support legs 60, 61, 62, 65 to or in vicinity of the upper ends of the first and second seat support legs 60, 61, 62, 65 or close to the seat top structure 70.

The table end frames 10, 11 of the table are provided with as loop structures extending in horizontal direction transversely or perpendicularly to longitudinal direction of the game table. This means that the central axis of the table end frames 10, 11 of the game table extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the game table 2. Further, the seat side frames 60, 61 are provided with as loop structures extending in horizontal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the game table. This means that the central axis of the seat side frames 60, 61 of the seats extend transversely or perpendicularly to longitudinal direction of the game table 2. Therefore, the table end frames 10, 11 and the seat side frames 60, 61 are arranged transversely or preferably perpendicularly to each other when the seat is supported to the game table. This provides additional horizontal support and rigidity to the game table and the game equipment.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the game table 2 in which the first table support leg 12, 12' is provided with a third table support element 204 and the second table support leg 14, 14' is provided with a fourth table support element 206.

Accordingly, the third and fourth table support elements 204, 206 comprise a support surface extending transversely or preferably perpendicularly to the vertical direction for transferring the weight in vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 5, the third and fourth table support elements 204, 206 are arranged to end faces of the first and second table support leg 12, 14, 12', 14'. The end face faces away from the game table 2 and the game space 100.

Alternatively, the third and fourth table support elements 204, 206 may be arranged to side faces, inner side faces or outer side faces, of the first and second table support leg 12, 14, 12', 14' opposite and towards each other or away from each other, respectively. The present invention is not restricted to direction of the third and fourth table support elements 204, 206.

The third and fourth table support elements 204, 206 are arranged to the first and second table support legs 12, 14, 12', 14' in vicinity of the distal bottom ends or surfaces of the first and second table support legs 12, 14, 12', 14'. The third and fourth table support elements 204, 206 are arranged in lower part of the first and second table support legs 12, 14, 12', 14' between first and second table support elements 200, 202 and the distal bottom ends or surfaces of the first and second table support legs 12, 14, 12', 14', respectively. The distal bottom ends or surfaces of the first and second table support legs 12, 14, 12', 14' are to be placed against the floor.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the seat 4 in which the first seat support leg 60, or the first seat front support leg 62, is provided with a third seat support element 304 and the second seat support leg 61, or the second seat front support leg 65, is provided with a fourth seat support element 306.

Accordingly, the third and fourth seat support elements 304, 306 comprise a support surface extending transversely or preferably perpendicularly to the vertical direction for transferring the weight in vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, the third and fourth seat support elements 304, 306 are arranged to outer side faces of the first and second seat support legs 60, 61, or the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65. Thus, the third and fourth seat support elements 304, 306 are arranged to face away from each other.

Alternatively, the third and fourth seat support elements 304, 306 may be arranged to inner side faces or to front end faces of the first and second seat support leg 60, 61, 62, 65. The present invention is not restricted to direction of the third and fourth seat support elements 304, 306.

The third and fourth seat support elements 304, 306 are arranged to the first and second seat support legs 60, 61, 62, 65 to or in vicinity of the distal bottom ends of the first and second seat support legs 60, 61, 62, 65. The third and fourth seat support elements 304, 306 are arranged in lower part of the first and second seat support legs 60, 61, 62, 65 between first and second seat support elements 300, 302 and the distal bottom ends or surfaces of the first and second seat support legs 60, 61, 62, 65, respectively. The distal bottom ends or surfaces of the first and second seat support legs 60, 61, 62, 65 are to be placed against the floor.

FIGS. 7 to 10 show another embodiment of the seat 4 for the game table 2. In this embodiment, the seat 4 comprises separate a first seat front support leg 62 and second seat front support leg 65 connected to the seat top structure 70, and a first seat back support leg 64 and second seat back support leg 67 connected to the seat top structure 70.

The first seat front support leg 62 is connected to the first seat back support leg 64 with the first seat upper frame part 66, and the second seat front support leg 65 is connected to the second seat back support leg 67 with the second seat upper frame part 69. However, the first and second seat upper frame parts 66, 60 may also be omitted and the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 and the first and second seat back support legs 64, 67 may be separate support legs and connected separately to the seat top structure 70.

The seat top structure 70 and the first and second seat side wall structures may similar with the embodiment of FIG. 2. The present invention is not restricted to any particular seat top structure 70 and the first and second seat side wall structures.

The first and second seat support legs 60, 61, 62, 64, 65, 67 are arranged to form the goal opening 112 together with the seat top structure 20 towards the channel-like game space 100 at the first and second openings 102, 104, respectively. Further, the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 are arranged to form the goal opening 112 together with the seat top structure 20 towards the channel-like game space 100 at the first and second openings 102, 104, respectively. This same applies to other embodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the first and second seat support legs 60, 61, 62, 64, 65, 67 or the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 are arranged to form the goal opening 112 together with the first seat top end 74 of the seat top structure 20, as shown in FIG. 7.

The seat 4 also comprises a seat bottom structure 91, 92, 93, 94, 95 provided under the seat top structure 70. The seat bottom structure 91, 92, 93, 94, 95 comprises seat bottom plate 91 with a seat bottom surface. The seat bottom plate 90 is arranged extend between the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 and the first and second seat back support legs 64, 67. Accordingly, seat bottom plate 91 is connected to the seat front and back support legs 62, 64, 65, 67.

The seat bottom plate 91 is connected to the first seat front support leg 62 with a first front pivot joint 92 and to the second seat front support leg 65 with a second front pivot joint 93. Thus, the seat bottom plate 91 extends between the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 and the first and second front pivot joints 92, 93. The seat bottom plate 91 is thus arranged to turn in relation to the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 around a first pivot axle extending between the first and second front pivot joints 92, 93.

Further, the seat bottom plate 91 is connected to the first seat back support leg 64 with a first back pivot joint 94 and to the second seat back support leg 67 with a second back pivot joint 95. Thus, the seat bottom plate 91 extends between the first and second seat back support legs 64, 67 and the first and second back pivot joints 94, 95. The seat bottom plate 91 is thus arranged to turn in relation to the first and second seat back support legs 64, 67 around a second pivot axle extending between the first and second back pivot joints 94, 95.

Accordingly, the seat bottom late 91 further extends between the first front pivot joint 92 and the first back pivot joint 94, and between the second front pivot joint 93 and the second back pivot joint 95. The seat bottom late 91 forms bottom of the goal space 110.

The seat bottom plate 91 comprises an upward rising surface, as shown in FIG. 8. The seat bottom plate 91 raises upwards in a direction between the first front pivot joint 92 and the first back pivot joint 94, and between the second front pivot joint 93 and the second back pivot joint 95. Thus, the seat bottom plate 91 raises upwards in a direction form the goal opening 112 towards the seat back wall. Accordingly, the first and second back pivot joints 94, 95 are arranged to the first and second seat back support legs 64, 67 at a first pivot distance from the distal bottom ends or surfaces of the first and second seat back support legs 64, 67. The first and second front pivot joints 92, 93 are arranged to the first and second seat front support legs 62, 64 at a second pivot distance from the distal bottom ends or surfaces of the first and second front back support legs 62, 64. The first pivot distance is greater than the second pivot distance. Thus, the first and second front pivot joints 92, 93 are arranged to be lower than the first and second back pivot joints 94, 95 and the seat bottom plate 91 is arranged to be inclined upwards towards the first and second back support legs 64, 67.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first front seat support leg 62 of the seat 4 is provided with the first seat support element 300 and the second front seat support leg 65 is provided with the second seat support element 302. Similarly, the first front seat support leg 62 of the seat 4 is provided with a third seat support element 306 and the second front seat support leg 65 is provided with a fourth seat support element 306. The seat support elements 300, 302, 304, 306 are provided in similar manner as in the embodiment of FIG. 6.

Furthermore, the first seat front support leg 62 is provided with a first front hinge 400 for folding the first front support leg 62 in relation to the seat top structure 70. The second seat front support leg 65 is provided with a second front hinge 402 for folding the second front support leg 65 in relation to the seat top structure 70.

The first and second front hinges 400, 402 comprise pivot axis or pivot pin extending transversely or perpendicularly to the length direction of the first and second front support legs 62, 65.

Additionally, the first seat back support leg 64 is provided with a first back hinge 404 for folding the first back support leg 64 in relation to the seat top structure 70, and the second seat back support leg 67 is provided with a second back hinge 406 for folding the second back support leg 67 in relation to the seat top structure 70.

The first and second back hinges 404, 406 comprise pivot axis or pivot pin extending transversely or perpendicularly to the length direction of the first and second front support legs 62, 65.

FIGS. 7 and 8 shows the seat 4 in unfolded position or use position. In this unfolded position, the seat top structure 70 extends transversely perpendicularly to the length direction of the seat support legs 62, 64, 65, 67.

In the unfolded position the seat bottom plate 91 extends also transversely to the length direction of the seat support legs 62, 64, 65, 67.

FIGS. 9, and 10 shows the seat 4 in folded position. In this folded position, the seat top structure 70 extends substantially parallel to the length direction of the seat support legs 62, 64, 65, 67.

In the folded position the seat bottom plate 91 extends also substantially parallel to the length direction of the seat support legs 62, 64, 65, 67.

When the seat 4 is set between the unfolded and folded positions, the seat top structure 70 and the seat front support legs 62, 64 turn relative to each other around the first and second front hinges 400, 402 and the seat top structure 70 and the seat back support legs 62, 64 turn relative to each other around the first and second back hinges 404, 406. Further, When the seat 4 is set between the unfolded and folded positions, the seat bottom plate 91 and the seat front support legs 62, 64 turn relative to each other around the first and second front pivot joints 92, 93 and the seat bottom plate 91 and the seat back support legs 62, 64 turn relative to each other around the first and second back pivot joints 94, 95.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the game equipment according to the present invention. A first seat 4 is arranged in connection with the first opening 102 of the channel-like game space 100 and a second seat 5 arranged in connection with the second opening 102 of the channel-like game space 100. The first seat 4 is supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support legs 12, 14 at the first opening 102 such that the weight of the first seat 4 is transferred at least partly to the first and second table support legs 12, 14 at the first opening 102, and the second seat 5 is supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support legs 12', 14' at the second opening 104 such that the weight of the second seat 5 is transferred at least partly to the first and second table support legs 12', 14' at the second opening 104.

The first seat support element 300 is supported in vertical direction to the first table support element 200 and the second seat support element 302 is supported in vertical direction to the second table support element 202 such that the seat 4, 5 is supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support legs 12, 12', 14, 14' of the game table 2.

The third seat support element 304 is supported in vertical direction to the third table support element 204 and the fourth seat support element 306 is supported in vertical direction to the fourth table support element 206 such that the seat 4, 5 is supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support legs 12, 12', 14, 14' of the game table 2.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the third seat support element 304, fourth seat support element 306, the third table support element 204 and the fourth table support element 206 may be omitted.

In FIG. 11, the seats 4, 5 and both in unfolded position. In figurer 12, the second seat 5 is in folded position.

FIGS. 13 and 14 shows schematically the location of the first and second table support elements 200, 202 in the first and second table support legs 12, 14.

The first and second table support legs 12, 12', 14, 14 have a table support leg length from the table top structure 20 to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second table support legs 12, 12', 14, 14. The first and second table support elements 200, 202 are arranged at first table support distance T1 from the bottom surface of the first and second table support legs 12, 12', 14, 14.

The first table support distance T1 being between 25 to 75 % of the table support leg length, preferably between 35 to 60 % of the table support leg length, and more preferably between 45 to 55 % of the table support leg length.

FIGS. 15 and 16 shows schematically the location of the first and second seat support elements 300, 302 in the first and second seat support legs, or the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65.

The first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 have a seat support leg length from the seat top structure 70 to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65. The first and second seat support elements 300, 302 are arranged at first seat support distance S1 from the bottom surface of the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65.

The first table support distance T1 is greater than the first seat support distance S1 such that the weight of the seat 4, 5 is transferred at least partly to the first and second table support legs 12, 12', 14, 14' of the game table 2.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show schematically how the seat 4 is vertically supported to the table 2. The first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 are vertically supported to the game table. As the first table support distance T1 is greater than the first seat support distance S1, the seat 4, or the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65, rest against the game table 2. Thus, a gap 500 may be provided between the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 and the floor 502. The first and second seat back support legs 64, 67 are supported against the floor 502. When a player sits on the seat 4, the body weight of the player is transferred from the seat 4 to the first and second table support legs 12, 14. The gap 500 may be closed as the pressure increases due to the player’s body weight, as shown in FIG. 18. This may due to the fact that the body weight of the player presses the structures of the game table and the seat 4 together and the structures may deform slightly.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show an embodiment in which the first table support leg 12, 12' is provided with a third table support element 204 and the second table support leg 14, 14' is provided with a fourth table support element 206. The third and fourth table support elements 204, 206 is arranged at a second first table support distance T2 from the bottom surface of the first and second table support legs 12, 12', 14, 14 and to support the seat 4, 5 in vertical direction. The second table support distance T2 is smaller than the first table support distance T1.

Further, FIGS. 21 and 22 show an embodiment in which the first front seat support leg 62 of the seat 4, 5 is provided with the third seat support element 306, and the second front seat support leg 65 is provided with the fourth seat support element 306. The third and fourth seat support elements 304, 306 are arranged at a second seat support distance S2 from the bottom surface of the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65. The second seat support distance S2 being smaller than the first seat support distance S1.

Accordingly, FIGS. 23 and 24 show an embodiment, in which the first front seat support leg 62 is supported in vertical direction to the first table support leg 12, 12'of the game table 2 by the first seat support element 300 and the first table support element 200 and by the third seat support element 304 and the fourth table support element 204. Further, the second front seat support leg 65 is supported in vertical direction to the second table support leg 14, 14' of the game table 2 by the second seat support element 302 and the second table support element 202 the fourth seat support element 306 and the fourth table support element 206.

The FIGS. 23 and 24 show the game table 2 and the seat 4 similarly as in FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 25 shows an embodiment, in which the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 are shorter than the first and second seat back support legs 64, 67 such that a leg gap 501 is provided between the first and second seat front support legs 62, 65 and the floor 502.

FIG. 26 shows an alternative embodiment, in which the game table is provided a common table support element 201 extending between the first and second table support legs 12, 14. This may be provided both the first and second openings 102, 104 of the game table 2. The common table support element 201 may be a bar, beam or profile connected or attached to the first and second table support legs 12, 14. The common table support element 201 replaces the first and second table support elements 200 and 202 and may be utilized in the same manner. The common table support element 201 may be provided at the first table support distance T1 form the from the bottom surface of the first and second table support legs 12, 12', 14, 14. The common table support element 201 preferably extends in horizontal direction.

FIG. 27 shows an alternative embodiment, in which the seat 4 is provided a common seat support element 301. The common seat support element 301 may be provided to the seat top structure 70 or between the first and second seat support legs 62, 65. The common seat support element 301 may be a bar, beam or profile connected or attached to the seat 4. The common seat support element 301 replaces the first and second seat support elements 300 and 302 and may be utilized in the same manner. The common seat support element 301 may be provided at the first seat support distance S1 form the from the bottom surface of the first and second seat support legs 60, 61, 62, 65. The common seat support element 301 preferably extends in horizontal direction.

It should be noted that the common table support element 201 may be connected with or supported to the common seat support element 301. Alternatively, the common table support element 201 may be connected with or supported to first and second seat support elements 300, 302. Further alternatively, the common seat support element 301 may be connected with or supported to first and second table support elements 200, 202.

The invention has been described above with reference to the examples shown in the figures. However, the invention is in no way restricted to the above examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1-19. (canceled)

20. A game equipment for exercise by playing a ball game with legs, the game equipment comprises: a game table comprising:a table top structure with a see-through table top surface, the table top structure having a first table top end and a second table top end and a first table top side and a second table top side, the first and second table top sides extending between the first and second table top ends,a first table side wall structure extending downwards from the table top structure and a second table side wall structure extending downwards from the table top structure,the first and second table side wall structures being arranged to form a channel-like game space together with the table top structure, the channel-like game space having a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends of the channel-like game space, andthe game table comprises a first and second table support legs in connection with the first opening and a first and second table support legs in connection with the second opening for providing standing support for the game table; anda first seat arranged in connection with the first opening of the channel-like game space and a second seat arranged in connection with the second opening of the channel-like game space,wherein the first seat is supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support legs at the first opening such that the weight of the first seat is transferred at least partly to the first and second table support legs at the first opening, and the second seat is supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support legs at the second opening such that the weight of the second seat is transferred at least partly to the first and second table support legs at the second opening.

21. The game equipment according to the claim 20, wherein the first and second seats comprising: a seat top structure arranged to form a seating surface, anda first seat support leg and a second seat support leg for providing standing support for the seat, andthe seat top structure or first and second seat support legs being supported to the first and second table support legs; ora seat top structure arranged to form a seating surface, anda first seat support leg and a second seat support leg for providing standing support for the seat, andthe first seat support leg being supported in vertical direction to the first table support leg and the second seat support leg being supported in vertical direction to the second table support leg.

22. The game equipment according to the claim 20, wherein the first and second seats comprising: a first seat front support leg and second seat front support leg connected to the seat top structure, anda first seat back support leg and second seat back support leg connected to the seat top structure, andthe first seat front support leg being supported in vertical direction to the first table support leg and the second seat front support leg being supported in vertical direction to the second table support leg.

23. The game equipment according to claim 20, wherein: the first seat is fixedly supported to the first and second table support legs at the first opening, and the second seat is fixedly supported to the first and second table support legs at the second opening; orthe first seat is removably supported to the first and second table support legs at the first opening, and the second seat is removably supported to the first and second table support legs at the second opening.

24. The game equipment according to claim 20, wherein: the first table support leg and the second table support leg are provided with a common table support element extending between the first and second table support legs, the common table support element being arranged to support the seat in vertical direction; orthe first table support leg is provided with a first table support element and the second table support leg is provided with a second table support element, the first and second table support elements being arranged to support the seat in vertical direction; orthe seat is provided with a common seat support element or with a first seat support element and with a second seat support element, andthe common seat support element or the first seat support element and the second seat support element are supported in vertical direction to the common table support element such that the seat is supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support legs of the game table; orthe first table support leg is provided with a first table support element and the second table support leg is provided with a second table support element,the seat is provided with a first seat support element and with a second seat support element, andthe first seat support element is supported in vertical direction to the first table support element and the second seat support element is supported in vertical direction to the second table support element such that the seat is supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support legs of the game table.

25. The game equipment according to claim 24, wherein: the first and second table support legs have a table support leg length from the table top structure to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second table support legs, and the first and second table support elements or the common table support element are arranged at first table support distance (T1) from the bottom surface of the first and second table support legs; orthe first and second table support legs have a table support leg length from the table top structure to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second table support legs, and the first and second table support elements or the common table support element are arranged at first table support distance (T1) from the bottom surface of the first and second table support legs, the first table support distance (T1) being between 25 to 75 % of the table support leg length, preferably between 35 to 60 % of the table support leg length, and more preferably between 45 to 55 % of the table support leg length.

26. The game equipment according to claim 24, wherein: the first seat support leg of the seat is provided with the first seat support element,the second seat support leg is provided with the second seat support element,the first seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the first table support leg of the game table by the first seat support element and the first table support element, andthe second seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the second table support leg of the game table by the second seat support element and the second table support element; orthe first front seat support leg of the seat is provided with the first seat support element,the second front seat support leg is provided with the second seat support element,the first front seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the first table support leg of the game table by the first seat support element and the first table support element, andthe second front seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the second table support leg of the game table by the second seat support element and the second table support element.

27. A game equipment according to claim 24, wherein: the first and second seat support legs have a seat support leg length from the seat top structure to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second seat support legs, and the first and second seat support elements are arranged at a first seat support distance (S1) from the bottom surface of the first and second seat support legs; orthe first and second seat front support legs have a seat support leg length from the seat top structure to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second seat front support legs, and the first and second seat support elements are arranged at first seat support distance (S1) from the bottom surface of the first and second seat front support legs.

28. A game equipment according to claim 25, wherein the first table support distance (T1) is greater than the first seat support distance (S1) such that the weight of the seat is transferred at least partly to the first and second table support legs of the game table.

29. The game equipment according to any one of claim 20, wherein: the first table support leg is provided with a third table support element and the second table support leg is provided with a fourth table support element, the third and fourth table support elements being arranged at a second first table support distance (T2) from the bottom surface of the first and second table support legs and to support the seat in vertical direction, the second table support distance (T2) being smaller than the first table support distance (T1); orthe first table support leg is provided with a third table support element and the second table support leg is provided with a fourth table support element,the seat is provided with a third seat support element and with a fourth seat support element,the third seat support element is supported in vertical direction to the third table support element and the fourth seat support element is supported in vertical direction to the fourth table support element such that the seat is supported in vertical direction to the first and second table support legs of the game table, andthe third and fourth table support elements being arranged at a second first table support distance (T2) from the bottom surface of the first and second table support legs, the second first table support distance (T2) being smaller than the first table support distance (T1).

30. The game equipment according to claim 29, wherein: the first seat support leg of the seat is provided with the third seat support element,the second seat support leg is provided with the fourth seat support element,the first seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the first table support leg of the game table by the first seat support element and the first table support element and by the third seat support element and the third table support element,the second seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the second table support leg of the game table by the second seat support element and the second table support element and by the fourth seat support element and the fourth table support element, andthe third and fourth seat support elements are arranged at a second seat support distance (S2) from the bottom surface of the first and second seat support legs, the second seat support distance (S2) being smaller than the first seat support distance (S1); orthe first seat support leg of the seat is provided with the third seat support element,the second seat support leg is provided with the fourth seat support element,the first seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the first table support leg of the game table by the common table support element and the common seat support element or the first seat support element, and by the third seat support element and the third table support element,the second seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the second table support leg of the game table by the common table support element and the common seat support element or the second seat support element, and by the fourth seat support element and the fourth table support element, andthe third and fourth seat support elements are arranged at a second seat support distance (S2) from the bottom surface of the first and second seat support legs, the second seat support distance (S2) being smaller than the first seat support distance (S1); orthe first front seat support leg of the seat is provided with the third seat support element,the second front seat support leg is provided with the fourth seat support element,the third and fourth seat support elements are arranged at a second seat support distance (S2) from the bottom surface of the first and second seat front support legs, the second seat support distance (S2) being smaller than the first seat support distance (S1),the first front seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the first table support leg of the game table by the first seat support element and the first table support element and by the third seat support element and the fourth table support element, andthe second front seat support leg is supported in vertical direction to the second table support leg of the game table by the second seat support element and the second table support element the fourth seat support element and the fourth table support element.

31. The game equipment according to claim 30, wherein: the second table support distance (T2) is greater than the second seat support distance (S2) such that the weight of the seat is transferred at least partly to the first and second table support legs of the game table; orthe second table support distance (T2) is greater than the second seat support distance (S2), andthe difference between the first table support distance (T1) and the first seat support distance (S1) corresponds the difference between the second table support distance (T2) and the second seat support distance (S2).

32. A seat for a game table, the seat comprising: a seat top structure arranged to form a seating surface, the seat top structure having a first seat top end and a second seat top end and a first seat top side and a second seat top side, the first and second seat top sides extending between the first and second seat top ends; anda first seat side wall extending downwards from the seat top structure, a second seat side wall extending downwards from the seat top structure and a seat back wall extending downwards from the seat top structure,the first and second seat side walls being arranged to form a goal space together with the seat top structure and the seat back wall, the goal space having a goal opening at the first seat top end,wherein the seat comprises one or more seat support elements arranged to support the seat in vertical direction to an external structure.

33. The seat according to the claim 32, wherein the seat comprises: a first seat support leg and a second seat support leg for providing standing support for the seat, andthe first seat support leg of the seat is provided with a first seat support element and the second seat support leg is provided with a second seat support element arranged to support the seat in vertical direction to the external structure such that weight of the seat is transferred at least partly to the external structure; ora first seat support leg and a second seat support leg for providing standing support for the seat, anda common support element arranged to support the seat in vertical direction to the external structure such that weight of the seat is transferred at least partly to the external structure.

34. The seat according to the claim 32, wherein the seat comprises: a first seat front support leg and second seat front support leg connected to the seat top structure; anda first seat back support leg and second seat back support leg connected to the seat top structure,the first front seat support leg of the seat is provided with the first seat support element and the second front seat support leg is provided with the second seat support element.

35. The seat according to claim 33, wherein: the first and second seat support legs have a seat support leg length from the seat top structure to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second seat support legs, and the first and second seat support elements are arranged at a first seat support distance (S1) from the bottom surface of the first and second seat support legs, the first seat support distance (S1) being at least 75 % of the seat support leg length; orthe first and second seat front support legs have a seat support leg length from the seat top structure to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second seat front support legs, and the first and second seat support elements are arranged at first seat support distance (S1) from the bottom surface of the first and second seat front support legs, the first seat support distance (S1) being at least 75 % of the seat support leg length; orthe first and second seat support legs have a seat support leg length from the seat top structure to distal bottom surfaces of the first and second seat support legs, and the common seat support element is arranged at a first seat support distance (S1) from the bottom surface of the first and second seat support legs, the first seat support distance (S1) being at least 75 % of the seat support leg length.

36. The seat according to claim 33, wherein: the first seat support leg of the seat is provided with a third seat support element,the second seat support leg is provided with a fourth seat support element,the third and fourth seat support elements are arranged at a second seat support distance (S2) from the bottom surface of the first and second seat support legs, the second seat support distance (S2) being smaller than the first seat support distance (S1); orthe first front seat support leg of the seat is provided with a third seat support element,the second front seat support leg is provided with a fourth seat support element,the third and fourth seat support elements are arranged at a second seat support distance (S2) from the bottom surface of the first and second seat front support legs, the second seat support distance (S2) being smaller than the first seat support distance (S1).

37. The seat according to claim 33, wherein: the first seat front support leg is provided with a first front hinge for folding the first front support leg in relation to the seat top structure, andthe second seat front support leg is provided with a second front hinge for folding the second front support leg in relation to the seat top structure; orthe first seat front support leg is provided with a first front hinge for folding the first front support leg in relation to the seat top structure, the first front hinge is arranged at the first seat support distance (S1) from the bottom surface of the first and second seat front support legs, andthe second seat front support leg is provided with a second front hinge for folding the second front support leg in relation to the seat top structure the second front hinge is arranged at the first seat support distance (S1) from the bottom surface of the first and second seat front support legs.

38. The seat according to claim 33, wherein: the first seat back support leg is provided with a first back hinge for folding the first back support leg in relation to the seat top structure, andthe second seat back support leg is provided with a second back hinge for folding the second back support leg in relation to the seat top structure; orthe first seat back support leg is provided with a first back hinge for folding the first back support leg in relation to the seat top structure, the first back hinge is arranged at the first seat support distance (S1) from bottom surface of the first and second seat back support legs andthe second seat back support leg is provided with a second back hinge for folding the second back support leg in relation to the seat top structure the second back hinge is arranged at the first seat support distance (S1) from the bottom surface of the first and second seat back support legs.