Patent Application
20090302533
The present disclosure relates generally to game tables, and more particularly to game tables having a hidden display.
Watching and participating in sporting events and games is a popular pastime for many people. However, due to time, space and the number of people needed for most such games, it is not always practical to arrange a full-scale game at any particular time. Moreover, due to the skill and physical conditioning required, plus the potential injuries from many such games, individuals are not always prepared to participate in a full-scale game. As a spin-off from full-scale games, recreational game tables such as for table soccer (sometimes called foosball), air hockey or field hockey have become popular. Game tables allow the participants to simulate a full-sized game with fewer people, less space and in a protected environment. Such games can, for example, be set up in basements, garages, game rooms, backyards, gyms, party facilities or otherwise and are often played with two or four people.
There have been various approaches to designing and constructing game tables for air hockey, table soccer, field hockey, and similar games, as well as the associated game table accessories. Additionally, often when playing these games, each team's score from point to point is merely remembered by each player along with the time elapsed or remaining as corresponds with the game. Although usually a reliable system, if a player is distracted or the player's concentration is broken, it may lead to the player mis-remembering the score or forgetting a time period. Conversely, if a player is concentrating on the score or time, it may distract the player's attention from the game in progress. In the past, attempts to display the score and time for similar table games have involved bulky and/or complex manual or electric components associated with the table. Such displays frequently take additional game-playing space, physically interfere with the game-playing area and/or are difficult for the players to read. This can distract players and interfere with game play. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved method of displaying the score, time periods, and/or other information for table games.
The present disclosure addresses these needs, among others.
In certain embodiments, a game table has a game playing surface and a railing. The railing extends around the perimeter of the game playing surface and extends at least slightly above the game playing surface to prevent escape of a game playing piece from the game playing surface, the railing having a top surface. The game table includes at least one display unit having a display screen, the display unit being mounted within the railing such that the display screen is positioned substantially flush with or slightly below the top surface of the railing. Te display unit is operable to illuminate to provide game status information when lit. Additionally, the game table includes a covering positioned over the display screen, the covering being configured to substantially conceal the display unit beneath the covering when not lit, yet allows illumination from the display unit to transmit through the covering when lit. Further, the game table includes an electrical controller electrically coupled to the display unit.
In certain other embodiments, a game table has a game playing surface, a display covering and a railing extending around the perimeter of and slightly above the game playing surface, the railing having a top surface. The game table includes a display unit having a display screen, the display unit being embedded within the railing with the display covering positioned over the display screen. The covering is illuminated from behind to allow illuminated game status information from the display unit to be visible. Additionally, the covering is configured to substantially conceal the display unit beneath the covering when not lit, yet allows illumination from the display unit to transmit through the covering when lit.
In yet other embodiments, a hockey game table has first and second parallel player ends along a width direction, first and second parallel longitudinal sides along a length direction, and a game playing surface defined within the player ends and the longitudinal sides. Each of the player ends includes a goal. The hockey game table includes a railing extending around the perimeter of the game playing surface and extending at least slightly above the game playing surface to prevent escape of a game playing piece from the game playing surface, the railing having a top surface. The game table also includes at least one display unit having a display screen, the display unit being embedded within the railing. The display unit is operable to illuminate to provide at least one game status indicator when lit. The game status indicator may include the score of the game being played on the game table. Additionally, the game table includes a covering positioned over the display screen, the covering being configured to substantially conceal the display unit beneath the covering when not lit, yet allows illumination from the display unit to transmit through the covering when lit. The covering has a top surface, with either the top surface of the covering or the display screen being positioned substantially flush with the top surface of the railing. The game table further includes an electrical controller electrically coupled to the display unit and operable to transmit signals to the display unit to update the score of the game illuminated through the covering. Additionally, the game table includes at least one sensor associated with each of the goal openings operable to detect passage of a playing piece through the respective opening, the sensor being electrically coupled to the electrical controller and operable to transmit scoring signals to the electrical controller.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.
In certain embodiments of the present disclosure a game table is provided with improved characteristics. According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the game table provides a hidden scoring display via an LED display unit mounted or embedded in the upper frame of the game table. In certain embodiments, the LED display unit is mounted flush with the railing defining the structure of the frame and one or more coverings are placed over the railing and the LED display unit, thereby concealing the unit. When the display unit is activated, the LEDs incorporated into the unit provide illumination through the covering so that the score, and possibly other game status indicators, are visible and legible. The hidden scoring display provides visibility of game status information to the players while minimizing any obstruction or distraction to the game and is concealed when not in use. The game table may be configured for use with a variety of possible table games such as soccer (also called foosball), ice or field hockey, billiards, table tennis, air hockey, and/or multi-game table combinations, although the illustrated examples will include an air hockey table and a billiards table.
An embodiment of an air hockey table according to the present disclosure is illustrated in
Game playing surface 40 has a polygonal shape and is configured to be mounted to or otherwise positioned on table bed 26. The game playing surface 40 extends across the area defined within frame 28 to form a playing area. The game playing surface may be mounted to the frame 28 or extend underneath the lower edges of frame 28. Playing surface 40 may rest in place or can be attached using standard methods such as adhesive, friction, screws, bolts or other permanent or removable connectors. Playing surface 40 is appropriately sized and configured for the desired game, for example with air holes aligned with air ducts (not shown) for an air hockey game. In certain embodiments, surface 40 may be composed of a durable plastic material (such as a thick polyethylene or Plexiglass®) or glass. During play of a typical air hockey game, players stand adjacent player ends 20a and manipulate strikers 46 to urge a hockey puck 45 into the opposing player's goal 42 to score points. In certain embodiments, puck 45 will travel through goal 42 to outlet 43 where the puck can be accessed by a player to resume game play.
Further illustrated in
In the illustrated example, hidden display 21 has different display portions including a first score 33, a second score 34, and a timer 35 showing the time remaining in the game. However, it should be appreciated that the hidden display could show only the score display or only the timer display. Further, the display could show other game status indicators as would occur to one skilled in the art. As examples, the display may show the period of the game, the time elapsed in the period or the game, the possession of the puck, the team names, the high scores, the scoring records, etc. Also, in certain embodiments the display may include words such as “Home” and “Visitor” to differentiate the first and second scores.
In the embodiment illustrated in
In the embodiment illustrated in
In certain embodiments, coverings 29 and/or 129 may be composed of a thicker, more rigid material. As an example, coverings 29 and/or 129 may be composed of a laminate material. In other embodiments, coverings 29 and/or 129 may be composed of a thin and flexible film material, such as a decal for example. Additionally, numerous possible mechanisms for creating the necessary, desired and/or sufficient degree of opaqueness in coverings 29 and/or 129 are contemplated by the present disclosure. As an example, coverings 29 and/or 129 may be tinted so that the display unit is substantially concealed when not lit. Additionally, coverings 29 and/or 129 may be composed of a sufficiently dark colored material to conceal the display unit when not lit. As another example, coverings 29 and/or 129 may include an interference pattern, such as a dotted pattern, which functions to substantially conceal the unlit display unit. Additionally, coverings 29 and/or 129 may be configured with a camouflaged or decorative pattern that is capable of concealing the display unit when not lit, including a wood pattern as one example. Further, coverings 29 and/or 129 may be sufficiently thin that the contrasting color of the LEDs penetrates through the opaque quality of the covering. However, it should be appreciated that coverings 29 and/or 129 can be decorated, designed and/or colored in a variety of different ways such that coverings function to conceal the LED display units when not in use. Coverings 29 and/or 129 may consist of a single covering sheet or multiple pieces of covering material. Additionally, in certain embodiments, coverings 29 and/or 129 may be selectively engaged with the respective top surfaces such that the coverings may be removed from the surfaces and positioned back on the surfaces as desired.
Additionally, it should be appreciated that the numbers and/or letters of display 21 may be displayed in relatively bright, visible colors, such that the letters and/or numbers are visible through covering 29. The numbers and/or letters may also be shown in multiple colors, as desired. Further, the numbers and/or letters shown in display 21 are preferably sized large enough so that they are visible to players playing a game on table 20, as well as any members of an audience watching the game, but not so large as to provide a distraction to the game or to be difficult to easily read.
The illustrated example in
As another example,
Table 220 is a generally standard style of game table having legs supporting a polygonal table bed. In certain embodiments, table 220 includes a frame or railing 228 mounted to the table bed. Frame 228 surrounds and extends above a game playing surface 240 a height normally sufficient to block escape of billiards balls from the table. In certain embodiments, surface 240 is composed of a felt material suitable for playing the game of billiards. The game playing surface may be mounted to the frame 228 or extend underneath the lower edges of frame 228. Playing surface 240 may rest in place or can be attached using standard methods such as adhesive, friction, screws, bolts or other permanent or removable connectors.
Additionally, frame 228 may define a plurality of billiards pockets sized and configured for the passage of billiards balls. In certain embodiments, there are four billiards pockets at the corner areas of the game table and two billiards pockets midway along the sides of the table. The portion of game table 220 illustrated in
In certain embodiments, frame 228 may also include a plurality of rubber or felt bumpers 241 positioned around the inside perimeter of the frame, extending between the billiards pockets. During the game of billiards, the billiards balls may contact and rebound from bumpers 241. In certain embodiments, bumpers 241 are integral portions of frame 228. In certain other embodiments, bumpers 241 are mounted to frame 228 via standard connection and/or attachment methods. Bumpers 241 may be composed of wood, rubber or another such appropriate material and may be optionally covered with a felt material.
Game table 220 further includes at least one hidden display 221 incorporated into frame 228. Similar to display 21, in certain embodiments display 221 is comprised of an LED display unit mounted with the railings defining frame 228. Frame 228 preferably includes one or more pieces or sheets of covering 229 positioned over the railings and thus covering the LED display unit mounted within the frame. In such embodiments, the LEDs on the display unit will illuminate through covering 229 to reveal the illuminated display 121.
As discussed above with reference to covering 29, covering 229 may be composed of a relatively thin, flexible, plastic film material and may be decorated, designed and/or colored in a variety of different ways such that covering 229 is sufficiently opaque to conceal the LED display unit when not in use. The covering 229 is also preferably sufficiently transparent such that illumination from the LEDs transmits through the covering 229 to display game status information. In a particular embodiment, covering 229 is decorated in a wood pattern and the LEDs producing display 221 are red colored LEDs configured to produce red light which illuminates through the wood pattern. However, it should be appreciated that the numbers and/or letters of display 221 may be displayed in other relatively bright, visible colors, such that the letters and/or numbers are visible through covering 229. The numbers and/or letters may also be shown in multiple colors, as desired. Further, the numbers and/or letters shown in display 221 are preferably sized large enough so that they are visible to players playing a game on table 220, as well as any members of an audience watching the game, but not so large as to provide a distraction to the game or be difficult to easily read.
The illustrated example shows one display 221 located between a corner billiards pocket 231 and a center billiards pocket 230 of table 220. In certain embodiments, another hidden display may be located on the opposing side of the game table, diagonally mirrored across a center point of the game table. In yet other embodiments, table 220 could include more than two displays as desired. Additionally, the display(s) can be positioned at other locations along the sides and/or ends of table 220 as desired. In other embodiments, the displays may be positioned along the outer sides of frame 228, so that audience members can easily see the displays when illuminated.
In the illustrated example, hidden display 221 has different display portions including a first score 233, a second score 234, and a timer 235. However, it should be appreciated that the hidden display could show only the score display. Further, the display could show other game status indicators as would occur to one skilled in the art. As examples, the projection display may show the player's turn, the team names, the high scores, the scoring records, etc. In embodiments in which game table 220 is a multi-game table also arrangeable as an air hockey table, the display may show the period of the game, the time elapsed or remaining in the period or the game, the possession of the puck, etc. Also, in certain embodiments the display may include words such as “Player 1” and “Player 2” to differentiate the first and second scores. In the illustrated example, the score of the billiards game is 5 to 4, and the timer portion of the display is not activated as a typical billiards game is not timed.
In the embodiments discussed above, displays 21 and/or 221 are electronic, displaying information using LED technology. In certain embodiments, the LEDs are provided in bright and/or contrasting colors so that the illumination from the LEDs transmits through the covering 29, such as green, blue or red, as examples. The LEDs may be provided in a segmented display composed of illuminated segments, including a 7-segment display as an example. In such embodiments, the segments are controlled on an individual basis to allow for selective illumination of segments on the display to provide any desired illumination pattern. In other embodiments, a plurality of LED lamps may be used to create the desired illumination pattern. It should be appreciated that other lighting techniques may be used to display the game status indicators, such as panels having fiberoptic feeds. In alternative embodiments, incandescent lamps may optionally be used to provide the illuminated displays.
In certain embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be positioned in scoring locations on the game tables, and, when activated, automatically send score signals to controllers mounted within the tables. In a particular embodiment, sensors may be associated with the hockey goals 42 on game table 20 operable to detect passage of the hockey puck 45 through the respective opening. Such sensors may be electrically coupled to the electrical controller of the game table. The controller then forwards the appropriate signals to the display unit 52 to update the game status information shown via hidden display 21. In other embodiments, the displays may be mechanically or manually driven or activated. In certain embodiments, displays 21 and/or 221 may also include manual controls for on/off power, starting, stopping or pausing a game or for manually adjusting a desired score or timer of the game.
While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/059,110, filed Jun. 5, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61059110 | Jun 2008 | US |
