Patent Application
20090091086
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
The present invention relates to games and particularly game tables. A game table is a piece of furniture shaped generally like a table, where the top provides a surface for playing a game. Conventional game tables include billiards, foosball, airhockey, etc.
More particularly, the present invention relates to game tables requiring an exactly level playing surface for an unbiased playing experience. An unbiased playing experience occurs when the game play or outcome is not influenced by the pitch or roll of the table. To prevent the table's pitch or roll from influencing the game play or outcome the game table must be in an equilibrium orientation. For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a game table whose pitch and roll may be determined and adjusted if needed.
The present invention is directed to an apparatus that satisfies the need for a game table whose pitch and roll may be determined and adjusted if needed. A game table having features of the present invention comprises a housing unit which provides a surface for playing a game supported on one or more legs or other supports, and a level indicating device for determining the pitch and roll of the playing surface connected to the housing unit. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.
Not applicable
The game table of the present invention includes a housing unit which provides a surface for playing a game. The housing unit is supported on and connected to a support structure. Connected to the housing unit is a level indicating device, which allows the pitch and roll of the playing surface to be determined.
The playing surface of the present invention relates to games requiring an equilibrium orientation for an unbiased playing experience. In this equilibrium orientation the pitch and roll of the playing surface do not affect the game in any manner. Current examples of conventional table games that require playing surface in an equilibrium orientation for an unbiased playing experience are billiards, foosball, and airhockey.
The housing unit of the present invention has a longitudinally opposed ends, transversely spaced apart sides; and provides a surface for playing a game. The height of each corner of the housing unit may be adjustable relative to other corners. This adjustment would allow for the pitch and roll of the playing surface to be altered to attain an equilibrium orientation.
The support structure of the present invention includes legs, legs connected to a surface on which the housing unit may rest, and all other methods which may support the housing unit. The support's height may be adjustable to allow for the height of corners of the housing unit relative to other corners of the housing unit to be adjusted. In addition the connection distance between the housing unit and the supports may be adjustable so as to allow the height of corners of the housing unit to be adjusted relative to other corners.
The level-indicating device of the present invention includes devices, which register the pitch and roll of the playing surface. This level-indicating device is attached to the housing unit. This level-indicating device may be removable. The advantage of having such a level indicating device is that the pitch and roll of the playing surface may be quickly ascertained and corrected if needed; thereby permitting the playing surface to be placed in an equilibrium orientation.
It will be understood that various changes can be made in the form details, arrangements, and proportions of the various parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
