Patent Application
20050167908
This invention relates generally to air cushion table games, and more particularly to an air hockey game table having improved features including a overhanging top rail, scoring and time displays and storage drawer.
Typically, an air cushion game table includes a playing surface that is perforated to permit jets of air to pass through the playing surface for providing an air bed to facilitate low friction movement of a game piece, such as a puck, across an upper surface of the playing surface. Pressurized air is supplied from below the playing surface, which creates a multiplicity of closely spaced air jets emanating from the perforations in the playing surface. The table is bounded by side walls and end walls, which provide rebounding surfaces for the puck. Each player is provided with a pusher, which may be slid across the table surface and into contact with the puck. An automatic scoring system is sometimes provided to record the delivery of pucks into a goal. Several drawbacks associated with known air cushion tables include a tendency for the puck to occasionally exit the playing surface after a hard shot, awkwardly located automatic scoring displays and a lack of a suitable location for stowing game components during periods of non-use or for storing other articles during gameplay.
Another drawback associated with air cushion game tables is related to displaying the score and other information to the players. Some tables provide each participant with a means to keep track of the score near each participant's playing end. However, this method does not allow each player the ability to monitor the other player's scoring system. Other tables are provided with a scoring module that is mounted on large supports that span over the center of the playing surface. The module is typically designed to approximate the appearance of scoring display units that are suspended over real hockey rinks and basketball courts. A disadvantage with such a system adapted for use with air cushion game tables is associated with assembly hassles and shipping problems associated with the large supports.
The air cushion gaming table of the invention provides users with an electronic score display that each player may observe during game play. The electronic score display of the invention avoids large and unwieldy support structures typically associated with a suspended scoring display. The air hockey type gaming table of the invention includes a game surface, a wall surrounding the game surface for maintaining a game piece thereon, and a display on the wall. In one embodiment, the wall is made up of a side walls, end walls and an inside surface of corner pieces.
In a preferred embodiment the display is located on a side wall so that both users may easily view the display during game play. However, multiple display modules may be used, which would allow for the displays to be located on an end wall or corner member so that the display could be easily seen when attention is directed towards an opponent's goal.
To avoid disrupting game play, the display preferably has a face that is flush with the wall. The display module of the display may be recessed in a base rail. The face of the display preferably forms an impact surface but may be located at a distance above the game surface by a height sufficient to allow the game piece to impact the wall without impacting the display.
The display may be in electrical communication with a switch that may be activated by a user or the switch may be an automatic goal switch incorporated into a goal for indicating a score.
Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is important to understand that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the embodiments and steps described herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
Referring now to
Game surface 24 has a plurality of small openings 26 (
Referring now primarily to
Rails 29, 33 are preferably extruded from aluminum, although other suitable materials may be used. Rails 29, 33 are secured to a base rail 38 (
Walls 28 and 30 and corner members 32 preferably have a sufficient height above the game surface 24 to accommodate display 50 (
Corner members 32 or apron 42 proximate sidewalls 28, 30 may be provided with a storage drawer 51. Storage drawer 51 may be provided with a door 52. Door 52 may be constructed of a plurality of slidably mounted segments, or may be of another construction. Storage drawer 51 is useful for locating playing equipment, such as puck 34 and pushers, when the table is not being used. Additionally, storage drawer 51 may be used to store personal items, such as keys and the like during gameplay.
While the invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) set for herein for purposes of exemplification, but is to be limited only by the scope of the attached claim or claims, including the full range of equivalency to which each element thereof is entitled.
Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/536,202 entitled HOCKEY GAME TABLE filed Jan. 13, 2004.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60536202 | Jan 2004 | US |
