Patent Grant
11904232
The present invention relates to a game table for a custom configuration by a user.
Modular folding tables are commonly used for gaming surfaces in different locations. Tables with foldable legs enabled to stack upon each other are often of a limited size. Various games require different equipment to play, including but not limited to, betting chips, cards, game boards, notepads, and more. When games of more than two players are conducted on the same table, the table can get crowded with game boards, cards, food, beverages, and more. When crowding occurs, a player at the table may lose access to all areas of the table. A solution is needed for improved access and storage of articles during the play of a game upon a folding table.
Issues also arise when a table is constructed as a fixed design and shape. Commonly players sitting within a chair near or under the table may have a hard time accessing all parts of the table if their feet cannot fit comfortably under the table. Secondly, a fixed design allows for no modification to game types requiring specific equipment played upon the same table. For example, a game of poker may require a poker chip holder, while a board game may require a bin or receptacle to hold discarded game pieces. Improvements to table configuration are needed to match different games played upon the same table and for optimized storage of game tables.
The present invention relates to a game table system for modular and adjustable configuration by a user. The game table system comprises an auxiliary member chosen by the user to be optionally adjoined to different areas of a table top or at least one leg of the game table system. The auxiliary member aiding a user in ease of access to various articles used while playing a game upon the game table system. The auxiliary members may be removably adjoined so that one or more auxiliary members can be detached before storage. By removing the auxiliary members, the game table system allows the user transportable and configurable storage, without the worry of breaking or damaging the auxiliary member during movement of the game table system.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a lip wherein multiple units of the game table system may be aligned and stacked for secure storage. The lip further allows for flush stacking, resulting an optimal use of storage space.
Another object of the present invention is to provide at least one handle slot wherein the user may move or lift the game table system when stacked upon other units of the game table system or when the game table system is fully assembled.
In order to do so, a game table system is provided, the game table system having a table top wherein a game is played upon. In some embodiments, the table top includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter edge. In some embodiments, at least four legs are rotatably adjoined to the bottom surface of the table top and allow for the user to collapse the legs when desired. In some embodiments, upon the perimeter edge of the table top at least one first attachment member is adjoined. During play of the game, at least one auxiliary member having at least one second attachment member may be adjoined to the at least one first attachment member. The second attachment member interfaces with the first attachment member allowing the user to adjust the position of the auxiliary member as desired.
The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention is made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts of the figures.
The novel features of the disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the disclosure described herein may be employed in practicing the disclosure.
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In some embodiments, the at least one auxiliary member 120 comprises a second attachment member 170, which may be adjoined to the table top 110. Advantageously, the auxiliary member 120 is configurable by the user to match the game played upon the game table system 100. For example, the auxiliary member 120 may hold a game article 115, such as a playing card, when a game such as poker is played upon the game table system 100. The second attachment member 170 is comprised of a shape and size to interface with the first attachment member 150 during assembly by a user. For example, the auxiliary member 120 may be a cupholder, as shown in
It should be understood, that the present invention is not limited to the locality of the first attachment member 150 being within a chamfered corner 155 of the table top 110. In some embodiments, the first attachment member 150 may be located at any location along the perimeter edge 110B of the table top 110. In some embodiments, the table surface 110A is recessed on the table top 110 from an edge 110B defining a perimeter of the table top 110 forming lip 145, as best seen in
The some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, a length of the leg 140 is adjustable by the user. For example, the leg member 130 may further comprise a spring-loaded member wherein a telescoping assembly may be variably adjusted to match a desired height of the table top 110 relative to a ground surface the game table system 100 is resting upon. In some embodiments, the leg 140 may comprise dimensions to accommodate a wheelchair. A wheelchair commonly having overall dimensions of a length of about 42″ (106.7 cm), a height of about 36″ (91.4 cm) and having a seat height about 19.5″ (49.5 cm), and a seat width about 25″ (63.5 cm).
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In various embodiments of the game table system 100, the auxiliary member 120 may comprise one or more members of an auxiliary set including but not limited to a cup holder, a card holder, a magnet, a container, a camera mount, a calculator, a mobile phone holder, a clipboard, a card shuffler, a notepad, a scoreboard, and a receptacle.
In some embodiments, the game table system 100 can be manufactured in other shapes not illustrated including, by way of non-limiting example, a honeycomb shape, a square, a triangle, a circular shape, a shape having at least three flat sides, a rectangle, an octagon, and an oval.
In some embodiments, the game table system 100 provides assistance to the user in holding onto the game table system 100. In some embodiments, the table top 110 and other members of the game table system 100 further comprise an external texture to grip a hand of a human. The external texture further comprising at least one member of a texture set including but not limited to indentations, anti-glare, a fabric texture, extrusions, knurling, a rough surface, and bumps.
In some embodiments, the first attachment member 150, the second attachment member 170, the third attachment member 175, and/or the fourth attachment member 165 of the game table system 100 may comprise at least one member of an attachment member set including but not limited to a slot, a Velcro member, a U-bolt, an adhesive, a rail, a joint, a magnet, an elastic member, a snap-fit, a clamp, rivet, a spring, a lever arm, a clip, and a fastener. In other embodiments, the rail and the joint of the connection set are chosen from, by way of non-limiting example, a rail set consisting of: a dovetail rail, an angled dovetail joint, an angled dovetail rail, a tongue and groove joint, a linear guide rail, a dado joint, and a dovetail joint. One skilled in the art will recognize the first attachment member 150, the second attachment member 170, the third attachment member 175, and/or the fourth attachment member 165 may comprise a male embodiment or a female embodiment corresponding to the first attachment member 150, the second attachment member 170, the third attachment member 175 and/or the fourth attachment member 165.
In some embodiments, the game table system 100 is made of at least one material of a material set including but not limited to a ceramic material, a metal material, a wood material a plastic material, a fiberglass material, an acrylic material, a composite material, a thermoset plastic, a thermoplastic, a glass material, and a nylon material. Exemplary materials of the material set for construction of the game table system include, by way of non-limiting example, the following materials: a High-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, a low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a Polypropylene (PP), a rubber material, a Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, a urethane material, a polyurethane material and any other materials commonly used in the construction of folding tables.
In some embodiments, the game table system 100 further comprises at least one member of an identification set including but not limited to an alphanumeric identification, a human user's name, a symbolic shape, a company brand, a numeric identification number, a QR code, a barcode, and an RFID tag. For example, the table top 110 of the game table system 100 may display a QR code associated with the rules of the game of game or the alphanumeric identification of the play at the game table system 100, therein aiding the user in the play of the game upon the game table system 100.
In summary, the present game table system, termed by the inventor a “Bridge Buddy” has created a unique square folding duplicate card table, which is most commonly ideal for a 4 person bridge game. The game table may be 30-40 inches square, in a preferable embodiment, the table is 30¼ inches square, which may be the smallest sized card table on the market. The leg design on the table is original and allows hand pushed wheel chairs or electronic wheel chairs to be comfortably placed partially under the table, as the table is of an appropriate height as previously disclosed. The bridge table has a ¼ inch recessed lip all around the table. This recessed lip will allow the bridge tables to stay securely in place when stacked. The design of the table also prevents the table legs from touching or marring the surface of the bridge table tops when stacked. Additionally, there are two recessed cut outs on opposing sides of the table which allows for easy lifting and carrying.
Typically, the tables are constructed of high-density polyethylene and are strong, light weight and extremely robust. The game table will not crack, chip or peel, and is built for indoor and outdoor use. There is an integrated steel frame design provides a substantial foundation and is protected with a powder-coated, weather-resistant finish. The four corners of the square table house a female dovetail which will allow the bidding boxes to connect to said table. This design allows for a specially designed bridge box, known to the inventor, to easily attach to the corner. The female dovetail will accommodate any bid box, and/or utility boxes designed by the inventor. There may be other boxes available to be used with the novel corners of the present game table, attaching via a variety of metal straps.
Of specific importance, after the steel frame was installed, an additional micro laser procedure may be used on the table top, resulting in a leather texture design. The texturing process provides a quality appearance to the surface as well as a no skid surface that feels pleasant to the players. In one embodiment, once the micro-laser process is complete; another procedure may be added called “Micro Matte”. This is a technique developed to achieve and maintain low gloss finishes on plastic blow molded parts, without altering the visual appearance of the base texture. Micro Matte is a micro-laser generated overlay technology developed by Mold-Tech, Inc. and translated to in-mold texturing applications. Micro Matte diffuses the reflective light on the molded part resulting in low gloss; rich realistic texture finishes on all types of plastics. Dimensions and sizes of the game table may include, but is not limited by the following; (table legs open open) 30½, L×30⅛, W×28″ H, (table with folded legs): 30½ L×2.25″ W×30⅛″ H. The table top material may include UV-Protected High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The table top thickness may be 2.2″ (57 mm), the frame material may be powder-coated steel leg tubing diameter may be 1 inch (28 mm), while the weight may be 15 lbs. When the steel mold was completed, we added another micro laser procedure, resulting in a leather texture design inside the mold. The texturing process provides a quality appearance to the surface and the pleasantness of the feel are the main reasons, we implemented this procedure. When the texturing process was completed; another procedure was added called “Micro Matte’. This is a technique developed to achieve and maintain low gloss finishes on plastic blow molded parts, without altering the visual appearance of the base texture. Micro Matte is a micro-laser generated overlay technology developed by Mold-Tech and translated to in-mold texturing applications. Micro Matte diffuses the reflective light on the molded part resulting in low gloss; rich realistic texture finishes on all types of plastics. Perfect for bridge and card players. Our table will become the standard in bridge and every table, with basic common sense care, should last for 20 years plus.
As used in this application, the term “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.”
As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number.
As used in this application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein.
All references throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents, patent application publications, and non-patent literature documents or other source material, are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to the extent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in the present application (for example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference).
Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated.
As used herein, the term “about” refers to an amount that is near the stated amount by about 0%, 5%, or 10%, including increments therein.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specified function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. In particular, any use of “step of” in the claims is not intended to invoke the provision of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6.
Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220331687 A1 | Oct 2022 | US |
